Astro Bot snagged the top accolade at the 2024 Game Awards, and we couldn’t be happier for that charming little bot and his friends. But let’s remember that Astro Bot is part of a rich history of PlayStation platformers that stretches all the way back to the original PlayStation, with contributions from both first-party studios and third-party developers and publishers.
If you’re eager to explore the storied history of PlayStation platformers from their inception to the present day, the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog have you covered. Here’s a glimpse at some standout platformers you can dive into right now.*
### A Hat in Time | 2017
The early 2000s saw a surge in popularity for “collectathon” 3D platformers, where players would scavenge vast levels for various items. A Hat in Time brings back those days where players could lose hours searching every corner, taking on the role of Hat Kid as she seeks out Time Pieces in a delightfully wacky cartoon universe. Discover Yarn Balls to craft new hats and gain new powers, engage with enemies to earn Pons for upgrades, and unravel the mystery around Mustache Girl.
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
### Ape Escape | 1999
Ready to chase some mischievous monkeys? Ape Escape throws you into the action with hyper-intelligent primates wreaking havoc across time. As one of the pioneering games to harness the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks, you’ll employ cunning tactics and quirky gadgets to outsmart and capture these playful apes. Keep an eye on their helmets to understand their mood before approaching–you never know what these wise guys might do.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
### Celeste | 2018
Celeste is a masterpiece in the indie gaming scene, taking the beloved dash mechanic and elevating it to new heights. In this pixelated adventure, you’ll master dashing across sprawling, hazard-filled terrains, using ground dashes, multi-directional air dashes, and wall climb dashes, among other features. Exploring and unearthing secrets offers a rewarding experience on this mountain climbing escapade.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
### Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
If the idea of combining platforming with open-world exploration and intricate world-building appeals to you, Gravity Rush is a must-try. The story unfolds as Kat, who has lost her memory, finds herself in Hekseville during a fierce storm. With her companion cat at her side, she discovers the ability to manipulate gravity—which comes in handy as she traverses the city’s breathtaking architecture, battles mysterious creatures, and gets to the bottom of the mysteries surrounding her.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
### Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
A classic from the PS2 era, Jak and Daxter remains memorable thanks to its vibrant animations and impressive environments. When Daxter ends up falling into a peculiar pool on Misty Island, he transforms, becoming a small, furry creature. This kicks off an epic quest with Jak to seek out Gol Acheron, a Dark Sage, in hopes of reversing Daxter’s condition and saving the world in the process. The seamless environment design was revolutionary at its time, pulling players into the duo’s adventure without interruption.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
### Jumping Flash | 1995
Long-time PlayStation fans still rave about Jumping Flash as an awe-inspiring showcase of what the original PlayStation could do. This first-person platformer stars Robbit, a mechanized bunny who can leap great heights. Explore surreal locales, engage unique enemies, wield impressive weaponry, and navigate floating platforms. Its distinct gameplay and nostalgia make it a truly unique experience.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
### Rayman Legends | 2013
Rayman and his buddies Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy awaken after a century-long snooze to find their world in chaos. In Rayman Legends, you’ll embark on a mission to rescue the Teensies and restore peace to the Glade of Dreams. With stunning hand-drawn HD visuals and the capacity for four-player local co-op, this sidescrolling journey becomes even more thrilling when shared with friends.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
### Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
Ratchet and Clank are iconic figures in the PlayStation platforming universe, and their adventures continue with Rift Apart on the PS5. This installment ups the ante with breathtaking graphics and gameplay, introducing the Rift Tether gadget for speedy travel. Get ready for interdimensional antics, new gadgets, and the introduction of Rivet, Ratchet’s alternate-dimension counterpart.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
### Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Don’t let his soft exterior fool you—Sackboy is as daring as they come. In this adventure, our fabric hero strives to protect his fellow Sackpeople and Craftworld from the nefarious Vex. With a variety of new skills at his disposal, Sackboy embarks on a quest requiring rolling, diving, fluttering, and fending off enemies while seeking Dreamer Orbs. Plus, with three friends joining in, it’s easier to tackle the game’s toughest challenges in co-op mode.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
### Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Sly Cooper, the slyest raccoon around, is on a mission to retrieve the missing pages of his family’s treasured book of heist techniques, the Thievius Raccoonus, from the clutches of the Fiendish Five. This caper combines platforming and stealth as Sly sneaks through enemy hideouts, dodging guards, security systems, and traps, all to reclaim his family’s secrets.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
For more on exhilarating platformers, explore this comprehensive feature on some of the best 3D platformers available on PlayStation.
*Note that the selection of games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog may vary based on your region.
