Astro Bot emerged triumphant at the 2024 Game Awards, and I’ve got to say, we couldn’t be happier for our tiny hero and his pals. But Astro Bot isn’t a standalone marvel—this celebrated character springs from a rich tradition of PlayStation platformers that dates back to the original PlayStation, with contributions from both first-party studios and third-party developers and publishers.
If you’re keen to explore the history of PlayStation platformers, from their origins to today, the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog offer the perfect avenue. Below is a curated list of some remarkable platformers you can dive into right now.*
A Hat in Time | 2017
For those who fondly recall the "collectathon" days of 3D platformers—where the thrill was in hunting down various items across grandiose levels—A Hat in Time is a joyous throwback. You’ll helm Hat Kid as she embarks on a mission to collect Time Pieces within a whimsically chaotic cartoon world. On your journey, gather Yarn Balls to craft hats and unlock new powers, fend off enemies to collect Pons for upgrades, discover hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and uncover the enigmatic Mustache Girl’s story.
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
Ape Escape | 1999
Ready to stir up some monkey mayhem? When science spins out of control, it spawns a troop of super-smart monkeys wreaking havoc across different eras, and your task is to reel them back in. As one of the first games to exploit the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks to their fullest extent, Ape Escape challenges you to strategically maneuver and use quirky gadgets to sneak up on and capture these clever primates. Be vigilant though—a monkey’s helmet will give you clues about its temperament before you make your move.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Celeste | 2018
To many, the dash is a cherished move in platformer games. Celeste, an indie marvel, takes the dash to exhilarating new heights, enabling players to navigate daunting hazards spread across sprawling screens. Glide, dash mid-air in any direction, scale walls, collect items to perform multiple dashes—master the fast-paced movement to uncover the game’s secrets. Scaling this mountain is an adventure you’ll relish.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
Fancy some open-world platforming with captivating world design? In Gravity Rush, you follow an amnesiac named Kat who, alongside her cat companion, discovers the power to manipulate gravity in the storm-stricken city of Hekseville. Fly through the city’s stunning landscapes, fight enigmatic creatures, help citizens, and unravel the mysteries that surround Kat.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
From the iconic Naughty Dog comes a beloved duo from the PS2 era. Daxter’s got a bit of a problem—after an accidental plunge into a mysterious pool on Misty Island, he’s transformed into a diminutive, fuzzy creature. It’s up to Jak to search for the Dark Sage Gol Asheron to help Daxter while saving the world. With vibrant animations, colorful settings, and a then-revolutionary design focusing on seamless load times, Jak and Daxter remains a classic.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
Jumping Flash | 1995
For those who experienced the dawn of PlayStation, Jumping Flash was a revelation, demonstrating the system’s prowess. Step into the metallic paws of Robbit, a rabbit who can leap to extraordinary heights. Traverse surreal landscapes teeming with quirky foes, wield thrilling weaponry, and hop amidst floating platforms in this first-person platformer that’s just as quirky and fun now as it was back then.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
Rayman Legends | 2013
Who needs limbs to perform incredible platforming stunts? Rayman, accompanied by Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy, awakens from a century-long nap to save the Teensies and protect the Glade of Dreams from malevolence. With exquisite hand-drawn HD graphics, Rayman Legends also supports up to four players in local co-op—perfect for group adventures.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
Enter the present era with another iconic PlayStation platforming duo. Rift Apart harnesses the PS5’s tech to deliver the most visually stunning Ratchet and Clank journey yet, featuring the innovative Rift Tether gadget for rapid travel. Brace yourself for thrilling interdimensional escapades, robust shooting action, and the debut of Rivet, Ratchet’s alternate-reality female Lombax counterpart.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Our fabric-formed hero, Sackboy, isn’t backing down from an adventure. In this installment, he’s set to rescue Sackpeople and Craftworld from the villainous Vex. Showcase your skills—rolling, diving, fluttering, and dispatching enemies while hunting down Dreamer Orbs. For those challenging segments, rally up to three friends to participate in local or online co-op and overcome the toughest trials.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Meet Sly Cooper, the stealthy raccoon thief with an ancestral legacy of heists. He’s on a mission to reclaim the thief manual, the Thievius Raccoonus, from the paws of the Fiendish Five. Mix platforming with stealth tactics as you slip through the Five’s hideouts, using Sly’s unique talents to evade guards and reclaim the prized manuscript.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
Intrigued for more platforming action? Dive into our detailed feature on some of the all-time great 3D platformers available on PlayStation.
Note: Availability of games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog may vary by region.
