When Ratchet & Clank hit the PlayStation 2, it meant to change the way gamers look at platform games and it did just that. There were more hits than misses in the series and when the PSP was introduced there was no surprise that the series would make its way into our favorite handheld. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters was not only a great portable game but it was also a game that did right by the franchise. Now Ratchet’s robotic partner Clank is taking the spotlight in Secret Agent Clank for the PSP. This adventure, unfortunately, falls flat on a number of levels that mark this as a blemish on an otherwise impressive track record.

Secret Agent Clank somehow finds the charming little sidekick with a slick paintjob that resembles a tuxedo as he is recruited by a spy agency run by robots. You see, Clank finds himself on his own after his furry partner Ratchet is arrested for stealing a gem known as the Eye of Infinity in a museum. Clank doesn’t believe his friend is capable of stealing so he sets out to uncover the truth and set the record straight. Of course, this won’t be easy but Clank always wanted to be a spy and he does his best James Bond impersonation including sweeping the ladies - or lady bots - off their mechanical feet.

Unlike most Ratchet & Clank games, Secret Agent Clank pushes stealth rather than simply blasting and bashing your way out of a situation. You can run into a room slamming enemies with your powerful fists or use your weaponry but this will not get you very far in this game. Using stealth will not only get you through some rough spots but you are also rewarded for your efforts. Clank’s use of stealth has him tip-toeing his way past enemies or use environmental objects to hide yourself. There’s just something hilarious about a little robot grabbing leaves from a potted plant and make like a plant or stand on a pedestal and act like an exhibit in the museum level.

Clank can even perform stealth takedowns by sneaking up behind an enemy and pressing the square button and then a sequence of buttons that appear on the screen. Time it just right and Clank is able to knock out enemies bigger than him. Of course, our little robot friend packs a mean punch but - like Ratchet - also uses weapons. The Agency that feeds Clank Intel also sends agents that offer our hero weapons used to dispose the enemy as well as solve puzzles in each level. The Tie-A-Rang, for instance, can be used to destroy enemies from long distances while also cutting wires that are hard to reach. The Cuff-Link Bombs allow you to drop a few gem-shaped bombs enemies find intriguing.

What’s a spy without gadgets, right? Well, Clank gets his share of them whether they’re Jet Boots to jump higher or a Blackout Pen that shoots a glob of black ink to take out laser sensors. Knowing when to use each weapon or gadget isn’t hard to figure out so you’ll know when to disrupt a laser or fool enemies with the Holo-Monocle (used to make holographic clones of enemies). Telephone booths are used as fronts so Clank can purchase extra weapons or learn skills such as Clank-Fu.

The levels offer much variety whether you sneaking into areas or performing Parappa the Rapper-styled timed challenges. While Clank takes center stage in this game, he necessarily isn’t the only character you get to play. In a level you get to play as Ratchet but also as two original quirky characters Captain Qwark and Gadgebot. Each character’s level is good and gives us a breather from Clank’s humorous twist as a spy that gets to do everything from gamble in a high-stakes card game, dance with a female bot, and go snowboarding in a ski resort.

All of this sounds good but there are a number of problems that hold this game back. For one thing, the camera is horrendous and will lead to frustration. If you die a lot in this game it’s not because the enemy AI is intelligent but rather because you couldn’t see where you were going or where you enemy is attacking. Worst yet is the targeting system the will lead you to hit nothing and this is sad seeing as Ratchet’s level consists of a battle arena. The camera also makes taking control of vehicles a bit difficult. Clank’s part in the game can also get a wee bit repetitive at times but thankfully the game picks up the pace in the later levels.

Visually, Secret Agent Clank retains the look of most Ratchet & Clank games and Clank himself looks good in action as well as in cut scenes. Speaking of cut scenes, they look as good as the console games but I’m afraid the backgrounds are the weakest part of the graphics. The environments are inconsistent even in the same level so you’ll get to see some interesting backgrounds in the first half of the level and then plain, dull backgrounds in the next. The soundtrack is not very strong either, although the music gets better during Clank’s big dance. At least the voice acting is good and sometimes even funny while the sound effects are just decent.

Somewhat of a disappointment, Secret Agent Clank for the PSP does manage to have its fun moments that fans of the Ratchet & Clank brand will appreciate. As a longtime fan of the franchise, I thoroughly enjoyed Size Matters and loved the idea of a lone Clank game but there are just too many gameplay flaws that keep me from enjoying this appealing platformer that could have been yet another portable gaming gem. If you’re a fan all things Ratchet & Clank then you might want to consider a purchase but if you’re new to the series then I highly suggest you pick up Size Matters instead.

Gameplay: 6.9
Clank channels his inner James Bond and comes off more like Austin Powers … which is a good thing, actually since there are a few funny moments in the game. Sadly, the weak camera and fighting mechanics just don’t work as well as Size Matters. There are some level variety and secrets aplenty.

Graphics: 7.0
At times the game looks as close to the console Ratchet & Clank games but in other levels the backgrounds are considerably bland and low on detail. At least Clank looks good as do most of the characters in the game.

Sound: 7.2
There’s very little in terms of musical variety when the soundtrack is concerned although what is there is not bad at all. The voice acting is the game’s true strength and the voice actors do justice to all the interesting characters.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
The game is challenging but the challenge comes from wrestling with the camera and lock-on feature. I can’t count how many times I was taken to the last checkpoint for dying from not seeing my attacker. Oh, the timed mini-games will have you restarting from the checkpoint as well.

Concept: 7.0
Much like our furry friend Daxter, it’s great to see a likeable sidekick character get his own adventure. The spy theme means spy jokes and Secret Agent Clank has a few good ones seeing as Clank is a mechanical version of Austin and Maxwell Smart. There are unlockable extras but most of them aren’t worth it … unless you find Clank wearing an afro downright hilarious.

Overall: 6.9
Secret Agent Clank is a charming and, at times, very fun platform-action game but Clank’s solo adventure runs into a number of problems that hold it back. This is not to say that it’s a bad game since there are fun moments throughout, but its flaws are way too noticeable to ignore and oftentimes it leads to some frustrating trail-and-error gameplay. Sorry, Clank, it was a nice try, though.