Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time Review (PS3)

It’s hard to believe it’s been over two decades since the Ratchet & Clank series first graced our PlayStation 2 consoles, introducing players to the dynamic duo of a quirky Lombax and his trusty robot sidekick. Over the years, the franchise has become a cornerstone of PlayStation’s identity, blending tight platforming, inventive weapons, and lighthearted humor into a consistently enjoyable formula.

As a lifelong fan of platformers, Ratchet & Clank holds a special place in my heart. Out of all the games in the series, though, one stands above the rest for me: A Crack in Time. There’s something about this entry—the gameplay, the story, the emotional stakes—that transports me back to a simpler time (no pun intended). Whether it’s the thrill of zipping around with hoverboots or unraveling Clank’s time puzzles, A Crack in Time captures the essence of what made this series great, while pushing it into new territory.

But the big question is—does it still hold up today? Let’s dive in and find out.

Story and Characters

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time picks up after the events of Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty, completing what fans often call the “Future Trilogy.” The story kicks off with Ratchet searching for his missing friend Clank, who has been taken to the ominous Great Clock—a facility that controls the flow of time itself.

Meanwhile, Clank grapples with his newfound role as the caretaker of the Great Clock, learning the delicate balance of time and consequence. Separated for much of the journey, both characters embark on parallel yet deeply connected paths. The stakes are higher than ever, but at its core, A Crack in Time is a story about friendship, loss, and the choices that define us.

Ratchet is no longer just the cocky, wrench-wielding hero we met on the PS2. By this point in the series, he’s more mature and introspective, grappling with questions about his heritage and his place in the universe. Separated from Ratchet, he steps into his own as a protector of time. His journey to master the powers of the Great Clock not only deepens his character but also provides some of the game’s most inventive puzzle sequences. Clank is no longer just the sidekick—he’s a hero in his own right.

The Ratchet & Clank series is famous for its witty dialogue and offbeat humor, and A Crack in Time largely maintains that tradition. Captain Qwark returns as the lovable buffoon, and the weapon descriptions are as ridiculous as ever. That said, there’s a slightly more serious, emotional tone running through this installment—but for many, that deeper narrative adds to its charm, rather than detracting from it.

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, A Crack in Time delivers the fluid platforming and fast-paced combat that has become the series’ trademark. Movement feels snappy and responsive, and the weapon-based combat is as satisfying as ever. Enemies come at you in waves, pushing you to constantly switch between weapons and experiment with different strategies.

The core gameplay loop is a blend of jumping across platforms, blasting enemies with outrageous weapons, and solving environmental puzzles. It’s a formula that’s been refined over the years, and A Crack in Time arguably represents the series at its peak on the PS3.

One of the standout features is the introduction of Constructo Weapons, which allow players to customize certain guns with different modifications. You can tweak things like ammo type, firing patterns, and explosive effects, adding a layer of personal choice to the already dynamic combat system. It’s a small but meaningful change that rewards experimentation and lets you tailor your arsenal to your playstyle.

Traversal gets a major upgrade with the addition of Hoverboots—a game-changer for Ratchet’s movement. These allow you to speed across open areas, glide over gaps, and chain quick platforming sections together. Not only do they make exploration more fluid, but they add excitement to traversal, turning what might have been tedious backtracking into an enjoyable ride.

Instead of simply selecting planets from a menu like in older entries, A Crack in Time introduces open-world-inspired space exploration segments. You pilot Ratchet’s ship through small, freely explorable star systems, discovering mini-planets, side missions, and collectibles along the way. These bite-sized planets often have quick platforming challenges, combat trials, or hidden rewards, adding variety and a sense of adventure beyond the main story planets.

While Ratchet handles the action, Clank’s solo sections focus on puzzles, and they’re arguably some of the best in the series. Set within the Great Clock, these puzzles revolve around time manipulation, requiring you to record multiple versions of Clank performing different tasks simultaneously. It’s a clever mechanic that pushes you to think ahead and master timing, offering a welcome change of pace from Ratchet’s combat-heavy gameplay.

Visuals and Sound

For a PS3 game from 2009, A Crack in Time is visually stunning, and it still holds up remarkably well today. The environments are vibrant, colorful, and packed with detail, from lush alien jungles to the futuristic halls of the Great Clock. Each planet feels unique, giving you the sense that you’re truly exploring a vast galaxy.

The lighting effects, weapon explosions, and particle effects still look impressive, showing Insomniac’s technical prowess during the PS3 era. It’s a testament to the game’s art direction that it doesn’t feel as dated as other games from the same period.

Character animations are smooth and expressive, bringing Ratchet, Clank, and the supporting cast to life with a level of polish that few platformers can match. Combat animations feel dynamic, and platforming movements—especially with the Hoverboots—are fluid and satisfying. Insomniac’s attention to detail ensures that every jump, dodge, and weapon swap feels natural, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

The soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s mix of action and adventure. Composed by David Bergeaud, the music is energetic, whimsical, and sometimes even epic, enhancing both high-speed battles and quieter exploration segments.

Sound effects are equally satisfying, from the distinctive “zap” of the Tesla Spikes to the booming explosions of the RYNO. Each weapon feels powerful and unique, thanks in large part to Insomniac’s signature sound design.

Replayability

Even after completing the main story, A Crack in Time offers plenty of reasons to keep playing:

• Weapon Upgrades: Weapons level up through use, unlocking stronger versions and additional effects, encouraging you to experiment with every tool in your arsenal.
• Collectibles: Zoni orbs, Gold Bolts, and other hidden items incentivize exploration, often leading you to tackle optional challenges and revisit planets.
• Challenge Mode: After finishing the game, you unlock Challenge Mode (New Game+), where enemies are tougher, but weapons can be leveled up even further, offering a fresh layer of challenge for veterans.

For completionists and casual players alike, the tight gameplay loop and rewarding progression system ensure that A Crack in Time remains enjoyable long after the credits roll.

Is It Still Worth Playing Today?

More than 15 years after its release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time still stands as one of the finest action-platformers of its era. Its fluid gameplay and inventive mechanics ensure that it remains enjoyable even by today’s standards.

Here’s the catch: A Crack in Time is locked to the PS3. There’s no remaster and no easy way to play it on modern consoles, which limits its accessibility.

Conclusion

Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time remains a must-play for fans of action-platformers. It’s arguably one of the best entries in the series, blending emotional storytelling, inventive gameplay, and classic humor into a tightly polished experience. Even today, it stands tall as a high point in the franchise.

Despite its age and limited accessibility, the game’s charm, tight gameplay, and narrative depth make it a timeless classic. If you own a PS3 or can find another way to play it, it’s absolutely worth your time.