Ratchet & Clank in Order: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Ratchet & Clank series is a beloved action-adventure franchise that has captivated gamers for over two decades. Known for its quirky characters, humorous dialogue, and engaging gameplay, the series follows the adventures of Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, his diminutive robotic companion. With over 16 games released, navigating the Ratchet & Clank timeline can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will provide a chronological breakdown of the franchise, including release dates, platforms, and an overview of each game's story and gameplay mechanics.

1. Ratchet & Clank (2002)

• Release Date: November 4, 2002
• Platforms: PlayStation 2
• Story: Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, a defective robot, team up to stop the evil Chairman Drek from blowing up multiple planets to create a new home for his people.
• Gameplay: Combines platforming, shooting, and exploration elements with a unique weapon upgrade system.

2. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (2003)

• Release Date: October 30, 2003
• Platforms: PlayStation 2
• Story: Ratchet and Clank embark on a new adventure to prevent a mad scientist from destroying every sentient robot in the galaxy.
• Gameplay: Introduces new weapons, gadgets, and a revamped level design that expands upon the original game.

3. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)

• Release Date: November 2, 2004
• Platforms: PlayStation 2
• Story: The duo faces a formidable new threat in the form of Emperor Nefarious, who plans to conquer the entire Solana Galaxy.
• Gameplay: Features a massive arsenal of weapons, including the RYNO, a devastating weapon that can decimate multiple enemies at once.

4. Ratchet: Deadlocked (2005)

• Release Date: November 15, 2005
• Platforms: PlayStation 2
• Story: Ratchet and Clank are forced into participating in DreadZone, a televised gladiatorial tournament, in an attempt to save Clank from Emperor Nefarious.
• Gameplay: Focuses on arena combat, with players unlocking new weapons and abilities as they progress through the tournament.

5. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (2007)

• Release Date: December 4, 2007
• Platforms: PlayStation Portable
• Story: A prequel to the original game, following Ratchet and Clank's initial meeting and their adventures in the Polaris Galaxy.
• Gameplay: Similar to the PlayStation 2 installments, with a few platform-specific tweaks and minigames.

6. Ratchet & Clank: Secret Agent Clank (2008)

• Release Date: September 18, 2008
• Platforms: PlayStation Portable
• Story: Clank becomes a secret agent and infiltrates the nefarious Thugs-4-Less organization to uncover their sinister plans.
• Gameplay: Focuses on stealth and puzzle-solving, with Clank using various gadgets to outsmart enemies and complete missions.

7. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (2009)

• Release Date: October 27, 2009
• Platforms: PlayStation 3
• Story: The duo travels through time to prevent the destruction of the universe and confront their ultimate nemesis, Dr. Nefarious.
• Gameplay: Introduces new time-bending abilities, allowing players to manipulate the flow of time and solve puzzles.

8. Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (2011)

• Release Date: October 18, 2011
• Platforms: PlayStation 3
• Story: Ratchet, Clank, Captain Qwark, and Sofia embark on a cooperative adventure to save a galaxy from an ancient evil.
• Gameplay: Focuses on four-player cooperative gameplay, with each character having unique abilities.

9. Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault (2012)

• Release Date: November 27, 2012
• Platforms: PlayStation 3
• Story: The duo fights against General Grawl and the Zoni forces in a tower defense-style game.
• Gameplay: Blends tower defense and platforming elements, with players controlling Ratchet and Clank while deploying traps and turrets to fend off waves of enemies.

10. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (2013)

• Release Date: November 12, 2013
• Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
• Story: Ratchet and Clank are tasked with protecting the Lombax Nexus, a mystical realm connecting all Lombax universes.
• Gameplay: Features a return to the original trilogy's formula, with a focus on platforming, puzzles, and weapon upgrades.

11. Ratchet & Clank (2016)

• Release Date: April 12, 2016
• Platforms: PlayStation 4
• Story: A reimagined version of the original game, following Ratchet and Clank's first encounter and their quest to stop Chairman Drek's planet-destroying scheme.
• Gameplay: Similar to the original game, with updated visuals, gameplay mechanics, and expanded content.

12. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)

• Release Date: June 11, 2021
• Platforms: PlayStation 5
• Story: The duo embarks on a multidimensional adventure to save their friends and defeat the evil Emperor Nefarious Tropy.
• Gameplay: Introduces unique dimension-hopping mechanics, allowing players to seamlessly travel between different dimensions and utilize the abilities of alternate universe versions of Ratchet and Clank.

Timeline Summary

Tips and Tricks for Playing Ratchet & Clank

• Utilize Weapon Upgrades: Collect bolts (the in-game currency) to upgrade your weapons and gadgets. Upgraded weapons increase damage, range, and effectiveness.
• Explore Hidden Areas: Look for hidden pathways, secret rooms, and breakable walls to uncover bonus items, weapons, and collectibles.
• Experiment with Gadgets: Use Clank's gadgets like the Swingshot and the Hydrodisplacer to solve puzzles and access new areas.
• Maximize RYNO Usage: The RYNO is a powerful weapon that can obliterate enemies, but use it sparingly as it takes longer to recharge.
• Utilize Multi-Character Gameplay: In cooperative games, communicate with your teammates and use each character's unique abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies efficiently.

Benefits of Playing Ratchet & Clank

• Engaging Gameplay: The series offers a blend of action, platforming, exploration, and puzzles, providing a diverse and entertaining gaming experience.
• Humorous and Heartwarming Story: The games feature witty dialogue, memorable characters, and heartfelt moments that make the adventures feel both fun and emotionally impactful.
• Exceptional Graphics and Animation: The Ratchet & Clank series is known for its stunning visuals and fluid animations, creating immersive and visually impressive worlds.
• Replayability Value: The games offer multiple difficulty levels and challenge modes, encouraging players to revisit them for increased challenge and rewards.
• Nostalgia Factor: For longtime fans, the series provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the iconic characters and worlds that have captivated them for years.

Additional Content

Table 1: Weapon Upgrades in Ratchet & Clank