Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart — Quick Verdict
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart — Quick Verdict
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart stands as one of the most polished and visually impressive action-platformers of the PS5 generation. It delivers a near-perfect blend of fast-paced combat, creative weapon design, and next-gen presentation, even if its story and length feel slightly restrained.
At a Glance — Key Ratings Summary
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| Metacritic (PS5) | 88/100 |
| IGN | 9/10 |
| OpenCritic | 88% Recommended |
| ESRB Rating | E10+ |
| PEGI Rating | 7 |
| UK Age Rating | PEGI 7 |
| User Score (Metacritic) | 8.7 |
Who Should Read This Review?
If you enjoy cinematic PlayStation exclusives, you may also like Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and the exploration-focused expansion in Ghost of Tsushima Iki Island, both offering similarly polished single-player experiences.
- PS5 owners considering a top-tier exclusive
- Parents checking age-appropriate content
- PC gamers evaluating the 2023 port
- Fans of classic action-platformer franchises
Game Overview — What Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?
The franchise has a long-running legacy in PlayStation history, evolving over multiple console generations and spin-offs. More details about its origins and development can be found on Ratchet & Clank Wikipedia
Basic Game Information
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a fast-paced, story-driven action-platformer developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It continues the long-running franchise with a multiverse-focused narrative that introduces new characters while preserving the series’ signature humor and explosive combat.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Developer | Insomniac Games |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Platform(s) | PS5 (2021), PC (2023) |
| Genre | Action-Platformer, Third-Person Shooter |
| Game Modes | Single-player only |
| Multiplayer / Co-op | No |
| Is It 2-Player? | No |
Age Rating Breakdown
The game is designed to be family-friendly while still engaging for older players.
- ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and up)
- PEGI: 7 (UK & Europe)
- Content: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Parent Verdict: Safe for kids, enjoyable for teens and adults
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart — Full Review (PS5)
First Impressions — A PS5 Showpiece
From the opening moments, Rift Apart immediately positions itself as a technical masterpiece. The near-instant dimension shifting, seamless loading, and cinematic presentation highlight the power of the PS5 SSD.
The game feels like a playable animated movie, with Pixar-level visuals, dense environments, and smooth motion that rarely drops in quality. The DualSense controller further enhances immersion, with adaptive triggers changing resistance based on weapon type and haptic feedback making explosions feel physically impactful.
Storyline — Does It Hold Up?
The story introduces Rivet and Kit, alternate-universe counterparts to Ratchet and Clank. This multiverse twist adds emotional depth and fresh perspectives to the narrative.
While the plot is not overly complex, it successfully balances humor, heart, and light emotional storytelling. The relationship development between Rivet and Kit is especially memorable and adds weight to the otherwise lighthearted tone.
Gameplay — Core Mechanics Reviewed
Gameplay remains the strongest aspect of the entire experience. Players who enjoyed RPG-driven decision systems and futuristic combat design in Cyberpunk 2077 will appreciate Rift Apart’s fast-paced weapon switching and cinematic combat flow, even though it focuses more on linear platforming than open-world mechanics.
Key highlights include:
- Over-the-top weapon variety (gravity guns, ricochet blasters, vortex tools)
- Fluid movement system with dodge, jump, and grind rails
- Dimensional rift mechanics for instant traversal and combat repositioning
- Deep weapon upgrade system encouraging experimentation
Combat feels fast, responsive, and satisfying. Every encounter encourages creative weapon switching, making fights dynamic rather than repetitive.
Graphics & Performance (PS5)
Rift Apart is one of the best visual showcases on PS5.
Available modes:
- Performance Mode: 60 FPS smooth gameplay
- Fidelity Mode: 4K with ray tracing
- Performance RT Mode: Balanced visuals and frame rate
Loading times are practically nonexistent, reinforcing the next-gen experience. Environmental detail, lighting effects, and particle density remain consistently impressive throughout.
Audio & Music
The soundtrack blends energetic orchestral themes with sci-fi tones that match the game’s universe perfectly. Voice acting is consistently strong, with Rivet and Clank standing out for emotional delivery.
DualSense audio feedback adds another immersive layer, making weapon firing, explosions, and environmental effects feel more alive than traditional controller setups.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart — PC Review
PC Port Quality Assessment
The PC version, developed by Nixxes Software, is a strong and well-optimized port. It includes modern features such as:
- DLSS and FSR support
- Ultra-wide resolution compatibility
- Advanced ray tracing options
- High frame rate unlocks
At launch, some players reported minor stuttering, but post-launch patches significantly improved performance stability.
PC System Requirements
| Tier | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Ryzen 5 3600 / i5-8600K | RX 5700 / RTX 2070 | 16 GB | 75 GB SSD |
| Recommended | Ryzen 5 5600X / i7-8700K | RX 6800 XT / RTX 3080 | 16 GB | 75 GB NVMe SSD |
| Ultra (4K RT) | Ryzen 9 5900X / i9-9900K | RTX 4090 / RX 7900 XTX | 32 GB | 75 GB NVMe SSD |
PC Version — Verdict vs. PS5
The PC version offers superior graphical customization and higher FPS potential. However, PS5 still delivers the most seamless plug-and-play experience with zero setup required.
Both versions are excellent depending on hardware preference.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Ratings — Critic & Community Breakdown
Metacritic Score Analysis
The PS5 version holds an 88/100 Metascore, placing it in the “Universal Acclaim” category. It remains one of the highest-rated PS5 exclusives due to its technical excellence and polished gameplay.
IGN Rating — What Critics Said
IGN awarded the game 9/10, praising:
- Visual fidelity and world design
- Weapon creativity and combat flow
- Smooth PS5 performance
Criticism mainly targets its short campaign length and familiar franchise structure.
Reddit Community Verdict
Community feedback across gaming forums is largely positive.
Common Praise:
- “Best-looking PS5 game so far”
- “Insanely fun combat loop”
- “Rivet is a great addition”
Common Criticism:
- Short runtime
- Limited innovation for veterans
Overall consensus: highly recommended, especially for PS5 owners.
Pros and Cons — Honest Assessment
What Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Does Right
- Stunning next-gen visuals and animation
- Highly enjoyable combat system
- Excellent DualSense integration
- Strong new character introductions
- Extremely fast load times
- Family-friendly experience
Where It Falls Short
- Short campaign length
- No multiplayer or co-op
- Light story depth for some players
- Limited innovation for long-time fans
How Long Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?
Time to Beat — All Completion Tiers
| Playstyle | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Main Story Only | 10–12 hours |
| Main + Side Content | 14–17 hours |
| 100% Completion | 20–25 hours |
Is the Length Worth the Price?
Although relatively short, the game compensates with high production value, replayability through Challenge Mode, and tightly designed gameplay. It is best described as a “premium compact experience” rather than a long RPG.
Multiplayer & Co-op — Can You Play With Friends?
Is Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Multiplayer?
No, the game is strictly single-player.
- Multiplayer mode: ❌ Not available
- Co-op mode: ❌ Not supported
- 2-player option: ❌ Not included
The entire design focuses on delivering a cinematic solo adventure.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — Platform Availability
PS5 vs. PC vs. PS4 — Which Version to Get?
| Platform | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 | Yes | Best overall experience |
| PC | Yes | Highly customizable graphics |
| PS4 | No | Not released |
PC Release Date
The PC version launched on July 26, 2023 via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Final Verdict — Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Worth It?
If you prefer long-form RPG progression, you might enjoy alternatives like Cyberpunk 2077, while fans of tightly scripted cinematic storytelling will find Rift Apart closer in design philosophy to modern PlayStation exclusives like Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.
Summary Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Graphics | 10/10 |
| Gameplay | 9/10 |
| Story | 7.5/10 |
| Value / Length | 7/10 |
| Overall | 88/100 |
Who Should Buy It?
This game is ideal for:
- PS5 owners looking for a premium exclusive
- Fans of action-platformers and sci-fi shooters
- Families wanting safe, polished gameplay
Skip it if you prefer:
- Multiplayer-focused experiences
- Long RPG-style campaigns with deep systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the rating of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?
ESRB E10+ and PEGI 7.
Is Rift Apart on PS4?
No, it is PS5 and PC only.
Is Rift Apart multiplayer?
No, it is single-player only.
How long does it take to beat Rift Apart?
Around 10–25 hours depending on playstyle.
What is its Metacritic score?
88/100 on PS5.
Is it available on PC?
Yes, since July 2023.
Final Word
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart remains one of the most visually stunning and mechanically polished action-platformers of its generation. While its length and narrative depth may not satisfy everyone, its gameplay excellence and technical achievements make it a standout PS5 and PC title worth experiencing.
