Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021): The Review

Overview

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the first game since the ninth-gen consoles hit that truly feels next-gen. Insomniac Games nailed it, delivering both a worthy sequel to their longest-running franchise and a full-on next-gen exclusive. It might not be a launch title, but it sure plays like one, showing off the console’s capabilities, and on top of that, it’s an absolute blast to experience.

Score: 9 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

Rift Apart is the kind of game that makes you actually want to 100-percent it, and still leaves you craving more. Insomniac has clearly gone all-in on PS5’s hardware, and it shows. From the dazzling, Pixar-esque visuals to the crisp, immersive animations, every cityscape, explosion, and enemy reaction feels alive. The DualSense controller adds a surprising layer of immersion too, with haptic feedback and speaker sounds that make you feel every jump, dash, and weapon blast.

Gameplay is just as polished, if familiar. Ratchet and Rivet share an arsenal of 20 unique weapons, each with ridiculous, over-the-top effects that make combat a joy, from freezing enemies into leafy bushes to the chaotic Ricochet rounds. Traversal has been upgraded with hover boots, Phantom Dash, and occasional creature rides, making exploring the varied levels fast, smooth, and just plain fun. Story-wise, Rift Apart expands the universe with new dimensions and characters like Rivet, offering a slightly weightier narrative while still staying playful and adventurous. Add in Challenge Mode, collectible hunting, and optional puzzles with Clank and Glitch, and the game’s content is overflowing in all the right ways.

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The Negatives ⚠️

That said, Rift Apart plays it safe in almost every sense. It won’t convert someone who isn’t already a fan of the series. The game sticks to the tried-and-true Ratchet & Clank formula instead of taking risks with new mechanics, level designs, or narrative experimentation. Some setpieces, particularly the on-rails sequences or creature rides, feel more like fun diversions than integral parts of gameplay, and occasionally the frame rate dips in the most visually intense moments. Performance options give players flexibility, but switching between Fidelity, Performance, and Performance RT requires checkpoint reloads, which can break the flow if done mid-action. In short, the game is a technical marvel and a joy to play, but if you’re hoping for revolutionary gameplay or a title that redefines the action-platformer, it isn’t that.

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The Experience 🎮

Even with these minor complaints, Rift Apart is an absolute delight. The story balances fun and weight, the weapons and traversal mechanics are satisfying to a fault, and the world, both visually and mechanically, is a joy to explore. Every encounter, from chaotic firefights to peaceful exploration, feels alive, with attention to detail that elevates the experience beyond a standard platformer. The game encourages experimentation with both weapons and traversal, rewarding players for trying new tactics without ever punishing curiosity. Switching between Ratchet and Rivet keeps the gameplay fresh, while the alternate-dimension twist injects new stakes and variety without ever derailing the series’ charm.

Ultimately, Rift Apart isn’t just a great Ratchet & Clank game, it’s one of the best early PS5 titles to date. It’s bold, brilliant, and bursting with charm, and while it may not reinvent the genre, it absolutely perfects the formula that fans have loved for over a decade. Completing it feels rewarding, and yet, it leaves you wanting more, a rare feat in modern gaming.