PushSquare's Most Anticipated Overlooked PlayStation Games Of Holiday 2011: #5 - Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One.

Earlier in the year we took a look at our top-five most anticipated PlayStation games of Holiday 2011.

Since the beginning of time (sort of!) developers and publishers have used the run-up to Christmas to release their very best games. This year the charts are set to be dominated by some monstrous titles, such as Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and Batman: Arkham City. But what of the games that aren't part of mega-blockbuster franchises?

Well typically they struggle to make a mark, vying for attention against ferocious names. But that doesn't mean they are bad games, and that's why we've concocted this mini-series to point out the overlooked titles that demand your attention this Holiday season. Get your preorder fingers ready, because while these games might not have "mega hit" written all over them, they are still supremely exciting titles.

First up on our list of anticipated overlooked Holiday titles is Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One. Now, we know what you're thinking: "Hang on a minute, Ratchet & Clank is a mega franchise." Well, yes and no. Despite the quality of recent entries β€” particularly A Crack In Time β€” Sony's favourite Lombax has failed to set the charts alight, and subsequently All 4 One certainly has its work cut-out.

Developed by Insomniac's new studio, All 4 One takes the familiar Ratchet & Clank staples in a wholly new direction; teaming the dynamic duo with blithering idiot Captain Qwark and series antagonist Dr. Nefarious. The result promises a chaotic co-operative experience playable both online and off.

Nothing Insomniac's shown of All 4 One is particularly surprising: the game is colourful, packed with outrageous weapons, and filled with basic co-op puzzles. But that's not to the game's detriment. Sometimes simplistic is best, and All 4 One looks like it's going to be a hoot when played with friends.

It's the weapons that are key to the Ratchet & Clank experience, and examining the effects of the game's expansive arsenal with friends is certain to be a lot of fun. The co-op dynamic should also present Insomniac with lots of potential for bickering β€” hopefully the game's packed with audio to keep things feeling fresh throughout multiple playthroughs.

We've always been fans of the Ratchet & Clank series and we can't wait to see how the experience fares in a co-operative environment. And that's why Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One is number five on our list of most anticipated overlooked PlayStation games of Holiday 2011.