Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart PS5 Review – 7 Powerful Reasons It’s a Next-Gen Masterpiece
Key Takeaways
- A true next-gen showcase built from the ground up for PS5
- Near-instant loading makes dimension hopping feel magical
- Stunning Pixar-level visuals with buttery-smooth performance
- Fun, creative weapons that never get old
- A surprisingly heartfelt story with a lovable new hero
- Perfect for both longtime fans and total newcomers
- One of the best PS5 exclusives you can play right now
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on PS5 is a fast, funny, and visually jaw-dropping action platformer that fully shows what next-gen gaming can do. With instant loading, creative weapons, and a charming story, it’s a must-play for PlayStation fans.
A Personal First Impression
The first time I booted up Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, I wasn’t ready. Not emotionally. Not visually. Not spiritually.
Within minutes, I was jumping between dimensions like it was no big deal—while my brain was still stuck thinking, “Wait… didn’t this used to take loading screens?” As someone who’s played video games for years (and has stared at more loading bars than I’d like to admit), this felt like a tiny miracle.
This isn’t just another Ratchet & Clank game. This is Insomniac flexing—politely, but very confidently.
What Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a third-person action-platformer developed by Insomniac Games and exclusive to the PlayStation 5. It continues the long-running Ratchet & Clank series while also acting as a soft reboot for new players.
The Core Idea
- Jump between different dimensions
- Use wild, over-the-top weapons
- Explore colorful alien worlds
- Stop a villain who broke reality (oops)
Simple on paper. Mind-blowing in motion.
A Story That’s Fun and Surprisingly Emotional
I came for the explosions. I stayed for the feelings.
Old Friends, New Faces
Ratchet and Clank are as charming as ever, but the real star here is Rivet, a brand-new Lombax from another dimension.
She’s:
- Tough but awkward
- Brave but insecure
- Instantly lovable
Her story about self-doubt and responsibility actually hit harder than expected. I didn’t sign up for character growth… but I’ll take it.
The Villain Problem (In a Good Way)
Doctor Nefarious is back, and yes, he’s still ridiculous. But there’s also an alternate version of him who’s genuinely intimidating. The mix of humor and real stakes works surprisingly well.
Gameplay That Feels Smooth and Smart
Classic Platforming, Modern Feel
If you’ve played Ratchet & Clank before, you’ll feel right at home. Jumping, dashing, wall-running—it’s all here and tighter than ever.
Combat That Never Gets Boring
Weapons are still the heart of the game, and wow, Insomniac went wild this time.
Some highlights:
- A gun that turns enemies into topiary statues
- A sprinkler weapon that makes enemies dance
- A shotgun that feels way too powerful (in a good way)
Why the Weapons Work
- Every gun feels unique
- Upgrades actually matter
- You’re encouraged to experiment
I caught myself switching weapons constantly, not because I had to—but because I wanted to.
DualSense Controller: Not Just a Gimmick
I’ll admit it. I usually turn off fancy controller features. But here? I left them on.
Adaptive Triggers
- Half-press fires one mode
- Full-press fires another
It sounds small, but it adds real depth during combat.
Haptic Feedback
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You feel:
- Raindrops
- Explosions
- The hum of different weapons
It’s subtle, but once you notice it, it’s hard to go back.
Graphics and Performance: Pure Eye Candy
Visuals That Feel Like a Movie
This game looks like a playable animated film.
- Ultra-detailed character models
- Bright, colorful worlds
- Insane particle effects
I stopped more than once just to spin the camera around like, “Yeah… this is my life now.”
Performance Modes Explained
| Mode | Resolution | Frame Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 4K | 30 FPS | Visual lovers |
| Performance | Dynamic 4K | 60 FPS | Smooth gameplay |
| Performance RT | Dynamic 4K + Ray Tracing | 60 FPS | Best of both |
Personally? Performance RT is the sweet spot.
Fast Loading That Changes Everything
This is where Rift Apart truly earns its name.
No Loading Screens (Really)
You jump between entire worlds in seconds. Not clever camera tricks. Not hidden corridors. Just… boom. New dimension.
It makes:
- Exploration feel seamless
- Set pieces feel insane
- Older games feel painfully slow by comparison
Once you experience this, it’s hard not to judge other games a little.
Accessibility and Difficulty Options
Insomniac deserves credit here.
You can customize:
- Difficulty
- Aim assist
- Puzzle help
- Visual options
This makes the game welcoming whether you’re a kid, a casual player, or someone who just wants to relax after work.
Is It Worth Buying on PS5?
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Short answer: Yes. Absolutely.
Long answer: If you bought a PS5 and want to see why it exists, this game is the answer.
You’ll Love This Game If You:
- Enjoy action-packed adventures
- Like colorful, creative worlds
- Want a true next-gen experience
- Miss games that are just… fun
Final Thoughts
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is one of those rare games that feels joyful from start to finish. It’s polished, creative, and confident—like a studio having fun while showing off everything it can do.
If this is what next-gen gaming looks like, I’m more than ready for the future.
FAQs
Yes. It was built specifically for PS5 hardware and SSD technology.
The main story takes about 12–15 hours, with extra time for collectibles and upgrades.
No. The story is beginner-friendly, with helpful recaps and explanations.
Yes. It’s family-friendly, colorful, and adjustable in difficulty.
Yes, especially in Performance RT mode.
