Selecting the definitive platformer is a challenging task, but Insomniac Games’ Ratchet & Clank series consistently ranks among the genre’s finest. For nearly two decades, this iconic duo has captivated players with their distinctive humor, polished platforming mechanics, and imaginative weaponry. The series boasts 15 titles, with varying degrees of success among the spin-offs. In 2016, the series saw a successful “reboot” on the PS4 with Ratchet & Clank (2016), a title that came close to achieving a perfect score. Enhanced by a fluid 4K 60fps patch for the PS5, the game remains a standout experience. However, fans have eagerly anticipated a new installment for almost five years. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was unveiled early as a flagship exclusive for the Playstation 5, generating considerable excitement. Now that it’s finally here, does it live up to expectations? Read on to determine if it warrants an immediate purchase.
The narrative can be considered a sequel to both Into the Nexus and the Future series. Ratchet and Clank are to be honored by Captain Qwark, but the celebration is disrupted by the return of Doctor Nefarious. Clank intends to present Ratchet with a Dimensionator, a device enabling interdimensional travel to locate other Lombaxes. However, Nefarious seizes the Dimensionator, triggering dimensional chaos and compelling our heroes to embark on an intergalactic and interdimensional journey. This journey serves as a showcase for the Playstation 5’s capabilities (detailed further below). Along the way, they encounter Rivet, a female Lombax who becomes a central character and accompanies them on their adventure. Together, they must thwart Nefarious’ plans across dimensions, utilizing an arsenal of imaginative weapons.
Veterans of the Ratchet & Clank franchise will find familiar elements in this installment. Insomniac largely maintains the established formula, delivering an engaging, fast-paced, and entertaining experience. The game strikes a balance between lightheartedness and impressive audio-visual presentation. A notable addition is the alternating protagonists, Ratchet and Rivet. The gameplay features a varied pace, shifting between classic platforming exploration and intense action sequences. The introductory level exemplifies this, offering a condensed version of a final battle, complete with explosions, platforming challenges, and rapid narrative exposition. Subsequent levels emphasize exploration, a hallmark of the Ratchet & Clank series, although the map can be somewhat difficult to navigate. Players may find themselves relying on their spatial awareness or utilizing the quest marker for guidance.
Insomniac Games continues to demonstrate mastery of the Playstation hardware. As a first-party Playstation studio, they have built upon their achievements with Spider-Man and the enhancements made possible by the PS5. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offers three graphics modes: Fidelity, which prioritizes 4K resolution, ray tracing, and a locked 30fps; Performance RT, which retains ray tracing while reducing resolution to target 60fps; and Performance, which disables ray tracing and further reduces resolution to ensure a stable 60fps. Similar to Spider-Man on PS5, the Performance RT mode appears to offer the optimal balance. The increased frame rate is more noticeable during gameplay than the resolution difference, particularly in a fast-paced action game like Rift Apart.
Insomniac has consistently minimized loading times, and the PS5’s fast internal SSD enables seamless transitions between levels and dimensions. The implementation of “rifts” for travel between locations and dimensions is impressive, though the pace can feel accelerated at times. This is somewhat regrettable, as players may want more time to appreciate the visual details created by Insomniac’s development team.
Given the day-one patch for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, a more detailed analysis of graphics and performance will be conducted once the game is in its final state. Insomniac has a history of delivering on promises and refining their technology. Initial observations suggest improvements in graphics and performance compared to earlier demo footage.
The game’s audio deserves recognition, featuring a blend of orchestral scores, well-designed sound effects, and high-quality voice acting in both the original English and Swedish dub (accessible by changing the PS5’s system language). Utilizing headphones allows players to experience Sony’s 3D audio. The game’s high production values in graphics and sound contribute to a cinematic experience, enhanced by the camera work and seamless transitions between gameplay and animated sequences.
The game leverages the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback, providing nuanced responses based on the intensity of button presses. Advanced rumble features and dynamic audio from the built-in speaker further enhance the immersive experience.
The wait has been worthwhile. Insomniac Games has delivered another exceptional title. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart successfully preserves the series’ core elements while introducing new features, such as the female co-protagonist and novel puzzle mechanics. It also serves as a compelling demonstration of the Playstation 5’s capabilities. The potential for future PS5-exclusive titles, developed with greater familiarity with the hardware, is exciting. While the game’s pacing and level design may not be as consistently balanced as the 2016 reboot, it remains an essential addition to the collection of any fan of platformers and the Ratchet & Clank series.
Hopefully, the next installment will not require another five-year wait.
