Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - (PS5) | Price, Specs and Gameplay

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Platform

PlayStation 5

DESIGN
Genre(s)	Platform, third-person shooter
Developer(s)	Insomniac Games
Publisher(s)	Sony Interactive Entertainment
Mode(s)	Single-player
Director(s)	Marcus Smith Mike Daly
Producer(s)	Joe Castagno
Programmer(s)	Mike Fitzgerald[1]
Artist(s)	Jason Hickey Gavin Goulden
Writer(s)	Lauren Mee[2][3] Nick Folkman Mary Kenney Max Folkman
Composer(s)	Mark Mothersbaugh Wataru Hokoyama
Engine	Insomniac Engine
Series	Ratchet & Clank
Release Date	June 11, 2021
Download Link	PlayStation
Price	Standard Edition: PlayStation ($69.99)   Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Deluxe Edition: PlayStation ($79.99)

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a contemporary third-person shooter platform video game that emerged in 2021. Developed by Insomniac Games and distributed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 5 console, the game stands as a noteworthy addition to the acclaimed Ratchet & Clank series. Serving as the ninth primary installment in the franchise, "Rift Apart" effectively continues the narrative from its precursor, "Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus."

Initial public awareness of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was generated in June 2020 through an official announcement. The game's commercial availability was subsequently realized on June 11, 2021, enabling players to engage with its immersive gameplay experience. Notably, a Windows port, executed by Nixxes Software, became accessible to users on July 26, 2023.

Upon its release, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart garnered favorable appraisals from both players and critics alike. Its striking visuals, dynamic combat mechanics, and noteworthy technological enhancements were hailed as notable strengths. Evidencing its popularity, the game accomplished sales of more than 1.1 million units by the conclusion of July 2021.

Gameplay

The game exhibits numerous gameplay similarities with "Ratchet & Clank" (2016) and other iterations within the series. It upholds various elements from preceding "Ratchet & Clank" games, encompassing strafing, gunplay, the accumulation of bolts (the in-game currency), automatic enhancements for weapons and health, manual upgrading of weapons using Raritanium, and the utilization of gadgets. The principal playable character is Ratchet, who is accompanied by his robotic companion and sidekick, Clank, securely fastened to his back. Furthermore, the game introduces playable characters including a female Lombax named Rivet, and a Clank-like robot named Kit.

Players navigate Ratchet and Rivet through a multitude of diverse environments spanning numerous levels. In their journey, they combat adversaries using an array of diverse weapons and gadgets, while surmounting obstacles to accomplish pivotal mission objectives.

A pioneering feature introduced to the series is the concept of real-time, almost instantaneous travel between distinct regions, planets, and alternative dimensions within the gameplay scenes. This is facilitated by a system of inter-dimensional portals. To harness this capability, a fresh mechanic known as the "Rift Tether" is added to Ratchet and Rivet's arsenal. This mechanism enables them to be swiftly transported from one side of a portal to the other, facilitating rapid movement between points. Moreover, the game reunites players with planets explored in earlier installments, now imbued with dimensional variations through their alternate counterparts. Additionally, new planets previously unexplored in the franchise make their debut.

Enhanced mobility and traversal options are integrated into the gameplay, incorporating actions like dashing and wall running. The game's weaponry encompasses an amalgamation of innovative new arms as well as cherished classics from past iterations.

Inclusivity and accessibility are focal points of the game, with a spectrum of options provided to cater to various players' needs. These include a high contrast mode and toggleable settings for simplified traversal, camera sensitivity, flight assistance, and more. These endeavors ensure that all players can partake in the gameplay experience and see the narrative through to its conclusion.

Plot

After the events chronicled in 'Into the Nexus,' Ratchet (voiced by James Arnold Taylor) and his loyal companion Clank (voiced by David Kaye) are celebrated as renowned galactic heroes. This celebration takes the form of a grand parade, hosted by the charismatic Captain Quark, alongside Skid McMarx and Rusty Pete. Amidst the festivities, Clank unveils a significant development—he has successfully restored the Dimensionator, a powerful device with the capability to create rifts into alternate dimensions. This monumental achievement aims to facilitate Ratchet's quest to discover his own origins as a Lombax and reunite with his long-lost family.

However, the jubilant occasion is swiftly disrupted by the sudden and unexpected intrusion of Doctor Nefarious (voiced by Armin Shimerman). The notorious villain launches an assault on the parade with a blatant intent to steal the Dimensionator. Amidst the chaos, a hasty move by Ratchet inadvertently triggers a reaction that causes unstable dimensional rifts to tear open at random. This dire mishap catapults Ratchet, Clank, and Dr. Nefarious into an alternate universe.

Stranded in this new dimension, Clank awakens to find himself alone and grievously injured, his right arm damaged in the explosive aftermath of the Dimensionator's malfunction. A chance encounter leads him to Rivet (voiced by Jennifer Hale), a female Lombax, who extends a helping hand. On a parallel track, Dr. Nefarious finds himself in a perplexing scenario—he is mistaken for Emperor Nefarious, the unvanquished ruler of this universe. Seizing the opportunity, he cunningly assumes this false identity and manipulates his way into power. Meanwhile, Ratchet embarks on a solo journey in search of his separated companion Clank.

As the narrative unfolds, Ratchet catches sight of Rivet's escape with Clank and becomes entwined with the Resistance—a group opposing Emperor Nefarious. Ratchet is introduced to Phantom (an alternate version of Skid McMarx), a Resistance member who provides him with Glitch, a digital assistant. Together, they strive to secure a vessel to track Rivet's path. Simultaneously, Rivet's skepticism towards robots prompts her to interrogate Clank in her hideout. Their shared investigation uncovers an enigmatic dimensional anomaly, leading to an encounter with the prophetic figure named Gary. Clank's collaboration with Gary becomes instrumental in combating the imminent threat of the Dimensional Cataclysm.

Through a sequence of events, Rivet gains insights into Clank's memories and facilitates communication between Ratchet and herself. They orchestrate a plan to reconstruct the damaged Dimensionator, with the ultimate goal of thwarting the impending catastrophe. Ratchet embarks on a mission to retrieve the blueprint required for rebuilding the Dimensionator, enlisting the assistance of Kit (voiced by Debra Wilson), one of Gary's robot apprentices. Despite Kit's initial concerns about her programming, Ratchet fosters trust and partnership.

The narrative crescendos as Ratchet and Rivet collaborate to restore the Dimensionator, only to be confronted by a renewed Dr. Nefarious, who seeks to appropriate the device once again. While Dr. Nefarious is vanquished, the true Emperor Nefarious emerges, overpowering Ratchet and Rivet. He seizes the Dimensionator with intentions of annihilating Captain Quantum and subjugating the Resistance.

Rivet engages in a pursuit of Emperor Nefarious, leading to her banishment into a secluded dimension. In the midst of her struggle, Rivet confides in Kit, revealing her traumatic experience of losing her arm to a Warbot attack—a revelation that strains their relationship. Meanwhile, Ratchet's efforts to alert Captain Quantum are foiled, resulting in the alternate Captain's banishment.

Emperor Nefarious' megalomaniacal ambitions intensify as he seeks dominion over multiple dimensions. Unbeknownst to him, Ratchet and Rivet observe his machinations through a concealed device, unveiling his pursuit of a Dimensional Map. This revelation propels them into action, culminating in a climactic showdown aboard Emperor Nefarious' flagship. The narrative crescendos as Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, and their allies join forces to challenge the tyrant's supremacy.

As the battle unfolds, Emperor Nefarious' towering power suit faces defeat, and Kit reenters the fray, assuming her Warbot form to confront the malevolent ruler. This unexpected turn of events strengthens their united front against Emperor Nefarious. Guided by their determination, the ensemble rallies to triumph over their adversary, ultimately sending Emperor Nefarious into a dimensional void.

Clank harnesses the Dimensionator's power to mend the fractured dimensions, averting the impending catastrophe. Rivet and Kit's fractured relationship finds reconciliation, and Ratchet extends an offer to embark on a new journey together. The tale concludes with a glimpse into the aftermath, as citizens dismantle the vestiges of Emperor Nefarious' reign. The narrative threads converge in a final tableau—a harmonious union of Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, Kit, and the indomitable Resistance—poised for new adventures that beckon on the horizon.

Development

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart emerged as a PlayStation 5 exclusive title, meticulously crafted by the talented developers at Insomniac Games. This entry took a departure from the development approach of previous games in the franchise. Unlike its predecessors, where development was led by the secondary team situated in North Carolina, "Rift Apart" was a collaborative effort encompassing the entire team from both studios.

Distinguished by its self-contained narrative, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart sought to cater to both seasoned aficionados of the series and newcomers. Positioned as a sequel to "Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus" and the 2016 remake, it seamlessly intertwined elements from its predecessors. The creative helm was guided by the adept hands of Creative Director Marcus Smith and Game Director Mike Daly.

Insomniac Games embarked on the development journey early on, equipped with PlayStation 5 development kits. The inception phase was marked by the pivotal question of striking a harmonious chord between longstanding devotees and potential players who may not have witnessed the series' earlier iterations. Creative Director Marcus Smith acknowledged this challenge.

The genesis of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was a product of iterative discussions, spurred by the unprecedented possibilities offered by next-generation hardware enhancements. Game Director Mike Daly underscored the game's exclusivity to PlayStation 5 and the ambition to leverage its capabilities fully. Their aspiration was to transcend previous boundaries and redefine the gameplay experience, capitalizing on the innovative architecture of the console. Daly highlighted the pivotal role played by the ultra-fast SSD in facilitating the creation of interdimensional rifts and swift world transitions, a profound transformation in game design.

The inspiration for dimensional travel and parallel worlds stemmed from diverse sources, with the 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life" serving as a catalyst for envisioning the game's direction. The notion of exploring an alternate dimension for Ratchet and Clank, particularly the hypothetical scenario of Ratchet without Clank, ignited the team's curiosity.

Notably, the game's traversal mechanics gleaned insights from past projects such as "Sunset Overdrive" and "Spider-Man (2018)". Building upon these experiences, the team seamlessly integrated various traversal elements to create a fluid and dynamic movement system.

The introduction of Rivet, a new character, was a testament to the team's exploration of alternate realities. Lead writer Lauren Mee and lead animator Lindsay Thompson conceived Rivet as a character shaped by the exigencies of her darker universe, exuding resilience and a distinct perspective. The multidimensional complexity was emphasized, eschewing simplistic duality in character portrayal. Rivet's character was defined by her strength, courage, and unique experiences, with Jennifer Hale's voice lending depth and authenticity. The departure of Jim Ward due to health reasons marked a transition in the role of Captain Qwark.

Technical innovations were paramount in crafting the gameplay experience. Post-launch, the game embraced a 4K-resolution Fidelity mode at 30 frames per second, complemented by two 60 frames per second modes – "Performance" and "Performance Ray-Tracing". These modes offered a blend of graphical fidelity and smooth motion. In addition, the game harnessed the potential of the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, Tempest Engine, and ray tracing hardware, empowering advanced haptic feedback, immersive 3D spatial audio, and real-time ray tracing effects. The console's enhanced capabilities allowed for a profusion of NPCs, enemies, visual effects, and interactive elements, elevating the in-game world. Furthermore, refined game design contributed to swift loading times, enriching the seamlessness of world transitions.

The pinnacle of achievement was marked by the "gone gold" status attained on May 13, 2021, signifying the game's readiness for physical production, while future enhancements would be seamlessly integrated through software updates.

Music

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart boasts an original musical score crafted primarily by the collaborative efforts of Mark Mothersbaugh and Wataru Hokoyama, notable composers in their respective fields. Renowned for his noteworthy contributions to musical compositions for notable works such as Hotel Transylvania, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Croods: A New Age, Mark Mothersbaugh was engaged in the early stages of the game's development. The creative minds at Insomniac Games aspired for a soundtrack that would resonate with a retro-futuristic ambience. This distinctive auditory objective not only shaped the direction of the sonic landscape but also guided the quest for the ideal composer capable of bringing this auditory vision to life.

In light of this aspiration, the team reached out to Mothersbaugh, who, after due consideration, embraced the opportunity to orchestrate music for the game. Mothersbaugh embarked on a path of sonic experimentation, employing an array of instruments including synthesizers to craft the intricate score. Melding diverse synthesized tones with orchestral cadences, Mothersbaugh succeeded in delivering a sonorous journey that exuded a cinematic essence, seamlessly aligning with the overarching creative vision upheld by the studio.

Release

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart made its global debut on June 11, 2021, under the publication of Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game's unveiling took place during the PlayStation 5 reveal event on June 11, 2020. At Gamescom's Opening Night Live on August 27, 2020, Insomniac Games showcased a 7-minute gameplay demonstration of the title. On February 11, 2021, Insomniac Games revealed several pre-order editions for the game. The standard edition offers an enhanced rendition of the Carbonox armor from "Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando," along with the Pixelizer weapon from "Ratchet & Clank" (2016). Meanwhile, the digital deluxe edition encompasses five distinct armor sets, a sticker collection tailored for the novel Photo Mode, 20 Raritanium units intended for weapon upgrades, and a digital compilation of the soundtrack and artbook. During Sony's State of Play presentation on April 29, 2021, an extensive 16-minute gameplay trailer was unveiled.

Subsequently, on May 30, 2023, news surfaced of the game's imminent PC release, subsequently launched on July 26. This version boasts support for ultra widescreen displays and incorporates raytracing technology.

Reception

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart garnered "generally favorable reviews," as indicated by the consensus on the Metacritic review aggregator platform. IGN's Jonathon Dornbush lauded the game's visuals, highlighting the animations and intricate models that contributed to a heightened expressiveness among the entire cast. He went on to commend the narrative quality, likening it to the standards of animated films and favorably comparing it to the emotional storytelling prowess of Pixar. Dornbush emphasized the narrative's ability to seamlessly blend emotional depth with outstanding comedy.

Kyle Orland from Ars Technica found the combat in the game to be a strong suit, appreciating the fundamental gameplay loop of engaging in shootouts and evading enemy projectiles. While noting room for improvement in terms of enemy variety, Orland acknowledged the effective utilization of different enemy combinations. However, he critiqued the utilization of rifts in gameplay, citing an underutilization of this feature throughout a significant portion of the game.

Chris Carter of Destructoid lauded the game's presentation, drawing parallels between the game's visual quality and the standards set by playable content from Pixar. Carter commended both the voice acting performances and the accompanying soundtrack. He also expressed satisfaction with the reduced loading times enabled by the new hardware and praised the seamless integration of the DualSense controller mechanics within Rift Apart's gameplay.

Game Informer's Andrew Reiner extended praise towards the game's visuals, particularly highlighting the intricately designed environments that captivated the player's gaze and elicited emotional investment in the characters. Notably, Reiner celebrated the inclusion of the Rift Tether feature, attributing its presence to an elevated gameplay experience. He noted how the feature consistently surprised players with the stark contrasts between different in-game worlds.

In a highly positive review, Polygon's Ryan Gilliam lauded Rift Apart as an impressive title that effectively harnessed the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 hardware. Gilliam emphasized the game's standing as a valuable addition to a longstanding franchise, offering players an array of whimsical weapons, clever writing, and diverse biomes to explore.

Steve Watts of GameSpot delivered a positive review, highlighting the game's exceptional presentation, innovative weaponry, and fluid controls. Watts praised the flashy and technically impressive nature of "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart," alluding to its ability to captivate players without veering into an overly self-important demeanor.

Sales

In the United Kingdom, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart achieved the distinction of being the second most notable launch within the series, trailing behind the 2016 remake. The game's reception was marked by securing the second largest physical launch for a PlayStation 5 title, with the premier spot claimed by another creation from Insomniac Games, the launch offering Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The momentum of sales in the United Kingdom remained robust during the subsequent weeks following its debut.

In the Japanese market, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart garnered notable attention, securing the position of the third best-selling retail game in its inaugural week of availability. During this timeframe, approximately 14,663 physical units were sold across the nation. Meanwhile, in the United States, the game achieved the distinction of being the highest selling video game software throughout the entirety of its release month.

Remarkably, the cumulative sales figures for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart surpassed the milestone of 1.1 million units by the time July 2021 arrived.

Accolades

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has been recognized and celebrated within the gaming industry through a series of prestigious awards and nominations. Notably, at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards held on November 17, 2021, the game's original score earned the esteemed title of Best Original Score in the Video Game category, underscoring its remarkable musical composition.

The Golden Joystick Awards, which transpired on November 23, 2021, further solidified the game's acclaim. It secured victory in the category of Best Visual Design, a testament to the game's striking and visually captivating aesthetics. Additionally, Jennifer Hale's portrayal of Rivet, a central character, garnered a nomination for Best Performer, showcasing the game's commitment to exceptional voice acting. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart received nominations in the coveted categories of PlayStation Game of the Year and Ultimate Game of the Year, solidifying its position among the industry's top-tier titles.

The accolades continued to pour in at The Game Awards on December 9, 2021. While not securing the win, the game earned nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Audio Design, Best Action-Adventure Game, Best Game Direction, and Innovation in Accessibility. Furthermore, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart received a nomination for the highly coveted Game of the Year award, a testament to its overall excellence and impact.

In recognition of its exceptional achievements, the game triumphed at the D.I.C.E. Awards on February 24, 2022. It clinched victory in the categories of Outstanding Achievement in Animation, Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction, and Outstanding Technical Achievement. The game was also recognized as the Family Game of the Year, underscoring its appeal to a wide audience. Nominations were secured for Outstanding Achievement in Character, Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design, Outstanding Achievement in Game Design, and Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction, in addition to a nomination for Game of the Year.

The Visual Effects Society Awards, held on March 8, 2022, acknowledged the game's prowess with a nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Real-Time Project, highlighting its visual innovation and technical excellence.

Further recognition was bestowed upon the game at the Annie Awards on March 12, 2022, where it emerged victorious in the category of Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Video Game. This acknowledgment underscored the game's meticulous attention to character animation and its contribution to immersive storytelling.

At the Game Developers Choice Awards on March 23, 2022, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart demonstrated its artistic and technical brilliance by securing victories in the categories of Best Visual Art and Best Technology. These accolades were a testament to the game's exceptional design and cutting-edge technology. 

The British Academy Games Awards, held on April 7, 2022, recognized the game's multifaceted achievements. While a winner was not declared, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart secured nominations for Best Game, Animation, Artistic Achievement, Family Game, Game Design, Music, Technical Achievement, and Performer in a Leading Role (Jennifer Hale as Rivet). These nominations highlighted the game's outstanding contributions across various aspects of gaming excellence.

Finally, the game's impact was acknowledged at the British Academy Children's Awards on November 27, 2022, where it earned a nomination in the Game category, a testament to its influence on younger audiences.