Graphics and Performance  

Whenever a new console generation is launched, they are usually accompanied by games that showcase the platforms’ potential. But due to the pandemic, both camps have suffered on that front and some of the big launches have seen delays. Fortunately for Sony, “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” is finally here and the game looks spectacular on the PS5.   The game offers 3 modes on the PS5, the first being Fidelity, followed by Performance RT and Performance. The Fidelity mode, as the name suggests is the best-looking one with all the graphical settings switched on, including Ray-Tracing, although this runs on 30fps on 4K. The next mode Performance RT focuses on a 60fps experience with Ray-Tracing, although this mode sacrifices the resolution, meaning the rendered scene is at a lower resolution and is dynamically scaled to 4k. The performance setting focuses on a 60fps experience with native 4k and sacrifices on Ray-Tracing and some graphical settings.  The one thing that critics have praised unanimously is how good the game looks. Many reviews have pointed out Insomniac Game’s brilliant work with animations and textures, with some even comparing it with Pixar’s animation work. Only the 30fps Fidelity mode was unlocked for reviews and it seems the PS5 delivers well on that front with rock steady performance.  – VentureBeat

Gameplay and Story 

Gameplay-wise Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart brings a lot of new things to the table. The players get to control two characters, Ratchet and Rivet with their own unique abilities and according to critics, this brings a nice change of pace between different missions. Insomniac has also done very well with the different worlds and environments in the game, beautifully crafting each of them.  Thankfully the game is not just technical brilliance, most reviewers have also lauded Insomnias’s brilliant storytelling in this game. The story is captivating and holds up well in the game’s approximately 14-hour runtime.  – TheVerge

Review Round-Up

IGN – 9/10 (PS5) Eurogamer – 4/5 (PS5) VentureBeat – 5/5 Metacritic – 88/100 Destructoid – 90/100 (PS5)