Overview

#RatchetAndClankRiftApart launched June 2021 as Insomniac’s PlayStation 5 technical showcase. The dimension-hopping platformer sold 4+ million copies, demonstrated PS5 SSD instant-loading (rifts transition in <1 second), introduced Rivet (female Lombax), and proved next-gen hardware enabled impossible-before gameplay.

The Tech Marvel

Portal rifts warped players between worlds mid-combat—no loading screens. Ray-tracing reflections, DualSense haptic feedback (every weapon unique), 60fps performance mode, and photo mode beauty. The Nefarious City level: portals everywhere, reality collapsing, visual spectacle overwhelming.

The Characters

Rivet (dimension-swapped Ratchet) became instant fan favorite. Dimensional counterparts: Kit (dimension Clank), Emperor Nefarious (competent villain), and Gary the alien. The game balanced nostalgia (classic weapons) with innovation (The Void Repulser, Negatron Collider). Pixar-quality cutscenes. Insomniac’s Spider-Man success translated to Ratchet revival.

Sources:

• Sony sales: https://blog.playstation.com/
• Digital Foundry tech analysis: https://www.eurogamer.net/