Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart delivered a strong story centered on the dynamic duo, with their dimensional counterparts Rivet and Kit bringing a lot to the table as well. Based on the game’s ending, it seems like players can expect both a Ratchet and Clank spin-off and sequel at some point in the future. However, while both of those potential games are exciting, there are still some stories that can be told beyond what is expected.
One excellent option would be a Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart prequel. While this could come in the form of Rivet’s years as a rebel, or an earlier adventure with Ratchet and Clank, a far more memorable option would see players following an entirely different Lombax. Mags, a character that is only mentioned via a series of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart collectibles, would be an excellent choice for a prequel story.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s Lorbs
On the planet Savali, players can go around the map collecting Lorbs. Aside from boasting a clever name that is a combination of “lore” and “orb,” these items are neat because they tell a coherent story. Each Lorb provides an audio snippet from Mags, a Lombax that was essential in charting a course to the species’ new home. Each Lorb provides an interesting piece of that narrative, with some being serious and others being more playful.
Mags needs to chart countless dimensions, with the character hopping into several iconic PlayStation worlds. He visits universes inhabited by Sly Cooper, Jak and Daxter, and Knack, with each mention serving as an adorable easter egg that will make PlayStation fans smile. Outside of these homages to some of Sony’s other big exclusives, the story told in these Lorbs is an important one. Under the order of Ratchet’s father Kaden, Mags eventually finds the new home for the Lombaxes, and the Lombaxes then flee to this new world to escape some kind of threat.
Why Controlling Mags Would Be Worthwhile
From a gameplay standpoint, controlling Mags seems like it could be even more fun than controlling Ratchet. While the RYNO 8 super weapon contains awesome PlayStation cameos, a Mags-focused adventure would take things to another level. Players could walk around in the worlds of franchises like Jak and Daxter and Knack, experiencing gameplay mechanics and music from those IPs. With no sequel coming for either franchise anytime soon, this could be a great way for fans of those universes to get some new content within them.
From a story perspective, letting players see the Lombaxes at their peak would make sense. With the next game in the series seemingly tasking Ratchet and Rivet with finding the other Lombaxes, players can expect to see the species' architecture and culture in full swing whenever they are found. With the Lombaxes being rather mysterious in the franchise thus far, as fans have seen very few Lombaxes over the course of the games, a Mags-led prequel could help ease them into seeing more Lombaxes at once.
With Mags having a close working relationship with Kaden, Ratchet’s father, a prequel would also give players the chance to see more of the protagonist’s dad. Mags also promises the Lombax listening to the Lorbs that they would speak again one day, and with that listener being Ratchet, giving fans more insight into Mags' character before that meeting would be beneficial. With fun gameplay possible via the various PlayStation universes, and a story that would help set up the next game in the series, giving Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart fans a prequel adventure seems like a terrific idea.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is available now on PS5.