Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart fans were treated to a lengthy 16-minute demo of the game at yesterday’s State of Play, and in it, details about all the game’s features were shared. This includes side missions, with Insomniac making it seem like there is plenty of optional content for Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart players to complete.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s gameplay footage showed off several locations, ranging from Nefarious City to an alien planet where Rivet was able to shine. Insomniac also gave fans insight into some of the side quests they will be able to complete when searching through each of these areas. Based on the brief bits of description and the short clips for each, there will be plenty of variety when it comes to this optional content.
Players will be able to enjoy Dimensional Clank levels, a form of side quest that sees gamers controlling the sidekick as they complete puzzles. In the footage, Clank is leading a series of ghost-like Clanks to a door as a way to open it. Next, Glitch Challenges should prove an effective use of the PS5’s DualSense technology, as gamers will be controlling a massive spider-like robot. Who this robot belongs to is unclear, though the sections see the mech climbing on walls and firing from a cannon on its upper half.
Arena Challenges will also be seen, which should allow players to show off their skill in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s combat. It is unclear if these will be time-based, wave-based, or endless. Aerial Combat side activities will also be available, with one showing Rivet riding a dragon. Gold Bolts will return, with the classic collectible type likely accessed via small puzzles or side missions in any given section. Lastly, there are Pocket Dimensions, which seem to be small platforming areas for bonus rewards. Appearing throughout different levels, players will seemingly be able to access them just by entering through a rift.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart fans will also be able to hunt down some special armor sets, and based on the images shown, there will be three pieces to each suit. While Insomniac did not clarify how the outfits are obtained, it did show that players will get bonus stat boosts when equipping a full set. It does seem like the armor bonuses are the same across all sets, though, as the Lombax Praetorian armor and Robot Pirate armor offer the same boosts to damage, defense, and currency drops.
For longtime fans of the series, it seems like this PS5-powered sequel is set to deliver in a major way. With enemies from Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando returning as well, it seems like there is a great blend of fan service and fully original ideas on offer.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart releases June 11, 2021, for PS5.