Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart a Kids’ Game? A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Gamers

The simple answer? Yes and no. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart exists in a sweet spot, appealing to both kids and adults thanks to its vibrant world, engaging gameplay, and a healthy dose of humor. It’s a game with a PEGI 7 rating, and ESRB E10+, placing it within the reach of younger players, but understanding why it holds those ratings and what that actually means is crucial for parents deciding if it’s a good fit for their child. The game blends cartoonish violence with an engaging story, making it suitable for older children while still managing to captivate adults with its humor and engaging gameplay.

Deciphering the Ratings: What Do They Actually Mean?

Ratings like PEGI 7 and ESRB E10+ are designed to give parents a quick snapshot of the game’s content. However, these ratings are broad strokes, and digging a little deeper is essential.

• PEGI 7: According to the provided text, a PEGI 7 rating often suggests that there is violence that lacks any apparent harm or injury to fantasy or mythical beings and creatures, mild violence that lacks any apparent harm or injury to human-like characters and non-realistic violence in a child-friendly setting or context. Essentially, the violence is stylized and doesn’t depict realistic injury.

• ESRB E10+: This rating indicates that the game’s content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up. The descriptors, like “Fantasy Violence” and “Animated Blood,” offer more context. “Fantasy Violence” confirms the non-realistic nature of the combat, while “Animated Blood” suggests that while there is blood, it’s not graphically realistic.

Therefore, these ratings suggest that while the game contains violence, it’s not gory or overtly realistic. It’s more along the lines of a Saturday morning cartoon than a gritty war game.

Considerations Beyond the Ratings: Is It Right for Your Child?

Every child is different. What one 7-year-old finds perfectly acceptable, another might find frightening or overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is appropriate for your child:

• Sensitivity to Violence: Even cartoonish violence can be upsetting to some children. If your child is easily frightened or has nightmares after seeing violent content, even if it’s not realistic, it might be best to wait before introducing them to this game.

• Understanding of Fantasy: The game’s setting is fantastical, and the enemies are often robots or alien creatures. It’s crucial that your child understands the difference between fantasy and reality.

• Parental Guidance: Playing the game with your child can be a great way to monitor their reaction and discuss any potentially sensitive content. It also creates a shared experience that can strengthen your bond. The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers resources on how to engage with video games as a family and leverage them for educational purposes.

• Age Recommendations from Reviews: As the extracted snippets of text showcase, there are many different age recommendations floating around on the Internet. Use this as an advisory. Be sure to check on the ESRB and PEGI ratings as well to make a fully informed decision.

• Character Death/Loss: While the game is not hyperrealistic, characters can “die” in the game, or experience loss. This can be difficult for some children to process.

The Appeal to Adults: More Than Just a Kids’ Game

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart isn’t just a game for kids. It’s designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages. Here’s why:

• Engaging Story: The narrative is well-written and features compelling characters that even adults can connect with.

• Challenging Gameplay: While the game can be played on easier difficulty settings for younger players, higher difficulty levels offer a real challenge for experienced gamers.

• Humor: The game is filled with witty dialogue and slapstick humor that appeals to a broad audience.

• Stunning Visuals: The game is a visual showcase for the PlayStation 5, with stunning graphics and vibrant environments that are a joy to behold.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart too violent for a 7-year-old?

It depends on the child. The violence is cartoonish and lacks realistic gore, but some children may still find it frightening. Parental guidance is recommended.

Does Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart have blood?

Yes, it has “Animated Blood,” meaning the blood is not graphically realistic. It’s often depicted as green or non-realistic colors for alien enemies, and explosions for robots.

Are there drug references in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

Some sources mention “herbal supplements” that are implied to be marijuana. These are referenced, but not explicitly shown.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart appropriate for a 10-year-old?

Generally, yes. The ESRB rating of E10+ suggests it’s suitable for this age group, assuming the child isn’t overly sensitive to cartoonish violence.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart childish?

No, it’s designed to appeal to a broad audience. While it’s accessible to children, adults can also enjoy its story, humor, and challenging gameplay.

Are there scary elements in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

The text mentions “undead skeletal enemies” that may frighten younger audiences. Consider your child’s tolerance for such imagery.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart a full game?

Yes, it’s a full-length, standalone story.

How long does it take to beat Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

The main story takes around 11 hours, while 100% completion can take around 18 hours.

What difficulty level should I choose for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

If you’re familiar with shooters, start on “Resistance Leader.” If you’re new to the genre, “Rebel Agent” is a good starting point.

Are there humans in the Ratchet & Clank universe?

No, the Ratchet & Clank universe is populated by various alien species and robots.

What is Ratchet’s species?

Ratchet is a Lombax, a feline-like alien creature.

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart fun to play?

Yes, it’s widely considered a fun and engaging game, with great gameplay, inventive design, and compelling characters.

Does Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart have multiplayer?

No, it is a single-player adventure.

What are the main themes of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

Themes include friendship, courage, and overcoming adversity.

Where can I find more information about video games and learning?

Visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website for resources and research on the educational potential of video games.

Conclusion: A Family-Friendly Adventure with a Few Caveats

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offers a visually stunning and engaging gaming experience that can be enjoyed by players of various ages. It’s best to consider your child’s individual sensitivities and tolerance for fantasy violence before making a final decision. Parental guidance is highly recommended, especially for younger children.