Ratchet & Clank are back!

The new Ratchet & Clank game came out today for the PlayStation 3. I cracked open the game last night and played through the first several levels, and it's just as good as previous entries in the popular series. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, starring our favorite wrench-wielding lombax (pictured), features all of the usual elements: dynamic action, cool puzzles, spectacular graphics and brilliantly self-deprecating humor. So how can that be a bad thing? Well, although the game has an overall high rating, some pre-release reviews have taken it to task for being more of the same. Hello? Being just as good as previous entries shouldn't be a negative. It's not the game of the year (but probably top 10), but A Crack in Time offers -- wait for it -- a crackin' time on the PS3.

Other video-game tidbits:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: On the other hand, this incredible PS3 title does top my list at the moment for game of the year. The commercials don't lie -- it plays just like a movie. I finished it recently, compelled just as much by the plot -- propelled by great voice work and humor -- as the engrossing game play. Uncharted 2 is a must-have if you own a PS3, which has been on quite a tear lately.

Rock Band: I've been having a blast playing through the Queen 10-pack that debuted last week, even if the guitar in "Somebody to Love" merely doubles the piano part. My wife and I have also been playing through the recent Metal Pack, whose difficulty is unreal, although some of the songs are inane. I think I have about 400 songs now for my 360 version of Rock Band. Cool. Oh, and don't forget that the Abbey Road album is now available to download for The Beatles: Rock Band.

DJ Hero: Also out today is this latest music-and-rhythm innovation, which uses a turntable controller -- from the same folks who publish Guitar Hero. I just got the 360 Renegade Edition today and am looking forward to, uh, mixing it up.