The reviewer discusses the PlayStation 5 (PS5) game Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, initially presenting it as a visually stunning game that showcases the PS5's capabilities. However, it is revealed that the game is actually from 2016 and was originally released on the PlayStation 4 (PS4). The reviewer praises the game's graphics, stating that it is still one of the best-looking games.
The gameplay is described as "solid" but not exceptional, with a mix of shooting, platforming, and puzzles. The reviewer criticizes the game's lack of enemy variety, repetitive combat, and unfulfilling storyline. The characters are also seen as uninteresting and lacking emotional depth.
The reviewer concludes by comparing the game to Pixar's movies, stating that Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is like the "Cars 2" of video games, implying that it is a visually impressive but ultimately unremarkable game.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The PlayStation 5 has been out for eight months.
2. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is the first true PlayStation 5 video game.
3. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart features 17.4 octo quad processors and real-time bump maps.
4. The game was initially believed to be a PS5 exclusive, but it was later revealed to be a PS4 game from 2016.
5. The Ratchet and Clank series has always been visually impressive, starting from the PS2 era.
6. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart features sweeping vistas, reflective surfaces, massive action sequences, and expressive character animation.
7. The game includes various locations, such as neon-lit cityscapes, dino jungles, and a shattered mining planet.
8. Mr. Zharkon's cantina is a detailed location in the game, featuring various characters and objects.
9. The game's story is about Dr. Nefarious sucking Ratchet and Clank into an alternate dimension.
10. The game has a "rift opening trick" that allows for seamless transitions between worlds.
11. Sony is pushing the PS5's solid-state drive as a breakthrough technology.
12. The game features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including shooting, platforming, and puzzles.
13. The game has a nice variety of weapons, such as the ice cube gun and the electrocuter.
14. The game has a severe lack of variety among enemies, with the same mini-bosses being reused throughout the game.
15. The game's combat is similar to Doom Eternal, but with less strategy and variety.
16. The game's story is competent but lacks emotional heft and is too formulaic and predictable.
17. The game's dialogue is often too sappy and congratulatory, making it hard to connect with the characters.
18. The game is rated E for Everybody, but it lacks the emotional depth to tell an effective story.
19. The game's tone is often too loud and explosive, with little room for quieter moments.