For the most part, PlayStation first-party IPs have steered away from mobile spinoffs, but it looks like Sony is finally willing to dip its toes in the water. Given that a recent survey showed mobile is the preferred device for gaming, even in the U.S., it would be remiss for PlayStation not to consider bringing some of its IP to a different audience. Well, it might be the start of something new, as Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble has quietly made its debut. I say quietly because I can’t find an official post about it on the PlayStation Blog, a trailer on PlayStation’s YouTube channel, or any mention of it on official PlayStation social media (at the time of writing).
Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is a fast-paced arena shooter where players can go solo or team up with other Rangers online in multiplayer games built for every kind of player. It’s not live yet, but if you’re interested, you can pre-register for a shot at early access and future beta invites. The game is in development at Oh BiBi, and it appears Insomniac Games is involved. According to Oh BiBi’s website, the team is based in France and is behind Frag Pro Shooter, BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team, Go Go Magnet!, SUP Multiplayer Racing, and Motor World: Car Factory.
Looking at the trailer, Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble looks like a pretty typical mobile multiplayer shooter featuring Ratchet & Clank characters, weapons, and environments. It might be a fun enough time for casual sessions, but I have a feeling it won’t offer much to help it stand out from the crowd. Still, it’s interesting to see a first-party PlayStation franchise show up on mobile, as it could be a sign of more to come, regardless of Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble’s success.
