Insomniac Games is one of the most-beloved game studios today and the reason for that is their consistency in being able to produce one banger after another. They were acquired by Sony in 2019, which meant that all of their future IPs, including Marvel’s Spider-Man, the already Sony-exclusive Ratchet and Clank, and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine would be released on the PlayStation only. But with Sony’s recent push to portPlayStation exclusives to PC, people who never owned a Sony console are now able to enjoy the magnificence of Insomniac games.
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The developer is notorious for focusing on only a single platform and making sure that all their effort goes into optimizing the game for one system. That’s why we never got a Ratchet and Clank or a Resistance game on any Xbox, and conversely, Sunset Overdrive on the PS4. These 10 best games by the Insomniac are proof of their game-developing proficiency.
10Sunset Overdrive
The Game That Helped Shape 2018’s Marvel Spider-Man
Sunset Overdrive
Before Spider-Man, Insomniac had another open-world playground, one that threw realism out the window in favor of sheer, unfiltered chaos.Sunset Overdriveis an energy-fueled explosion of color, movement and absurd weaponry. Traversal isn’t just about running or driving, instead, players grind on rails, bounce off cars and wall-run like a caffeine-fueledparkourexpert, all while mowing down mutants with weapons like the TNTeddy (a grenade launcher that fires explosive teddy bears).
The punk-rock attitude and satirical humor made it a cult favorite, but it was the traversal system that set it apart. Unlike most open-world games where getting around feels like a chore, Sunset Overdrive turns movement into an art form. The only downside is that the game was an Xbox One exclusive, and many PlayStation fans, to this day, are missing out on one of Insomniac’s most-inventive games.
9Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The Game That Perfected the Formula
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
By the thirdRatchet & Clankgame, Insomniac had fully figured out what made the series great. Up Your Arsenal took everything that worked in its predecessors: tight gunplay, platforming and the double-meaning title names, dialing it up to eleven. It introduced Dr. Nefarious, the franchise’s most-iconic villain, whose theatrical monologues and robotic meltdowns became an instant highlight.
What set Up Your Arsenal apart was the focus on combat and weapon variety. The game featured a ridiculous arsenal that only Insomniac could dream up, like the Plasma Whip and the Annihilator rocket launcher. It also introduced a class-based multiplayer mode, something rare for platformers, which gave players a whole new way to enjoy Ratchet & Clank.
8Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
The Sequel That Gave Spyro His Identity
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!
The original Spyro the Dragon was a solid 3D platformer, but Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage gave the purple dragon a real personality. This was the game that turned Spyro from a silent mascot into a snarky, fire-breathing adventurer with attitude. It also introduced a proper storyline, complete with a new villain, Ripto, who still stands as one of the best antagonists in mascot platformers.
Gameplay saw a massive improvement, with new abilities like swimming, headbutting and climbing ladders, making exploration feel more dynamic. Mini-games andside questsadded variety, ensuring that Spyro 2 didn’t just feel like more of the same. While Spyro 3 refined the formula even further, it was Ripto’s Rage that made Spyro feel like a fully-realized franchise.
7Resistance Fall of Man
The FPS That Showcased the PS3’s Potential
Resistance: Fall of Man
When the PS3 launched, Resistance: Fall of Man was one of its standout exclusives. A first-person shooter that blended World War II aesthetics with sci-fi horror, it introduced players to a world where humanity was on the brink of extinction thanks to the Chimera, an alien-like enemy force.
Unlike most military shooters of the time, Resistance had a more methodical pace, emphasizing strategic gunplay over run-and-gun action. While later entries in the series expanded on the concept, the original Resistance is still fondly remembered for its eerie atmosphere and gripping campaign.
6Spider-Man Miles Morales
A Standalone Expansion That Packed a Punch
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
It may not be as long as Marvel’sSpider-Man, but Miles Morales proved that Insomniac could tell a deeply personal story within a smaller scope. Miles’ journey as a hero wasn’t just about fighting crime, it was about stepping out of Peter Parker’s shadow and embracing his own identity.
The gameplay refined everything from the first game, introducing Miles’ bioelectric Venom powers and invisibility, which added more depth to combat and stealth. The winter setting of New York, complete with holiday decorations and snow-covered rooftops, gave the game a distinct personality. While it may not be as long as its predecessor, Miles Morales told a heartfelt story that resonated with fans and proved that game length doesn’t define how good a game is.
5Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
A Showcase of Insomniac’s Technical Mastery
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
With Rift Apart, Insomniac used the PS5’s power to create something that felt impossible on older hardware. The dimensional rifts allowed for near-instant transitions between entire worlds, a technical feat that turned into a core gameplay mechanic.
The introduction of Rivet, a new Lombax from an alternate dimension, added a fresh perspective to the series. The game also featured some of the most satisfying combat in the franchise, with weapons like the Topiary Sprinkler, which turned enemies into hedges, and the Ricochet, which literally bounced bullets off foes.
4Resistance 3
The Best Shooter Insomniac Ever Made
Resistance 3
The Resistance series always lived in the shadow of other FPS giants, but Resistance 3 was where Insomniac truly found its footing in the genre. Unlike its predecessors, this entry focused more on survival horror and atmosphere, making it feel more personal and intense. The game abandoned the military-driven narrative of Resistance 2 in favor of a desperate road trip across a post-apocalyptic America.
The weapons, always Insomniac’s strong suit, were better than ever. From the Bullseye, which allowed bullets to track enemies, to the Auger, which could fire through walls, every gun felt unique. Unlike many modern shooters, Resistance 3 embraced old-school mechanics; there was no regenerating health and players had to manage a full weapon wheel instead of being limited to two guns at a time.
3Spyro: Year of the Dragon
The Pinnacle of the Spyro Trilogy
Spyro: Year of the Dragon
Insomniac’s farewell to Spyro was also its best. Year of the Dragon took everything that worked in Spyro 2 and expanded on it, adding new playable characters like Sheila the Kangaroo and Sgt. Byrd, as well as more diverse mini-games.
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The worlds were bigger, the level design was more intricate, and the variety of gameplay styles made sure things never felt repetitive. Later Spyro games which were created by different developers never quite captured the same magic and Year of the Dragon still remains the definitive Spyro experience.
2Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando
The Game That Defined the Series
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
The firstRatchet & Clankwas a solid platformer, but Going Commando was where the series truly found its identity. This sequel introduced theRPGelements that became a staple; players could now upgrade weapons over time, adding an extra layer of depth to the combat.
The game also introduced new mechanics like space combat and arena battles, which broke up the standard level progression. With sharper writing, better voice acting and some of the most memorable weapons in the franchise, Going Commando set the blueprint for every Ratchet & Clank game that followed.
1Spider-Man 2
The Greatest Superhero Game Ever Made
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Insomniac took everything from Marvel’s Spider-Man and improved it. The web-swinging was faster and more fluid, combat was deeper with the addition of parrying, and the story delivered some of the most emotional moments in any superhero game.
The real star, though, was Venom. Instead of just being another villain, Insomniac gave him real weight in the story, making him one of the most menacing threats Peter has ever faced. From jaw-dropping set pieces to seamless switching between Peter and Miles,Spider-Man 2wasn’t just the best Insomniac game, it was one of the best superhero games ever made.
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