Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Review Roundup Praises The Franchise's 'Best Game'

It's time for the scores on the doors, as the review embargo on Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has finally lifted. As Sony heads into a new era of gaming, the PlayStation 5-exclusive is set to be one of 2021's big games. Although God of War: Ragnarok has sadly been pushed to 2022, there are hopes Horizon Forbidden West could join Rift Apart as one of the console's best exclusives this year.

Everyone's favourite Lombax and that clattering bucket of bolts are back for more, but this time, there's a whole multiverse of trouble. With Doctor Nefarious putting his most devilish scheme ever into play, our titular duo is split up and Clank finds a new friend in the form of a female Lombax called Rivet.

It already looked like Rift Apart was leaning into the PS5's next-gen capabilities, but what does the Ratchet and Clank reviews roundup say about this bold journey into the unknown? Well, by all accounts, it's the best game in the series and is channelling some serious Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time vibes.

Ratchet and Clank review roundup - what have the experts said?

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Steve Watts - GameSpot

"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is flashy and technically impressive without feeling self-important. It's just as silly, sweet, and earnest as the Ratchet & Clank series tends to be, while the new generation of hardware makes this entry look and play better than ever.

"Like the heroes and villains and their dimensional counterparts, this one may appear different or carry itself with a new accent, but there's an underlying truth to the person underneath. At its core, it's still your trusty old pals on another grand space adventure. That's what's important."

Tony Polanco - PC Gamer

"Taking full advantage of PlayStation 5’s capabilities, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the definition of a next-gen title. It impresses with stunning visuals, immersive audio, clever haptic feedback, and enjoyable characters and locales. Although Rift Apart continues the previous games' narratives, it is an excellent jumping-on point for newcomers. Simply put, Rift Apart is a must-own title for PS5 owners, and an Editors' Choice pick."

Kyle Knight - DualShockers

"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart seamlessly integrates the new with the old, keeping the classic elements that fans know and love, whilst introducing new gameplay features to keep the series fresh.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Rift Apart has got the potential to be one of the biggest games of the year. Not only is it visually phenomenal, but the combat is fluid and the story is gripping. It’s everything you could want from a Ratchet & Clank game, plus more."

Ryan Gilliam - Polygon

"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart works on multiple levels. It’s an extremely impressive piece of software, designed to show off what Sony’s latest console can do. But more importantly, it’s a great entry in a nearly two-decade-old franchise, offering fans more wacky weapons, clever writing, and fresh biomes to explore. 

"Rift Apart is an easy recommendation for any player lucky enough to get their hands on a PS5, for fans who can’t get enough of Insomniac’s heroic Lombax and his charming robot friend, and for players who want to meet a brave, new Lombax and go on an adventure with her, too."

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Vic Hood - TechRadar

"While the story’s premise isn’t overly original, there are some neat twists throughout, and the characters help to take it to the next level. Those who have already played previous games in the series will know of Ratchet’s quest to find the Lombaxes, but it's particularly moving to find that he has finally found another Lombax, only to have them split into different dimensions.

"What we also found particularly endearing is that Insomniac isn’t afraid to highlight character’s vulnerabilities –allowing us to connect with them more. However, that’s also why the jump back and forth between protagonists can be frustrating, as it makes that gradual connection feel a bit disjointed at times."

Tuffcub - TheSixthAxis

"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the PlayStation 5 showcase you have been waiting for. Instantaneous travel to worlds thanks to the SSD, thumping 3D audio, ray tracing through the gorgeous levels, and clever use of the DualSense bring the many locations to life. Paired with classic Ratchet & Clank gameplay, this game is a riotous feast of explosions, platforming, and fast-paced action."

William Hughes - AV Club

"As a dimension-hopping adventure, Rift Apart might leave something to be desired. But as a reunion with one of gaming’s most energetically silly franchises, after so many years away, there are worse things you could wish for than the same old Ratchet And Clank."

Jonathan Dornbush - IGN

"Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is a stunner. It not only gives the latest generation of consoles a game that looks as beautiful as the improved tech promised, but it’s also a fantastic experience to play. Insomniac has been around the Ratchet and Clank block plenty of times before, but Rivet and other new characters add so much charm, wit, and heart to a franchise I’ve loved for most of my life.

"That’s coupled with series-best action-platforming gameplay and incredible art and sound design across the board. Rift Apart may not be the biggest adventure around, but its big heart, wild weapons, and incredible detail easily make it one of the most memorable of the year so far."

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So there we have it. More than just a quick cash-grab that's flogging a fan-favourite franchise for all it's worth, it sounds like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is one of the first titles to really make the most of the PS5's next-gen credentials. Combining our furry friend and his metal mate with some new heroes and heart, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart sounds like it's one to watch in 2021.

Images via Sony Interactive Entertainment