With many expectations from old and new gamers on the line, does Rift Apart deliver what it promises?
What is Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart?
What Kind of Game Is It?
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is a third-person shooter and action-adventure game. It is another chapter in the Ratchet & Clank universe, which began on November 4, 2002. All titles considered, Rift Apart is the 16th installment in the Ratchet and Clank series. The game features beloved and well-known video game characters, Ratchet and Clank—an alien and his robot, specifically. In these games, players join them in traversing across the galaxy and facing different evil alien lords. Rift Apart follows this formula, as players find Ratchet and Clank across multiverses. However, their intergalactic adventures are not for leisure: Dr. Nefarious is on the prowl. He wants to take over the galaxy one universe at a time, and he can do this best by separating Ratchet and Clank from each other. This game is a PlayStation 5 exclusive from Insomniac Games and Sony Interactive Entertainment. So far, its reviews have cemented it as a critically acclaimed Ratchet and Clank title. There is a reason why it was one of the PS5 games to look out for.
Developer
Insomniac Games has had a hold on the Ratchet and Clank series since its debut in 2002. From then until now, the video game company focuses on creating “games that have a positive and lasting influence on people’s lives.” Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, with its Pixar-like animation and engaging plot, is proof of this. All of Insomniac Games worked on this PlayStation 5 exclusive; its two studios, found in Los Angeles and North Carolina, shaped what eventually became Rift Apart. What came of it is a game that reintroduces Ratchet and Clank to a new generation of gamers. However, it also serves fanfare and relevant plotlines to returning Ratchet and Clank players. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is an upbeat game, delving into the classic “good vs evil” trope. According to Insomniac Games, its body of work has themes of friendship, self-sacrifice, and good triumphing over evil. Such is the case for all Ratchet and Clank titles, but also in games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales (another title Insomniac is known for). This company rose to the challenge of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. As a PS5 exclusive, it had to cater to the power and capabilities of the PlayStation 5. The game was developed alongside next-generation hardware, which explains the vivid graphics and bold plotline of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Many gamers know Insomniac Games for taking the road less traveled. Because of this, their titles become critically-acclaimed pieces blazing the trail for video gaming. As a game development company, it has challenged video game structures and hardware time and time again. With Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, it seems like Insomniac struck gold once again.
Release Date
Platforms
From the get-go, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart was for the Playstation 5 only. While it is a Sony exclusive, it still does not support backwards compatibility. Thus, this game will not be available for the PlayStation 4.
Prices
As of late, prices for Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart fall between $65 – $70 USD. It has its original and “Launch Edition” versions, with the latter containing the game, a carbonox armor set, and a pixelizer weapon. While those with the original game will eventually have access to the carbonox armor and pixelizer weapon, Launch Edition players are granted early unlock to them.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Review
Gameplay
Like all other Ratchet and Clank titles, Rift Apart is a platformer game. However, it is a cut above the rest with its stunning visuals, innovative weapons, and riveting plotlines. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart runs like an orchestra—its pieces come together in form and function. For its gameplay, Rift Apart finds you jumping across dimensions in search of Clank. This is where Insomniac Games shows its visual prowess, as new worlds feature different bystanders, lifestyles, and aesthetics. All of these have bustling ecosystems in them. Because of these set pieces, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart has astonishing battlefields. Players can interact with their environment as they engage in combat. Ratchet can jump across high and low terrains, using these words to his advantage. At the same time, the game packs mini-games and remarkable side characters. As a PlayStation 5 exclusive, fans have the console’s hardware to thank for the detailed universes of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Through these, players can also engage in unique gameplay with the game’s outlandish weapons. Examples of these weapons include a sprinkler that turns enemies into topiary hedges, Rocket’s rocket skates, and shatters bombs. There is a weapon for each dimension you explore. By the end of the game, you will have an unforgettable arsenal of weapons. Another challenge for the game is its use of physics. Each dimension poses new scientific rules, making it a unique experience each time.
Story
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart finds the two best friends separated across dimensions. Stronger together, Ratchet now has to find Clank for more reasons than he expected because Dr. Nefarious is back. In fact, he may even be the one behind their separation in the first place. Nefarious has had his eyes on interdimensional takeover since the beginning of the series. In Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, he successfully builds Nefarious City, making him an emperor in his own right. However, this was not possible without the use of his Dimensionator, making it possible for him to jump across dimensions. He grabbed ahold of this during a busy heroes parade for Ratchet and Clank. When he separates them from each other, he leaves Clank on the planet of a new Lombax character, Rivet. As Nefarious keeps going to dimensions where he always wins, Clank and Rivet look for Ratchet. You can also play as Rivet throughout the game, as she is Ratchet from another dimension. Her controls are the same as Ratchet’s, making it easy for players to hop from one to the other.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Characters
Ratchet
A mechanic that has managed to save the universe time and time again. However, he can’t take all of the credit because he could not have done these without his partner-in-crime, Clank. In Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Clank goes missing, which triggers Ratchet into doing whatever it takes to get him back.
Clank
Ratchet’s pint-sized robot sidekick. He is the brains of the Ratchet and Clank tandem, making him the guy Ratchet needs to stop Dr. Nefarious from destroying the universe as they know it. In Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, he is stuck in a different dimension with a new Lombax, Rivet.
Rivet
A new character that fights the power alone. She is equipped with the skills and experience to take down Dr. Nefarious’s schemes from the bottom up. In this game, Rivet has to put her faith in beings other than herself. Doing this is the only way she can stop evil from taking over the universe. Can she save the omniverse?
Dr. Nefarious
Time and time again Dr. Nefarious’s plans are spoiled by Ratchet in Clank. Hailed as a “robotic menace,” he may have cracked the code to his victory in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. He acquires the Dimensionator and travels to dimensions where he wins—time and time again.
Graphics
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is critically acclaimed for its graphics. As a PS5 exclusive, it was expected to bring the best out of the next-generation console. Insomniac Games did not fall short of this expectation. Players join Ratchet and Clank in dimension-hopping across galaxies in Rift Apart. Each new world they land on poses stunning visuals that look straight out of a Disney-Pixar film. These worlds have a life of their own, and look like they function beyond the title characters. With the PS5, players are immersed in these microcosms. In-game interactions with the environment translate well with the PS5’s dual sense controller. Moreover, the game transitions well from plot to gameplay, with little to no differences in graphics between the two. Given what Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart has to deliver, the question on everyone’s minds must be: do these graphics hold up during the whole gameplay? The answer to this is yes. These images are processed by PlayStation 5 hardware in real-time. There are few reports of lagging and struggle on the PS5’s part, with most claiming that each detail translates well throughout the game. The graphics are so good that players even comment it’s most minute details such as Ratchet’s armory. Specifically, Rift Apart has a 60 fps frame rate and 4K and HDR visuals.
New Features
As we’ve mentioned in the 20 Most Anticipated PS5 Games to Look Forward to, Astro’s Playroom was made to show all the new features of the PS5. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart bases most of its gameplay features on this built-in game. Insomniac Games dreamed up a game that holds a flame to the interactivity of Astro’s Playroom. To many, it made these features even better with its plotlines, characters, and weaponry. Given these, Rift Apart’s new features go hand in hand with the PS5’s. PlayStation 5 specs, for example, boast instant-loading that makes it possible for Ratchet to travel across universes at “hyperspeed.” Loading screens are not as common under the PS5 mandate. Features of Rift Apart also include unrestrained use of the PS5’s DualSense wireless controllers. The game’s weapons correspond to specific DualSense triggers, making them unique to use. At the same time, this game also makes use of the controllers’ Haptic Feedback, making each player feel environmental and combative interactions.
Replayability
Rift Apart reimagines Ratchet and Clank tropes on a grand scale. Its main storyline and gameplay already pose a unique experience for players. However, the game showed no signs of stopping there. Rift Apart has a series of mini-games and modes for players to engage in when it comes to replayability. For example, once you finish the game you unlock a “Challenge Mode.” Through this, you can upgrade your weapons and use them in-game. Other extra features include many hidden collectibles and side-missions, with some even making use of the PS5’s new features. These collectibles include golden bolts, armor pieces, and more. An example of a mini-game includes spider-robot Glitch, which Ratchet uses to eliminate computer viruses. In this, you play as Glitch in a 3D world that keeps flipping and changing. Another mini-game includes Clank, who has to fix dimensional anomalies. When playing this, you have to restore balance to the number of Clanks in the universe. This is more of a brain teaser compared to other aspects of the game. As a whole, this game has high replayability. There are many ways one can enjoy this game, from characters to graphics. This is what Insomniac Games intended when making Rift Apart; they wanted a roster of enemies, controller shortcuts, and mini-upgrades that totaled to a game you would want to experience again and again.
Value
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart shows where the PS5 is at and where it is headed. As a Sony exclusive, it shines a light on the best features of the PlayStation 5. Better yet, it confirms what the next-generation console is really capable of—fast loading, 60 fps frame rates, and immersive haptic feedback. Few new games live up to people’s expectations. With Insomniac Game’s arsenal of titles, it is safe to say that many expected the most out of Ratchet and Clank. Now that it is out, many vie for its value, hailing it as one of the best PS5 games you can play. It offers new insight to returning players but enough meat to hook new ones in. The Ratchet and Clank world is filled with aesthetic value, but Rift Apart may carve a cultural spot for the series for good.
Do You Need to Play Other Ratchet and Clank Games Before Rift Apart?
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart was made for both old and new players. Thus, while it is a direct sequel to the last Ratchet and Clank game (Into the Nexus), its story can still stand tall on its own. Rift Apart references the last Dr. Nefarious defeat from Nexus and other events from the title. Other than this, though, there is not a lot of new lore from this new game. However, this does not lessen the enjoyability of Rift Apart. Filled with multiverses, it expands the world of Ratchet and Clank more than its storyline/s. As Dr. Nefarious swears vengeance for himself, he brings Ratchet and Clank along for the ride. In the same vein, Rift Apart brings you along for their ride, no matter how long you have been sitting on your seat.
How Long Is Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart?
Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is about 20 to 30 hours long. This depends on the number of mini-games and weapons upgrades players want to partake in. The game is very replayable, as mentioned above.
Pros and Cons of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Insomniac Games has almost perfected their formula of gameplay x story x graphics with Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. As a PS5 exclusive, many expected it to make the next-gen console’s features shine. What came of Rift Apart did not disappoint. From its brilliant visuals to its use of the DualSense controllers, this game does not fall short of highlighting the PS5’s features. Its pros include immersive controls, fast loading times, and astounding set pieces. Rift Apart also endears with its characters, both old and new. Story-wise, it does not bring new lore into the Ratchet and Clank universe. However, it does widen it with its new dimensions. This game expands its portrayal of the stories people grew to know and love. As a bonus, this game also introduces new and exciting weapons. They have unique appearances and uses. These also go hand in hand with the PS5’s controls. There are not many cons to this game, though some report rare freezing while playing. Old fans may also be disappointed with the lack of story development from Nexus since this game aims to be a standalone title. Some also feel that the beautiful graphics fall short in platform gameplay, hoping that Insomniac delivered an open-world Ratchet and Clank game instead.
Stunning 60 fps graphics Fast loading times Effective use of the PS5’s DualSense controllers and other features Likable old and new characters Unique and entertaining arsenal of new weaponry
Rare game freezing Lack of story development Less compatibility with the platformer genre
Final Word
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is worth the wait, but the kicker is that it is worth everyone’s time. Whether or not you played other Ratchet and Clank games is insignificant to Rift Apart. As a PS5 exclusive, it serves a purpose beyond its own universe. Rift Apart showcases what the PS5 is capable of as a next-generation console. With everyone breezing through a detailed multiverse with Ratchet or Clank, the game wields a power almost as outrageous as its Topiary Sprinkler; it perfectly sells the PS5.
