When it comes to video game series that hit all the right notes, Ratchet & Clank is top-tier for me. This sci-fi, action-packed rollercoaster of a franchise has been delivering unforgettable adventures for over two decades. It’s got everything: quirky humor, over-the-top weapons, jaw-dropping visuals, and gameplay that balances platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving like a finely tuned guitar riff.
What Is Ratchet & Clank All About?
At its core, Ratchet & Clank follows the wild intergalactic escapades of Ratchet, a Lombax with a penchant for fixing things and blowing them up, and Clank, his pint-sized robot sidekick with a knack for brains over brawn. Together, they save the galaxy from megalomaniacs, evil corporations, and plenty of other colorful villains.
The series stands out with its mix of high-octane shooting, mind-bending puzzles, and imaginative platforming. And let’s not forget the gadgets and weapons—from the devastating Tesla Claw to the hilarious Morph-O-Ray, which turns enemies into chickens. You’re also constantly collecting Bolts, the universal currency used to buy and upgrade your arsenal.
The Evolution of Ratchet & Clank
Since its debut, the series has grown and evolved with each new console generation, bringing fresh ideas, refined mechanics, and jaw-dropping visuals. Here’s a quick rundown of every Ratchet & Clank game to date:
• Ratchet & Clank (2002)
• Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (2003)
• Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)
• Ratchet: Deadlocked (2005)
• Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile (2005)
• Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (2007)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (2007)
• Secret Agent Clank (2008)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty (2008)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (2009)
• Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (2011)
• Ratchet & Clank Collection (2012)
• Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (2012)
• Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (2013)
• Ratchet & Clank (2016)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)
The OG Classic: Ratchet & Clank (2002)
In 2002, Insomniac Games released the original Ratchet & Clank for the PlayStation 2, and it changed the platforming landscape forever. With its imaginative worlds, weapon variety, and humor, the game became an instant classic. It laid the groundwork for everything we love about the series today and remains highly playable.
If you’re new to the series, the original is a great starting point to see how it all began.
The Genre-Defining Era: Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)
Often hailed as one of the best in the series, Up Your Arsenal perfected the Ratchet & Clank formula. It introduced online multiplayer (a first for the franchise), massive open levels, and an even greater emphasis on combat.
This game wasn’t just a great sequel—it was a PlayStation 2 icon that set the bar for action-platformers.
Pushing Boundaries: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (2009)
By 2009, the series was ripe for reinvention, and A Crack in Time delivered. Time-manipulation mechanics added fresh puzzle elements, while the expanded universe allowed for free space exploration.
This entry cemented itself as a PlayStation 3 masterpiece with its deeper gameplay mechanics, focus on weapon upgrades, and replayability.
The Next Gen Leap: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)
Fast forward to 2021, and Rift Apart showed what next-gen gaming could really do. Built for the PlayStation 5, it brought ray tracing, instant loading through the SSD, and seamless transitions between dimensions. The rift mechanics weren’t just a gimmick—they redefined how levels could function, creating fast-paced, mind-bending gameplay.
Visually stunning and mechanically brilliant, Rift Apart is more than just a Ratchet & Clank game—it’s a love letter to the franchise and a showcase of gaming’s future.
Why I Love Ratchet & Clank
This series has a special place in my heart. The humor, the creativity, and the pure joy of blasting through enemies with the weirdest weapons imaginable never get old. The mix of platforming, puzzles, and combat strikes a perfect balance that few games can replicate.
While I have a PS5 for Rift Apart, I’d love to see earlier titles come to the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is my go-to system these days, and playing some of these classics on the go would be a dream come true.
Final Thoughts: A Series That Keeps Delivering
Ratchet & Clank isn’t just a game series—it’s an experience. From its humble PS2 beginnings to redefining next-gen gaming with Rift Apart, it’s been a wild ride. If you haven’t played these games, you’re missing out on one of the best action-platformer franchises ever created.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into Ratchet & Clank. Grab a wrench, call your robot buddy, and get ready to save the galaxy in style.
