Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Is A PS5 Launch Window Game

Insomniac's Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was a showpiece game for the PlayStation 5 debut, with a dimension-hopping mechanic that demonstrates how the SSD can be used to impact the game experience. During Gamescom Opening Night Live, we got a new look at the game and learned a bit more about how Insomniac is taking advantage of the PS5's increased horsepower. It's going to be arriving sooner than expected, too. In fact, it will be here soon after the PS5 itself.

The ONL gameplay demo was an extended version of the one featured during the PS5 reveal event this past June. Early on in the demo, Ratchet inadvertently shoots Dr. Nefarious's Dimensionator, causing dimensional rifts to appear everywhere. Ratchet quickly learns how to use these rifts to his benefit; the lombax can use his new Rift Tether to grapple glowing yellow rifts and pull himself into them, reaching new platforms. You can watch the full gameplay demo below.

Following the demo, Gamescom ONL host Geoff Keighley spoke with Insomniac's Mike Daly and Marcus Smith, who shed a bit more light on the upcoming game. According to Insomniac, the PS5's horsepower allows the team to fill the game world with density and life. Players also won't experience any load screens at all during the game.

In terms of story, Insomniac says Rift Apart is an "extension" of Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, although the game also serves as a standalone adventure, so you don't need to have played any previous entries to enjoy it. That said, Insomniac teases that there will be returning characters and other nods to previous games that longtime fans will appreciate.

Just like the debut trailer, the Rift Apart gameplay demo ended with another look at a mysterious new female lombax. Insomniac didn't share any further details about her, but the studio reconfirmed that she'll be playable in the game. Rift Apart has also been used as an example of how developers are using the unique qualities of the PS5 DualSense controller. One weapon, the Enforcer, will deliver a bigger blast if you push past the resistance from the adaptive triggers.

Ratchet & Clank does not have a release date, but Insomniac confirmed that the game will arrive within PS5's launch window. Sony hasn't revealed a release date or price for the system, but that should be coming sometime soon. Given that Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is also planned to launch around the console's release date, developer Insomniac certainly looks to be keeping busy. It became a first-party PlayStation studio about a year ago after having primarily developed games for Sony already.

The company recently opened pre-registration for the next-gen console.