Astro Bot stole the show at the 2024 Game Awards, and it’s hard not to cheer for the beloved character and his crew. But Astro Bot isn’t just a standalone phenomenon; he’s part of a long-standing tradition of PlayStation platformers, built over the decades by both internal and external developers.
For those eager to explore the rich tapestry of PlayStation platforming from its humble beginnings to the present, the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog have you covered. Here’s a look at some standout titles you can dive into right now.*
A Hat in Time | 2017
Remember the hay days of the 3D platformer "collectathon," where the joy was in snagging every item in expansive worlds? A Hat in Time takes you back to that nostalgic realm. You’ll guide Hat Kid in a whimsical quest to gather Time Pieces across an enormous, playfully animated universe. As you collect Yarn Balls to craft new hats and discover new abilities, or face off against foes to accumulate Pons for upgrades, the game ensures you’re fully engrossed. And of course, there’s the mystery of Mustache Girl to unravel.
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Ape Escape | 1999
Are you in the mood for some cheeky monkey chaos? When science goes awry, a horde of super-smart monkeys wreaks havoc across time. Your mission? Get these savvy simians back where they belong. As one of the pioneering games to fully utilize the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks, Ape Escape challenges you to use nimble movements and quirky gadgets to stealthily capture these clever primates. Keep an eye on their helmets; they reveal the monkeys’ moods and are crucial for a successful approach.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Celeste | 2018
Ah, the art of the dash—a beloved mechanic in the platformer genre. In Celeste, an indie gem celebrated for its pixel-perfect artistry, this simple move is your key to navigating vast, hazard-packed environments. Mastering ground dashes, mid-air arcs, and wall-mounted sprints is crucial to uncovering the game’s myriad secrets. Climbing this mountain is as challenging as it is satisfying.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
Fancy a blend of platforming, open-world exploration, and unforgettable storytelling? Enter Gravity Rush. You wake as Kat, an amnesiac in the storm-ravaged city of Hekseville, alongside a peculiar, gravity-bending feline. With gravity manipulation at your fingertips, soar through Hekseville’s breathtaking architecture, fend off mysterious beasts, and unveil the enigmas of your new world.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
Naughty Dog brings us one of the most iconic duos from the PS2 era. When Jak’s friend Daxter takes a tumble into a strange pool on Misty Island, the transformation into a furry form begins. Now on a mission to meet the Dark Sage Gol Asheron, the pair must save the world. The vibrant animations, colorful worlds, and seamless environment transitions keep this title a classic.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
Jumping Flash | 1995
For PlayStation veterans, Jumping Flash was groundbreaking—a classic right from the initial day of PlayStation’s release. Experience the thrill of this first-person platformer where you play as Robbit, a robot rabbit capable of leaping sky-high. Venture into surreal settings teeming with odd foes, impressive weaponry, and numerous floating platforms that let you bask in vertigo-inducing heights. It set a new standard back then and remains an engaging ride.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
Rayman Legends | 2013
Who needs limbs when you have moves like Rayman and pals Globox, Barbara, and Goth Teensy? After a century-long doze, they’re back, swooping into action to save the Glade of Dreams and its many Teensies. Dive into stunning HD hand-drawn visuals, and with local co-op for up to four players, join forces with friends for a thrilling side-scrolling escapade.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
Continuing the legacy of PlayStation’s cherished duo into the next-gen world, Rift Apart is a visual marvel that utilizes the PS5’s prowess to deliver the most ambitious Ratchet & Clank experience yet. With the new Rift Tether tool, leap swiftly between dimensions, shoot, and gadget your way through stunning landscapes. Meet Rivet, Ratchet’s alternate universe counterpart, and join in their quest packed with interdimensional adventures.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Sackboy, with his patchwork charm and resilience, is on a daring mission to save the Craftworld from the malevolent Vex. Packed with new moves like rolling, diving, and fluttering, Sackboy battles foes across the land to gather the precious Dreamer Orbs. The journey isn’t just a solo affair; team up with up to three other players in both online and local co-op to conquer the most daunting challenges.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Sly Cooper, the suave raccoon thief with a knack for stealth, is on a mission to reclaim his family’s legacy: the Thievius Raccoonus. Sneak through the Fiendish Five’s hideouts, employing Sly’s unique skills to dodge guards, bypass security systems, and collect the elusive pages. It’s a delightful mix of platforming and stealth.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
Craving even more platforming adventures? Take a deep dive into our feature on some of PlayStation’s finest 3D platformers.
Note: The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog selection may vary by region.
