So you're diving into the Ratchet & Clank universe? Smart move. This series has been my go-to comfort food gaming since I stumbled upon the original back in high school. But with over 15 titles spanning nearly 20 years, figuring out where to start gets messy. Let's cut through the noise.
Real talk: I bought the 2016 reboot expecting nostalgia fuel. Ended up disappointed by how much content got cut from the original. Still fun though - just manage expectations.
What Exactly Defines Ratchet & Clank?
At its core, the Ratchet & Clank series blends platforming, third-person shooting, and ridiculous weaponry in sci-fi settings. You've got Ratchet (cat-like alien mechanic) and Clank (tiny robot genius) saving galaxies while corporations try to sell you overpowered guns. The charm comes from:
- Insanity: Weapons like the Groovitron (disco ball forcing enemies to dance) or Mr. Zurkon (murderous floating robot who trash-talks)
- Upgrade systems: Leveling weapons through use (that shotgun improves from pea-shooter to room-clearer)
- Movement tech: Swingshots, hoverboots, and wall-running that evolves across games
- Corporate satire: Weapons commercials play during loading screens mocking consumer culture
Don't start with 2007's Secret Agent Clank. Seriously. The spinoff sounded cool but plays like a cheap minigame collection. My copy collected dust after two weekends.
Release Timeline: The Essential Games
| Year | Title | Platform(s) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Ratchet & Clank | PS2 | Started it all. Janky controls but revolutionary weapon system |
| 2003 | Going Commando | PS2 | Added weapon leveling - series' true foundation |
| 2004 | Up Your Arsenal | PS2 | Peak PS2 era gameplay + online multiplayer (shutdown now) |
| 2005 | Deadlocked | PS2 | Arena-focused spinoff - skip if you hate repetition |
| 2007 | Tools of Destruction | PS3 | Next-gen leap with sixaxis controls (some worked, some didn't) |
| 2009 | A Crack in Time | PS3 | Best storytelling in the franchise period. |
| 2013 | Into the Nexus | PS3 | Short but refined - feels like "greatest hits" package |
| 2016 | Ratchet & Clank (Reboot) | PS4 | Stunning visuals but simplified mechanics |
| 2021 | Rift Apart | PS5 | Current gen showcase - best entry point today |
Notice how I left out mobile games? Yeah, they're forgettable. Played Ratchet & Clank: Before the Nexus on Android. Uninstalled after three days. Stick to mainline titles.
Playing Order Dilemma: Chronological vs Release Order
This causes endless forum wars. Here's the practical reality:
Speaking from experience: Playing the PS2 trilogy in order (2002-2004) gives you appreciation for mechanics evolution. But controls feel ancient now. Newcomers should start with modern entries.
Where Beginners Should Actually Start
- Own a PS5? Play Rift Apart (2021). It's gorgeous, standalone story, and mechanics are polished to perfection. My sister who hates shooters finished it twice.
- PS4 owner? Grab the 2016 reboot. It retcons the original story but nails core gameplay.
- Want the classics? Emulate PS2 trilogy or get PS3's HD Collection (includes Going Commando/Up Your Arsenal)
Hard truth: The Future Saga (PS3 era) suffers from availability issues. Tools of Destruction doesn't exist digitally anymore. Had to borrow a physical copy from a friend in 2020 when I replayed it.
Gameplay Evolution: What Changed?
They've iterated on the same formula for 20 years without feeling stale. Here's how:
| Era | Core Mechanics | Biggest Innovation | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS2 (2002-2005) | Platforming + basic shooting | Weapon variety + upgrade systems | Clunky camera controls |
| PS3 (2007-2013) | Added space combat + Clank puzzles | Story depth + RPG elements | Forced motion controls |
| PS4/PS5 (2016+) | Refined movement + set pieces | DualSense integration + dimensional shifting | Simplified difficulty |
That moment in Tools of Destruction when you first use the Groovitron? Pure magic. Watching hulking robots bust disco moves never gets old. Shame it returned in every sequel though - lost its surprise factor.
Essential Characters Beyond the Duo
Ratchet & Clank games live through their supporting cast:
- Captain Qwark: Narcissistic superhero turned recurring villain. Basically Buzz Lightyear if he failed upwards.
- Dr. Nefarious: Primary antagonist since Up Your Arsenal. Over-the-top robot fanatic with anger issues.
- Talwyn Apogee: Ratchet's love interest introduced in Future Saga. Underused lately.
- Rivet(Rift Apart): Lombax from alternate dimension. Stole the show in 2021.
Fun story: My nephew asked why Qwark keeps betraying everyone. Had to explain it's like Wile E. Coyote syndrome - fails spectacularly but never learns.
Weapon Tier List: What's Actually Worth Using
After replaying the series last quarantine, here's my unscientific weapon ranking:
| Weapon | Game Introduced | Best Version | Why It Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| R.Y.N.O. | Original (2002) | R.Y.N.O. VIII (Rift Apart) | Room-clearing missiles that cost 1.5M bolts? Worth it. |
| Buzz Blades | A Crack in Time (2009) | Original version | Bouncing sawblades decimate crowds |
| Groovitron | Tools of Destruction (2007) | All versions | Forces ANY enemy to dance. Even bosses. |
| Plasma Storm | Going Commando (2003) | V5 (Up Your Arsenal) | Lightning chain reactions |
| Mr. Zurkon | Ratchet & Clank (2016) | Rift Apart version | Autonomous killer + hilarious insults |
Pro tip: Avoid the Bouncer in challenge mode. Looks cool but damage output sucks against late-game enemies. Learned that the hard way during my Up Your Arsenal replay.
Performance and Availability: Playability in 2024
Here's the messy reality of playing older Ratchet & Clank entries:
- PS2 Classics: HD Collection on PS3 plays well but looks dated. No PS4/PS5 ports
- Future Saga (PS3): Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty physical-only. A Crack in Time still on PSN
- Spin-offs: All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault delisted digitally
- Modern Titles: Reboot (PS4) and Rift Apart (PS5) readily available
PS Now streaming for older games? Tried it. Input lag makes precision platforming miserable. Only works for turn-based RPGs honestly.
Frequently Asked Ratchet & Clank Questions
Not really. The Future Saga (PS3) has continuity but most games work standalone. Rift Apart explains dimension-hopping well enough for newcomers.
It tied into the mediocre movie. Cut planets like Eudora and changed character origins. Personally miss the original's darker tone but understand why they simplified.
Main story runs 12-15 hours. Completionists get 25+. Feels tighter than PS3 epics but no filler. My speedrun was 9 hours skipping cutscenes.
Insomniac's focused on Marvel now. Rumors about A Crack in Time remake surface yearly but nothing confirmed. I'd kill for PS5 ports though.
The Future of Ratchet & Clank
Rift Apart sold well but Insomniac's busy with Spider-Man and Wolverine. My prediction:
- No new mainline game until 2026-2027
- Potential PC ports of recent titles (Nixxes already ported Spider-Man)
- Abandoned plot threads (Lombax dimension) likely continue in comics/novels
Honestly? Fine by me. Rushed sequels ruined other franchises. Let them cook. Meanwhile I'll replay A Crack in Time for the fifth time.
Why This Series Still Matters
Most franchises either die or turn into live-service nightmares. Ratchet & Clank kept its soul through:
- Consistent gameplay pillars (weapons/platforming/humor)
- Embracing hardware innovation (PS2 analog sticks, PS5 SSD)
- Not chasing trends (no battle royale mode... yet)
My college roommate hated shooters but borrowed my copy of Going Commando. Called me at 3AM yelling about unlocking the RYNO. That's the magic.
Final Advice Before Playing
- Don't hoard bolts: Weapons improve through use. Buy early, upgrade often.
- Talk to NPCs repeatedly: Jokes evolve and sometimes unlock side quests.
- Play Challenge Mode: New Game+ with weapon level caps removed. Where the real fun begins.
Remember: This isn't some artsy indie darling. It's a series about space cats blowing up robots with disco balls. Embrace the chaos.
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