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Ratchet & Clank facts for kids
This page is about the series. For the film adaptation, see Ratchet & Clank (film).
| Ratchet & Clank | |
|---|---|
Logo since 2021
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| Genres | Action-adventure, platform, third-person shooter |
| Developers |
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| Publishers | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Creators | Insomniac Games |
| Platforms | |
| First release | Ratchet & Clank November 4, 2002 |
| Latest release | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart PC July 26, 2023 |
The Ratchet & Clank series is a collection of exciting action-adventure and platform video games. They also include third-person shooter elements. Insomniac Games created and developed most of these games. Sony Interactive Entertainment publishes them for PlayStation consoles.
The games take place in a science fiction world. They follow the adventures of two main characters: Ratchet and Clank. Ratchet is a cat-like humanoid mechanic from a special race called Lombaxes. Clank is a small, smart robot. Together, they travel across the universe. Their mission is always to save it from evil forces. The series is famous for its many unique and over-the-top weapons and gadgets.
Contents
Game History
After making the Spyro games, Insomniac Games wanted to create something new. In 2001, they came up with the idea of "an alien who travels from planet to planet, collecting weapons and gadgets." This idea led to the creation of Ratchet, a new species called a "Lombax." They also gave him a robot friend, Clank. The creators decided Ratchet and Clank should work together like a "buddy cop film."
The first game, Ratchet & Clank, came out in 2002 and was a big hit. For the second game, they made Ratchet a kinder character. They also focused on making the weapons and combat more fun. The next two games, Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal, were also very popular.
In 2005, they tried a darker, more combat-focused game called Ratchet: Deadlocked. While many liked it, some players missed the humor and exploration. Insomniac Games always tried to change the series to keep it fresh.
When the PlayStation 3 came out, Insomniac wanted to make a Ratchet & Clank game that looked like an animated movie. They hired a writer, TJ Fixman, to give the characters a stronger backstory. This led to the "Future" games, starting with Tools of Destruction in 2007. This game brought back what players loved.
They also made shorter, experimental games like Quest for Booty (2008). The next game, A Crack in Time (2009), was planned to be the last in the series. It included all the elements fans wanted.
Even though A Crack in Time was successful, the developers felt tired of the series. They tried new ideas for the next few games. All 4 One (2011) focused on playing with friends. Full Frontal Assault (2012) added tower defense elements. Finally, Into the Nexus (2013) went back to the series' main style but was shorter. After this, Sony and Insomniac decided to pause the series.
In 2016, an animated movie based on the first game was released. Insomniac Games then created a new version of the first game for the PlayStation 4. This game, also called Ratchet & Clank, matched the story of the movie.
Two spin-off games, Size Matters (2007) and Secret Agent Clank (2008), were made for the PlayStation Portable. These were developed by High Impact Games.
The newest game, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021), was made for the PlayStation 5. It was later released for Windows in 2023.
Games in the Series
| 2002 | Ratchet & Clank |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando |
| 2004 | Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal |
| 2005 | Ratchet: Deadlocked |
| Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile | |
| 2006 | |
| 2007 | Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters |
| Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction | |
| 2008 | Secret Agent Clank |
| Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty | |
| 2009 | Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time |
| 2010 | |
| 2011 | Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One |
| 2012 | Ratchet & Clank Collection |
| Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault | |
| 2013 | Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus |
| Ratchet & Clank: Before the Nexus | |
| 2014 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2016 | Ratchet & Clank (PS4) |
| 2017 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart |
Original Adventures
Ratchet & Clank (2002)
This first game came out on November 4, 2002, for the PlayStation 2. The villain, Chairman Drek, wants to build a new planet for his people. He plans to do this by taking pieces from other planets. This game introduces Captain Qwark, who is sometimes an enemy and sometimes a friend.
In this game, you can buy weapons and gadgets. This became a key part of all future games.
Going Commando
Released on November 11, 2003, for the PlayStation 2. In this game, Ratchet is hired to find a stolen creature called the "Experiment." Clank gets a job as an accountant.
This game takes place in a new galaxy called Bogon. Ratchet can race hoverbikes and fight in spaceships. It also introduced weapon leveling. This means weapons get stronger the more you use them. Ratchet's health also improves with experience.
Up Your Arsenal
This game came out on November 3, 2004, for the PlayStation 2. The story is about an invasion of the Solana galaxy by creatures called "Tyhrranoids." They are led by the evil Dr. Nefarious, a robot who wants to destroy all living things. Ratchet and Clank team up with new friends like Sasha Phyronix. Captain Qwark also returns and is even playable in some mini-games.
The game keeps the weapon and health upgrade systems. It also added a multiplayer mode. You could play with up to 8 players online.
Ratchet: Deadlocked
Released on October 25, 2005, for the PlayStation 2. This game focuses more on combat and less on platforming. Ratchet, Clank, and Al are forced to compete in a dangerous sport called DreadZone.
For the first time, Clank does not join Ratchet in all parts of the game. You can also play the main story with a friend in co-op mode.
Future Saga Games
Tools of Destruction
This was the first Ratchet & Clank game for the PlayStation 3, released on October 23, 2007. It's the first in the "Future" trilogy. Emperor Tachyon is hunting Ratchet, claiming he is the last Lombax. Ratchet and Clank escape to a new galaxy. They meet new friends who help them uncover a secret about the Lombaxes. At the end, Clank is taken by mysterious creatures called the Zoni.
This game introduced Raritanium. This rare resource is used to upgrade weapons.
Quest for Booty
A shorter game released digitally on August 21, 2008. It continues right after Tools of Destruction. Ratchet and Talwyn search for Clank. They meet pirates and learn that Clank is at the Great Clock. The Zoni reveal they hired Dr. Nefarious to fix Clank. Ratchet then sets off to rescue him.
A Crack in Time
This game came out in 2009. Ratchet continues his search for Clank. Dr. Nefarious returns as the main bad guy. The game also tells more about what happened to the Lombaxes.
You play as both Ratchet and Clank. Clank fixes time at the Great Clock and learns about his destiny. Ratchet meets another Lombax, General Alister Azimuth. Azimuth wants to use the Great Clock to fix his past mistakes.
Into the Nexus
Released on November 12, 2013, for PlayStation 3. Ratchet and Clank are transporting a criminal named Vendra Prog. Her brother, Neftin Prog, helps her escape. Vendra destroys their ship, and Ratchet and Clank chase the twins for revenge.
This game added gravity-based platforming. It also had 2D puzzle sections where Clank explores the Netherverse.
Newer Adventures
Rift Apart
Rift Apart is a PlayStation 5 game released on June 11, 2021. It came to PC on July 26, 2023. After Into the Nexus, Ratchet and Clank travel through different realities. They must stop Doctor Nefarious from using a broken device to destroy all life in every universe.
Other Games in the Series
Size Matters
Released on February 13, 2007, for PlayStation Portable. This game was made by High Impact Games. Ratchet and Clank's vacation is interrupted. They get involved in a quest to find a kidnapped girl. This leads them to a forgotten race of inventors called the Technomites.
This game changed the armor system. You can find different pieces of armor (helmet, body, gloves, boots). When you collect a full set, it gives Ratchet special abilities.
Secret Agent Clank
Released on June 17, 2008, for PlayStation Portable. This game focuses on Clank as the main character. Ratchet is wrongly put in prison. Clank uses his "Secret Agent" skills. The gameplay includes using gadgets, fighting enemies, and stealth missions.
All 4 One
This game came out on October 18, 2011. It focuses on playing with up to four friends. You can play as Ratchet, Clank, Captain Qwark, and Dr. Nefarious. They all work together to stop a monster.
Full Frontal Assault
Released on November 27, 2012, for PlayStation 3. This game was made to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. The gameplay is different, adding tower defense elements. Ratchet has to fight enemies and protect his base.
Ratchet & Clank (2016)
This game, released on April 12, 2016, for PlayStation 4, is a new version of the very first game. It came out at the same time as the Ratchet & Clank movie. It has updated graphics and gameplay. The story is similar to the original but with some changes to match the film.
Mobile Games
Going Mobile
This was the first Ratchet & Clank game for mobile phones. Ratchet and Clank are trapped inside a device and need to escape.
Before the Nexus
This is an "endless-running" game released on December 19, 2013. It was made to promote Into the Nexus. Players collect bolts and defeat enemies.
Game Collections
Ratchet & Clank Collection
This collection includes updated versions of the first three PlayStation 2 games. They are Ratchet & Clank, Going Commando, and Up Your Arsenal. They were released for PlayStation 3 in 2012 and PlayStation Vita in 2014. The games have better graphics and new features.
Game Setting
The Ratchet & Clank games take place in a made-up universe. It features travel between many planets in different galaxies. These planets have various alien and robot species. Some are big cities, while others are wild natural areas. The "Future" series also added time travel and travel between different dimensions.
Lombaxes
The Lombax is a made-up species in the series. They come from the planet Fastoon. Lombaxes look like two-legged human-like cats with tails like a lion's. Unlike most other species in the games, Lombaxes have five fingers on each hand, like humans. They are naturally good with gadgets and machines. The only Lombaxes seen in the series are Ratchet, Angela Cross, Alister Azimuth, and Rivet. Ratchet's father is mentioned but never seen. Female Lombaxes were once thought not to have tails, but this was changed with the character Rivet in Rift Apart. Ratchet is believed to be the last Lombax in his dimension after A Crack in Time.
Main Characters
The main heroes are Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic from planet Veldin, and his robot best friend Clank. Clank was built in a robot factory. Later, it's revealed that Clank's "father" is a Zoni named Orvus. You usually control Ratchet in the games. Clank rides on Ratchet's back and helps him jump, hover, and dive. He also gets upgrades that give Ratchet new abilities.
Throughout their adventures, Ratchet and Clank often meet Captain Qwark. He is a self-centered, green-suited superhero who often causes more trouble than he solves. Dr. Nefarious, a robotic mad scientist, is the main villain. He often tries to take over the universe. Other bad guys include Chairman Drek, Emperor Tachyon, and Gleeman Vox. "The Plumber," a small but helpful character, also appears in many games.
Captain Qwark
Captain Copernicus Leslie Qwark is a famous superhero in the Solana Galaxy. But he is actually a scared show-off. His actions often create more problems for Ratchet and Clank.
The Plumber
The Plumber is a recurring character in the Ratchet & Clank series. He often appears with his rear end sticking out of whatever he's fixing. He is always a helpful friend. He gives Ratchet advice or helps him find items. In A Crack in Time, he gives Clank a hint that helps save Ratchet's life. He even makes a cameo in the Ratchet & Clank film.
Big Al
Big Al is a computer expert from planet Kerwan. He loves electronics and Captain Qwark. Ratchet often needs Clank to translate Al's technical talk. Al owns "Big Al's Robo Shack" and provides upgrades for Clank. He helps Ratchet and Clank in several games, including Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal and Ratchet: Deadlocked.
Angela Cross (The Mysterious Thief)
Angela Cross is a female Lombax who appears in Going Commando. She is good with gadgets but can be clumsy. She used to work for Megacorp. She stole a dangerous creature to stop it from being released. She later teams up with Ratchet and Clank. Angela was confirmed to be a Lombax in A Crack in Time.
Talwyn Apogee
Talwyn Apogee is a Markazian and the daughter of a famous explorer. She continues her father's search for the "Lombax Secret." She lives on a space station with her robot guardians, Cronk and Zephyr. Talwyn helps Ratchet find the Lombax Secret and fight Emperor Tachyon in Tools of Destruction. She also joins Ratchet in Quest for Booty to find Clank.
Cronk and Zephyr
Cronk and Zephyr are two old war-robots who help Talwyn. They are rusty and often argue. But they are loyal friends to Ratchet and Talwyn. They appear in Tools of Destruction and help Ratchet in All 4 One. Sadly, they are destroyed in Into the Nexus, but their ghosts appear at the end.
Alister Azimuth
General Alister Azimuth is an older Lombax who becomes a mentor to Ratchet in A Crack in Time. He has white and red fur. Azimuth was friends with Ratchet's father, Kaden. He accidentally helped Emperor Tachyon rise to power. This led to the Lombaxes leaving their dimension. Azimuth wants to use the Great Clock to fix his past mistakes. He teaches Ratchet how to use hoverboots.
Kaden
Kaden is Ratchet's father. He was the keeper of a device called the Dimensionator. When the Lombaxes left their dimension, Kaden stayed behind to protect the device. He sent his infant son, Ratchet, to another planet to keep him safe. Kaden was later found and killed by Emperor Tachyon.
Orvus
Orvus is a special Zoni who created the Great Clock. He is also Clank's "father." He gave Clank his soul. Orvus is captured by Dr. Nefarious. Clank is then brought to the Great Clock to become its new caretaker. Orvus communicates with Clank through messages stored in his memory.
Sasha Phyronix
Sasha Phyronix is the captain of the Starship Phoenix. She is also the Galactic President's daughter. In Up Your Arsenal, she helps organize the Galactic Rangers to fight Dr. Nefarious. She and Ratchet seem to like each other. She also appears in the comic book series.
Skid McMarx
Skid McMarx is a professional hoverboarder. In the first game, Ratchet helps him after his ship crashes. Skid then gives Ratchet a hoverboard. In Up Your Arsenal, Skid joins Captain Qwark's Q-Force. He helps Ratchet and Clank on missions.
Helga von Streissenburgen
Helga von Streissenburgen is Captain Qwark's tough robot fitness trainer. In the first game, she gives Ratchet a Swingshot after he completes her fitness course. She also joins the Q-Force in Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal.
Skrunch
Skrunch is Captain Qwark's one-eyed monkey sidekick. He loves bananas. Skrunch helps Clank in some missions in Up Your Arsenal. He also appears in Size Matters.
Grimroth Razz
Grimroth Razz, or Grim, is a mechanic from the Polaris Galaxy. He became Ratchet's mentor and guardian after finding him as a baby. He owns a garage on planet Veldin where he and Ratchet fix ships. Grim appears in the 2016 game and film.
Doctor Nefarious
Doctor Nefarious is the most common villain in the series. He is a robot mad scientist who hates all living things. He is the main enemy of Captain Qwark and later of Ratchet and Clank. Nefarious is always with his loyal robot butler, Lawrence. When Nefarious gets angry, he often freezes up and plays soap opera episodes in his mind.
Emperor Percival Tachyon
Tachyon was raised by Lombaxes. But when he learned his race was banned from the universe, he attacked the Lombaxes. He forced most of them to leave their dimension. Only Ratchet, Alister Azimuth, Kaden, and Angela Cross remained. Tachyon also created the Space Pirates.
Chairman Alonzo Drek
Chairman Drek is the first main villain Ratchet and Clank face. He is the greedy CEO of Drek Industries. He purposely polluted his home planet to make money by building a new one. He tried to kill Clank from the moment he escaped the factory.
How to Play
Ratchet & Clank games combine platforming, action, and role-playing. You play from a third-person view. The games focus on using unique weapons and gadgets. Ratchet starts with his Omniwrench for close attacks. You can get new weapons by completing missions or buying them.
Most weapons use limited ammunition. You need to use ammo wisely or buy more. In later games, you can upgrade weapons by using them a lot or buying modifications. Weapons can be anything from machine guns to guns that turn enemies into animals.
Besides weapons, Ratchet gets many gadgets. Some help you travel, like "Grind Boots" for grinding on rails. Others, like the "Swingshot," help you swing across gaps. Some gadgets are used to solve puzzles or open doors.
Each game has many missions on different planets. You must complete some missions to move the story forward. Other missions are optional but give you rewards. You can usually go back to any planet you've visited. Missions can also include mini-games like races or arena combat.
Some missions focus on Clank. He often controls smaller robots called Gadgebots to get through areas Ratchet can't reach.
You can also find special "gold bolts" hidden in levels. These can be used to upgrade or buy powerful weapons. "Skill Points" are also hidden. Completing these tasks unlocks extra features like concept art or new outfits for Ratchet. After finishing the main story, most games offer a "Challenge Mode." In this mode, you replay the game with harder enemies but earn more bolts and better weapon upgrades.
Other Media
Manga Series
A manga series called Ratchet & Clank: Bang Bang Bang! Critical Danger of the Galaxy Legend was published in Japan from 2004 to 2008.
Film Adaptation
A Ratchet & Clank animated movie was released on April 29, 2016. It was made by Blockade Entertainment Studios and Rainmaker Entertainment. The film tells the story of how Ratchet and Clank first met. It also shows their fight against Chairman Drek. Many of the game's voice actors returned for the movie.
Short Film
A short film called Ratchet & Clank: Life of Pie was released in Canada. It was produced by Mainframe Studios.
Merchandise
You can find official guide books for almost all the games. A comic book series was released from 2010 to 2011. Other merchandise includes action figures, statues, plush toys, and clothing.
Other Video Game Appearances
Ratchet & Clank characters and references appear in other Sony games. These include Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, and LittleBigPlanet. Ratchet and Clank have also been playable characters in crossover games like PlayStation Move Heroes and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. They have even appeared in non-Sony games like Fall Guys and Among Us.
See also
In Spanish: Ratchet & Clank (serie) para niños