At its core, Ratchet & Clank is a long-running series about an unlikely duo: Ratchet, a "Lombax" (think a bipedal, mechanical-genius cat-fox), and Clank, a small, logical robot who escaped a war-bot factory.

They travel from planet to planet saving the galaxy from various eccentric villains, most notably the hilariously incompetent Dr. Nefarious. The gameplay is a 50/50 split between "platforming" (jumping over gaps, swinging from hooks, sliding on rails) and "combat" (using the most ridiculous weapons ever conceived in a writer's room).

While the series has been around since the PS2 era, the most recent entry, ### Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, is the one most kids are talking about now. It’s a technical marvel that uses "dimensional rifts" to teleport players between worlds instantly. It’s the kind of game that makes you realize why you spent the money on a PS5 in the first place.

In most games, you get a pistol or a sword. In Ratchet & Clank, you get the Groovitron (a grenade that forces enemies to stop attacking and start disco dancing) or the Sheepinator (which literally turns terrifying aliens into harmless, fluffy sheep).

This sense of humor is the "secret sauce." It’s self-aware and funny in a way that appeals to the "skibidi" generation but has enough wit to keep parents from rolling their eyes. It’s "Ohio" in the best way possible—just weird enough to be cool.

The game has a very satisfying progression loop. You collect "bolts" (the in-game currency) to buy bigger and better gear. Unlike the predatory economy of Roblox, these bolts are earned purely through playing, not by asking for your credit card. Kids feel a genuine sense of accomplishment when they finally upgrade their "Pixelizer" (a gun that turns enemies into 8-bit retro versions of themselves).

We talk a lot at Screenwise about "Digital Wellness," and usually, that involves setting boundaries on social media or monitoring YouTube history. But part of digital wellness is also quality of content.

If your kid is spending 10 hours a week in a low-effort, ad-ridden mobile game, their "media diet" is basically Cheetos. Ratchet & Clank is a ribeye steak. It has:

Learn more about the benefits of narrative-driven gaming

This is the gold standard. If you have the hardware, start here. It introduces a new playable character named Rivet (another Lombax), which has been a huge hit for girls who finally see themselves represented in the series. The story is heartfelt, the graphics are literally Pixar-level, and the "Rift" mechanic is mind-blowing.

This was a "reimagining" of the original story. While the Ratchet & Clank movie was... let's be honest, pretty mediocre... the game itself is fantastic. It’s often available for very cheap (or free on PlayStation Plus) and serves as a perfect entry point for younger kids.

If your kid likes the platforming and "gadget" feel of Ratchet, they will love this. It comes pre-installed on every PS5. It’s a short, sweet, and incredibly charming introduction to gaming.

If your child connects with the relationship between Ratchet and his robot pal Clank, this movie (and the The Wild Robot book) is the perfect "off-screen" companion. It deals with similar themes of technology meeting nature and found family.

The ESRB gives this an E10+. Here is the "no-BS" breakdown of why:

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One of the biggest concerns parents have today is the "Roblox-ification" of gaming—the constant push for microtransactions.

Here is the good news: Ratchet & Clank is a "traditional" game. You buy it once, and you own the whole thing. There is no in-game store selling "skins" for $20. There is no "Battle Pass."

Because it is a single-player game, there is also no online safety risk. No strangers can message your child, and there is no "toxic" lobby culture. It is a safe, walled-garden experience.

If you want to engage with your kid while they play, don't just ask "Are you winning?" (That's a bit of a "parent fail" move). Instead, try these:

Ratchet & Clank is a rare breed in 2026: a high-quality, big-budget game that respects the player's time and the parent's boundaries. It’s "Playable Pixar" in every sense—gorgeous, funny, and full of heart.

If you’re looking for a way to move your child away from the "brain rot" of infinite-scroll content and toward a more intentional, artistic gaming experience, this Lombax and his robot friend are the perfect guides.

Check out our guide on setting healthy gaming boundaries Ask our chatbot for more E10+ game recommendations