When Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart launched in 2021, it was hailed as a showcase of what the PlayStation 5 could do—blistering fast loading, stunning visuals, and a Pixar-level polish.
Now, in 2025, I finally sat down to see if it lives up to the reputation. Short answer: it mostly does, with a few caveats. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Rift Apart remains one of the best 3D platformer-shooters available, but expectations should be adjusted for today’s gaming landscape.
Rating: 9.5/10
Insomniac’s visuals have aged extremely well. Character models, lighting, and particle effects feel like they belong in an animated feature film.
The Performance RT mode (60 fps with ray-tracing) remains the sweet spot—delivering silky frame rates without sacrificing much graphical fidelity.
Standouts:
Dimensional rifts look spectacular and still feel impressive even after years of SSD innovations in other games.
Environments are diverse and richly detailed—from neon-drenched cyber cities to lush alien jungles.
Facial animations are still among the best in the business.
Rating: 9/10
Rift Apart delivers the series’ signature blend of chaotic third-person shooting, platforming, and exploration.
Weapons Variety: 20+ imaginative weapons. The Topiary Sprinkler and Negatron Collider were personal favorites.
Weapon Feedback: Satisfying, with the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers enhancing the experience.
Upgrade System: Encourages experimentation without punishing mistakes.
Rift tethering adds a fluid dimension to movement, even if it’s used more as a set-piece mechanic than a constant tool.
Wall-running, hover boots, and gliding keep platforming dynamic.
While the rift mechanic was hyped as a game-changer, it’s more limited than expected. You’re not dynamically shifting entire levels—it’s mostly scripted transitions or shortcuts.
Rating: 8.5/10
The narrative strikes a balance between fun and heartfelt.
Ratchet and Clank must stop Dr. Nefarious from using the Dimensionator to conquer multiple realities. Their journey introduces Rivet, a new Lombax resistance fighter from an alternate dimension, and Kit, a robot with a past.
Rivet: Excellent new character with genuine emotional depth.
Clank: Continues to ground the story with his wit and wisdom.
Dr. Nefarious & Emperor Nefarious: Delightfully over-the-top villains.
Family-friendly but layered enough for adults. Some deeper emotional themes around loneliness, friendship, and identity give the plot more weight than expected.
Rating: 8/10
Voice Acting: Top-tier. Every character feels alive.
Sound Design: Weapon sounds and environmental effects are immersive.
Music: Solid orchestral score, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Image suggestion:
Screenshot of a quieter moment with ambient sounds (e.g., Rivet looking over a sunset vista).
Main Story: ~12–15 hours
100% Completion: ~20–25 hours
Replay Incentives:
Challenge Mode (New Game+) with weapon upgrades carrying over.
Collectibles scattered across beautifully designed planets.
Criticism:
For those looking for a deep RPG or a sprawling open world, Rift Apart may feel a bit short.
| Aspect | 2021 Release | 2025 Replay |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Fidelity | Excellent | Still excellent |
| Gameplay Innovation | High | Moderate (slightly dated mechanics) |
| Story & Characters | Strong | Still strong |
| Replay Value | Good | Good |
| Next-Gen "Wow Factor" | Incredible | Less groundbreaking, but still impressive |
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart remains a must-play for PlayStation 5 owners, especially those who love vibrant action-platformers with a heartfelt story and polished gameplay.
While some aspects like the rift mechanics no longer feel revolutionary, the overall package holds up impressively. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s still a great time.
Overall Score: 8.8/10
✅ Stunning visuals that still impress
✅ Fun, varied combat with great weapon design
✅ Rivet and Kit are fantastic new additions
✅ Excellent DualSense implementation
➖ Rift mechanic is more scripted than revolutionary
➖ Some may find the campaign a bit short
Should you play it in 2025?
Absolutely—especially if you enjoy story-driven action games with tight gameplay and Pixar-like presentation.