The Ratchet & Clank games might have exceeded the number of entries you might have predicted back in the day, but you can’t accuse them of being unoriginal. Only a few other games evoke the same sense of platforming quality and quirky humor this series is known for.
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Still, that doesn’t mean you don’t have similar options, and there are certain titles that need to be explored if you enjoy the Ratchet & Clank experience. These games might not strictly be the same in gameplay, but they won’t have any difficulties making a fan out of you due to the quality to be found here.
Updated September 1, 2023 by PJ Molloy - Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart received a Steam port in July 2023, allowing new audiences to experience its quirky third-person shooter platforming goodness. Unfortunately, there's still no news about when the next game in the series will come out, so if you already played Rift Apart when it launched on PlayStation 5 in 2021, it's understandable if the Steam version doesn't scratch that itch for a new title. Thankfully, 3D platformers have been making a comeback lately, and there’s no shortage of charming third-person shooters and adventure games. If you’re looking for some games like Ratchet & Clank to tide you over until the next announcement, there are plenty for you to enjoy
18 A Hat In Time
Approximate Game Length
7-10 Hours
Genre
Platformer
Developer
Gears for Breakfast
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, MacOS
If you like the Ratchet & Clank Games from the PlayStation 2 era, then A Hat In Time is right up your alley. This charming, time-bending adventure is a love letter to 3D platformers from the PS2 and GameCube era. You explore various colorful sandbox worlds and complete platforming challenges while wearing different hats, each giving you a new ability that spices up the gameplay.
A Hat In Time is bursting with the same kind of quirkiness and humor in the Ratchet & Clank series. The platforming is diverse and action-packed, with new secrets and surprises around every corner. If you're looking for a more nostalgic experience, this game is the way to go.
17 Destroy All Humans 2
Approximate Game Length
8-12 Hours
Genre
Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter
Developer
Pandemic Studios
Platforms
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Usually, in sci-fi video games, it's you versus the aliens. Destroy All Humans 2 turns that premise on its head, allowing you to be the alien on a quest for world domination. This PS2 classic is perfect if you're eager for more third-person shooter action, similar to Ratchet & Clank.
The game has you exploring Earth, using a wide variety of over-the-top sci-fi guns and spaceships to blast anything that stands in your way. While the concept may sound intense, it's actually a very silly game. You can even distract enemies by playing some funky music. If you're looking for games similar to Ratchet & Clank, this one will provide the most laughs.
16 Spyro Reignited Trilogy
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 to required reading if you like Ratchet & Clank. This was Insomniac's big platforming series before it created the iconic duo. Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a phenomenal remake of the first three games from the PlayStation 1 era.
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Each game in the trilogy has you running and gliding through fast-paced platforming worlds, collecting items, breathing fire, and ramming your massive horns into enemies to send them flying. It has the same cartoon quirkiness as the Ratchet & Clank games, and with three titles to play, this collection will keep you entertained for many hours.
15 SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
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 on PC geared toward young audiences are generally simple in style. This SpongeBob game is a remake of the original from 2003 and brings back elements like platforming and using multiple characters to protect SpongeBob’s home.
Similar to Ratchet & Clank, the combat is mostly about whacking melee weapons at robots and is good enough for the younger audiences to enjoy. With the game also available on consoles, it’s a fun venture into a lighter Ratchet & Clank style of play.
14 Pumpkin Jack
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 premise based on platforming and run-and-gun mechanics. Pumpkin Jack is a comedy horror adventure that has you help the Mythical Pumpkin Lord get up to a lot of mischief.
It’s built like a classic platformer in that you don’t need to waste time on fluffy mechanics, allowing you to focus on going through creative platforming sequences while bringing down enemies. Ratchet & Clank fans will enjoy the balance between the run-and-gun and platforming sequences.
13 Lego Games
Genre
Action-Adventure, Co-op
Developer
Traveller's Tales
You know you've made it as an intellectual property once you get a Lego-themed adaptation. Developer Traveller's Tales has been at it since 2005, starting with Lego Star Wars. Other series covered include Indiana Jones, Batman, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The series is light on difficulty but perfect for cooperative play with younger, less experienced gamers. One of the best games in the series is Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which makes some big changes to the formula while recreating the entire mainline Star Wars films.
12 Tearaway Unfolded
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 featured in such titles. It follows your avatar’s journey across a storybook setting. Everything from the characters to the environments look like they’re made from origami, perfectly encapsulating the feeling of stepping into a picture book.
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The gameplay focuses on platforming, as maneuvering yourself around the world is how to accomplish your tasks. Tearaway’s platforming will delight Ratchet & Clank fans, especially those who enjoy the puzzle-solving and subtle gameplay elements.
11 A Boy And His Blob
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
Much like Ratchet & Clank, A Boy and his Blob also sees two characters on their journey, with the Blob acting as a useful tool for platforming purposes. You can think of this as a game similar to Ratchet & Clank in a 2D sense.
There’s a kind of innocence to this title that’s hard to miss and very easy to appreciate. It introduces playful mechanics that never bother you with any kind of difficulty. Overall, the game should be a hit for both adults and young fans.
10 Sonic The Hedgehog 2
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 since just about everyone who plays video games has heard of it. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is more accessible than ever, thanks to the enhanced version included in Sonic Origins.
Sonic 2 remains of elite quality despite the passage of time. This title set the stage for future platformers to incorporate action-based elements. It’s a fast-paced adventure with a diverse lineup of memorable levels. The only downside is that it has a big difficulty curve that some people may find rather hard to handle. Nevertheless, it’s a must-play if you're looking for some platforming action.
9 Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time
Approximate Game Length
20 Hours
Genre
Platformer, Stealth
Developer
Sanzaru Games
Platforms
PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Gameplay-wise, the Sly Cooper series is a departure from the Ratchet & Clank games since it belongs to the stealth genre. However, regarding presentation, quirkiness, and mascot-type figures, Ratchet & Clank fans will feel very familiar with this setting.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time instantly hooks you with its unique style and fast-paced stealth gameplay. This particular entry stands out as the best in the Sly Cooper series for bringing harmony between the story and gameplay, making it one of the best games similar to Ratchet & Clank.
