Ratchet & Clank - Episode 11: Curse of the Corkscrew Idol

In today's episode of the "Ratchet & Clank" playthrough, we make our way through Hoven, where we obtain the hydro-pack, as well as the raritanium needed for the persuader, and collect the remaining golden bolts from the planets that we've previously visited. When it comes to the "Ratchet & Clank" series as a whole, I'm a bit disappointed that the developers have never taken advantage of the hydro-pack. I mean, here we're given amazing swimming controls that are on par with Zora Link from "Majora's Mask", but with the exception of a few optional timed sections and Pokitaru in this game, we're only able to use it for short periods in small bodies of water with very little going on. For example, imagine if we were given a planet to explore that's literally one big ocean, in which you have to swim around while avoiding and/or fleeing from large sea monsters as you make your way to underwater pod cities. Or have it where Ratchet and Clank need to escape from a high-security prison and the only way to do so is by having them swim through a sewage pipe that's stuffed to the brim with traps. I know that this may seem like a strange thing to focus on, but for me, it feels so satisfying when you have underwater gameplay that not only doesn't hamper you, but makes you feel like you're in more control than ever and I like to enjoy that feeling as much as possible.