Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is one of this year's most anticipated PlayStation 5 releases. It's the series' first true new entry since 2013's Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, since the 2016 Ratchet & Clank reboot is not considered canon. Developed by Insomniac Games, the team behind Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, this installment includes several features new to the series, many of which seek to show off the PS5's technical advancements.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart follows the titular characters as they jump between dimensions to defeat Doctor Nefarious once again. This time, Nefarious steals the Dimensionator in order to search for a dimension where he always wins. In doing so, he breaks the fabric of spacetime, which creates dimensional rifts that separate Ratchet and Clank, thus beginning their new adventure.
Recently, Insomniac debuted a 16-minute gameplay demo for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart at a PlayStation State of Play event. The demo includes extended gameplay as Rivet, the game's new Lombax character and a resistance fighter who finds and helps Clank after his separation from Ratchet, and reveals many new features that will make this entry in the series unlike previous ones.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's Open Areas & Pocket Dimensions
The demo shows off a few of Rift Apart's large, open areas. Ratchet is seen exploring Nefarious City in search of Clank, navigating through alleys, promenades, and buildings, as well as jet-skating beneath the legs of a large, robotic walker on a dusty planet. Rivet and Clank, meanwhile, explore an alternate version of Sargasso, though its alternate paths and areas weren't revealed in the demo.
Rivet and Clank stumble upon a "pocket dimension" on Sargasso, which Clank explains may be a result of the Dimensionator being destroyed. These pocket dimensions seem pretty sizable, and while only a glimpse was provided in the demo, it's safe to assume they will likely contain collectables like gold bolts and unique armor pieces for Ratchet. Smith also clarified that all the dimensions players jump to when going through portals are not small, pre-generated arenas but entire levels.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's Dimensional Clank Puzzles
At the end of the demo, creative director Marcus Smith rattles off a list of new features, including "dimensional Clank puzzles." A brief gameplay snippet shows Clank in front of an electrified door, with what look like holographic Clanks being zapped behind him. These will most likely be optional and house some sort of collectable item for Clank to navigate to without being destroyed.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's Arena Challenges & Aerial Combat
Rift Apart will see the return of combat arenas, which will no doubt be a fun way to experiment with Ratchet & Clank's many weapons and earn unique rewards. Smith also mentions "Glitch challenges," accompanied by footage of a spider-like robot fighting enemies in a digital arena. It's not clear if these challenges are completely combat-oriented, if they're optional, or if they'll act as some sort of hacking mini-game.
Aerial combat is also highlighted, showing Ratchet riding a dragon-like creature to attack enemy airships. The demo only gave a glimpse into this feature, so it's unclear if it will be a mission-specific event or if there will be other aerial vehicle options.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's Accessibility Options & Photo Mode
Insomniac is implementing a slew of Last of Us Part 2-like accessibility options to accommodate as many players as possible. These include adjustments to the size of prompts and icons, dot and reticle options, traversal and combat assistance, visual adjustments, and more.
The game is also getting a photo mode, showcasing the usual pose, camera, and filter options. What stands out is the inclusion of custom light boxes that can be carefully positioned to get the best possible picture. In a game that's already visually impressive, this will surely be the source of many gorgeous screenshots when Ratchet & Clank finally releases.
Insomniac Games has been expanding the scope and quality of its games over the last few years, and this seems to be another big step up for the developer. Thankfully, with Rift Apart's launch right around the corner, players don't have much longer to wait before getting to experience these new features firsthand.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart comes to PlayStation 5 on June 11, 2021.