Is Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart a Sequel to Ratchet and Clank 2016?
In the world of video games, sequels and remakes are a dime a dozen. But when a new game is released under the banner of a classic franchise, it’s only natural to wonder: "Is this a sequel? Is this a remake?"
In the case of Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart, the answers are a bit more complex than a simple "yes" or "no."
The Official Line: A Sequel to Previous Games, Not a Sequel to Ratchet and Clank 2016
According to the official PlayStation website, Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is a sequel to the 2013 game Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, not the 2016 game Ratchet and Clank (a remake of the 2002 original).
"This is a full-length, stand-alone storyline that serves as a follow-up to both Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus and the 2016 remake."
But What About Ratchet and Clank 2016?
On the surface, it’s easy to assume that Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is a sequel to the 2016 game, given the shared name and similar story beats. However, fans of the series will be quick to point out that the 2016 game was a remake of the original, not a part of the mainline Ratchet and Clank series.
Table: Ratchet and Clank Games in Chronological Order
| Game Title | Release Year | Canonical Order |
|---|---|---|
| Ratchet and Clank | 2002 | 1 |
| Ratchet and Clank 2: Going Commando | 2003 | 2 |
| Ratchet and Clank Up Your Arsenal | 2004 | 3 |
| Ratchet and Clank Deadlocked | 2005 | 4 |
| Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction | 2007 | 5 |
| Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty | 2008 | 6 |
| Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time | 2009 | 7 |
| Ratchet and Clank 2016 | 2016 | 8* |
| Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart | 2021 | 9 |
*Note: The 2016 game is not considered part of the mainline series in terms of canonical order. It’s a remake of the original game, whereas the other games are a part of the mainline series.
Conclusion: Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is not a direct sequel to the 2016 game
While Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart may share some similarities with the 2016 game, it’s not a direct sequel. Instead, it’s a sequel to the 2013 game Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, and a part of the mainline Ratchet and Clank series.
For fans of the series, this is good news – it means that the game is picking up where the previous mainline game left off, and will continue the adventures of Ratchet and Clank in a new and exciting way.
For newcomers, this is also good news – it means that the game is a self-contained story that can be jumped into without prior knowledge of the series.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: Fans of the series, fans of action-adventure games, and anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted gaming experience.
Platforms: PS5, PS4.
Genre: Action-adventure, platformer.