In the latest installment, Ratchet and Clank are captured while investigating the disappearance of several famous heroes. The two discover that the missing heroes (including themselves) have been abducted by a deranged media mogul named Gleeman Vox, who intends to use them as contestants on an underground reality combat show. It doesn't take Vox long to realize that Ratchet is the most promising contestant the show has ever seen. Vox subjects Ratchet to a series of deadly battles and elaborate games of death, much to the delight of the show's enormous audience. To keep himself and his friends alive, Ratchet has no choice but to participate in the games and keep driving up the show's ratings with spectacular victories – at least until he can figure out a way to break free from Vox's control and the explosive Deadlock collar around his neck.