It’s grand; it’s immersive; it’s full of adventures – it’s the fantastic world of intergalactic destruction. It’s the beautiful world of Ratchet/Clank games! For many players, it was the first video game they had ever played. It’s a cult classic that introduced/perfected many gameplay mechanics that we all love these days, cooperative gameplay, using an AI character to advance the story, and, unlike many other games that tried to copy this concept – creating a bond between our beloved heroes. 

It’s an entertaining adventure, not only for the younger kids but for the older generation as well. With two playable characters, this action-adventure game is something that only a few games could come close to. 

In this article, we will go into games similar to this fantastic dynamic duo, with some of the most exciting weapons in the history of games that Ratchet and Clank fans can only appreciate. So, if you like all the quests of Ratchet and his robot-friend Clank, you are here for the ride. Of course, we could not omit the best of the Ratchet and Clank series, so keep an eye e for that if you are unfamiliar with the concept.

So, let’s go over some of the closest things to our mascot characters – here are more games like Ratchet and Clank. Let’s find out some incredibly fun titles! 

• Developer: Insomniac Games

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5

• Release Date: June 2021

• Meta Score: 88

But, if you have never heard of Ratchet and Clank, we cannot recommend it enough. You can try the recent Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart; it’s a great introduction to the series, with some new gameplay mechanics for the older players and many elements to discover for the new players. The first thing you may ask yourself is – what is this Crash Bandicoot-looking individual, and why does he have a robotic sidekick?

Well, for starters, it’s not Crash, Ratchet is a much more sophisticated individual, and we can assure you that Clank is much more than a sidekick. He’s a friend! The commercial success of the original game is primarily due to the fantastic puzzle-solving and platforming elements and the chemistry between the metallic Clank and furry Ratchet. Ratchet and Clank were always great games, but with the latest (as for the writing of this article), Rift Apart is the upgrade upon the upgrade.

This particular game offers some dimension-traveling action, with creative styles for each one. It’s a platform genre at heart, so you can expect lots of jumping and even more environmental puzzles. It’s great fun, and we highly recommend this title to everyone who wants to get acquainted with the Ratchet and Clank franchise.

But, as all things are, you can’t always do the same thing repeatedly. Some would say that it’s the definition of insanity. So, to help you with this particular issue, we have prepared many games similar to the famous duo.

We focused on family-friendly games that are excellent action platformers, and critics alike agree that you just must play those titles. We have new and old games, some from the golden era of platformers and some suited best for modern consoles. Whatever you will choose, this new game will make your day, that’s for sure. So, without further ado, let’s find games like Ratchet/CAdventurestures!

• Developer: Purple Lamp Studios

• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, Android, iOS

• Release Date: October 2003

• Meta Score: 74

First, we have our friend from the deep seas, Spongebob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, this time in the Rehydrated version for the new audience. The original Ratchet and Clanks have been up for a few decades, so bringing out one of its competitors would be only fair. Younger audiences may not remember this particular title, so let us remind you. 

It has everything that a fan or Ratchet and Clank would need. Two characters, with the main character being one of the most beloved ones in history and the other being the fan favorite. Meet new friends, become characters other than our favorite yellow sponge, like Patric or Sandy, and explore the Bikini Bottoms fighting against the evil Plankton.

What makes this game so great and similar to our beloved Ratchet and Clank is the puzzle-solving and the difference between the playstyles of characters. Spongebob is all about blowing some bubbles and attacking enemies with his spatula from the burger joint where he works; Patrick is the “strong” character in this situation, so you can expect him to do some quality lifting. Sandy can throw her lasso to get things up up-far and attack everything from a distance.

This platformer has a ton of fun; whether you like to create your destiny or go with some linear storytelling, you will be surprised to know that this particular game can allow you to do all that and more. Finally – a game with challenges for everyone in the Spongebob universe!

• Developer: Nicolas Meyssonnier

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android

• Release Date: October 2020

• Meta Score: 71

Another great choice in gaming is the Pumpkin Jack, a mythical pumpkin lord sent here to save us all from the horror of an evil Halloween. Pumpkin Jack is the main character of their fantastic journey. The difficulty level is pretty light, so even kids can play this title. With excellent writing, playing with your inner demons from childhood will seem just a mirage of the past.

Pumpkin Jlly invests in the game's art style, as it is spooky but still a pleasant experience for all.

What gives this game a new life, though, is constantly finding new weapons to help you get through hordes of enemies and uncover more and more secrets. For example, you can travel through some haunted farms, battle enemies with flaming pumpkin projectiles, and, ultimately, become the best of them all in this homage to the classic platformers from the past.

If you loved the classic Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario: Odyssey, Spyro: Reignited trilogy, or even Star Wars: Jedi Outcast, this game will bring back those memories for sure!

• Developer: Team17

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

• Release Date: April 2017

• Meta Score: 75

Yes, the next game on our list is the game that sounds like the pixie-girl stereotype instrument – Yooka-Laylee. You may think that it’s a joke title added to some Western-European computer magazine, but it’s much more than that. It’s a solid platformer with some of the best 3D-arcade solutions you have ever seen, just like in the case of Ratchet and Clank.

Yooka-Laylee is all about exploration. It may not be the whole open-world experience, but it’s good enough to be considered worthy. In this game, you can take control of Yooka, the chameleon, and Laylee – a bat, while you engage with some great puzzle-solving and even greater platforming elements. Your task is to collect all the “Pagies.” They will unlock new areas and give you even more exciting skills that will later help you in fighting Capital B. Definitely the worst letter of them all.

Although some critics were skeptical about the game, there are a lot of beautiful elements to it that you cannot miss out on. The 3D platformer tropes are strong within this one, as seen in many games like Croc and all the other wonderful platformers from the early 2000s. 

If you want some nostalgia and new mechanics introduced at the same time – Yooka–Laylee is the game for you. And, if you have a kid that you want to get into some gaming while not having to spill blood all the time – it’s a perfect family-friendly title for all of you to enjoy. So – enjoy!

• Developer: Insomniac Games

• Platforms: PC, Xbox One

• Release Date: October 2014

• Meta Score: 83

Next on our list is Sunset Overdrive, a game from the same studios as Ratchet and Clank, so if you want to feel some familiar tropes, this game is something for you. It’s for a bit more mature audiences than Ratchet and Clank, but it has some child curiosity and exploration that can make it a pleasant experience for all ages.

The basic concept is simple; you’re living in Sunset City. Character design is all up to you, as you can modify it however you want. The problem in this game is that there are a lot of mutants roaming around. Why is that, you may ask? Well, have you heard about the energy drink that turns people into zombies? Well, there is one out there. So, if you want to stay alive – you’d better take care of them.

• Developer: Double Fine

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Linux. macOS

• Release Date: August 2021 

• Meta Score: 91

Another wonderful platformer on our list – Psychonauts 2! After definitely too many years, we come back to the wonderful world, full of quirky individuals, and deep-dive into our minds. Once again, we are playing Razputing “Raz” Aquato, a psychic that has a lot of experience when it comes to understanding the minds of other people. As an official Psychonaut, he tries to find out all the potential secrets that agents hide in their minds.

This epic adventure is all about the mind! You can use your psychic abilities, like telekinesis, to move things around, read others’ minds, but also – use your own in many other ways.  In Psychonauts, you'll face tricky puzzles that will make you think hard. Sometimes, being really smart is the most powerful skill of all!

Returning to the wonderful world of Psychonauts is, once again – delightful! We have the old and gold comedic elements, but also some pretty serious notions about mental health, how to become one with yourself, what our identity is, and such. It’s a deep dive into those topics that can be great for kids and adults.

Additionally, it’s a solid platformer that does everything as it should. From the storyline, voice-acting, puzzle-solving, and jumping around – Psychonauts is the game that does not let you forget about it. So, if you like Ratchet and Clank, or you are just a great games connoisseur – Psychonauts 2 is the game for you!

• Developer: Hazelight Studios

• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

• Release Date: March 2021

• Meta Score: 89

It Takes Two is another fantastic dynamic-duo-style platformer. But this time – it’s all about saving marriage and keeping the family together! The basic concept is pretty simple; Cody and May have been arguing for quite a while now. They cannot find a way to communicate with each other, and they get on each other's nerves a lot. It emotionally drains their daughter, who wishes they could find a way to stay together.

Fortunately, some magical book gets involved (that is Mexican for some reason), and parents get turned into dolls together. Now, they have to find a way out of this mess, get reunited with their daughter while bonding at the same time.

The game is exploring some pretty serious themes, from child neglect, couple’s therapy, and relationship building, but does it in a fun and quirky way that you just cannot look away from. The two characters are having so much fun, working together to complete all the different puzzles on their way. The most important aspect of this game is the cooperation between the two. Each doll has unique abilities and needs to work with the other one to go through levels.

The best way to play this game is to have a co-op split-screen party, especially if you have a partner to play with. Then, it gets a bit heated as you will explore not only the relationship between Cody and May but also – one of your own. So, if you enjoy a great platformer with a deeper meaning – It Takes Two may just be the best thing for you to explore. And – who knows, maybe it will save your marriage as well!

• Developer: Insomniac Games

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (August 12, 2022)

• Release Date: September 2018

• Meta Score: 87

Marvel’s Spider-Man is the next game on our list, and what a game it is! We were a bit hesitant to put it on the list as it is not exactly as kid-friendly as the other titles here. Still, if any game from Disney manufacturing should be here, then it definitely should be our boy wonder – Spider-Man.

While it used to only be on PlayStation 4, now it's also out for PC players. Regardless of age, it's a fantastic game for everyone to enjoy. It’s a new story aside from the MCU, with lots of crime-fighting, but also – the personal struggles of the man himself, who’s trying to not only save the world by web-swinging but also – as a scientist. Also – being a teen is not the easiest thing ever, so keep that in mind.

What makes this game exquisite is the, well, being Spider-Man. This is definitely the most gaming–friendly hero from Marvel, as swinging through the city is one of the most fun ways to explore the map.

Additionally, fighting as an agile and extremely strong spider-boy is exceptionally satisfying. All the combos you can make with webs and punches, combined with the Spider-Sense – make the fights acrobatic and fun! Additionally, with some of the more fun stealth sequences and lots and lots of puzzle-solving – you will never be able to be bored in this game, that’s for sure.

The game also shows you a big city to explore, full of additional side-quests and fun things to do. Especially if you combine it with the relationships drama, taking care of Aunt May, and fighting many different villains from the Spider-Man universe. This is definitely one of the most advanced games on our list, but trust us – it’s worth taking time to get the jist of it.

Thanks for checking out our article on games like Ratchet and Clank. As you can see, we have found something for everyone, with some games being more or less advanced, depending on what you are currently looking for.

We have opted for similar titles that can capture the essence of the Ratchet and Clank series. You can go back to the classic titles like SpongeBob Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated or choose a totally different kind of ride with Sunset Overdrive, but all of those will take you on a fantastic journey. 

Additionally, with games like Yooka-Laylee, Psychonauts 2, or It Takes Two,  you can even learn a thing or two about the world, how you should understand some things that are happening in your life, and what you can do to get rid of it. We tried not to focus too much on the kid-friendly aspect of those titles, but we cannot hide the fact that those stories are mostly for kids. Nevertheless, the grown-ups will certainly find something for themselves in them as well.

Thanks for stopping by! If you liked this article, be sure to check out other gaming/software/office-related ones in our catalog. We have a lot of those, so we are sure that you will find something to your liking. And, if you need something for us to write about, be sure to let us know. We will be more than happy to oblige. That’s it for today, stay safe, and we will see you in the next one!