18 Games to Play If You Like Ratchet & Clank | GAME3A
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18 Games to Play If You Like Ratchet & Clank

The Ratchet & Clank games may have possibly exceeded the number of entries that were predicted earlier, but one cannot accuse them of being uncreative...

Amy West Sept 01, 2023
18 Games to Play If You Like Ratchet & Clank

The Ratchet & Clank games may have possibly exceeded the number of entries that were predicted earlier, but one cannot accuse them of being uncreative. Only a few other games generate the same sense of high-quality platforming and quirky humor for which this series is renowned.

However, that doesn't mean you don't have similar options, and there are certain titles that should be explored if you enjoy the Ratchet & Clank experience. While these games may not be playfully identical, they will have no trouble captivating you due to the quality that can be found here.

Updated on September 1, 2023, by PJ Molloy - Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart received a port for Steam in July 2023, allowing new audiences to enjoy the quirky third-person shooter platforming experience. Unfortunately, there is still no news regarding the release date of the next game in the series. If you have already played Rift Apart when it was released on PlayStation 5 in 2021, it is understandable if the Steam version doesn't satisfy the craving for a new title. Fortunately, 3D platformers have been making a comeback lately, and there is no shortage of charming third-person shooters and adventure games. If you are looking for some games similar to Ratchet & Clank to bridge the gap until the next announcement, there is an abundance of options available for you.

18 A Hat In Time

18 Games To Play If You Like Ratchet & Clank

Approximate Game Length

7-10 Hours

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Gears for Breakfast

Platforms

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, MacOS

If you enjoyed the Ratchet & Clank games from the PlayStation 2 era, then A Hat in Time is just the thing for you. This charming, time-altering adventure is a love letter to 3D platformers from the PS2 and GameCube era. You'll explore various vibrant sandbox worlds and complete platforming challenges while wearing different hats. Each hat grants you a new ability that spices up the gameplay.

A Hat in Time is brimming with the same playfulness and humor as the Ratchet & Clank series. The platforming is diverse and action-packed, with new secrets and surprises at every corner. If you're looking for a more nostalgic experience, this game is just the ticket.

17 Destroy All Humans 2

18 Games To Play If You Like Ratchet &

Approximate Game Length

8-12 Hours

Genre

Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter

Developer

Pandemic Studios

Platforms

PlayStation 2, Xbox

Usually, science fiction video games revolve around fighting against aliens. Destroy All Humans 2 flips this concept around and allows you to be the alien yourself, striving for world domination. This PS2 classic is perfect if you're seeking more third-person shooter action, similar to Ratchet & Clank.

The game allows you to explore Earth while utilizing a variety of exaggerated science fiction weapons and spaceships to obliterate anything that stands in your way. Although the concept may sound intense, it is actually a highly silly game. You can even distract enemies by playing funky music. If you're looking for games similar to Ratchet & Clank, this one will provide you with the most laughs.

16 Spyro Reignited Trilogy

18 Games To Play If You Like Ratchet

Approximate Game Length

17-21 Hours

Genre

Platfomrer

Developer

Toys For Bob

Platforms

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

The Spyro games are the video game equivalent of required reading if you enjoy Ratchet & Clank. This was Insomniac's big platforming series before they created the iconic duo. Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a phenomenal remaster of the first three games from the era of PlayStation 1.

Each game in the trilogy lets you run and glide through fast-paced platforming worlds, collecting items, breathing fire, and ramming enemies with your massive horns to launch them through the air. It has the same cartoonish playfulness as the Ratchet & Clank games, and with three titles to play, this collection will entertain you for many hours.

15 SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated

18 Games To Play If You Like

Approximate Game Length

8-14 Hours

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Purple Lamp Studios

Platforms

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Stadia, Android, iOS

Games like Ratchet & Clank for PC that target a young audience are generally designed in a simplistic style. This SpongeBob game is a remaster of the original from 2003, bringing back elements such as platforming and the use of multiple characters to protect SpongeBob's home.

Similar to Ratchet & Clank, the combat primarily involves melee weapons to strike at robots and is enjoyable enough for younger viewers to have fun with. As the game is also available on consoles, it offers an entertaining foray into a lighter gameplay style reminiscent of Ratchet & Clank.

14 Pumpkin Jack

18 Games To Play If You

Approximate Game Length

7 Hours

Genre

Platformer, Third-Person Shooter

Developer

Nicolas Meyssonnier

Platforms

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Here's another PC and console game like Ratchet & Clank with a storyline centered around platforming and run-and-gun mechanics. Pumpkin Jack is a comedy-horror adventure where you assist the mythical Pumpkin Lord in causing all sorts of mischief.

It is structured like a classic platforming game where you don't have to waste time on unnecessary mechanics and can instead focus on creative platforming sequences while defeating your enemies. Ratchet & Clank fans will enjoy the balance between the running and shooting sequences and the platforming sequences.

13 Lego Games

18 Games To Play If

Genre

Action-Adventure, Co-op

Developer

Traveller's Tales

One knows that they have achieved it as intellectual property when they receive a Lego-themed adaptation. The developer Traveller's Tales has been involved since 2005 and started with Lego Star Wars. Other covered series include Indiana Jones, Batman, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The series is not particularly difficult but perfect for cooperative play with younger and less experienced players. One of the best games in the series is Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which makes some significant changes to the formula while recreating all the main Star Wars movies.

12 Tearaway Unfolded

18 Games To Play

Approximate Game Length

8-10 Hours

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Media Molecule, Tarsier Studios

Platforms

PlayStation 4

The creators of Tearaway are hardly indie developers, but this game plays close to the creativity shown in such titles. It follows your avatar's journey through a picture-book environment. Everything, from the characters to the surroundings, appears as if it were made of origami, perfectly capturing the feeling of diving into a picture book.

The gameplay focuses on platforming as you have to navigate through the world to complete your tasks. The platforming in Tearaway will delight Ratchet & Clank fans, especially those who enjoy puzzle-solving and subtle gameplay elements.

11 A Boy And His Blob

18 Games To

Approximate Game Length

9-12 Hours

Genre

Puzzle, Platformer

Developer

WayForward Technologies

Platforms

PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android

Similar to Ratchet & Clank, in A Boy and his Blob, you also accompany two characters on their journey, with the Blob serving as a useful tool for platforming. You can imagine this game as a 2D version of Ratchet & Clank.

This game has a kind of innocence that is hard to overlook and very easy to appreciate. It introduces playful mechanics that never burden you with any kind of difficulty. Overall, the game should be well-received by both adults and young fans.

10 Sonic The Hedgehog 2

18 Games

Approximate Game Length

3-5 Hours

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Sega

Platforms

Sega Genesis, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Android, iOS

This game needs no introduction as practically everyone who plays video games has heard of it. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is more accessible than ever thanks to the improved version in Sonic Origins.

Despite the passage of time, Sonic 2 remains of elite quality. This title laid the foundation for future platformers to incorporate action-based elements. It is a fast-paced adventure with a diverse selection of unforgettable levels. The only downside is that it has a steep difficulty curve that some people may struggle with. Nonetheless, it is a must-play if you're looking for some platforming action.

9 Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time

18

Approximate Game Length

20 Hours

Genre

Platformer, Stealth

Developer

Sanzaru Games

Platforms

PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita

As for gameplay, the Sly Cooper series differs from the Ratchet & Clank games as it belongs to the stealth genre. However, in terms of presentation, playfulness, and mascot-like characters, Ratchet & Clank fans will feel very familiar in this setting.

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time immediately captivates you with its unique style and fast-paced stealth gameplay. This particular installment stands out as the best in the Sly Cooper series as it creates a harmony between the story and gameplay, making it one of the best games similar to Ratchet & Clank.

8 Yooka-Laylee

Approximate Game Length

15-20 Hours

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Team17

Platforms

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, MacOS, Linux

Although it is more child-friendly than what you're used to, Yooka-Laylee still manages to be an entertaining, laid-back 3D platforming game. It is one of the games like Ratchet & Clank for PC and consoles, featuring two main characters and a focus on platforming.

Yooka-Laylee is the spiritual successor to the Nintendo 64 classic Banjo-Kazooie. The game allows you to explore expansive sandbox worlds, collect items, and unlock fun new abilities to progress. If you enjoy Ratchet & Clank, you will appreciate the humor and playfulness of this title.

7 Sunset Overdrive

Approximate Game Length

10-12 Hours

Genre

Third-Person Shooter

Developer

Insomniac Games

Platforms

PC, Xbox One

Sunset Overdrive represents a stylistic change for Insomniac and is one of their highest-rated games. The gameplay feels like a whirlwind, as it involves the use of zip lines and parkour movements to traverse the world.

The playful presentation is what you would find in games similar to Ratchet & Clank. The combination of colors and fast-paced gameplay creates an unconventional environment that is too fascinating to ignore. Not to mention the diverse selection of weapons and platforming. It is a cult classic that is worth experiencing for action-packed and captivating entertainment.

6 Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Approximate Game Length

8 Hours

Genre

Third-Person Shooter, Action-Adventure

Developer

Naughty Dog

Platforms

PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

While the common opinion states that it plays more like Tomb Raider, the first Uncharted game adopts a comedic approach that Ratchet & Clank fans will love. Moreover, the combat is reminiscent of Ratchet & Clank as it incorporates run-and-gun elements.

What makes it one of the best games similar to Ratchet and Clank is that it doesn't take itself too seriously and takes the time to make the adventure playful. The action-packed nature of the combat ensures a fast-paced and carefree experience. Uncharted 2 and 3 maintain a similar mood by incorporating significantly larger set-pieces.

5 Psychonauts

Approximate Game Length

12-15 Hours

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Double Fine Productions

Platforms

Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC, Mac OS X, Linux

Psychonauts is a highly underrated game and definitely one of the games like Ratchet & Clank. The story follows a young boy who runs away from the circus and finds a summer camp where he discovers that he has psychic powers. Mastering these abilities and uncovering a secret form the foundation of this adventure.

While Ratchet & Clank focuses on collecting gadgets, Psychonauts revolves around unlocking and sharpening psychic powers. Primarily, it is the level design and soundtrack that Ratchet & Clank fans will identify with, as there is so much to explore.

4 Metal Arms: Glitch In The System

Approximate Game Length

12 Hours

Genre

Third-Person Shooter

Developer

Swingin' Ape Studios

Platforms

GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox

If you've ever played Secret Agent Clank, where you learn to play as a robot, Metal Arms: Glitch in the System should be a breeze. It's basically what would happen if Clank were the main playable character, although the story has its own genuine twists.

Set on a distant planet, the goal is to accompany the main character, Glitch, on his mission to defeat the evil leader of their race. Although it may sound dark, the game is actually quite lighthearted in its theme and provides a thoroughly rewarding adventure.

3 It Takes Two

Approximate Game Length

13 Hours

Genre

Action-Adventure, Co-op, Puzzle

Developer

Hazelight Studios

Platforms

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

The first game from Hazelight Studios was the cinematic, cooperative action title called A Way Out. It Takes Two further solidifies the company's commitment to engaging and unique cooperative gaming experiences. The game controls like a 3D platformer but offers much more than just jumping over obstacles.

Each chapter introduces a new gameplay mechanic, and the two playable characters often have different controls. The decision to make co-op mandatory was a risky move, but it has paid off tremendously, making It Takes Two one of the most unique platformers in recent memory.

2 Marvel's Spider-Man

Approximate Game Length

17 Hours

Genre

Open World

Developer

Insomniac Games

Platforms

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC

This may seem like an outsider, but Marvel's Spider-Man deserves a spot on the list of the best games like Ratchet and Clank because it comes from the same developer. The movement builds upon the fluidity of Sunset Overdrive, allowing you to swing through New York City with a sense of freedom and excitement like few other gaming experiences.

Some of Insomniac's earlier games feature larger environments that invite exploration, so it's great to see how the developer has evolved the idea into a fully open-world game. It's an absolute must-play if you enjoy superhero games or action games in general.

1 Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Approximate Game Length

8-10 Hours

Genre

Platformer Beat 'Em Up

Developer

Naughty Dog

Platforms

PlayStation 2

No game resembles Ratchet & Clank as much as Jak and Daxter. The Precursor Legacy laid the foundation for the series and is a great entry point if you want to get into the series.

Packed with a unique brand of humor, it doesn't take long for the game to establish its extremely likable characters. The dynamic between the main characters brings out the best of both gameplay and storytelling. The game allows you to traverse an open world, collecting energy Eco for power-ups and level progression. If you're looking for similar games to Ratchet & Clank, this game is a must-have on your list.