Fully agree. This morning I played some R&C (2016) before starting R&C: Rift Apart. The leap between the two games is amazing.
R&C: Rift Apart is a true next gen game on all levels:
1) Gameplay - Most of it is standard R&C fare, but the pocket zones and portals bring a new gameplay mechanic that can't be done on any last-gen platform. I love seeing gameplay innovation, even more than improved graphics/sound.
2) Graphics - 4K raytraced graphics (optional 60 fps 1440p raytraced) with a world density that is amazing. The high quality of the models, materials and textures shows in every nook and cranny. Play on the best 4K HDR display you can. Nothing else you have seen will compare.
3) Sound - Play the game with headphones and the 3D sound will blow you away.
4) Control - DualSense haptics are just fabulous and really adds to the immersion of every bit of gameplay activity.
My prediction: No game in 2021 will top R&C: Rift Apart in next-gen gameplay, graphics, sound and control. Not from Sony or any other publisher.
I even suspect that R&C: Rift Apart won't get topped till late 2022, give how many cross-gen games are still coming from Sony and other publishers. No cross-gen game is going to touch R&C:Rift Apart.