Highlights

• The Ratchet & Clank series has had its ups and downs, with some games failing to capture the spirit of the console games. (Content: Before the Nexus, Full Frontal Assault)
• Some Ratchet & Clank games, like Going Mobile and Secret Agent Clank, are underrated and worth playing despite their age. (Content: Going Mobile, Secret Agent Clank)
• The Ratchet & Clank Collection delivers three of the greatest action-platformers of all time, but doesn't offer much new content. (Content: The Ratchet & Clank Collection)

The Ratchet & Clank series is one of the most enduring PlayStation properties ever made. After all, it's been around for about two decades and four console generations.

As great as the franchise's highs are, not all the Ratchet & Clank games have been home runs since the series experienced a noticeable downturn in quality for some time. However, plenty of releases are still fondly remembered. That said, which are the best Ratchet & Clank games?

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Updated November 2, 2023 by Mark Sammut: While not every release has knocked it out of the park, Insomniac and Sony's Ratchet and Clank franchise is generally pretty consistent. And, more importantly, the greatest Ratchet and Clank games are among the platforming genre's best-ever masterpieces.

17 Before The Nexus

Metascore: 54

Released prior to 2013's Into the Nexus, the franchise's final PS3 entry, Before the Nexus was the second time Ratchet & Clank headed to mobile. It is also worse than 2005's Going Mobile. The main issue with Before the Nexus is that it does not do enough to capture the spirit of the console games.

An endless runner, this game finds Ratchet chasing after Vendra and Neftin Prog. Clank also comes along for the ride but the robot does not add anything to the gameplay beyond his presence. Surprisingly, Ratchet & Clank is not a bad fit for the endless runner genre, and Before the Nexus does a decent job of incorporating mechanics synonymous with the main game. Unfortunately, the game's controls leave a lot to be desired, particularly the shooting. The fact the license has consistently excelled in this area makes Before the Nexus an even harder pill to stomach.

16 Full Frontal Assault

Metascore: 64

Although this game escaped from being included in the worst PS3 exclusives for the 2010s, it definitely qualifies as one of the most disappointing. Full Frontal Assault’s main criticism comes from the tower defense system.

Having to defend something is almost always boring, and this game brings that in excess. Another complaint from critics is the lack of a coherent story. Mostly, it just seems like a free-to-play title rather than a legit entry. Co-op can be fun, but the absence of depth in level design means the fun doesn’t really begin.

15 Going Mobile

GameRankings: 76%

Arguably the most forgotten Ratchet & Clank game, Going Mobile is not just notable for its platform but also the fact that it is the only 2D entry in the series. Insomniac's series has developed into a third-person shooter with platforming sections, but there was a time when Ratchet & Clank was predominantly a platformer. Going Mobile belongs to the latter era, and it is a worthy addition to the franchise.

Most of the elements that defined the license's PS2 games are represented in Going Mobile, albeit naturally streamlined to fit the hardware. Although good for its time, this spin-off can be hard to revisit in this day and age since mobile gaming has come very far since 2005.

14 All 4 One

Metascore: 70

By the time of this game’s release, the series seemed to have become more of a gimmick. In this entry, players are given four choices between characters to choose from. While this idea was new, the execution wasn’t, as critics complained it felt the same only with different playable characters.

Another common issue is the presence of multiple glitches that suck the fun out. The biggest issue, though, is the horrible AI partners, who become more of a nuisance than assistance.

13 Secret Agent Clank

Metascore: 72%

Although this title isn’t exactly revolutionary, it might be one of the more underrated platformers out there. Secret Agent Clank makes Ratchet take a backseat while Clank is the playable character. Here, the espionage theme is both funny and creative.

The downside is that Clank’s special abilities aren’t really utilized. Instead, most of Ratchet’s moves have been transferred to him. Still, the game does present a different viewpoint from the rest of the series that should be appreciated.

12 Ratchet & Clank Collection

Metascore: 83%

The PS3 era was rife with compilations that provided slightly remastered or tweaked versions of masterpieces from yesteryear. The Ratchet & Clank Collection took Insomniac's iconic PS2 trilogy and presented them in 720p and 60 FPS, which was the minimum this type of release could do. The package also went the extra mile by incorporating 3D support, which players can activate if they do not mind a performance hit.

In terms of content, the Ratchet & Clank Collection delivers three of the greatest action-platformers of all time, all of which are still fun to play all these years later. However, as a product, it does not bring too much to the plate.

11 Future: Quest For Booty

Metascore: 76%

Despite not exactly being a bad game, Quest for Booty's legacy has been blighted due to the extremely short length. This is the standard Ratchet & Clank game, only without much Clank and a campaign that ends in about three hours.

Quest for Booty maintains a fun quick pace throughout its campaign. This allows it to keep players invested throughout, although the story ends on a cliffhanger at the worst moment. Its gameplay was also praised due to the removal of useless weapons.

10 Ratchet: Deadlocked

Metascore: 81%

Out of all the games in the series, this feels the most different. Filled with impressive weapons for players to try out, Deadlocked is more of a survival game than a platformer. While it’s no doubt enjoyable, the game lacks the series’ spirit.

Unlike other entries, this one has players fighting for their lives in gladiatorial arenas. It’s darker than most, but there’s no denying that every level is packed with action. Deadlocked certainly would’ve made a bigger impact had it been a standalone feature.

9 Into The Nexus

Metascore: 76%

Insomniac Games’ series lost its way somewhat during the PS3 era, resulting in a string of disappointing games that ventured away from what made Ratchet & Clank successful. While the return to the franchise’s roots might or might not be related to that, Into the Nexus wasn’t a complete success.

Critics did compliment the graphics present here, with the game making full use of its exotic locations. However, the story has been branded as the weakest in the series, to the point where it seems completely unneeded. Although not terrible by any means, Into the Nexus does not stand out from the crowd.

8 Size Matters

Metascore: 85%

Sometimes goofiness can be charming, with Size Matters fulfilling this aspect. The game is on the lighter side of things, featuring more of the same only on a smaller scale. A PSP title, this lower scope actually allows the game to be special.

The story, while not flashy, does highlight the protagonists’ characterizations. Boss fights require a certain sense of strategy, which makes beating the game even more rewarding. Finally, traveling to multiple worlds with distinct features bolsters the replay value.

Size Matters was released on the PlayStation 2, but the game should be played on the PSP.

7 Future: Tools Of Destruction

Metascore: 89%

Released at a time when the PS3 was a fresh new console, Future: Tools of Destruction gave the series a superb revamp. Also filled with tongue-in-cheek humor – there is even a reference to the PS3 vs. Xbox console fight – this game succeeded in launching a new era for the franchise.

Tools of Destruction's level design and usage of Ratchet and Clank are particularly engaging. Along with that, the focus on keeping both gameplay and the plot hand in hand enabled this entry to be remembered for its well-rounded execution.

6 Ratchet & Clank (2016)

Metascore: 85%

Remakes can leave something to be desired, but PS4’s Ratchet & Clank certainly makes a case in favor of their existence. A reboot and re-imagining of the first game, the original fun is faithfully brought back with gorgeous visuals and improved gunplay.

The game balances platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving well. Story-wise, the remake does not quite reach the heights of the PS2 original, but it is an acceptable rendition of this tale. Prior to Rift Apart, 2016's Ratchet & Clank had the best gameplay in the series.

5 Ratchet & Clank

Metascore: 88%

The original continues to have a soft spot among the fanbase. It’s aged remarkably well too, with the storyline and humor remaining just as fresh even after two decades. Critics gave it well-deserved points for its creativity, with there being nothing like it at the time of release.

While the uneven camera and Ratchet’s unlikable personality were a bit of a hindrance, the game manages to win players over due to the number of mini-games and upbeat tone.

4 Future: A Crack In Time

Metascore: 87%

Considered by many to be the best Ratchet & Clank game on the PS3, A Crack in Time deserves all the praise it has received. With additional points given for the quality of the game's weapons and combat, the series pulled out all the stops to make this an engaging feature.

Although it’s not the most friendly of games for new players, A Crack in Time has been noted for its ability to capture interest. Additional liberties like freely using Ratchet’s ship help in empowering the player to explore further.

3 Rift Apart

Metascore: 88%

The most recent entry in the series, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart builds upon the rock-solid foundations of 2016's remake. Using the PS5's hardware to great effect, Insomniac crafted an experience that highlights the console's graphical prowess while still delivering gameplay depth. Long-time fans will feel right at home with Rift Apart's combat and platforming, and they can even look forward to trying out a new playable character called Rivet.

The 2010s was not an especially strong decade for Ratchet & Clank, and the franchise's days even seemed numbered following the release of Into the Nexus. Rift Apart shows that Insomniac's series still has plenty of life left in it; furthermore, the game was eventually ported to PC, marking the franchise's first foray into that market.

2 Up Your Arsenal

Metascore: 91%

Packing in features galore, the franchise's third PS2 entry is still one of the very best Ratchet & Clank games after all these years. Up Your Arsenal's addition of online multiplayer made for an entirely different gameplay option, instantly adding hours more of playthrough potential.

The campaign is also quite expansive, with several levels available to upgrade and perfect one’s skills. Most of all, it is Up Your Arsenal's highly entertaining story, filled with surprisingly mature themes and gritty characters, that make this a can’t-miss release.

1 Going Commando

Metascore: 90%

Rarely does a sequel take the shortcomings of the previous game and improve upon it almost flawlessly. Going Commando, though, does just this as it features a more hard-hitting style that enlivens the campaign of the game.

The story also fixes the chinks in Ratchet’s character, making him and Clank the ideal duo fans know them to be. The explosive combat and racing scenes, in particular, have continued to be pointed out as the top feature of this sequel.

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