Definitely chokes hard on the "first game in the series" pill. No strafing, no weapon upgrades (gold weapons don't count) confusing level layouts, a pretty underwhelming weapon lineup, lack of proper lock-on, and unfun side missions like the hoverboarding and ship combat, which should be the opposite of unfun.

Has its moments, though. Ratchet controls well and the platforming is kinda fun. The story is simple but effective, highlighting the justifiable but vindictive wedge driven between Ratchet and Clank halfway through. The humor is decent and the commentary is surprisingly poignant, though nothing earthshattering.

A fine enough template that Insomniac would go onto the polish the hell out of for the next few years.