Astro Bot climbed to the top at the 2024 Game Awards, and honestly, our hearts couldn’t be fuller for our favorite tiny hero and his entourage of pals. Yet, Astro Bot stands on the shoulders of PlayStation platformer giants, a rich history that traces back to the original PlayStation. This legacy has been shaped by both Sony’s in-house teams and external developers who have all contributed to creating iconic adventures.
If you fancy delving into the world of PlayStation platformers from their inception to the current day, exploring the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog is a fantastic way to start. Here’s a selection of platformer gems that you can dive into right now.*
A Hat in Time | 2017
Remember those days when 3D platformers were all the rage, filled with countless treasures to hunt down? "A Hat in Time" is a heartfelt nod to those times, wrapping you in a vibrant, whimsical world. You’ll control the charming Hat Kid on her quest across expansively silly worlds to collect Time Pieces. Pick up Yarn Balls for new hats and powers, defeat enemies for currency to unlock upgrades, unearth hidden objects, and unravel the mystery of Mustache Girl.
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Ape Escape | 1999
Ready for some monkeying around? In "Ape Escape," a scientific mishap lets loose a horde of smart monkeys across time. Your mission? Round them up! Harnessing the full potential of the DualShock controller’s analog sticks, this game lets you wield clever gadgets to sneak up on and capture these rambunctious apes. Keep an eye on their helmets to understand their mood before you make your move.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Celeste | 2018
Ah, the dash—a move beloved by platformers everywhere. "Celeste" turns this simple mechanic into an art form, challenging players against sprawling screens filled with obstacles. You’ll execute rapid dashes, perform mid-air sprints, and use items for multiple dashes to uncover secrets. Scaling this mountain feels both rewarding and exhilarating.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
If you crave your platformers laced with open-world exploration, "Gravity Rush" is your ticket. Amnesiac Kat finds herself in Hekseville during a storm, with a feline friend that lets her shift gravity. Navigating the city’s breathtaking landscapes, she battles shadowy monsters and helps townsfolk, while delving into her own enigmatic story.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
Naughty Dog’s classic duo comes to life in this unforgettable platformer from the PS2 era. Jak’s sidekick, Daxter, takes an unexpected plunge, transforming into a furry creature. Together, they embark on an epic quest to see the Dark Sage, clean up their mess, and save their world. The game’s lively animations, vivid worlds, and seamless design keep it a beloved title to this day.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
Jumping Flash | 1995
Long-time PlayStation fans can’t help but rave about "Jumping Flash," a day-one title that truly wowed audiences with its innovation. You hop into the role of Robbit, a leaping mechanical bunny meandering through bizarre landscapes. Encounter strange enemies, collect fun weaponry, and soar to great heights across floating platforms. Even today, this game holds a unique charm.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
Rayman Legends | 2013
Who says limbs are a must for platforming prowess? "Rayman Legends" kicks into action with Rayman, Globox, and others awakening from a century-long slumber to save the Glade of Dreams. Lavish hand-drawn visuals and the thrill of local co-op make this a great pick for fun teamwork.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
The iconic duo return more epic than ever on PS5 with "Rift Apart." The game leverages advanced technology to offer a grand Ratchet and Clank experience, with the new Rift Tether tool for speedy travel. Gear up for intergalactic adventures, fresh gadgets, and meet Rivet, Ratchet’s dynamic counterpart.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
He might be made of yarn, but don’t underestimate Sackboy’s determination. His mission? To save Craftworld from the evil Vex. Armed with new abilities, you’ll roll, leap, and conquer obstacles as you chase down essential Dreamer Orbs. Alone or with friends, the adventure is equally rewarding with multiplayer fun.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Meet Sly Cooper, the rakish raccoon whose family is steeped in heist mastery. He’s on a daring mission to regain the pages of the Thievius Raccoonus from the sinister Fiendish Five. Combine stealth and platforming as you navigate their strongholds, using Sly’s sneaky talents to evade danger and recover what’s rightfully his.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
For more platformer excitement, don’t miss our deep dive into the best 3D platformers on PlayStation.
Note: The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog offerings can vary by region.
