Best Ratchet & Clank Games

Highlights

• The Ratchet & Clank series has had its ups and downs, with some games failing to capture the spirit of the console games.
• Some Ratchet & Clank games, like Going Mobile and Secret Agent Clank, are underrated and worth playing despite their age.
• The Ratchet & Clank Collection delivers three of the greatest action-platformers of all time, but doesn’t offer much new content.

As a long-time fan of the Ratchet & Clank series, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing these games since their early days. Each new entry has brought something fresh and exciting to the table, but some stand out as truly exceptional. Let me share my top three favorite Ratchet & Clank games based on my life experience with the series.

During the PS2 and PS3 days, I found it hard to get my hands on Ratchet & Clank. Insomniac was churning out a new installment every year, and even though not all of them were top-notch, many of them held their own against the best 3D platformers on those consoles. With Insomniac now mainly working on Marvel projects, it looks like Ratchet and Clank’s next adventure might take some time to come. Hopefully, 2021’s Rift Apart won’t be their last hurrah.

Although some disappointing spin-offs and an excess of titles may detract from the experience, a majority of Ratchet & Clank games offer a decent gaming experience. When executed correctly by Insomniac or another developer, these games became much more than just average. Here’s our list of top Ratchet & Clank games:

Every Ratchet & Clank Game

Over the past ten years, the production of new games in the Ratchet & Clank series has noticeably decreased. However, throughout its existence, this franchise has accumulated an impressive collection of titles. For your convenience, I’d like to provide a clear explanation of every game released within this popular series.

17 Before The Nexus

Metascore: 54

Before 2013’s “Into the Nexus,” which was the last installment in the Ratchet & Clank series for PlayStation 3, there was another game called “Before the Nexus.” This was actually the second time the franchise ventured into mobile gaming. However, it falls short of the mark compared to the console games, particularly the 2005 release “Going Mobile.” The primary concern is that “Before the Nexus” fails to effectively convey the essence of the console games.

In “Before the Nexus,” Ratchet is on an endless chase after Vendra and Neftin Prog, with Clank tagging along for the journey. Despite Clank’s presence, his contribution to gameplay remains minimal. It’s surprising how well “Ratchet & Clank” fits into the endless runner genre, as “Before the Nexus” manages to blend in mechanics typical of their main series fairly well. However, the control mechanisms leave much room for improvement, specifically the shooting mechanics. Given the franchise’s strong background in this area, it makes “Before the Nexus'” imperfections even more disappointing.

16 Full Frontal Assault

Metascore: 64

Despite avoiding being labeled as one of the most disappointing PS3 exclusives in the 2010s, Full Frontal Assault still falls short and is particularly criticized for its tower defense mechanics.

It’s almost always tedious to have to justify something, and this game unfortunately offers more than its fair share of this tedium. A common criticism from reviewers is that the game fails to deliver a clear and engaging narrative. Instead, it feels more like a free-to-play title than a fully-fledged entry in the series. Cooperative play can be enjoyable, but the lack of complexity in level design means the fun doesn’t truly develop.

15 Going Mobile

GameRankings: 76%

Frequently overlooked in the Ratchet & Clank series, the game “Going Mobile” stands out not only for its unique platform design but also as the sole 2D entry. In the past, Insomniac’s Ratchet & Clank games were primarily focused on platforming. However, over time, the franchise has evolved into a third-person shooter with platforming elements. “Going Mobile” harks back to the series’ roots and is an valuable addition to the collection.

In “Going Mobile,” many key features of the PS2 license’s games are present, but have been simplified to suit the mobile platform. While it was innovative for its era, playing this spin-off now may be a challenge due to advancements in mobile gaming since 2005.

14 All 4 One

Metascore: 70

At the point of this game’s debut, the series appeared to have shifted into a mere novelty. In this installment, gamers are presented with four distinct character options. Though innovative in concept, the actual implementation left room for improvement as critics noted the similarities and echoes of previous games despite the new playable characters.

A frequent problem is dealing with numerous bugs that dampen the enjoyment. However, the most significant concern is the disappointing AI companions, who often hinder rather than help.

13 Secret Agent Clank

Metascore: 72%

As a gamer, I’ve come across my fair share of platformers, and while some may be more flashy or groundbreaking, there are hidden gems like Secret Agent Clank that deserve recognition. In this game, it’s not Ratchet who takes center stage, but his sidekick Clank, making for an intriguing change of pace. The espionage theme adds a layer of humor and creativity that sets it apart from other platformers.

While it’s disappointing that Clank’s unique talents aren’t maximized in this game, the majority of Ratchet’s moves have been adopted by him instead. Nonetheless, the fresh perspective offered by the game is worth acknowledging within the context of the series.

12 Ratchet & Clank Collection

Metascore: 83%

During the PS3 era, I was thrilled to see collections of classic games from the past getting a revival. The Ratchet & Clank Collection, in particular, stood out to me as it brought Insomniac’s legendary PS2 trilogy to life with improved graphics (720p) and smoother gameplay (60 FPS). This was the bare minimum for such a release, but the developers didn’t stop there. They also added 3D support, which I could activate if I wanted an immersive experience, even though it came with a performance cost.

The Ratchet & Clank Collection offers content-wise three exceptional action-platform games that remain enjoyable despite the passing of time. Yet, in terms of innovation or added features, it doesn’t particularly stand out as a groundbreaking product.

11 Future: Quest For Booty

Metascore: 76%

As a gamer, I’ve played my fair share of games, and while Quest for Booty isn’t a terrible one, it hasn’t left a lasting impact on the gaming community. The reason? It’s just too short-lived. It’s like playing a Ratchet & Clank game, but with way less Clank and a campaign that wraps up in a mere three hours.

The game Quest for Booty keeps things lively and engaging with its fast-paced campaign. Players stay hooked thanks to this, even though the narrative concludes abruptly with a cliffhanger at an inconvenient juncture. Its gameplay was highly appreciated because it eliminated unnecessary weapons.

10 Ratchet: Deadlocked

Metascore: 81%

Among all the games in the series, this one, named “Deadlocked,” stands out as the most distinct. It offers an extensive collection of striking weapons for players to experiment with. However, instead of being a typical platformer game, it veers more toward survival genre. Despite its enjoyment, it falls short in capturing the essence of the series.

In contrast to other games, this one puts players in the role of gladiators battling for survival in arenas. It may be darker than many others, but each level is brimming with action. Deadlocked would have left a greater impression had it been released alone.

9 Into The Nexus

Metascore: 76%

During the PlayStation 3 era, Insomniac Games’ Ratchet & Clank series deviated from its winning formula, leading to a series of underperforming games. This shift may or may not have influenced the creation of “Into the Nexus,” but it didn’t quite hit the mark.

The graphics in this game were praised by critics for their richness, as the exotic settings were effectively utilized. However, the narrative fell short of expectations and was criticized as being the weakest part of the series. While it’s not a poor game overall, “Into the Nexus” doesn’t offer anything particularly distinctive.

8 Size Matters

Metascore: 85%

Occasionally, a touch of silliness can win us over, and that’s just what “Size Matters” delivers. This game has a playful vibe and offers more of the familiar but in a compact format. As a PSP title, its smaller scope gives it a unique charm.

The tale may not be filled with extravagant displays, but it effectively showcases the development of the main characters. Overcoming the bosses calls for careful planning, adding to the satisfaction of completing the game. Additionally, exploring various worlds each with unique characteristics increases the desire to play again.

7 Future: Tools Of Destruction

Metascore: 89%

At a point when the PS3 was newly launched, Future: Tools of Destruction significantly improved the series with an engaging makeover. This title, rich in witty humor and even poking fun at the console rivalry between PS3 and Xbox, played a key role in ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.

In “Tools of Destruction,” the way the level design interacts with the use of Ratchet and Clank is remarkably captivating. Additionally, the careful balance between the gameplay and the storyline ensured that this installment left a lasting impression due to its impressive overall execution.

6 Ratchet & Clank (2016)

Metascore: 85%

An remake like PS4’s Ratchet & Clank may not always meet expectations, but it effectively argues for the value of such projects. Essentially a new take on the initial game, its classic enjoyment is beautifully preserved through stunning graphics and enhanced weapon mechanics.

The remake of the game strikes a great blend between platforming, fighting, and problem-solving sequences. While its story doesn’t quite match up to the PS2 classic, it still offers an enjoyable retelling of the tale. Before “Rift Apart,” the best gameplay in the Ratchet & Clank series was seen in the 2016 version.

5 Ratchet & Clank

Metascore: 88%

The classic version still holds a special place in fans’ hearts. Amazingly, it has kept its charm over the years, and the plot and jokes continue to feel new and exciting even after twenty years. Critics rightly praised its uniqueness, as there was nothing comparable when it first came out.

Despite some issues with the shaky camera and Ratchet’s grating character traits, the game’s abundance of mini-games and cheerful atmosphere successfully draw in players.

4 Future: A Crack In Time

Metascore: 87%

According to numerous critics and gamers, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time stands out as the top-notch title in the series on PlayStation 3. The game’s exceptional weaponry and combative elements earned it extra accolades, resulting in an immersive gaming experience that left a lasting impression.

As a gamer, I’ve discovered that even though “A Crack in Time” isn’t the most welcoming game for newbies, it definitely hooks you in with its intriguing storyline. And let me tell you, being able to roam around Ratchet’s ship at will gives an incredible sense of freedom and exploration.

3 Rift Apart

Metascore: 88%

In the latest installment of the Ratchet & Clank series, titled “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart,” Insomniac Games has taken advantage of the PS5’s advanced hardware to create an immersive experience. This game showcases the console’s impressive graphical capabilities while maintaining a rich and engaging gameplay dynamic. Seasoned fans will find themselves drawn in by the familiar combat and platforming mechanics, as well as the introduction of a new character named Rivet to join Ratchet and Clank on their adventures.

The 2010s didn’t see much success for the Ratchet & Clank franchise, and after the release of Into the Nexus, it seemed like the series might be coming to an end. However, Rift Apart proves that Insomniac’s series is far from over. Additionally, the game was later released on PC for the first time in the franchise’s history.

2 Up Your Arsenal

Metascore: 91%

As a huge fan, I can’t help but marvel at how packed with features the third installment in the Ratchet & Clank franchise on PS2 remains. Even after all these years, it continues to rank among my favorite games in the series. The introduction of online multiplayer in Up Your Arsenal brought a whole new dimension to gameplay and added countless hours for me to enjoy.

The campaign offers plenty of room for growth as well, featuring various stages to progress through and enhance your abilities. However, what truly sets “Up Your Arsenal” apart is its engaging storyline. It surprises with thoughtful themes and authentic characters, making it a must-play experience.

1 Going Commando

Metascore: 90%

Few sequels effectively address the weaknesses of their predecessors with near perfection. However, Going Commando stands out by introducing a more intense gameplay experience, significantly enhancing the campaign’s appeal.

The tale further refines Ratchet’s personality quirks, transforming him and Clank into the beloved team fans recognize. Notably, the action-packed battles and thrilling races remain the standout elements of this installment.

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2024-07-26 16:24