Astro Bot stole the show at the 2024 Game Awards, and we couldn’t be happier for our tiny hero and his clever companions. But let’s not forget, Astro Bot is just the latest in a long line of beloved PlayStation platformers. His success is rooted in a rich history that goes all the way back to the original PlayStation, featuring creations from both first-party studios and various third-party developers.
If you’re eager to explore the legacy of PlayStation platformers from their origins to the present, diving into the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog is your best bet. Here’s a taste of the standout platformers you can enjoy right now.*
A Hat in Time | 2017
The golden age of 3D platformers brought us the "collectathon" craze, where exploring vast levels to gather countless trinkets was all the rage. A Hat in Time brings those nostalgic days back to life, as you guide Hat Kid on her mission to find Time Pieces in a kooky cartoon world. Whether you’re finding Yarn Balls to craft new hats with powers, battling enemies for upgrades, or uncovering hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, there’s no shortage of fun. And don’t forget to unravel the mystery of Mustache Girl!
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Ape Escape | 1999
Up for some monkey mayhem? Scientists have blundered, and it’s up to you to reclaim these clever primates who’ve wreaked havoc across time. Ape Escape was pioneering as one of the first games to fully embrace the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks, allowing you to outsmart and capture the mischievous monkeys with precision and creativity. Keep an eye on their helmets to gauge their emotions before making your move.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Celeste | 2018
The dash move—a cornerstone of platforming adventure. Celeste, an indie gaming gem, elevates this simple action to dizzying heights. Navigate large screens full of tricky hazards using various types of dashes, from ground to air, as you unravel the story. If you’re up for a challenge, Celeste’s pixel art feels like both a game and a mountain you’ll love climbing.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
For those who enjoy their platforming mixed with open-world exploration, Gravity Rush is a must-play. The story centers around Kat, who awakens with amnesia in the bustling city of Hekseville, a town gripped by a relentless storm. Discovering her unique ability to alter gravity with the help of her feline friend, Kat explores the city’s architecture, battles strange monsters, and lends a hand to its citizens while uncovering the truth of her past.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
Naughty Dog brings us the unforgettable duo of Jak and Daxter from the PS2 era. After a mishap lands Daxter in a fuzzy dilemma, the pair embarks on a journey to find the Dark Sage Gol Asheron to reverse the process—and save the world along the way. The game’s vibrant animations, colorful locales, and pioneering approach to seamless environments still hold up wonderfully today.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
Jumping Flash | 1995
The OG PlayStation fans can’t stop talking about how groundbreaking Jumping Flash was when it first hit the scene. Experience this classic firsthand with Robbit, the high-flying mechanical rabbit, in a mind-bending first-person platformer. Crush foes, wield quirky weapons, and leap to dizzying heights in bizarre, surreal worlds. This game was, and still is, a one-of-a-kind experience.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
Rayman Legends | 2013
Who needs arms and legs to accomplish awe-inspiring antics in a platformer? Rayman, alongside Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy, leaps into action after an extended slumber to save the Teensies and thwart the Glade of Dreams’ evil invaders once more. The hand-drawn HD visuals are stunning, and with support for up to four-player local co-op, it’s an adventure best shared.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
The dynamic duo Ratchet and Clank continue their interdimensional escapades on the PS5, delivering their most visually breathtaking adventure yet. Thanks to the PS5’s capabilities and the new Rift Tether gadget, you can zip through vibrant environments in the blink of an eye. Gear up for an exhilarating journey with new weaponry, navigational tools, and a captivating story introducing Rivet, Ratchet’s female Lombax counterpart.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Sackboy may be a fabric creation, but he’s geared up for a grand adventure. In Sackboy: A Big Adventure, he sets out to rescue his fellow Sackpeople and Craftworld from the clutches of the sinister Vex. With a plethora of new abilities, you’ll traverse vibrant worlds, collect Dreamer Orbs, and unknowingly charm your way into local and online co-op play. Bring a couple of friends along; up to three can join on this delightful quest!
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Sly Cooper is the master thief with a rich lineage and a raccoon’s cunning. Embark on an adventure to reclaim the Thievius Raccoonus from the Fiendish Five, as you blend platforming with stealth elements. Sly’s marvelous sneaking tactics let you outsmart enemies and stay one step ahead while you reclaim your family’s legacy.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
Craving even more platforming thrills? Dive into this comprehensive look at some of the finest 3D platformers available on PlayStation.
Note: PlayStation Plus Game Catalog availability may vary across regions.
