Martin JørgensenRatchet & Clank Future is still a vibrant PS3 adventure packed with charm
Ratchet & Clank Future is an action-packed platformer for PlayStation 3, putting you in control of the weapon-loving Lombax Ratchet and his trusty robot partner Clank as you blast through a series of chaotic, colorful, enemy-filled planets.
Even though it’s been around for years, it still shows why the Ratchet & Clank series became such a beloved name among PlayStation fans. We tested Ratchet & Clank Future on PlayStation 3, and the first thing that still stands out is the pace: you jump, shoot, collect bolts, upgrade weapons (opgraderer våben), and are almost constantly greeted by a new enemy, gadget, or wild idea.
It’s not trying to be realistic—and that’s its strength. Ratchet & Clank Future feels like an interactive sci-fi cartoon with oversized weapons, snappy one-liners, and levels where there’s always something to pick up or blow up.
Ratchet & Clank Future gameplay – platforming, weapons, and pacing
The gameplay mixes classic 3D platforming with third-person action (Gameplayet blander klassisk 3D-platform med tredjepersons action). You bevæger through linear but nicely varied levels featuring platforming segments, enemies, light puzzles, boss fights, and plenty of bolts to collect.
The best part is the weapons. Ratchet & Clank Future carries the series’ trademark humor, where weapons aren’t just pistols and rocket launchers—they’re quirky little destruction machines with personality. Some are practical, others are comedic, and most get more fun the more you upgrade them.
During our test, weapon upgrades especially kept the momentum high. You’ll constantly want to clear just one more planet, because the next upgrade or gadget can change the way you play.
A striking and colorful PlayStation 3 experience
Naturally, the visuals aren’t on par with newer Ratchet & Clank titles on PS4 and PS5, but the art direction holds up surprisingly well. Characters are expressive, colors pop, and the planets have that smooth, cartoony style that ages better than many more realistic games from the same era.
You can still feel the age in a few spots. The camera isn’t always elegant, and certain encounters can get a bit messy—especially when the screen fills with enemies, effects, and projectiles. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it’s clear modern action-platformers have learned a lot since then.
The story of Ratchet, Clank, and a galactic threat
Ratchet & Clank Future sends the duo into the Polaris Galaxy, where Ratchet learns more about his own origins while Clank experiences mysterious events that foreshadow later entries in the series.
The story works best when it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The dialogue is goofy, the villains are over the top, and Captain Qwark delivers exactly the kind of egotistical chaos you expect. Under the humor, though, there’s a more personal tale about Ratchet’s past, which gives the game a bit more weight than some earlier chapters.
Is Ratchet & Clank Future worth playing today?
Yes—especially if you have access to a PlayStation 3 or an official PlayStation service where the game is available. It’s not the easiest game to recommend to brand-new players who only have PC, PS4, or PS5, since the newer Ratchet & Clank titles are much more accessible.
As a retro PlayStation experience, though, Ratchet & Clank Future still shines. It has pace, humor, variety, and a sense of fun many modern games could learn from. For players in the United States searching for Ratchet and Clank, Ratchet and Clank PS5, Ratchet and Clank PS4, or Ratchet and Clank games, Future is a key chapter in the series—especially because it bridges the classic PS2 games and the newer entries.
Alternatives to Ratchet & Clank Future
If you can’t get your hands on Ratchet & Clank Future, here are three strong alternatives.
Ratchet & Clank for PS4 is the most beginner-friendly choice. It retells the series’ origins with modern visuals, faster pacing, and a contemporary presentation.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PS5 and PC is the most technically impressive game in the series and a great pick if you want the most modern experience.
The Jak and Daxter series is a solid alternative if you enjoy PlayStation platformers with humor, collectibles, and colorful worlds—but want a slightly different flavor.
Top 5 tips for Ratchet & Clank Future
It’s tempting to buy everything, but Ratchet & Clank Future rewards you for using weapons (bruge våben) repeatedly. Pick a few favorites early and use them consistently so they power up faster.
Bolts are the game’s key currency, and there are more hidden in the environment than you might think. Take time to clear areas—especially before shops and bigger fights.
The game gets chaotic if you stand still. Use double jumps, strafes, and ranged weapons to avoid getting trapped between swarms and heavier attacks.
Some areas only make sense later. If you spot a path you can’t reach, remember the planet and return once you’ve unlocked the right gear.
Ratchet & Clank Future was built for PlayStation 3, and the controls feel most natural there. If you use newer solutions or streaming, expect the experience to vary a bit.
