This is a spoiler free preview of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is everything I was hoping it would be, an experience which is no doubt enhanced by being my first PlayStation 5 exclusive. I’m having the exact same nostalgic feeling of euphoria as I had the first time playing the Ratchet and Clank games on PS3 and PS4 which off the back of that alone is enough for me to recommend the game.

The superb writing and environment design from previous games is still here, and the power of the console compliments them very well. The wacky variety of weapons does not disappoint, and with a blend of new additions to the arsenal as well as some returning favourites, if you have a favourite gun (not counting the RYNO / Harbinger endgame weapons) from a previous Ratchet and Clank game it is very likely you will find it here as well.

This is basically how I imagined all my Play Doh creations

I had two very clear criteria in my head which would allow me to call Rift Apart a return to a ‘full’ experience as opposed to the shorter adventures we have seen in the past decade. Those criteria were either more planets (remember that the second ever entry in 2002 had 20+ planets!), or if not doubling down on quantity, make the planets visited much bigger. I am pleased to report that Insomniac have delivered on the second criteria, though I won’t know if they have on the first as well until I finish the story.

The comedy has made me laugh numerous times in my play time so far, particularly Nefarious’ password from early in the game, and the cast of new characters introduced have so far managed to be both engaging and interesting, with good chemistry between them and the titular heroes.

I’m less enthused by some of the puzzle elements, though part of this may be as I haven’t had to do much with them so far, and I have a sinking feeling I am going to dislike them more as the game progresses. I will cover this in greater detail in my upcoming review.

Look at how my boys have grown

In summary, while I haven’t finished the game yet my first impressions are that Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is in for a very good score from me. Time will tell, and so I’ll speak to you again next week!