Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5

Next-gen entry in the R&C franchise

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a premium adventure game from Insomniac Games and Nixxes Software. As the first game in the Ratchet & Clank (R&C) franchise in seven years, this sci-fi experience brings the titular duo on an all-new mission. Take on an evil emperor from a different reality, together with a mix of old and new characters from the decades-spanning franchise.

Following the events of 2013’s Into the Nexus while sharing a lot of gameplay mechanics with the 2016 Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a welcome treat for both new and old fans of the game series.

Cross dimensions and overthrow tyrants

A particularly witty part of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is its story. The recurring villain Doctor Nefarious accidentally causes dimensional rifts to open, throwing Ratchet, Clank, and the rest of the gang into an alternate reality. This new dimension is ruled by the Emperor, an alternate-universe version of Nefarious that emerged victorious. One of the entirely new characters is Rivet, a resistance fighter from the other dimension.

Gameplay-wise, it’s definitely an R&C game at the core. The gunplay, action, and upgrade systems are basically improved versions of those used in previous titles. One significant improvement in this game is in the graphics, which are reflected well in the futuristic scene. Also, this game introduces players to real-time travel between different areas, worlds, and dimensions through the Rift Tether feature.

More importantly, this entry in the franchise features a range of accessibility options such as flight assistance, high contrast modes, camera sensitivity, and more, to make the game accessible and enjoyable for new and experienced players. The only thing fans might find lacking in this entry is the range of enemies available, which makes the game predictable in the long run.

Worth the wait

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is definitely a return to form for the entire franchise. Considering that it was seven years since the last R&C game, this entry is worth the wait. With upgraded graphics, an all-new premise, and a lot of accessibility options available, this is a game that will cater to both new and old players. It’s definitely worth a try.