Ratchet and Clank is a buddy-cop 3D platformer that has gone through several evolutions over the years. It’s a game that’s had a huge influence on other platformers and adventure titles.
If you’re on the hunt for more games with iconic characters, unique weapons, and interesting zones to explore, we’ve got you covered. We’ve handpicked our best alternatives to the Ratchet and Clank franchise, focusing on games with the same feel and playstyle.
Here are the 8 best games like Ratchet and Clank to check out today.
8. Sonic Origins
The original Sonic games have seen their fair share of rereleases over the years on multiple different consoles. Sonic Origins seeks to consolidate all the efforts in porting the games over the years in order to create a definitive edition.
Sonic Origins is a collection of the three original Sonic games. Not much of the gameplay has been altered here, allowing players to experience the original games as intended.
At first glance, a side-scrolling 2D platformer like Sonic Origins doesn’t seem to have much in common with a gun-slinging 3D action game like Ratchet and Clank.
However, it shares a lot of mechanics and features. Sonic Origins requires precise movements and quick reaction times, much like Ratchet and Clank games do.
Both of these game franchises also have killer soundtracks which make every playthrough much more enjoyable.
If you’re interested in playing classic 2D games with a Ratchet and Clank feel, Sonic Origins is a must-have for your game library. It’s a masterpiece of a game collection.
7. Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts is a cult classic. Fans were vying for a sequel for years, and when it finally came out, it was met with an incredibly warm welcome.
Psychonauts 2 provides more 3D platforming joy that fans of the original game have come to expect.
However, one of the main draws of this title is the great story.
Ratchet and Clank knows about the importance of great writing. While the narratives of these games have fluctuated over the years, as seen in the Ratchet and Clank Future series and the more modern games, the original trilogy cannot be beat.
Specifically, the first Ratchet and Clank game perfectly blends drama, comedy, and relationships in a similar way that Psychonauts does.
Check the Psychonauts games out if you’re a fan of narrative design. It offers a very similar experience to the original Ratchet and Clank games.
6. Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy
The Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy was a breath of fresh air to the Crash Bandicoot franchise which, arguably, has not seen a notable release since Crash Twinsanity.
Completely remaking the original three Crash Bandicoot games not only tickled the nostalgia bones of gaming veterans but introduced these older titles to a new generation.
These games have all been revamped and include a bunch of new features (for better or worse). For example, these games now all have a Time Attack function.
Unfortunately, some of the level designs of the first two games were not meant for speeding through and suffered due to this function.
However, the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy has quickly become the definitive way to play these games. Not only do they look great, but they play incredibly well. They’re ideal if you’re looking for more games like Ratchet and Clank with a fun, upbeat feel.
The gameplay mechanics are a little different here and Crash’s new controls take some getting used to. Once you’ve mastered everything, however, you won’t be able to go back! This trilogy is absolutely worth playing through.
5. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Crash Bandicoot 4 is far better than it has any right to be.
Crash has suffered a lot over the years as after the first three games, the developers arguably started to exploit the brand.
While standouts like Crash Twinsanity and Crash Team Racing do something unique with the character, other titles are clearly just trying to capitalize on the bandicoot’s popularity among fans.
Crash of the Titans, Crash Boom Bang, and Crash Bandicoot Purple did very little to improve the franchise.
This is why, after so long, it is surprising to see Crash Bandicoot 4 take things back to basics! It provides players with expertly crafted levels, unique powerups, multiple playable characters, and tons of content.
If you enjoy the platforming elements of games like Ratchet and Clank, Crash Bandicoot 4 is one of the best games for you to pick up next.
It was incredibly fun to play as Coco and Cortex this time around and their unique gameplay elements kept things fresh at all times.
The only downside to playing this game is if you are a completionist. It is very difficult to 100% this game. Collecting every box can be tiresome and several crates are in extremely obscure locations that you likely won’t be able to find without a guide.
Additionally, the game requires you to replay multiple levels in order to collect all the gems.
Negatives aside, Crash Bandicoot 4 is one of the best 3D platformers and Crash Bandicoot games in years.
4. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Where Crash Bandicoot focuses more on hallway-like levels, Spyro opts for a more open-world approach to its various levels (much like Ratchet and Clank).
After the success of the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, it was only a matter of time before the Bandicoot’s rival was given their time to shine as well.
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is as faithful a remake as one could hope for when it comes to reimagining the world of Spyro the dragon.
Yes, several core speedrunning glitches have been lost in translation, but these have been replaced by new glitches for speedrunners to sink their teeth into.
And, for casual newcomers to the series yet to play the original games, this is the definitive way to play the first three Spyro games. The graphics, textures, quality of life improvements, and moment-to-moment gameplay are all drastically improved here.
Spyro’s snarky attitude is not too dissimilar to Ratchet’s in the first three Ratchet games.
The sprawling worlds that incentivize exploration are also present in both games. Spyro Reignited Trilogy is by far one of the most interesting platformer experiences for Ratchet and Clank fans to pick up and play today.
3. Spongebob Squarepants Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
Battle for Bikini Bottom is a cult classic. Highly regarded by casual fans and speedrunners alike, this title is one of the few licensed games that is actually worth your time.
No one was expecting to see this game get an HD remake, but praise from fans let the world know that there was an audience willing to pay for any kind of remaster.
Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated brings back the collection of unique locations, playable characters, and 3D action found in the original game.
This game does rely a little too heavily on nostalgia in places and there are some clunky elements, too. It’s not the smoothest game by any means.
If you’re a speedrunner, you may also be sad to know that several important speedrunning glitches have been removed from this game.
That being said, if you never played the original game then this game is still absolutely worth checking out. It’s a great pick for Ratchet and Clank fans who want a game with iconic characters and an enjoyable gameplay loop.
2. Sly Cooper Collection
The PlayStation 2 was a golden era of 3D platforming giants and none of these were more unique than Sly Cooper.
Whereas games like Ratchet and Clank focused on more into bombastic weapons and action set pieces, Sly Cooper focused on what few games even to this day fail to execute perfectly.
Good stealth sections!
Sly Cooper is less of a 3D action platformer and more of a 3D stealth platformer, as most missions will involve some form of covert espionage.
Whether this is sneaking past several guards, or stealing a rare item, there are tons of opportunities throughout all three games to test your spy skills.
The Sly Cooper collection contains all three original games. Each title expanded drastically on the original formula, and later games even add to the playable cast.
Sly Cooper is a great series of games and a must-play for fans of 3D platformers.
1. Jak and Daxter Collection
When it comes to PlayStation 2-era buddy-cop 3-D platformers, the only game that could come second to Ratchet and Clank would be Jak and Daxter.
Jak and Daxter replace the Lombax mechanic and his by-the-books robot companion. Here, we have a teenager and a wise-cracking ottsel (half-otter half-weasel) teaming up to take on a horde of enemies.
Jak’s personality develops more so after the second game where he interacts more with Daxter. The two bounce off each other very well and this kind of dynamic is very reminiscent of Ratchet and Clank.
Jak and Daxter takes place in a similar world to Ratchet and Clank. Players will be exploring open fields at one point and suburban robot towns at the next.
This game nails the 3D platforming and its story only gets better with age. This game places a heavy focus on vehicles (referred to as Zoomers) and allows players to drive around most hub worlds as they please.
Ratchet and Clank have clearly seen more success in terms of franchise longevity, but Jak and Daxter is still a fun ride from beginning to end. The Jak and Daxter Collection specifically includes all three games and we highly recommend playing through the entire series.
