by Jason Dietz - June 9, 2021
PlayStation 2, 2003
also on PlayStation 3 (2012)
Also known as Ratchet & Clank 2 (among other alternate titles), the franchise's second chapter arrived a mere year after the first game. The locations were different, but gameplay was very similar to that of the first game, albeit with minor enhancements throughout and the addition of RPG-style player progression. And reviewers were even more ecstatic the second time around.
“A magnificent example of fine-tuning, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando sculpts the successes of the first one to near-perfection...but too many similarities to the original make it all seem just a teensy bit stale.†â€"GamePro
1 / 16
iOS, 2013
The first and only Ratchet & Clank title released for smartphones (2005's Going Mobile was made for cellphones), Before the Nexus is easily the worst-reviewed game in the franchise. It's a spinoff from the PS3 title Into the Nexus, but while that game was received warmly as a return to form for the franchise, Before the Nexus was dismissed as a below-average endless runner marred by poor controls.
"Before the Nexus is a typical endless running game with a couple of issues as well as a couple of smile-worthy surprises. If you're into the Ratchet and Clank universe, or if you just like collecting endless runners, you'll enjoy this. If you've had it with the genre, or if you've sworn only to touch the very best it offers, feel free to skip ahead to Into the Nexus." —Gamezebo
2 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2012
also on PlayStation Vita (2013)
The lowest-scoring R&C game released for the PS3, Full Frontal Assault (known as QForce in Europe) deviates from the franchise's well-established formula by attempting to blend familiar characters and weaponry with tower defense gameplay and an emphasis on competitive multiplayer. The short, bargain-priced spinoff title was released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the series, but reviewers found few reasons to celebrate, claiming that its platform/combat and tower defense halves didn't mesh well, resulting in a game that would disappoint fans of either genre or the series as a whole. That said, many critics felt that FFA worked better as a multiplayer game than as a solo affair.
"An odd mix of genres that doesn't capture the magic you usually get from a Ratchet & Clank title. A game that can be fun for a while but never really manages to create its own identity." —Eurogamer Sweden
3 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2011
Arriving a few years after the (then-)conclusion of the single-player-only "Future" sub-series, from which it is a spinoff, All 4 One reintroduced co-op multiplayer into the franchise. But not successfully. All 4 One made not just Ratchet and Clank but also Qwark and Doctor Nefarious playable characters—and asked them to work together as unlikely allies to escape from a common enemy, Ephemeris the Creature Collector. The game marked a shift to a slightly more cartoonish art style, and reviewers also pointed to a less-developed story and more streamlined gameplay in determining that the game was intended for a younger audience than past installments. But critics felt it was overly simplified and marred in part by poor technical implementation, with the result not living up to the Ratchet & Clank name.
"Has a great foundation of fun co-op moments, marred by awkwardness, random deaths, and rough edges. It's certainly fun to bash crates and solve puzzles with friends, but the bustle of co-op play also multiplies its flaws." —GameTrailers
4 / 16
PlayStation Portable, 2008
also on PlayStation 2 (2009)
The worst-reviewed title in the series to ever appear on the PSP (and on any console), Secret Agent Clank is also the only R&C release not to feature the name Ratchet in the title, though the Lombax does in fact appear in the game as a playable character. Originally developed not by Insomniac but by High Impact Games (and then ported to PS2 by Sanzaru Games), this spinoff from the main series was intended as a James Bond spoof centering on the robot Clank, who has an array of gadgets at his disposal and must utilize stealth as much as combat. Critics felt it strayed too far from the franchise formula without fully developing any of its new ideas.
"A sluggish camera, some bad gadgetry, inadequate fighting mechanics, poorly utilized stealth system and really sh.tty rhythm segments really injure what could have been a complete package." —Destructoid
5 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2008
The second (and lowest-scoring) title in the PS3-exclusive, single-player-only "Future" saga, the bargain-priced Quest for Booty was more stopgap than full-fledged game, lacking a physical release (in America) and clocking in at just 3-4 hours of gameplay. Booty featured a light/dark dynamic that required the use of creatures known as Heliogrubs to illuminate murky areas and expose enemies hiding within. Reviews were fairly good despite the game's short length, though (as always) there were some complaints that the latest R&C adventure was simply more of the same.
"Insomniac has stripped away every inch of slack, delivering a consistently entertaining title where platforming nestles tightly against puzzle solving and hugs shooting sections." —Edge Magazine
6 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2013
Though the PS3-only "Future" series appeared to end with 2009's A Crack in Time, strong sales caused Sony to ask Insomniac for a fourth installment in the saga. Like the similar-scoring Quest for Booty (which was bundled with Nexus as a free add-on), the slightly longer Nexus didn't rate as highly as the two full-length Future games, but critics felt that it was a return to form for the franchise after a few disappointing multiplayer titles in the preceding years. Reviewers especially appreciated the wide array of weapons and gadgetry available in the game, though they differed on the effectiveness of a new gravity-manipulating gameplay mechanic, which some critics felt was underdeveloped. With Sony's new PS4 console arriving just a few days later, it marked the end of an era for the series, which would take a full three years to debut on the next-gen hardware.
"If you've been craving a more traditional entry to the series since A Crack In Time, then this will suit you perfectly. It's not the longest or best game in the series, but it's a budget title and full of fan service, though that may turn non-fans away and it's hardly the best entry point into this universe." —TheSixthAxis
7 / 16
PlayStation 2, 2005
also on PlayStation 3 (2013)
The fourth R&C game in four years and the final installment to be developed originally for the PS2, Deadlocked (known in some countries as Gladiator) deviated a bit from the franchise's well-established formula by emphasizing combat over platforming. Deadlocked also introduced co-op multiplayer to the franchise for the first time, and it also turned Clank into a non-playable character. But while critics had been asking for more risk-taking from developer Insomniac Games, they rewarded Deadlocked with the lowest scores a Ratchet & Clank game had received to that point. That said, reviews were still generally positive overall.
"Combat was always the star of Ratchet games, but with barely a sniff of exploration, [Deadlocked's] destruction feels a little one-note." —Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
8 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2012
also on PlayStation Vita (2014)
This 2012 compilation includes the three original Ratchet & Clank games from the PS2, newly remastered in HD for the PS3 (and, later, the Vita handheld). Oddly, the collection received lower review scores than any of the three individual games, as some reviewers complained about a lack of new content and felt that playing through all three original games at once could get a bit tedious. But even more critics felt that the original games held up surprisingly well a decade later.
"It's more than just a nostalgia trip, mind; this is a trilogy that plays great, looks even better and gels together more seamlessly than any other HD collection I've played to date." —VideoGamer
9 / 16
PlayStation Portable, 2007
also on PlayStation 2 (2008)
Like the previously mentioned Secret Agent Clank—the only other R&C game released for the PSP—Size Matters came not from Insomniac Games but by then-new studio High Impact Games, which was founded by Insomniac veterans. Size is actually High Impact's debut release, and while a later console port was a dud (thanks to technical glitches), the original handheld version mostly impressed reviewers with nifty graphics and gameplay that lived up to its title (featuring both a shrink ray weapon and a spaceship-sized Clank).
"High Impact Games should be commended for their brilliant job of taking the console experience and turning it into something incredible for the PSP. With an original story, memorable characters and plenty of great action, Size Matters is a fantastic way to start off what promises to be an incredible year for video games." —Gaming Nexus
10 / 16
PlayStation 4, 2016
Surprisingly the only Ratchet & Clank game released for the PlayStation 4 console, this 2016 release served as a series reboot by reimagining the story from the original 2002 game and incorporating gameplay elements, characters (like Dr. Nefarious), and weapons from other titles in the franchise, as well as some new weapons and locations. The game was a huge hit for Sony and received very positive reviews despite some complaints that the reboot played it too safe.
"If you've never had the pleasure of enjoying this series' brand of third-person blasting before, then this is the perfect chance to see just why the property has remained popular for over a decade. Meanwhile, if you're already a fan, then this remake is a truly worthy entry in the franchise, and while it doesn't do anything particularly new of note, it's a greatest hits compilation so compelling that you won't want to skip it." —Push Square
11 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2009
The third game in the "Future" series—originally meant to conclude a trilogy, though a fourth game arrived four years later—was a full-length release, unlike its predecessor. New twists to the established formula included hoverboots for Ratchet, more freedom in space travel/combat, and the ability to record and employ holographic copies of Clank. Reviewers liked it almost as much as the first Future game (i.e., quite a bit), and felt that it provided a satisfying and imaginative conclusion to the series.
"Clever time-manipulation puzzles and improved pacing make this the best Ratchet game in years." —GameSpot
12 / 16
PlayStation 2, 2002
also on PlayStation 3 (2012)
The game that launched the franchise, this PS2-exclusive 3D platformer arrived at the tail end of 2002 to mostly rave reviews. Developer Insomniac Games had previously developed four titles for the original PlayStation console (most notably, the Spyro the Dragon trilogy), but Ratchet & Clank would ultimately become their best-known and longest-running series. This first chapter introduced numerous R&C staples including the titular Lombax mechanic Ratchet and his robot companion Clank, nonplayable characters Captain Qwark and The Plumber, racing, minigame, and space combat components, and a big collection of wacky weapons to find and/or purchase.
A (terrible) feature film adaptation as well as a (definitely not terrible) PS4 "re-imagining" of the game followed 14 years later.
"The perfect example of what a game should be. With its rich cast of characters, deep gameplay, gorgeous graphics and wonderful soundtrack, R&C packs the ingredients to a perfect platformer and combines them perfectly." —TotalPlayStation
13 / 16
PlayStation 5, 2021
The newest R&C game is also the franchise's first appearance on Sony's newest console, where, as a PS5 exclusive, it has the potential to make an impact in the next-gen console wars—that is, if it were actually possible to find a new console to purchase. Designed to be approachable for newcomers and longtime fans alike, Rift Apart introduces a new playable character, the resistance fighter Rivet, and a storyline (set across both new and returning locations) centering on an alternate dimension in which the villainous Dr. Nefarious is now an emperor. Rift also leverages some of the tech and tricks developed by Insomniac Games for their previous release, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, including instantaneous transitions from cutscenes to action. Impressive graphics harness the new console's power, and the soundtrack comes from Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh.
"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the first game I've played since the ninth-generation consoles launched that feels like a true next-gen title. Insomniac Games has done everything that it needed to do in making both a sequel to its longest-running franchise and a true next-gen exclusive. While it might not technically be a PlayStation 5 launch title, it feels like one—a real preview of the console's capabilities. But beyond that, Rift Apart is just an absolute blast to play." —EGM
14 / 16
PlayStation 3, 2007
Ratchet's debut on the PS3 console launched a new sub-series that would eventually span four games in six years. Despite that "Future" branding, however, this new saga focused on the titular duo's origins. Insomniac used knowledge of Sony's new hardware gained from developing the PS3 launch title Resistance: Fall of Man to make a highly polished, great-looking installment of R&C, and critics responded with enthusiasm.
"Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction isn't a groundbreaking sequel by any means. But thanks to super-refined gameplay, unbelievable graphics, and a generally fun atmosphere, you're looking at one of the PS3's best games." —PGNx Media
15 / 16
PlayStation 2, 2003
also on PlayStation 3 (2012)
Also known as Ratchet & Clank 2 (among other alternate titles), the franchise's second chapter arrived a mere year after the first game. The locations were different, but gameplay was very similar to that of the first game, albeit with minor enhancements throughout and the addition of RPG-style player progression. And reviewers were even more ecstatic the second time around.
"A magnificent example of fine-tuning, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando sculpts the successes of the first one to near-perfection...but too many similarities to the original make it all seem just a teensy bit stale." —GamePro
16 / 16
PlayStation 2, 2004
also on PlayStation 3 (2012)
The best-reviewed R&C title to date, Arsenal is the third game in the series, arriving exactly a year after the previous game and two years after the original installment. While gameplay wasn't all that different from that of the previous two titles, Arsenal had one notable addition to the series: multiplayer. It was one of the 40 highest-scoring games ever released for the PS2 console, and probably would have ranked even higher if it were not so similar to its two predecessors.
"After a long and successful history, Insomniac Games has finally created its masterpiece, a tour de force that is the zenith of a trio of titles that I feel should be held up in action/platforming history alongside the original 'Super Mario Bros.' trilogy on the NES." —Game Informer