When I first laid my eyes upon Sony's uber-sexy Playstation Portable I was immediately seduced by its sleek design and visions of taking console caliber gaming on the go. Nearly two years after its US release, that launch day potential has only been realized by a handful of releases. However, thanks to the talented folks at High Impact Games, we can now add one more title to that, rather meager, list with the addition of Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters. Size Matters is not just another PS2 to PSP port. It isn't a dumbed down version of a popular PS2 franchise either. Size Matters is that rare example of a title that succeeds in upping the ante when it comes to what gamers can, and should, expect out of their portable system.

Two (Heroes) For the Road
Don't let High Impact Games' rookie developer status fool you. They're chock full of talent and not a few ringers—more than a handful of the Size Matters team is made up of ex-Insomniacs that worked on earlier Ratchet and Clank titles. Most importantly, the guys and gals at High Impact Games didn't take any shortcuts with Size Matters (pun intended). These so called rookies took it upon themselves to build a completely new engine for Ratchet on the PSP, got the original voice actors and even came up with a script penned by the very same author of the original Ratchet and Clank. The result is an entry in the franchise that would have sat well on your PS2 – let alone your PSP.

Not even the PSP's lack of a second analog stick—something that has plagued all who have attempted 3^rd person games on the PSP—shoved these guys off track. The controls are immediately accessible, although I recommend switching to the follow camera. However, mapping the appropriate buttons to the right controls is only half the battle. High Impact Games won the "single analog control war" by focusing the level design and encounters around the limitations of the hardware such that they're no longer limitations. The worlds in Size Matters were created to maximize the performance of the given controls rather than trying to shoehorn everything that would have typically been found in a PS2 version of the game. That's not dumbing the game down; it's simply good design that works. Of course, it's not perfect and you may find yourself occasionally frustrated by the camera at first, but the learning curve is not at all steep and you'll find yourself right at home using the D-pad to strafe and controlling the camera with the shoulder buttons in no time.

Clanktastic!
The story is set shortly after Ratchet: Deadlocked, but Size Matters doesn't continue along Deadlocked's hard edge. Instead, Size Matters takes a few steps back, focusing on the series trademark humor and platforming mixed with a heaping spoonful of "blowing $@#$ up!" High Impact Games even offers some serious fan service by delivering some of the best Clank-centric action seen in the series yet. Perhaps the best action in the game goes down with you piloting super-clank in some outer space shoot-em-up (you know, SHMUP) deliciousness. These SHMUP sections aren't just fun, they're downright gorgeous, featuring some of the most amazing particle effects I've seen to date on the PSP. It's a wonder that High Impact Games was able to get so much action on screen without a hint of slow down.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Ratchet and Clank game without some serious (or not so serious) firepower. Each weapon levels up as you use it, and has a number of upgrade options - assumingyou've got the bolts to pay for it. Thankfully, the weapon upgrade/modding system is much more user-friendly this time around, making weapon management less of a chore. Armor customization is also a breeze. Each suit of armor (there are seven in all) is made up of four different pieces (helmet, torso, gloves and shoes) scattered throughout the game. Obtaining all four sections of a particular armor type will give Ratchet a special ability or you can mix and match different pieces of the various suits to discover some special combinations. The system works great for on the go gaming; the simple menus make it easy to change armor configurations on the fly and the RPG-like nature of upgrading your gear will keep you coming back for more long after you've finished the game.

While I didn't have time to dig into the multiplayer prior to release our man Pachoey had some hands-on time with the game at a Sony press event back in December and raved about the playability. Featuring several four player team and free for all modes – including a hilarious team game in which you must capture cows to keep your burger business in full swing – Size Matters multiplayer is actually fun and not just some tacked on marketing bullet point. It's all about the weapons… it's all about the weapons!

Big Things Do Come in Small Packages
Don't be fooled by the portable package: Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters delivers a full sized adventure on your handheld system. Not only is Size Matters chock full of classic Ratchet and Clank gameplay, but it also retains the trademark personality of Insomniac's favorite franchise. This is no small feat considering that this is High Impact Games' first game and the series first full adventure on the PSP. Now, go strap on those Lombax ears and Clank look-a-like backpack you've been keeping in your closet, grab your trusty wrench and get ready for some super-sized action on your Playstation Portable becauseSize Matters is going to be another must-buy for fans of the series. If you have yet to discover the over the top action and hilarity of Ratchet and Clank, now is a great time to get to know what makes them one of the most beloved franchises for the PS2, and now on the PSP.