Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review – An Amazing PS5 Exclusive Comes To PC

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the latest entry in Sony’s beloved Ratchet & Clank series, offering an exciting blend of third-person shooter and action platformer gameplay. Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, it has now joined the list of past Sony exclusives that have been ported to PC, expanding its reach to attract new players

In this review, we’ll cover everything you can expect from the game, both on PC and PlayStation 5, helping you decide whether it’s worth picking up in 2023.

Story And Setting

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’s story is captivating, rich with emotion, and deftly explores themes of identity and sacrifice. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions with one another provide moments of both laughter and poignancy. The plot twists are masterfully executed and will leave players on the edge of their seats.

The story takes place in a vibrant and diverse universe where our beloved Lombax hero Ratchet and his trusty robotic sidekick Clank are once again faced with an intergalactic threat. This time, the duo once again find themselves battling the notorious Dr. Nefarious, whose evil schemes have once more thrown the universe into chaos.

As the game begins, our protagonists are participating in a festive parade celebrating their past victories over Dr. Nefarious. However, the villainous doctor crashes the party and unveils a dimension-splitting device, intending to wreak havoc across the multiverse. In a desperate attempt to stop him, Ratchet and Clank confront the villain, only to be separated across dimensions. Now, they must now navigate through various worlds to find each other once more.

Over the course of the game, players take control of both Ratchet and a new Lombax character named Rivet, who hails from another dimension. Rivet is a resourceful and skilled fighter, and her character introduces fresh perspectives and gameplay mechanics to the story.

As the adventure unfolds, players will traverse through stunning and diverse landscapes across different dimensions. They’ll encounter a wide range of characters, from charming allies to fearsome foes, each playing a significant role in the unfolding events. Along the way, Ratchet and Rivet must confront their own personal struggles, adding depth and emotion to the overall narrative.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart weaves an engaging and unpredictable storyline that keeps players invested until the very end.

As the heroes travel through various dimensions, they uncover the true intentions of Emperor Nefarious and the dire consequences of his actions. Their journey becomes a race against time to prevent the entire multiverse from collapsing under the weight of dimensional instability.

Without revealing too much, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart weaves an engaging and unpredictable storyline that keeps players invested until the very end. The game showcases the enduring power of friendship, courage, and determination, proving once again why the Ratchet & Clank franchise has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.

Gameplay

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart introduces several innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from its predecessors and other action-adventure games. These mechanics are designed to enhance the player’s experience and offer a seamless and engaging journey through the multiverse. So without further ado, let’s delve into the specific gameplay mechanics, starting with the elephant in the room, the dimensional rifts.

The central gameplay mechanic in Rift Apart revolves around these rifts, and they act as portals that allow Ratchet and Rivet to seamlessly transition between different dimensions. They not only serve as a narrative device but also introduce dynamic gameplay elements. Players can use these rifts strategically to access new areas, solve puzzles, and escape from dangerous situations. The real-time switching between dimensions during combat adds depth and variety to battles, keeping players on their toes and creating exciting encounters.

Players control two protagonists over the course of the game, each with their own unique abilities and perspectives. Ratchet maintains his signature arsenal of wacky weapons, while Rivet brings her own set of gadgets and moves to the table. Players alternate between the two characters throughout the game, expanding the gameplay possibilities and offering fresh gameplay experiences. Rivet’s presence not only enhances the story but also diversifies the combat encounters and exploration mechanics.

Being one of the first 1st party titles on the PlayStation 5, Rift Apart also takes full advantage of the DualSense controller’s capabilities in order to enhance its gameplay experience.

That brings us to the weapons that both Ratchet and Rivet have access to. Ratchet & Clank games are known for their imaginative weaponry, and Rift Apart doesn’t disappoint in that department. The game features an array of colorful and powerful weapons, each with its own upgrade tree. Players earn experience points by defeating enemies, which they can then invest in upgrading their favorite weapons to unlock new functionalities and increased firepower. This system encourages experimentation, as players can tailor their arsenal to suit their playstyle and adapt to different combat scenarios.

Alongside new weapon upgrades, the game also features the return of Hoverboots, which grant Ratchet and Rivet newfound mobility. These boots allow the characters to hover over terrain, making traversal more fluid and thrilling. Additionally, wall running mechanics have been incorporated into the game, adding parkour-style movement to the action sequences. These features not only make exploration more enjoyable but also play a role in solving environmental puzzles, making for a more interactive experience.

Speaking of puzzles, whenever Ratchet and Clank are separated, players control Clank, who engages in puzzle-solving sequences. Clank’s gameplay revolves around manipulating time and using his abilities to navigate through mind-bending challenges. These puzzle sections provide a refreshing change of pace and showcase Clank’s intellect as an essential part of the duo’s dynamic.

Being one of the first 1st party titles on the PlayStation 5, Rift Apart also takes full advantage of the DualSense controller’s capabilities in order to enhance its gameplay experience. The game utilizes haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to provide players with a heightened sense of immersion. Each weapon’s unique firing mechanism is accompanied by distinct tactile feedback, making the combat feel more impactful and realistic. The adaptive triggers offer varying resistance based on the weapon being used, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay experience.

All in all, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’s gameplay mechanics work in tandem to create an engaging and immersive experience. The combination of dimensional rifts, dual protagonists, upgradable weapons, mobility-enhancing features, and next-gen hardware integration make it a standout title that continues to push the boundaries of the action-adventure genre.

Visuals And Performance

The game’s graphics are simply jaw-dropping, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable on current hardware. Each world is meticulously crafted with an attention to detail that immerses players into a vivid and vibrant universe. The diverse environments, from bustling cityscapes to lush natural landscapes, are awe-inspiring and truly showcase the capabilities of modern gaming technology.

In terms of performance, the game runs smoothly, maintaining a consistent 60 FPS frame rate, which is crucial for an immersive experience. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy for both newcomers and long-time fans to pick up and play. 

Each world is meticulously crafted with an attention to detail that immerses players into a vivid and vibrant universe.

On the PC side of things, the haptic feedback from the PS5 version remains intact with native support for the DualSense controller. Dimensions are also loaded near instantly thanks to Direct Storage, and even on an HDD, load times are minimal. However, some players have been reporting occasional crashes. Overall, this is one of the better PC ports put out by Nixxes, even if I did encounter a crash or two.

Verdict

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a noteworthy addition to the series. It skillfully combines over-the-top gameplay, impressive visuals, and an engaging narrative to create an immersive gaming experience. The title manages to exceed expectations, offering a captivating journey that explores new dimensions while maintaining the essence of the series.

The interactions between Ratchet and Clank, the iconic duo, remain a key aspect of the game, infusing it once more with a charming and lighthearted dynamic. The combat mechanics are as satisfying as ever, boasting a diverse selection of creative weapons that can be upgraded for greater impact.

Developed with ingenuity and passion, Rift Apart stands as a compelling title for gaming enthusiasts and is likely to be revered as a classic in the years to come. Regardless of whether players are long-time fans or newcomers to the franchise, this unforgettable adventure is not one to be overlooked.

This has been our Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review. While you’re here, consider checking out some of our other articles. 

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