The games that will define PlayStation 3

RATCHET %26 CLANK: TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION

What is it?
Resistance: Fall of Man developer Insomniac returns to what it does best, with a next-gen escapade for everyone's favourite Lombax-'n'-robot platforming duo.

Why should you care?
Ratchet %26 Clank's adventures on PS2 were among the platform's most enjoyable games, showing a vividly striking level of imagination and sacks of satisfying gameplay. So PS3's installment should be a blinder.

So far, we've seen a dollop of hi-res environmental footage, panning over a futuro-cityscape bristling with life and activity, and a teasing glimpse at the sort of wide-eyed gameplay we can expect - hit YouTube to see the video for yourself.

The trailer suggests the quirky team will be battling against their biggest challenge yet, with the giant environments coming under imposing large-scale attacks. Obviously, the idea of protecting and exploring this huge, bustling world- plusthe fact that previous games featured impressive levels of free-roaming adventure -is exciting.

But Ratchet %26 Clank has that special thing few other videogames can boast: real personality and genuine humor. We're anticipating a riotously fun return for Insomniac's odd couple.

When can you play it?
Tools of Destruction's very existence was only confirmed last March, so there's still a while to go before Ratchet %26 Clank 's triumphant return - though the internet still believes it'll be launched this year. Take that with a grain of salt, and you won't be disappointed.

Ben Richardson is a former Staff Writer for Official PlayStation 2 magazine and a former Content Editor of 12DOVE. In the years since Ben left GR, he has worked as a columnist, communications officer, charity coach, and podcast host – but we still look back to his news stories from time to time, they are a window into a different era of video games.