Ratchet & Clank has been one of the most consistently solid franchises for Sony's consoles, so fans of action/platformers have plenty to look forward to on October 20th. A Crack In Time will be the franchise's second retail release on the Playstation 3, and we've seen nothing but great things from it based on our early experience with the game. Here's an exclusive look at the characters of Ratchet's upcoming adventure.

Ratchet

Once thought to be the universe’s last remaining Lombax, Ratchet has never known much about his true origins. His only family and confidant is Clank, a small robot who has remained by his side through countless adventures across the universe. When he disappeared, Ratchet embarked on a desperate mission to save his best friend.

Clank

Assembled at a Blaargian robot factory and imbibed with the Zoni life force, Clank has served as Ratchet’s moral and logical compass for several years. Proving that great things can come from the tiniest of heroes, Clank has stood by Ratchet’s side during countless fights against the forces of evil.

General Alister Azimuth

This once-revered Lombax general was a close friend of Ratchet’s father, and has been searching for the Great Clock since his kind disappeared years ago. Little is known about his past, but his desire to save the Lombaxes and ability to cause trouble for Dr. Nefarious make him one of Ratchet’s greatest allies.

Dr. Nefarious

A villain whose evil nature is matched only by his ego, Dr. Nefarious is easily the universe’s most dangerous supervillain. When his plan to destroy all organic life failed due to the heroics of Ratchet & Clank, he and his sidekick Lawrence were banished to the furthest reaches of space with only an asteroid to call home. Now fueled by anger, Dr. Nefarious sets his sights on The Great Clock, leaving the terrifying question: What would a maniacal mastermind do with the power to control time itself?

Orvus

The leader of a race of beings known as Zoni, this brilliant architect created The Great Clock to save the universe from the brink of destruction. Realizing that the clock would require help to keep the machinery running, he created two caretakers who would one day inherit his gift. Unfortunately, only one of them would ever get the chance to meet him.

Sigmund

Officially known as Sigma 0426A, Sigmund was also created by the Zoni in order to help run the Great Clock. What this Junior Caretaker lacks in confidence he makes up for with pure heart, and no one knows the inner workings of the clock more than he does.

Lord Vorselon

Flint Vorselon was a brutal and feared Terraklon assassin before losing his body in a war against the Drophyds of planet Zaurik. After acquiring a mechanical suit to replace his lost limbs, he reinvented himself as Lord Vorselon and became the Breegus System’s most notorious mercenary.