Picture yourself zipping through alien worlds, wielding quirky weapons, and leaping between dimensions in an instant. This is the thrill of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, a game that defines adventure games on the all new PlayStation 5. Since its debut in 2002, the Ratchet & Clank series has captivated players with its blend of action, platforming, and humor. Rift Apart, released in 2021, takes this legacy to new heights, leveraging PS5’s technology to deliver a visually stunning, immersive experience. This blog post explores why Rift Apart is a must-play, its place in the adventure genre, and how it showcases the “all new” era of gaming, drawing on insights from sources like IGN and PlayStation.
The Legacy of Ratchet & Clank
The Ratchet & Clank series began as a bold experiment by Insomniac Games, launching on the PlayStation 2 in 2002. It introduced Ratchet, a feline-like Lombax, and Clank, his robot companion, as they battled villains across a sci-fi universe. The series became a PlayStation staple, with over a dozen titles, including spin-offs and a 2016 animated film. According to Wikipedia, it blends action-adventure, platforming, and third-person shooting, known for its humor and accessibility.
Each installment has evolved, from Going Commando’s weapon upgrades to A Crack in Time’s open-world elements. By 2021, Rift Apart arrived as a PS5 exclusive, marking a new era for adventure games on the all new generation of consoles. Its 3.97 million units sold by June 2023 reflect its widespread appeal.
Ratchet & Clank
Rift Apart, released on June 11, 2021, for PS5 and ported to PC on July 26, 2023, is the ninth main installment in the series. It’s a technical marvel, showcasing the PS5’s capabilities and redefining adventure gaming.
Dimensional Travel
The game’s standout feature is its dimensional travel, enabled by the PS5’s SSD. Players leap between worlds instantly, with no loading screens, creating a seamless experience. IGN praises this as a “multi-dimensional trip unlike anything the series has done before,” enhancing exploration and combat.
Visuals That Stun
With ray tracing, dynamic 4K, and HDR, Rift Apart’s worlds are breathtaking. Planets like Corson V’s neon city or Sargasso’s lush jungles feel alive. The Guardian calls it “an unbelievably gorgeous sci-fi caper,” a showcase for PS5’s power.
Gameplay
Gameplay blends platforming, shooting, and puzzles. New weapons like the Topiary Sprinkler and Shatterbomb add humor, while gadgets like the Grappling Hook enhance exploration. GameSpot notes it “plays better than ever,” with tight controls and varied mechanics.
Story with Heart
The narrative follows Ratchet and Clank battling Dr. Nefarious, who uses a Dimensionator to conquer realities. Rivet, a new Lombax, adds emotional depth, exploring identity and belonging. TheGamer gives it 4.5/5, praising its “Pixar-like” heart, though some felt the ending rushed.
Adventure Game Elements in Rift Apart
Adventure games thrive on exploration, narrative, and immersion, and Rift Apart excels in all three. Its dimensional rifts create dynamic exploration, letting players discover secrets across planets. The story balances humor with emotional moments, while platforming and puzzles challenge players’ skills.
- Exploration: Planets offer side quests, collectibles, and hidden areas, encouraging discovery.
- Narrative: Rivet’s arc and Ratchet’s journey add depth, with voice acting enhancing the experience.
- Gameplay Variety: From dashing through rifts to solving Clank’s dimensional puzzles, the game keeps players engaged.
Comparing Rift Apart to Other Adventure Games
Rift Apart stands out among adventure games on new platforms. Here’s how it compares:
| Game | Platform | Key Features | Adventure Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | PS5, PC | Dimensional travel, vibrant visuals, action-platforming | Action-adventure with semi-open exploration |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | PS4, PS5, PC | Open-world exploration, RPG mechanics | Open-world action RPG |
| Life is Strange Remastered | PS4, PC, Switch | Choice-driven narrative, emotional storytelling | Narrative-driven adventure |
- Vs. Valhalla: Valhalla’s vast world contrasts with Rift Apart’s focused design, offering more polish but less scope.
- Vs. Life is Strange: Life is Strange prioritizes story over action, while Rift Apart balances both, appealing to action fans.
Rift Apart’s unique mix of accessibility and spectacle makes it a standout in adventure games on the all new era.
Critical Reception and Player Feedback
Rift Apart earned an 88/100 on Metacritic and 94% recommendation on OpenCritic. Critics praise its technical prowess:
- IGN: “A fantastic showpiece for the console’s power, and a delightful adventure.”
- Eurogamer: Highlights its “cracking, unserious action” and Insomniac’s mastery.
- GameSpot: Notes it “looks and plays better than ever.”
- PC Gamer: Calls it “visually spectacular” but notes PC pricing concerns.
Players on Steam gave it 89% positive reviews from 8,520 users, though some mentioned its 12-15 hour length as short. Its replayability, with Challenge Mode and collectibles, mitigates this.
Developer Insights
Insomniac’s developers emphasized PS5’s role in shaping Rift Apart. Director Mike Daly, in a PlayStation Blog, said, “The SSD allowed us to do things that weren’t possible before,” enabling instant dimension switches. Lead designer Joe Peterson added, “The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers bring a new level of tactility,” enhancing immersion.
The Importance of Adventure Games Today
Adventure games like Rift Apart offer a focused alternative to sprawling RPGs or live-service titles. They blend exploration, storytelling, and gameplay in a way that’s both epic and accessible. Rift Apart’s 12-15 hour runtime respects players’ time while delivering depth, making it ideal for busy gamers.
These games also showcase technological advancements, pushing developers to innovate. Rift Apart’s use of PS5’s SSD and DualSense sets a benchmark for future titles, showing how hardware can enhance storytelling and immersion.
Conclusion
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a shining example of adventure games on the all new era of gaming. Its innovative mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and heartfelt story make it a standout title that honors the series’ legacy while pushing it forward. Whether you’re exploring vibrant dimensions, battling with quirky weapons, or connecting with Ratchet and Rivet’s journey, this game delivers an experience that’s both thrilling and memorable. For anyone seeking the ultimate adventure game, Rift Apart is a journey worth taking.
Call to Action
Have you played Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart? What’s your favorite dimension or weapon? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know which adventure games you’re loving in this all-new era. For more gaming insights, check out our blog or dive into Rift Apart on PlayStation or Steam today!