Probe away

Back with clank a large chunk of the back story is revealed.
Long ago the zoni gave a race of beings (the same ones that Ratchet met on the first planet) the ability to time travel, but these beings were stupid and irresponsible and over used the ability. The fabric of time got so strained that it cracked and destroyed dozens of solar systems, so in order to stop the damage one zoni (Clanks creator) created a massive machine that helped to regulate time and fix the damage.

Clanks main job is to monitor planets and repair any time crack that show up on them. This boils down to a mini-game where you control a laser that you use to zap targets on a small model of the planet. The whole thing reminded me of the resources mini game in Mass Effect, but much faster paced and more fun.

There is also an optional puzzle game using the time recording mechanics. It involved having to press 7 switches to open a door, which is tricky since you only have 4 time copies to do it in. After much trial and error I finally figured out the solution and got the bonus bolt!