Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is the latest entry in the beloved Ratchet & Clank series, exclusively available on the PlayStation 5.
This intergalactic adventure looks to leverage the talent and creativity of Insomniac Games to truly showcase the power of the next-gen console. With jaw-dropping visuals, smooth gameplay, and a heartwarming story, Rift Apart could be an experience you won’t soon forget. Read on for a full review of our experience with the game.
Table of Contents
Story
Rift Apart’s narrative revolves around the titular duo’s journey through multiple dimensions, as they attempt to reunite and stop the evil Dr. Nefarious from using the power of the Dimensionator to rule the multiverse. Along the way, players are introduced to a diverse cast of new and returning characters, including Rivet, a fierce female Lombax from an alternate dimension.
The game expertly balances humor, emotion, and excitement, delivering a story that appeals to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series. The narrative is engaging, with a strong emphasis on themes of friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery.
This is naturally an extension of the game’s predecessors, and doesn’t feel too out of place in the overall timeline, even if things get even more wacky than usual this time around.
Graphics & Visuals
Rift Apart is a true showcase of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities. The game features stunning visuals, with detailed character models, expansive environments, and vibrant colors that bring each dimension to life. Ray tracing adds a level of realism to reflective surfaces, and the real-time lighting creates breathtaking atmospheres throughout the adventure.
Each dimension is a visual masterpiece, with its own unique style and aesthetic. From lush alien forests and bustling futuristic cities to the depths of space and reality-bending rifts, Rift Apart continually impresses with its immersive and diverse worlds. Moreover, the weapon effects are on a whole other level compared to previous gen Ratchet games, making them feel even more special to use.
The game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, ensuring a seamless gameplay experience, even during the most intense action sequences. The PlayStation 5’s lightning-fast SSD ensures that load times are nearly non-existent, allowing for instant travel between dimensions and uninterrupted gameplay.
Gameplay
Rift Apart builds upon the series’ tried-and-true gameplay mechanics, while introducing fresh and innovative elements that keep the experience feeling new and exciting. The core gameplay remains centered around platforming, exploration, and combat, with an arsenal of outrageous and creative weapons at your disposal.
The game introduces the Rift Tether, a tool that allows players to traverse dimensions in real time, adding a new layer of strategy and depth to both combat and exploration. This new addition is something that really sets the game apart from others in the franchise, and works in tandem with the impressive visuals to allow for a seamless experience.
As you would expect, when players progress through the game, they’ll unlock new weapons, gadgets, and abilities that enable them to tackle increasingly challenging obstacles and enemies. The game’s difficulty curve is expertly balanced, ensuring that players are always appropriately challenged without feeling overwhelmed, making the title fun for both adults and kids alike.
Sound & Music
Rift Apart’s soundtrack, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, is a brilliant blend of orchestral and electronic music that perfectly complements the game’s diverse settings and moods. From intense battle themes to soothing ambient tracks, the music enhances the player’s immersion in each dimension.
The voice acting is top-notch, with performances that bring the characters to life and infuse the game with charm and personality. The sound design is equally impressive, with every weapon, gadget, and environmental effect producing satisfying and unique audio cues that make the world feel alive and dynamic.
Replayability
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offers a wealth of content for players to explore, with numerous side quests, collectibles, and secrets hidden throughout the game’s various dimensions. In addition, the game features a Challenge Mode, which allows players to replay the story with their upgraded weapons and abilities while facing tougher enemies and new challenges. This mode, coupled with the numerous collectibles, ensures that players have plenty of reasons to return to the game even after completing the main story.
The Verdict
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a stunning achievement in the world of video games, demonstrating the immense potential of the PlayStation 5 and the talent of Insomniac Games. With its captivating story, breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and enchanting audio, Rift Apart stands as a shining example of what a next-gen gaming experience should be.
The game does have some minor flaws, such as occasional camera issues and a few instances where the pacing feels slightly uneven. However, these issues are easily overshadowed by the game’s many strengths.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ultimately, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a must-play title for any PlayStation 5 owner and a worthy addition to the beloved franchise. We give this multidimensional adventure a well-deserved 4/5.
