In many ways, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is shaping up to be an exciting convergent point for mechanics and narrative threads from across the iconic duo’s storied past. Each successive showing of the PS5’s next first-party exclusive has teased just how far Insomniac Games is willing to go when it comes to pulling out references from the past. With every installment of Ratchet and Clank’s 19 years’ worth of adventures, the cast of cartoony characters that are loved by fans has grown at an equally relentless pace, meaning cameo possibilities are now nearly limitless.
Fueled by the parallel dimension potential Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s story sets up, this looks set to be one area in particular that Insomniac Games will channel nostalgia into most of all. One shadowy entity referred to only as the Phantom during April’s State of Play, demonstrates this in action perfectly. Attentive listeners would’ve been able to identify the unmistakable voice behind the shadowy anti-Nefarious resistance member as one of the franchises’ oldest characters, Skidd McMarx.
Blast from Ratchet and Clank’s Past
Long-time fans of the series will likely be familiar with the misfortunes of the original Skidd McMarx, and the handful of times he’s crossed paths with Ratchet and Clank in the past. In the original 2002 Ratchet and Clank, Skidd not only acted as a form of comedic relief but also played a crucial role in enabling the duo to take part in one of their most challenging side activities ever, hoverboard racing. Upon saving the professional hoverboard champion from a pack of sandsharks (who are also set to re-appear in Rift Apart), Ratchet and Clank were gifted a Z3000 Deluxe Hoverboard and set loose on the sport. There’s somewhat of a franchise precedent for Skidd acting as a shadowy operative though, like his new moniker suggests his alternate dimension incarnation will be in Rivet’s universe.
During the events of Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal (his final on-screen appearance in the original timeline), Skidd was recruited by Captain Qwark to join the Q-Force, as part of the effort to squash Dr. Nefarious’ evil schemes. During this time, Skidd traded in his hoverboard titles for the codename “Shadow Dude” and acted as the group’s black ops specialist. Things didn’t exactly work out for Skidd as he was repeatedly shown to be woefully underqualified, and subsequently spent a portion of the game converted into a robot. Through the potential of the multiverse, there’s a decent chance that the version of the character that goes by “Phantom” could offer some form of redemption for the original, considering how long they’ve successfully been on the run from that realities’ native Emperor Nefarious.
Rift Apart’s Hoverboard Opportunity
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart won’t be the first time that an alternate incarnation of Skidd has been seen getting into the trouble within the franchise, regardless of their skill level. During the events of 2016’s Ratchet and Clank, which acted as a retelling of the events of the original game, Skidd once again found himself in need of saving. Much like the original, this universe’s Skidd also acted as Ratchet and Clank’s gateway into the world of hoverboard racing.
Considering how both of his first appearances to players have incorporated hoverboard racing in some form, there’s a chance that the sport and activity could play a part in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart as well. With side activities like arena battles and aerial combat both making a notable return, leaving a form of racing feels out would feel like a bit of a slight missed opportunity, especially with the historical infamy it holds within the franchise.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart releases on June 11 for PS5.