Astro Bot stole the spotlight at the 2024 Game Awards, and we can’t help but beam with pride for this charming little hero and his companions. But Astro Bot isn’t just a one-off phenomenon; he hails from a rich history of PlayStation platformers that trace their roots back to the original PlayStation. This legacy includes gems crafted by both first-party studios and various third-party developers and publishers.
If you’re eager to explore the storied history of PlayStation platformers, from their inception to the latest and greatest, there’s no better way to dive in than with the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. Here’s a look at some standout platformers you can jump into right now.*
A Hat in Time | 2017
Remember the joyous era of “collectathon” 3D platformers from the late ’90s and early 2000s? A Hat in Time is a delightful homage to those treasure-hunting days, inviting players to control Hat Kid on her whimsical adventure to gather Time Pieces within a vast, quirky cartoon world. You’ll craft new hats using Yarn Balls to gain special abilities, engage in thrilling battles to collect Pons for upgrades, search for hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and uncover the mystery surrounding Mustache Girl.
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Ape Escape | 1999
Are you ready to embrace some monkey madness? A scientific mishap has unleashed a crew of cunning, hyper-intelligent monkeys wreaking havoc across time, and it’s up to you to round them up and bring them back. Ape Escape was one of the pioneering games to fully utilize the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks, allowing you to skillfully maneuver and employ quirky gadgets to capture these crafty primates. Pay attention to their helmets, as they give a peek into their mood before you make your move.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Celeste | 2018
Ah, the dash—a simple yet beloved move in the platformer universe. Celeste elevates the humble dash as players maneuver through expansive screens filled with challenging obstacles. Whether it’s ground dashes, mid-air directional dashes, or wall-climb dashes, you’ll enjoy mastering these techniques to uncover all the game’s secrets. Scale this mountain, and the satisfaction will be all yours.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
Craving some open-world adventure alongside your platforming? Gravity Rush has got you covered. Meet Kat, an amnesiac who awakens in the stunning city of Hekseville. Thanks to her feline companion, she can manipulate gravity, helping her explore the city’s unique architecture, fend off enigmatic creatures, and assist the townsfolk—while unraveling the mysteries that surround her.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
Enter the world of Jak and Daxter, a duo who won the hearts of many during the PS2 era. After a mishap transforms Daxter into a pint-sized, furry version of himself during an unauthorized visit to Misty Island, the pair set out to find the Dark Sage Gol Asheron and restore normalcy. With eye-catching animations, vibrant environments, and groundbreaking design that minimized load times, Jak and Daxter remain timeless classics.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
Jumping Flash | 1995
Seasoned PlayStation fans will often reminisce about the groundbreaking Jumping Flash, a game that showcased the power of the original PlayStation. This distinctive first-person platformer stars Robbit, a robotic rabbit capable of breathtaking jumps. Immerse yourself in its surreal landscapes filled with outlandish foes, exhilarating weaponry, and plenty of room to leap high into the sky. It was one-of-a-kind then, and it still offers a unique gaming experience today.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
Rayman Legends | 2013
Who says a hero needs limbs to save the day? Rayman, Globox, Barbara, and the Teensy gang rise after a long nap to rescue the Teensies and defeat dark forces within the Glade of Dreams. The game features exquisite hand-drawn visuals and offers local co-op for up to four players, perfect for teaming up with friends for some epic side-scrolling action.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
Step into the world of Ratchet and Clank, where this dynamic duo continues their platforming escapades on the PS5. Rift Apart leverages the console’s prowess to create a visually stunning and expansive adventure. The handy Rift Tether gadget adds a new dimension by enabling swift travel, adding shooting, gadget-driven exploration, and interdimensional adventures—alongside the introduction of Rivet, Ratchet’s alternate-dimension counterpart.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Though he may be crafted from fabric, Sackboy has the determination of a true adventurer. Embark on a journey to save the other Sackpeople and the vibrant Craftworld from the villainous Vex. Sackboy has plenty of new tricks up his sleeve, and you’ll be jumping, rolling, and combating foes in the search for Dreamer Orbs. The challenges are exciting, especially when you team up with up to three pals for cooperative play.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Meet Sly Cooper, a charming thief with a rich family legacy of heists. In his quest to reclaim the missing pages of the Thievius Raccoonus, Sly takes on the Fiendish Five using his stealth and agility. Navigate their lairs and utilize Sly’s thieving skills to dodge guards, bypass security, and retrieve the treasured pages.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
For more platforming adventures, explore our detailed feature on some of the finest 3D platformers available on PlayStation.
The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog offerings may vary across different regions.
