Yes, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart serves as a direct narrative continuation, or follow-up, to the events of the 2013 game Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus. While it progresses the story from previous entries, it also features a full-length, standalone storyline designed to be enjoyable for both long-time fans and those new to the series.
Understanding the Narrative Connection
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart continues the adventures of Ratchet and Clank, building upon the established universe and character developments seen in earlier titles. Specifically, it advances the plotlines and character arcs that were explored in Into the Nexus. This means that while newcomers can still appreciate the game's story on its own, veteran players will find deeper context and continued narrative progression from previous installments.
The game's development aimed to bridge the gap between different player bases by offering a narrative that is both fresh and respectful of its legacy. This approach ensures that the game's events directly follow the main Lombax saga that began with the original games and continued through Into the Nexus, while also being accessible without prior knowledge of every single plot point.
Game Timeline and Narrative Flow
To better understand where Rift Apart fits within the broader Ratchet & Clank universe, consider the following:
| Game Title | Release Year | Narrative Relevance to Rift Apart |
|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus | 2013 | Direct Narrative Predecessor; Rift Apart directly follows its storyline, advancing the main plot and character arcs. |
| Ratchet & Clank (2016 Remake) | 2016 | While a re-imagining of the first game, Rift Apart also serves as a general follow-up to the series' modern continuity. |
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021 | Standalone Sequel; Continues the narrative from Into the Nexus while also being fully enjoyable on its own. |
This dual nature of being a "follow-up" and a "standalone story" is a key design choice for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. It allows the game to expand the lore and journey of its beloved characters while simultaneously serving as an excellent entry point for new players. For more details on the game, you can explore its Wikipedia page.
