This product is like new. At NexWave Games, like new means:
Additionally, all discs at NexWave Games are carefully inspected and assessed for quality. When discs arrive, we do not accept any that are so badly damaged that they are unlikely to work. We only accept discs with light scratches at most. Discs with scratches are then treated in our professional disc repair machine. By warming the disc and polishing it with soft brushes, these machines can remove a very thin layer from the disc. This removes the layer containing surface scratches and improves the disc’s readability. This ensures the disc works properly, even on consoles with ageing lasers that have difficulty reading games! Great news for the player.
Ratchet: Gladiator for PlayStation 2
Ratchet: Gladiator for PlayStation 2 is an action game in which Ratchet is forced to participate in DreadZone, Gleeman Vox’s deadly television programme. Assignments centre on arena and battlefield combat. You shoot, dodge attacks and complete objectives while commentators follow events. Clank provides information from the background. Ratchet therefore does not carry him through every environment as his regular backpack companion as in the earlier adventures.
Weapons develop through use and you change their behaviour with different modifications, making choices beyond simply increasing damage. Two combat robots help in solo missions and also perform practical tasks. Between events you select further challenges and work towards medals and equipment. Some assignments use a vehicle, but most action requires continued movement while watching several enemies.
You can also play the story campaign locally with two players in split-screen. This uses two controllers; in co-operation the combat robots give way to human players, who receive their tools. Dividing objectives and giving each other room then become part of combat. Different challenges encourage another attempt at an arena with other weapons or a higher difficulty, even once you know the route.
Region and language
Our PlayStation 2 games are PAL editions and come with a Dutch or English box, unless stated otherwise. By default, you receive the version for the European market. We note it in the product details if the region is different or the box is in another language. In almost all cases, the game is playable at least in English, and often in the other five common European languages too.
Manual
Ratchet: Gladiator for PlayStation 2 includes the manual unless the product title states otherwise. If the booklet is missing, the title says “No Manual”. This lets you see before ordering whether the game comes with a manual.
The manuals included with our games usually contain at least English and often around six European languages. The exact languages vary by edition, so Dutch is not always included. The booklet explains the controls and the main rules. You can use it to check how to control the game, which actions are available and how its different features work.
The history of Ratchet: Gladiator
Insomniac Games developed Ratchet: Gladiator, released by Sony for PlayStation 2 in 2005. Its American name is Ratchet: Deadlocked. After three adventures with planets, gadgets and extensive platforming, attention shifted to combat challenges. The television show DreadZone provided the frame. Ratchet must entertain viewers to keep himself and his friends alive, while presenters and Vox’s interests sell violence as entertainment.
Weapon modification expanded and co-operation became part of the entire story campaign. The solo design used two supporting robots; a second player changed the division of tasks. The original manual makes that difference explicit and explains that solo and co-operative progress are compatible. Clank remained important, but his background support suited Ratchet’s role as an arena contestant rather than the familiar duo exploring together.
Gladiator is therefore its own instalment in the original PS2 series, not a later HD adaptation of Ratchet & Clank 3. Platinum packaging does not change that identity. Old network features from launch announcements are not offered here as a current service; the described co-operation uses one console. Players familiar with the early planet adventures will notice the shift towards medals, replayable challenges and an arsenal tailored to their approach. Story and structure belong to that competitive world.
Similar games for PlayStation 2
Ratchet & Clank shares the hero, weapons, bolts and science-fiction humour. The first PS2 game travels between planets and uses gadgets to open routes. Gladiator organises action more around events and challenges. Shooting and collecting remain, but arenas and weapon modification take more space than discovering a new planet.
Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked & Loaded also develops weapons and health through combat. The journey through Megacorp locations includes platforming and other activities. Gladiator expands combat with more weapon modifications and a co-operative campaign. Equipment improvement feels related, but challenge order and the second player’s role change the pace.
Ratchet & Clank 3 shares fast shooting and many weapons, but follows the Q-Force’s struggle against Dr. Nefarious. Solo adventures and separate competitive matches coexist there. Gladiator moves story action to DreadZone and lets a second player join the campaign. That matters if you want to complete missions together rather than fight each other.
Jak 3 also combines guns and vehicles with a familiar cartoon hero. Desert, Haven City and Jak’s special powers connect a broader action adventure. Gladiator keeps assignments closer to arenas and its television show. Jak therefore changes activities more often, while Ratchet spends longer developing combat technique, weapon choices and the next challenge in the same event structure.
Sly 3: Honour Among Thieves shares humour and a team with different jobs. Sneaking, disguises and preparing heists require specific gang abilities. Gladiator uses its team mainly to support overt combat. Both distribute roles, but executing an unseen plan as Sly differs from Ratchet’s arenas, where speed, shooting and holding out take the foreground.
