I played Ratchet and Clank PS4 so you don't have to guess if it's good. I've put in real hours with this game, and I'm giving you a straight, honest answer.
This Ratchet and Clank PS4 review covers everything:gameplay, weapons, story problems, graphics, and real fan reactions, including what the Ratchet and Clank PS4 review IGN got right and missed.
The game is fun, but it's not perfect. I'll also explain how the movie ties into the game, why longtime fans felt let down, and whether it's still worth playing in 2026.
I've reviewed dozens of PS4 titles, so you're getting a reliable, experience-backed breakdown here.
What Is Ratchet and Clank PS4?
Ratchet and Clank on PS4 launched in April 2016 as a reimagining of the original 2002 PS2 classic, developed by Insomniac Games.
It is not a sequel. The game was built alongside an animated movie, which shaped much of its story and visual direction.
While new players found it to be a polished and enjoyable action platformer, longtime fans had a more complicated reaction.
Many felt the reboot lost the rough, personal charm that made the original special.
This gap in opinion has followed the game for years and still comes up in conversations about the series today.
Ratchet and Clank PS4 Gameplay Review
The gameplay is where this reboot truly shines, offering fast combat and creative weapons that keep things exciting.
Smooth Combat and Fast-Paced Action
The combat feels tight. You can move fast, shoot fast, and switch weapons without slowing down.
The game does a good job of keeping you on your toes. Enemy types are varied enough to keep battles interesting.
Strafing and dodging work well. The aiming system is comfortable. You never feel like the controls are fighting you.
Best Weapons and Upgrade System
The weapons are one of the best parts of this game. The Combuster is your starter gun.
The Groovitron makes enemies dance so you can attack freely. The Sheepinator turns enemies into sheep.
Each weapon levels up through use. As you use a gun more, it gets stronger.
You can also buy upgrades using Raritanium, which you collect across planets. This system gives you real reasons to try different weapons.
Platforming, Exploration, and Side Activities
The platforming is solid. Jumping, wall running, and using gadgets all feel smooth. Planets are not huge but they offer enough to keep you busy.
Side activities include hoverboard races and gold bolt hunting. These are fun distractions and give completionists more to do.
Clank Puzzle Sections and Gameplay Variety
Clank sections break up the action. These involve small robots called Zoni that you direct to solve light puzzles.
They are not hard but they add variety. The game switches between action and puzzles well enough that you never feel stuck doing one thing for too long.
Ratchet and Clank PS4 Story and Characters
The story gets the job done, but longtime fans may feel it lacks the depth of earlier entries in the series.
Ratchet and Clank's Journey Explained
Ratchet wants to be a hero. He meets Clank by chance. Together they join the Galactic Rangers to stop Chairman Drek, who is destroying planets. It's simple and easy to follow.
Why the Story Feels Weaker Than the Originals
The PS2 games had more edge. Ratchet started as a selfish character and grew over time.
In the PS4 version, he's already good at heart from the start. That removes some of the character arc that made the originals feel rewarding.
The story also leans heavily on movie scenes. This makes it feel less like a game story and more like a companion piece.
Character Changes That Fans Noticed
Captain Qwark is still funny. Dr. Nefarious makes an appearance. But Chairman Drek, who was the main villain in the original, feels less developed here.
Fans who remembered him from 2002 noticed the difference right away.
Does the Humor Still Work?
Mostly yes. The jokes are clean and light. Qwark gets most of the funny moments. Kids will laugh often. Adults will smile. It's not as sharp as the humor in older titles, but it does the job.
Ratchet and Clank PS4 Graphics and Performance Review
Visually, this game still impresses in 2026 with smooth performance and a colorful art style that holds up well.
Pixar-Like Visuals That Still Hold Up
When this game came out, people called it the best-looking PS4 game. The colors are bright. The environments are detailed.
Character animations are smooth. It genuinely looks like a playable animated film.
Even now in 2026, the game holds up visually. The art style does a lot of heavy lifting.
PS4 vs PS5 Performance Differences
On PS4, the game runs at 30fps. It's stable for the most part. On PS5 through backward compatibility, the experience is smoother with faster load times. If you have a PS5, playing it there is the better option.
Technical Issues and Minor Bugs
There are occasional frame drops on the base PS4, especially during heavy combat. Nothing game-breaking, but noticeable.
A few camera angles can be awkward in tight spaces. These are minor complaints for an otherwise polished game.
Soundtrack and Atmosphere Comparison
The music is good. It fits the tone of each planet well. That said, older fans feel the PS2 soundtracks had more personality. The PS4 music is clean and professional but plays it safe.
Tips Before Playing Ratchet and Clank PS4
A few smart moves before you start can make your playthrough much more enjoyable and less frustrating.
- Upgrade weapons frequently to get the most out of combat early on
- Focus on crowd-control guns like the Groovitron and Predator Launcher in the early game
- Find every planet fully to collect Raritanium and gold bolts
- Replay levels after getting new gadgets since some areas are only reachable later
- Save bolts early and avoid spending on weapons you don't use
Conclusion
I have a soft spot for this game. The first time I played it, I was just looking for something light and fun.
It was delivered. Yes, the story is simple. Yes, fans of the original have reason to feel let down. But for a relaxed afternoon of shooting things and collecting bolts, it works.
If you haven't tried the Ratchet and Clank PS4 review game yet, give it a shot. Drop your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ratchet and Clank PS4 a remake or a reboot?
It is a reboot, not a direct remake. The game reimagines the original PS2 story with new visuals and some changes tied to the 2016 animated movie.
How long does it take to finish Ratchet and Clank PS4?
The main story takes around eight to ten hours. If you go for full completion with all gold bolts and upgrades, expect around twelve to fifteen hours.
Can you play Ratchet and Clank PS4 on PS5?
Yes, it works through backward compatibility on PS5. Load times are faster and performance is more stable than on the base PS4 console.
Is the Ratchet and Clank PS4 game suitable for kids?
Yes. The game is rated E10 and above. The humor is light, the combat is cartoonish, and there is no mature content. It's a good pick for younger players.
How does the Ratchet and Clank PS4 review IGN score compare to fan reviews?
IGN gave it an 8.0, which was in line with most critic scores. Fan reviews were more mixed, with longtime players giving it lower scores due to story and character concerns.
