Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is an action adventure game and the next installment in a popular series launched in 2002 on the PlayStation 2. Rift Apart tells the story of the titular duo's new adventure, who are sent to an alternate reality due to an unfortunate turn of events. It was initially exclusive to the PlayStation 5, but in time it also received a PC version. It was developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Plot

Rift Apart is set after Into the Nexus. The main protagonists are, as usual, Ratchet and his robotic friend Clank. During a battle against Doctor Nefarious, the duo's arch-enemy, Ratchet accidentally destroys a device used for interdimensional travel. Its destruction causes catastrophic space-time anomalies all over the world. Alternate realities start overlapping, creating portals to other dimensions. The main characters end up falling into one such portal, ending up in another world. They soon learn it's a dystopian realm ruled by Doctor Nefarious. Joining forces with Rivet, a resistance fighter, they decide to overthrow Nefarious, put an end to the anomalies and find a way back home.

Mechanics

Gameplay-wise, Rift Apart doesn't make any drastic changes from the rest of the series. The game is still a cross between a third-person shooter and a platformer. By fighting enemies and exploring levels players acquire bolts they can spend on new weapons. As per series tradition, the weapon roster is extremely diverse. We'll get to wield plasma pistols, double-barreled shotguns, cluster grenades or sprinklers that turn enemies into plants. Apart from Ratchet, there's also a second playable character - Rivet, who faces different stages and challenges.

The biggest change introduced in Rift Apart is the greatly increased mobility of the main characters. Ratchet and Rivet can double jump and grapple themselves to anchor points. There's also wall running and a dash that makes them briefly invulnerable. There are space-time rifts on the combat arenas the player can use to teleport around the map and flank enemies. There are also plenty of boss fights, during which the protagonists travel between worlds, changing the battlefield mid-combat.

Thanks to the DualSense controller's adaptive triggers, many weapons have alternate firing modes. For example, partially pressing the trigger results in singular, accurate pistol shots. Pressing it fully unloads an automatic burst. When wielding a double-barreled shotgun we can press the trigger partially to fire from a single barrel, or press it fully to unload both barrels at once, increasing damage and reload time.

While exploring the levels of Rift Apart we'll often run into pocket dimensions, functioning as extra stages. Although not all of them are required, completing them grants us additional rewards. The game contains a lot of optional content, such as puzzles, arena battles against enemy hordes and challenges, during which we control vehicles.

Game modes

Rift Apart is only playable in singleplayer.

Technical aspects

The visuals of Rift Apart are downright stunning. The worlds visited throughout the game are beautiful, extremely detailed and vibrant. The game takes full advantage of the PS5's capabilities and allows frequent, smooth transition between different realms without loading screens. The artstyle makes the game look like a top-tier animated film. Rift Apart also uses 3D audio to further increase immersion.