Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart builds its entire gameplay around rifts between dimensions. Doctor Nefarious seizes a device capable of opening passages to parallel worlds, and the heroic duo find themselves in a reality where evil has won. Alongside Ratchet, the lead role is shared with Rivet, a Lombax from another dimension with her own story and tone, and the game smoothly switches between the two characters. The result is a colorful interstellar ride that isn't afraid to be, above all, fun and easy to follow.

The foundation stays true to the series: a crazy arsenal that upgrades with use, from a rocket launcher through a weapon that turns enemies into plants to a portable turret. Combat is fast, built on constant circling around groups of enemies and switching weapons to match the situation, and a short dash adds new dynamism to movement. Rifts function as part of both combat and platforming sections, since you can be pulled toward them and instantly appear on the other side of an arena. Between the action come more logic-based puzzles with the robot Glitch and calmer sections with Clank. Collectibles, armor, and bolts hidden off the main path reward attentive players and encourage revisiting already-explored levels.

The game was presented as a title that couldn't have been made on the previous console, and instant jumps between entire worlds without loading really proved it. On top of that come ray-traced reflections, several graphics modes, and quality voice acting with animation good enough that the game can be followed almost like an animated film. Orchestral music underlines the adventurous tone, while adaptive triggers split every weapon into two firing modes. Reviewers praised the technical side, the humor, and Rivet as a new character; more critical voices noted that it's a very safe sequel without major surprises. Today it's one of the best-looking family-friendly titles on the console. For families, it's also one of the few major exclusives where you can hand off the controller without worrying about the content.