Astro Bot emerged victorious at the 2024 Game Awards, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for our charming hero and his crew. But Astro Bot isn’t just a one-off; he comes from a rich history of PlayStation platformers, stretching back to the original console, developed by both first-party studios and third-party creators.
For those eager to explore the history of PlayStation platformers from their inception to the present day, the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog offer a fantastic journey. Let’s dive into some platforming gems you can enjoy right now.*
### A Hat in Time | 2017
The early 2000s saw the rise of 3D platformers focused on collecting a myriad of items, and A Hat in Time is a nostalgic nod to that era. Guides Hat Kid through whimsical worlds, searching for Time Pieces in a colorful and comedic setting. As you play, discover Yarn Balls to craft new hats with unique powers, outsmart enemies to gather Pons for upgrades, hunt for hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and unravel the mystery of Mustache Girl.
Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast
### Ape Escape | 1999
Ready for chaotic monkey-catching adventures? A botched experiment unleashes a group of intelligent monkeys through time, and it’s your mission to round them up. As one of the pioneers in utilizing the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks, Ape Escape challenges you to master stealthy approaches and quirky gadgets. Pay attention to the monkeys’ helmets to gauge their mood before making your move.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
### Celeste | 2018
Celeste is an indie masterpiece that takes the simple dash mechanic and elevates it to an art form. Navigate incredibly challenging screens with well-timed dashes—ground dashes, air dashes, and wall-climb boosts—to uncover all of the mountain’s many secrets. It’s a challenging climb, but you’ll enjoy every moment of it.
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games
### Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016
If you love platformers with a sprinkle of world-building, Gravity Rush is for you. Follow the story of Kat, who awakens in the storm-ravaged city of Hekseville and discovers her feline friend grants her the power to manipulate gravity. Navigate the impressive cityscapes, fend off mysterious creatures, and help the citizens while uncovering the secrets surrounding you.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
### Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001
Naughty Dog serves up a classic featuring one of the PS2’s most iconic duos. After an accidental dip in a strange pool transforms Daxter, the small and fuzzy sidekick joins Jak in a quest to find the Dark Sage Gol Asheron. Their adventure is full of vibrant animations and expansive environments that still hold up beautifully today.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog
### Jumping Flash | 1995
When PlayStation launched, Jumping Flash was a visual spectacle that captivated gamers. You control Robbit, a jumping robot rabbit, exploring surreal worlds with unique enemies and plenty of tall platforms. It was groundbreaking then, and its innovative style still offers plenty of fun today.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra
### Rayman Legends | 2013
Limbless heroes aren’t a problem when it comes to impressive feats of platforming. Rayman, Globox, and friends must awaken from their century-long sleep, save the Teensies, and protect the Glade of Dreams. With stunning hand-drawn visuals and four-player local co-op, it’s an adventure designed to be shared.
Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
### Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021
PlayStation’s beloved duo continues their platforming escapades into a new generation. Leveraging the power of the PS5, Rift Apart delivers the most visually breathtaking Ratchet and Clank experience. Use the new Rift Tether gadget for lightning-fast travel across dimensions, and meet Rivet, Ratchet’s alternate-universe counterpart.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac
### Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020
Sackboy, our fabric-made adventurer, embarks on a mission to save Craftworld from the villainous Vex. With new moves and skills, dive, roll, and tackle foes while collecting Dreamer Orbs. The journey can be tough, but with multiplayer support for up to four players, tackling tricky challenges with friends is a must.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital
### Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002
Meet Sly Cooper, the charismatic raccoon thief on a quest to recover his family’s thieving secrets from the Fiendish Five. Skillful platforming and stealthy maneuvers are essential as you navigate around various traps to reclaim the precious pages of the Thievius Raccoonus.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch
Craving more platforming thrills? Check out a detailed feature on some of the finest 3D platformers available on PlayStation.
*The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog selections may vary across regions.
