Astro Bot clinched the top spot at the 2024 Game Awards, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for the lovable little hero and his entourage of pals. Astro Bot, created by Team Asobi, is deeply rooted in the rich history of PlayStation platformers, which dates all the way back to the original PlayStation era. These games have been crafted by both first-party studios and third-party developers and publishers.
If you’re keen on exploring the history of PlayStation platformers from their humble beginnings to the present, the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog serve as your ideal gateway. Let’s take a look at some standout platformers you can dive into today.*
A Hat in Time | 2017
Recall the "collectathon" era of 3D platformers, where the goal was to amass a dizzying array of items across expansive levels? A Hat in Time is a heartfelt homage to those nostalgic days, immersing players in the role of Hat Kid as she embarks on a quest to retrieve Time Pieces in a sprawling and whimsically absurd cartoon universe. Collect Yarn Balls to craft new hats and acquire new abilities, vanquish enemies to collect Pons for upgrades, uncover hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and unravel the mysterious antics of Mustache Girl.
- Publisher: Humble Games
- Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Ape Escape | 1999
Ready for some monkey antics? A scientific experiment has gone awry, unleashing a horde of hyper-intelligent monkeys wreaking havoc across time. Your mission: corral these clever monkeys and restore order. Ape Escape was a trailblazer, being one of the first to fully utilize the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks, allowing for precise movement and gadget usage to catch these mischievous apes. Pay attention to their helmet lights to gauge their mood before making your move.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Celeste | 2018
Who knew the simple dash could be elevated to such thrilling heights? Enter Celeste, an indie-game wonder that transforms this platformer move into a complex ballet of ground and air maneuvers. Traverse vast, hazard-filled screens with ground dashes, multidirectional mid-air dashes, dashing from wall climbs, and using items for multiple dashes. This is not just any mountain; it’s one you’ll find exhilarating to conquer.
- Publisher: Maddy Makes Games
- Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
Fancy a blend of platforming, open-world exploration, and captivating storytelling? Gravity Rush is your ticket. Meet Kat, who awakens with no memory in Hekseville amid a brewing storm, discovering her feline ally grants her control over gravity. Use these powers to maneuver through Hekseville’s breathtaking architecture, combat enigmatic foes, and unravel the mysteries enfolding her.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
From the creative minds at Naughty Dog comes a timeless classic featuring one of the PS2 era’s most iconic duos. After Daxter’s unintentional dip into a mystic pool turns him small and furry, Jak and his pal embark on a quest to find the Dark Sage Gol Asheron. Their journey unfolds across vibrant animations and colorful worlds, backed by a then-groundbreaking design minimizing load times, ensuring Jak and Daxter remains a beloved classic.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Naughty Dog
Jumping Flash | 1995
Day-one PlayStation enthusiasts will fondly recount how Jumping Flash amazed them with its showcase of the original PlayStation’s capabilities. This first-person platformer stars Robbit, a robotic rabbit with an extraordinary jumping ability. Traverse surreal realms filled with unusual adversaries, impressive weaponry, and floating platforms that extend your jumping heights to levels unimaginable. Unique at its inception, it continues to offer a distinct gaming experience.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Exact, Ultra
Rayman Legends | 2013
Who needs limbs for stellar platforming feats? Rayman, Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy awaken from a century-long slumber to rescue the Teensies and save the Glade of Dreams once more. With visually stunning hand-drawn HD graphics, Rayman Legends also includes local co-op for up to four players, so gather your friends for this vibrant side-scrolling adventure.
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
Meet another iconic PlayStation duo whose adventures have embraced the future. Built for the PS5, Rift Apart offers the most expansive and visually stunning Ratchet and Clank adventure, now featuring the innovative Rift Tether gadget for seamless, rapid dimension hopping. Experience a mix of shooting, cutting-edge navigation, interdimensional escapades, and the introduction of Rivet, Ratchet’s female Lombax counterpart.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Insomniac
Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Our scrappy little hero may be made of fabric, but in Sackboy: A Big Adventure, he’s ready to prove his mettle. On a mission to save his fellow Sackpeople and Craftworld from the notorious Vex, Sackboy showcases a host of new abilities. Roll, dive, flutter, and fight through challenging terrains to collect Dreamer Orbs. Whether playing alone or alongside up to three friends in co-op, tackle the toughest trials together.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Sumo Digital
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Meet Sly Cooper, the suave and sly thief with a history steeped in heisting. His quest is to reclaim the missing pages of the Thievius Raccoonus, a family heirloom, from the grips of the villainous Fiendish Five. Master the art of stealth and platforming as you sneak through enemy lairs, evading guards and traps to retrieve your family’s treasured secrets.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Sucker Punch
For those on the hunt for more exceptional platforming experiences, delve into this comprehensive feature on the finest 3D platformers available on PlayStation.
Please note that the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup might vary across regions.
