R&C 4th is the Japanese name for Deadlocked. Arena combat, gladiators and squads to command: the most action-driven R&C on PS2. Less platforming, far more intensity.
Your verdict
Category
Action Adventure1 player7+
Description
An Insomniac Games and Sony SCEA sequel released in 2005 (Japan, Asia), the fourth Japanese entry titled Giri Giri Ginga no Giga Battle. Ratchet faces the Tyhrranoid race in a darker solo galactic adventure. Same evolving arsenal and planet exploration as previous entries, but a more serious tone.
The art direction reads on the enemies and the combat interface. Facing the Tyhrranoids, multi-eyed creatures declined in absurd sizes, the hero fights flanked by mercenary bots of functional design, reduced to a few shapes and bright colors to stay legible in the fray. The screen fills with wave, score and bounty indicators, so that the tactical display becomes a major part of the image.
The music is written for action without respite. This spin-off cutting the long exploration phases, the score forgoes contemplative moods to string together continuous combat loops, dense and pressing. With no downtime to fill, the score stays tense from a mission's start to finish, rising in intensity as the waves go on.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
This spin-off reorients the formula toward pure action, in gladiator arenas where you unleash a devastating arsenal against hordes of enemies. The frantic pace and the satisfaction of pulverising everything deliver an instant release. The co-op and the multiplayer mode multiply the fun. Spectacular, snappy and packed with humour, a gleeful, furiously fun offshoot.
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾2,4 GB📅23/11/2005
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment
Ratchet & Clank 4th - Giri Giri Ginga no Giga Battle (PS2) price, value & rarity
The Japanese take on the fourth entry, titled Giri Giri Ginga no Giga Battle, specific to Japan and Asia. This arena-leaning version never had a Western equivalent under this name, making it an import piece distinct from Deadlocked and Gladiator. A special gift-box edition even exists, a variant that adds to the appeal for the Japan-minded collector.
Is Ratchet & Clank 4th - Giri Giri Ginga no Giga Battle still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2005 on PS2 and known in the West as Ratchet - Deadlocked and Gladiator, Insomniac's project refocuses the series on action and arena combat, partly setting aside the platforming. Captured and forced into a warlike reality show, Ratchet chains spectacular trials, backed by combat robots. The nervous gunplay, the escalating arsenal and the two player co-op carry a frantic pace. The repetition of the arenas and the thinner narration divide. An effective and cathartic spin off, recommended for fans of nervous shooting and of cooperative play.
