Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is the latest game from Insomniac’s acclaimed third-person action franchise. While many fans is all giddy and happy that Ratchet and Clank aren’t forgotten, it looks like the series has devolved into a mobile game, and it hurts my soul.
I didn’t grow up with the Ratchet & Clank games, but I could feel the collective facepalm from longtime fans who were expecting to see a proper mainline game from the series.
Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is far from what you’d expect from the series’ iconic games. Yes, there’s still the lighthearted joy of shooting aliens using your arsenal of gimmicky weapons, but it’s not the single-player campaign everyone hoped for. In fact, this is a multiplayer game.
The way Ranger Rumble’s multiplayer works is a mix of PvE and PvP. Basically, you drop into a map with players and amass a number of bolts. To win the game, you need to collect the most bolts and earn a crown. Maintaining the crown for the entire duration of the game wins you the round. If you’ve played games like Pokemon Unite or Brawl Stars, some mechanics might be familiar.
It could easily be seen as just another mobile game, but putting the Ratchet & Clank brand on it guarantees interested players. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate it, but my initial reaction is lukewarm at best.
This Ratchet & Clank mobile game is fun for a casual audience. As an online multiplayer third-person shooter, there’s still fun to be had when using the series’ overpowered selection of weapons. Plus, seeing the game’s iconic characters like Captain Quark and the titular dynamic duo brings back memories. Just don't expect to play as them unless you spend money.
At the end of the day, Ranger Rumble is still a mobile spin-off. It may not be as prestigious as its ambitious mainline titles, where loading times are barely existent, but at least it brings back the spirit of the series’ cartoony sci-fi elements.
This isn’t what fans have been waiting for for four years. After Rift Apart graced the PlayStation 5’s launch lineup, Insomniac is putting the franchise on the shelf to make room for their acclaimed Marvel titles like Spider-Man and the upcoming Wolverine. With the massive Insomniac leak a few years ago, don’t expect to see a mainline Ratchet & Clank title until 2029 or the imminent PlayStation 6 release.
For now, this is better than nothing, but it still hurts to see a franchise so beloved in its fast-paced action and seamless level designs reduced to an online game that doesn’t quite resonate with its fanbase.
Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is coming to iOS and Android soon, with early access available in select countries, including the Philippines.
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