A Journey Through the Galaxy: Ranking the Ratchet & Clank Games
Get ready to strap in, because we're about to embark on a galactic adventure through the vibrant history of Ratchet & Clank. This dynamic duo has been entertaining gamers since 2002, with each installment offering a unique blend of action-packed gameplay, quirky humor, and dazzling visuals. But which game reigns supreme as the ultimate Ratchet & Clank experience? We're about to find out.
We've meticulously ranked every game in the franchise, from the earliest entries to the groundbreaking Rift Apart, considering factors such as gameplay, level design, story, and overall impact. This is a journey that will take you back to the nostalgic days of the PS2, through the evolution of the series on the PS3 and PS4, and finally into the incredible new realms of the PS5.
So, grab your trusty wrench and prepare for an epic adventure. Let's blast off into our ranking of every Ratchet & Clank game, from worst to best!
The Lower Orbit: Games That Need a Little More Boost
11. Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked
It’s tough to put a game featuring the iconic “Arena” mode at the bottom of the list, but Deadlocked, sadly, feels like a misstep for the franchise. While the premise of a brutal gladiatorial tournament is intriguing, it lacks the charm and variety that defined previous entries.
Why It's Here: Deadlocked struggles to maintain the series’ lighthearted tone with its focus on brutal combat and a darker storyline. While the Arena mode offers a unique gameplay experience, it becomes repetitive and feels disconnected from the overall narrative. The game's focus on a single-player campaign instead of offering the traditional blend of platforming and shooting also diminishes the signature Ratchet & Clank experience.
10. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Size Matters is a handheld adventure that attempts to capture the charm of the main series, but falls short due to its limited scope and technical constraints.
Why It's Here: Despite the portable nature of the game, Size Matters struggles to offer a satisfying Ratchet & Clank experience. The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks the variety of its console counterparts. The levels are small and linear, and the story is forgettable. While it’s a decent attempt at bringing the series to the PSP, Size Matters ultimately falls short.
The Middle Ground: Solid Adventures With Room for Improvement
9. Ratchet & Clank (2016)
This game serves as a reimagining of the original PS2 game, boasting stunning visuals and a polished gameplay experience. However, it feels somewhat safe and lacks the spark of innovation found in later entries.
Why It's Here: The 2016 reboot is technically impressive, but its faithfulness to the original can feel like a missed opportunity. The game could have explored new gameplay mechanics and narrative elements while still paying homage to its roots. The story, while enjoyable, also pales in comparison to the more adventurous narratives of later games.
8. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
This PS2 title introduces the signature "Clank" button, allowing for satisfying puzzle-solving, and expands on the weapons arsenal with even more zany gadgets. But, the game's linear levels and repetitive boss battles hold it back.
Why It's Here: Up Your Arsenal marks a step forward with its expanded weapon variety and the introduction of the "Clank" button. However, the game's linear level design and repetitive boss battles hinder its overall enjoyment. The story also feels a bit generic compared to the more ambitious narratives in later installments.
7. Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction
The first installment on the PS3, Tools of Destruction marks the beginning of a new era for the series with stunning graphics and a compelling narrative. However, it's held back by a few frustrating gameplay quirks and a lack of innovation.
Why It's Here: Tools of Destruction is a significant visual leap for the series, and its story is more complex and engaging than previous entries. However, some of its gameplay mechanics, such as the "hover boots" and the "rail-grinding" segments, feel clunky and frustrating. The game also leans heavily on familiar gameplay elements rather than pushing boundaries with new ideas.
6. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
This PS3 title boasts a powerful story and introduces a new playable character, but it feels like a shorter and less expansive experience compared to its predecessors.
Why It's Here: Into the Nexus delivers a poignant story with a focus on the relationship between Ratchet and Clank, and its exploration of the mysterious "Nexus" dimension is captivating. However, the game feels like a condensed experience compared to other PS3 titles, with fewer levels and weapons than its predecessors. It's a great game, but it lacks the expansive feel of the series' peak.
The Galactic Core: Where the Stars Align
5. Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time
This PS3 adventure features captivating time-travel elements and introduces the iconic "Ryno" weapon, along with some of the most creative levels in the series.
Why It's Here: A Crack in Time stands as a masterpiece of level design and creative use of the time-travel mechanic. The game boasts some of the most memorable levels, such as the "Agorian Battlefront" and the "Clockwork City." However, the game's reliance on a single-player story, while well-crafted, might be considered a slight drawback by some.
4. Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked
This PS2 installment features a unique "Arena" mode, which allows players to battle waves of enemies in a gladiatorial setting. It's a fun and challenging addition to the series.
Why It's Here: Deadlocked stands out for its "Arena" mode, which offers an addictive and challenging gameplay experience. The game's brutal setting and dark storyline also make it a unique entry in the series. The story feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the franchise, and the lack of platforming elements can be a disappointment for some fans.
3. Ratchet & Clank: Future: A Crack in Time
This PS3 title is a true masterpiece, featuring a groundbreaking story, imaginative level design, and a massive arsenal of weapons.
Why It's Here: Future: A Crack in Time is a culmination of everything great about the Ratchet & Clank series. The story is a gripping adventure that explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and self-discovery. The level design is inventive and varied, with memorable locations such as the "Infected Planet" and the "Metropolis" of the Zoni. The vast arsenal of weapons includes some of the most creative and satisfying weapons in the series.
2. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
This PS5 exclusive pushes the boundaries of the franchise with stunning visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a captivating new dimension to the series' lore.
Why It's Here: Rift Apart is a testament to the power of the PS5, showcasing incredible graphics and a revolutionary gameplay experience. The game's use of dimensional rifts opens up a world of possibilities, allowing players to explore stunning new locations and face off against terrifying new enemies. The story is also captivating, with a heartfelt exploration of the bond between Ratchet and Clank and their journey to save their friends and the galaxy.
The Apex Predator: The Ultimate Ratchet & Clank Experience
1. Ratchet & Clank (2002)
The original game that started it all, this PS2 classic features a unique blend of platforming, shooting, and humor that defined the franchise.
Why It's Here: This first installment set the standard for the entire series, introducing the iconic characters, unique weapons, and humor that captivated gamers. The game’s clever level design, engaging gameplay, and charming story made it a instant classic and solidified Ratchet & Clank’s place in gaming history.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Galactic Adventures
From the classic PS2 games to the groundbreaking PS5 adventures, the Ratchet & Clank series has consistently offered a unique and unforgettable experience. The franchise has evolved over the years, introducing new gameplay mechanics, expanding the universe, and pushing the boundaries of what a platforming shooter can be.
Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the galaxy, the Ratchet & Clank games are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, action-packed, and often hilarious adventure. We hope you enjoy revisiting these games and exploring the incredible world of Ratchet & Clank.
FAQs: Common Questions about the Ratchet & Clank Series
1. What is the best Ratchet & Clank game for beginners?
The 2016 reboot is a great starting point for newcomers, as it serves as a reimagining of the original game with modern visuals and gameplay. It's also a great way to experience the core elements of the series without having to play the older games.
2. What are some of the most popular weapons in the Ratchet & Clank series?
Some of the most popular weapons include:
- The Groovitron: A weapon that makes enemies dance, making them vulnerable to attacks.
- The RYNO: A powerful weapon that can wipe out entire groups of enemies.
- The Mr. Zurkon: A robotic companion that can help in combat and puzzle-solving.
- The Teslaclaw: A weapon that fires a powerful electric shock.
- The Sheepinator: A fun weapon that turns enemies into sheep.
3. Are the Ratchet & Clank games difficult?
The Ratchet & Clank games are generally considered to be family-friendly and accessible, with a balance of challenge and fun. The difficulty can vary depending on the specific game and the chosen difficulty setting.
4. Which Ratchet & Clank game has the best story?
A Crack in Time is widely regarded as having one of the most captivating stories in the series, with a compelling narrative that explores themes of time travel, betrayal, and self-discovery.
5. Are there any multiplayer modes in the Ratchet & Clank games?
The Ratchet & Clank games are primarily single-player experiences, but a few installments have featured multiplayer modes, such as the "Arena" mode in Deadlocked and the "Challenge Mode" in Future: A Crack in Time.