Hey all! Today I’m sharing my cozy corner take on Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PC. If you want an action-packed ride full of bright worlds, lovable characters, and playful sci-fi silliness, this one’s worth a look. I jumped in fresh—no nostalgia needed—but longtime fans tell me it feels like the perfect step forward for the series. Here’s how it all played out in my gamepad hands.
Overall Impressions
Rift Apart shines with seamless dimension-hopping that whisks you between worlds in seconds, creating jaw-dropping transitions that feel magical. The game thrives on its creative arsenal, from quirky sheep launchers to bubbly crowd-control weapons, all boosted by fun upgrades. Ratchet’s humor, Clank’s charm, and Rivet’s fresh energy give every cutscene personality.
Still, there are a few hiccups. The campaign wraps up in about 10–12 hours, which may leave completionists craving more. Some side plots drag a bit during collectible hunts, but these dips are minor compared to the overall thrill. Even with its shorter length, the visuals, gameplay, and characters make it a standout adventure.
This game sets a new bar for 3D action-platformers. It blends seamless traversal, polished combat, and the humor fans love. Streamlined but heartfelt, it’s a must-play for the genre.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat feels fast and fluid. Swapping weapons mid-battle is seamless, keeping fights exciting. Standout tools like the Enforcer shotgun pack power without feeling unfair, while raritanium upgrades boost damage, fire rate, and effects. Exploration is rewarding, with the Rift Tether adding humor and strategy by pulling enemies or objects across space.
Not everything clicks. Spider Bot sections feel more like diversions than must-play features. Some balance quirks also appear, especially for players uneasy with firearms. Thankfully, lowering the difficulty or leaning on melee combat smooths things out, letting all play styles enjoy the game.
Standout moment: sneaking up on a squad of bots, hitting a Rift Tether, and watching them slam into an exploding crystal field. Pure chaos, pure joy.
Story and Characters
The story mixes heart with humor. Ratchet’s journey explores themes of loss and identity while still keeping things light. Rivet’s debut brings wit and warmth, hinting at a bigger role ahead. Meanwhile, Dr. Nefarious delivers over-the-top comedy with his cartoonish design and dramatic speeches.
World-building also shines. From neon cityscapes to overgrown jungles and crystal fields, each setting feels distinct and vibrant. The lore blends smoothly into the action, balancing emotional storytelling with colorful exploration.
Visuals and Graphics
The game dazzles with vibrant colors—lush greens, glowing purples, and golden sunsets made brighter by ray tracing. Small details, like Ratchet’s fur or Clank’s metallic shine, add life when running at smooth framerates.
The art style balances cartoon fun with cinematic polish. It feels like a Saturday morning show infused with cutting-edge effects, making Rift Apart one of the most striking action-platformers to date.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack matches the adventure perfectly. Epic orchestral pieces pump up boss fights, while funky city beats and serene forest melodies give each world its own vibe. The music never fades into the background—it becomes part of the journey.
Voice acting is top-notch. James Arnold Taylor and David Kaye bring Ratchet and Clank to life, while Tiffany Smith gives Rivet her spark. Fun touches, like Big Head mode carrying into cutscenes, add extra laughs. Together, the performances and audio design make the game as much a treat for the ears as the eyes.
Difficulty and Replayability
The difficulty strikes a sweet balance. Normal mode keeps fights fun without frustration, while New Game+ and Challenge Mode raise the stakes for thrill seekers. Hidden rifts, collectibles, and holo-challenges also add replay depth.
There’s plenty of reason to dive back in after the credits. Chasing 100% completion, testing new weapon builds, or tackling tougher modes ensures lasting replay value. Many fans agree—it’s “not too easy, not too hard.”
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes
Insomniac built Rift Apart to showcase the PS5’s SSD, making instant dimension warps possible. Big Head mode started as a motion capture bug but became a fan-favorite feature. Rivet’s personality was shaped by Tiffany Smith’s voice work, cementing her as one of the game’s best additions.
Final Thoughts
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a dazzling mix of action, humor, and heart. The campaign is short and has minor pacing dips, but the fun factor more than makes up for it. With seamless gameplay, vibrant worlds, and a wild weapon roster, it feels both fresh and nostalgic.
It’s perfect for fans of action-adventure platformers, players who enjoy lighthearted but polished romps, and anyone who loves collecting and upgrading outrageous gear. The game balances accessibility and depth, making it enjoyable for both casual players and completionists.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
That’s it from me! Whether you’re a long-time Lombax fan or a curious newcomer, Rift Apart offers a bright, bouncy, and budget-friendly blast. Happy gaming!
