Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its engaging and character-driven narrative. Game Rant, for example, commends the story for hooking fans from start to finish, with nods to the duo's past adventures. The story is described as light-hearted and entertaining by Gamereactor UK, with a villain that steals the show. It explores dimensions and traveling between them, which, while potentially disadvantageous for newcomers, is well-explained and easy to follow. The story also embraces a fuller range of emotions while still being fun, according to Gaming Age. However, there are a few critics who found the story lacking in depth or context. Digitally Downloaded mentions that the story lacks depth and context, focusing on safe and straightforward storytelling. Metro GameCentral also criticizes the story for being shallow and lacking depth, with simple moral lessons and uninteresting characters. The absence of humorous characters like Captain Qwark is noticeable, according to TheSixthAxis. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is very good. The majority of the critics praised the engaging and character-driven narrative, with positive mentions of well-developed characters, important themes of self-love, friendship, and forgiveness, and a clever and engaging story with interdimensional madness and emotional payoffs. The story is described as charming, entertaining, and tightly written, with weighty emotional moments and exploration of relationships. The addition of new playable characters and the expansion of the franchise's universe were also appreciated. The story is mostly self-contained, making it enjoyable even for newcomers, while still providing nods to the series' past adventures. The game's story is likened to a blockbuster summer movie and is compared to a Pixar movie adventure. The storytelling is considered surprisingly sophisticated, with a good balance of humor and emotion.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, highlighting its fast-paced and varied nature. They commended the game for successfully combining platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving elements, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience. Game Rant describes it as a classic Ratchet & Clank adventure with a mix of platforming and explosive shooting sequences, while Gaming Age mentions the fun weapons and gadgets, as well as the easy upgrading system. The Games Machine review mentions the frenetic action, creative ways to eliminate enemies, and intuitive controls, further emphasizing the positive aspects of the gameplay. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about certain aspects of the gameplay. Metro GameCentral found the gameplay to be predictable and uneventful, with shallow platforming and action that didn't fully utilize the weapons and portal gimmicks. PlayStation Country mentioned that while the combat was similar to prior games in the series, it felt uninspired, and the boss fights lacked variety. GameByte also noted that the game started off a bit slow, but became enjoyable once abilities and weapons were unlocked. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is highly enjoyable and a standout feature of the game. The seamless transitions between action and platforming, the variety of weapons and gadgets, and the balance between different gameplay elements were praised by multiple critics. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded and Telegraph described the gameplay as exciting, constantly introducing new elements and gimmicks, while Guardian highlighted the satisfying combat and attention to animation and set-dressing. The positive sentiments expressed by the majority of the critics indicate that the gameplay of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a strong aspect of the game, contributing to its overall appeal and enjoyment.

The opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart overwhelmingly praise the game's visuals, with many considering it a masterpiece. Critics such as Game Rant, GameStar, and GamingTrend all highlight the stunning graphics and visual design of the game. They mention jaw-dropping visuals, impressive lighting, vibrant colors, and beautiful animation. The game is described as a visual marvel, with detailed character models, expressive character designs, and environments that feel alive. The use of ray tracing and the implementation of RTX are also commended for enhancing the overall visual experience. The game is compared to a high-budget animated movie, with some critics mentioning that it rivals or surpasses the quality of CG movies from years ago. The attention to detail, diverse environments, and seamless dimensional shifting mechanics are also praised. While the majority of critics express overwhelmingly positive opinions about the graphics and visual design of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, there are a few minor criticisms mentioned. Gaming Age notes moments of lag and fuzziness in the PC port, but overall considers the game to look fine. The Games Machine mentions the need for high-end hardware to achieve higher frame rates, and Digital Spy highlights the impressive set-piece moments and level design but does not provide any specific negatives. These criticisms, however, are overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive sentiments expressed by the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart delivers a visual masterpiece. The game is praised for its stunning graphics, attention to detail, vibrant colors, and expressive character designs. Reviewers commend the game for showcasing the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and utilizing next-gen hardware to its fullest. The comparisons to high-budget animated movies and the level of detail that rivals or surpasses CG movies from years ago further emphasize the positive reception of the game's visuals. Despite a few minor criticisms, the overwhelming sentiment is that the graphics and visual design of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart are exceptional, making it one of the best-looking games in the industry.

The sound design and music of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many praised the game's use of the DualSense controller's unique features, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, to enhance the gameplay experience. Game Rant and But Why Tho? both highlighted the game's utilization of haptic feedback to make locations feel alive and give weapons their own distinctive feel. Critical Hit and Game Informer also commended the integration of the DualSense controller, with Critical Hit specifically mentioning the "wonderfully chunky sense of haptic feedback" and Game Informer praising the tailored haptic feedback and adaptive trigger functionality for each weapon. In terms of the music, Impulsegamer and Destructoid both appreciated the subtle and thoughtful music that complemented the visuals well. However, Gamereactor UK mentioned that the music felt a bit anonymous and didn't leave a lasting impression on the reviewer. Despite this minor criticism, the overall sentiment towards the music was positive, with Destructoid specifically highlighting the MCU-quality soundtrack that added to the cinematic experience of the game. The consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart were excellent. The immersive sound effects, high-quality voice acting, and harmonized music were praised by multiple critics, including Daily Star, GameByte, and PlayStation Country. The use of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and the addition of audio touches through the controller speaker were also mentioned as enhancing the immersion and complementing the on-screen action by Daily Star and PlayStation Country. The overall sentiment among the critics was that the sound design and music greatly contributed to the immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

The voice acting in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the voice acting for adding to the charm and enjoyment of the game. Gamereactor UK and GameByte both highlighted the fantastic quality of the voice acting, with the latter stating that it enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. IGN Portugal specifically mentioned the introduction of new characters with different characterizations, such as the French-accented pirate Pierre Le Fer, and praised the voice acting for being hilarious and brilliant. The Sydney Morning Herald also commended the voice acting for the humor and personality it brought to the bad guys' constant banter. These positive opinions highlight the impact and effectiveness of the voice acting in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. While the majority of critics praised the voice acting, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. GameSpew noted that the humor doesn't always hit the mark, suggesting that some jokes may have fallen flat. However, this criticism seems to be a minor issue in the overall assessment of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is of high quality and greatly contributes to the overall experience of the game. Destructoid highlights how the spirited voice acting sets the game apart from similar mascot platformers, while Easy Allies emphasizes the impactful moments and lighthearted sense of humor delivered by the supporting cast of characters. Daily Star specifically praises the voice acting for the hammed-up villain Dr Nefarious, and We Got This Covered even suggests that the voice acting rivals or surpasses CG movies from five to ten years ago. With such positive feedback from multiple critics, it is clear that the voice acting in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a standout aspect of the game, enhancing its charm and entertainment value.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, the opinions of the critics are mixed. Game Rant mentions that the game ran perfectly with only one crash on the highest graphics settings, but it requires a rig that exceeds the recommended requirements. Gamereactor UK states that the game runs seamlessly on their computer with over 60 frames per second, but there were some initial problems with ray tracing for AMD users and some Nvidia features were unusable. On the other hand, GamingBolt points out that larger zones with lots of particle effects can cause slowdowns and there are occasional crashes. Impulsegamer highlights constant frame drops on the PC port, impacting the overall experience. The Games Machine mentions issues with 3D management that caused the reviewer to get stuck in elements of the environment. Overall, the PC version of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart seems to have a demanding performance that requires a high-end rig to fully enjoy the game, but there are occasional crashes and technical issues that can detract from the experience. On the PlayStation 5, the technical performance of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is generally praised by the critics. Daily Star mentions the utilization of PS5 features such as ultra-fast loading, 3D Audio, and haptic feedback, which enhance the gameplay experience. Destructoid states that the game was smooth with no major issues, utilizing the DualSense controller effectively. Easy Allies highlights the enriching experience of exploration and combat thanks to the DualSense controller and SSD. GamesRadar+ mentions some players experiencing game crashes, but the constant checkpointing and speedy loading times mitigated the issue. The Sydney Morning Herald praises the clever DualSense controller tricks and the impressive speed of the solid-state storage drive, providing seamless transitions between levels and environments. The overall consensus among critics is that the PS5 version of the game delivers a polished and immersive experience, with minimal technical glitches and impressive loading times. In terms of the overall consensus, it is clear that the PlayStation 5 version of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has received more positive feedback regarding its technical performance. The seamless transitions, high-speed loading, and utilization of PS5 features such as the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are consistently praised by multiple critics, including Telegraph, TheSixthAxis, and Screen Rant. On the other hand, the PC version of the game has a more mixed reception. While some critics, like Game Rant and Gamereactor UK, had positive experiences with the game running smoothly on their rigs, others, such as GamingBolt and Impulsegamer, encountered performance issues such as slowdowns, crashes, and constant frame drops. Overall, it seems that the technical performance of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is more stable and impressive on the PlayStation 5, while the PC version may require a more powerful setup and can have occasional technical issues.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Several critics, such as GamingBolt and Noisy Pixel, emphasize the presence of secrets, optional side-objectives, and collectibles that keep players engaged even after completing the main story. This indicates that there is a significant amount of content to explore and discover, adding to the replay value of the game. Additionally, critics like GameRevolution and GameByte mention the inclusion of challenge modes, side quests, and extensive accessibility options, further enhancing the replayability factor. However, there are also critics who express concerns about the game's replay value. Game Rant and God is a Geek mention that the game can be completed within a relatively short time frame, ranging from 8 to 15 hours. This may deter some players who are seeking a longer and more immersive experience. The Sydney Morning Herald also notes that while each planet offers opportunities for loot-hunting and secret-finding, the overall depth of the game may feel shallow despite its high production values. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive outlook on the replay value of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. The inclusion of collectibles, side quests, challenge modes, and additional objectives is generally praised by reviewers, indicating that there is enough content to keep players entertained and engaged beyond the main story. However, the relatively short length of the game and the potential lack of depth in certain aspects are mentioned as potential drawbacks. Nonetheless, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's strong variety, quality, and the desire to replay it multiple times, as seen in the opinions of GamingTrend, GameSpew, and We Got This Covered.