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#3 – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Growing up with a PlayStation you likely had an allegiance to either Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. I know which camp I sat in but there’s no denying that, like a Highlander, one has endured.
Rift Apart doesn’t fundamentally reinvent the formula that Ratchet and Clank have built a franchise upon, but it introduces enough new elements, including Rivet and the titular rifts, to stand out as an unforgettable chapter in the Lombax’s tale. As a technical showpiece, it makes the mind race at what this console is going to be capable of come the end of its life cycle.
Rift Apart is Insomniac’s third straight release to feature on a Press Start Game of the Year countdown, which speaks to both the quality of their titles and the consistency of their development practices.
In his review, Kieron gave Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart a 9.5/10 and said: “Some minor missed opportunities aside this Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart is an unforgettable, unbelievably gorgeous, and downright addictive game and easily the best entry in the fan-favourite franchise. For all of its jaw-dropping visuals, industry-leading design, and writing packed with heart and humour it succeeds on first and foremost being a really good time. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the most fun I’ve had with a DualSense in my hand and it stands as the best current reason to own a PS5.”
As it stands, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is sitting at 88 based on 126 critic reviews.
PRESS START’S 2021 GOTY LIST
#3 – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
#4 – Resident Evil Village
#5 – Deathloop
#6 – It Takes Two
#7 – Unpacking
#8 – Psychonauts 2
#9 – Forza Horizon 5
#10 – Halo Infinite
For a refresher on how our voting process works, refer to the #10 article where it’s all explained in detail.