10 Essential Platformers to Play with PlayStation Plus – PlayStation.Blog

Astro Bot’s big win at the 2024 Game Awards had us all cheering for our favorite little robotic hero and his merry band of friends. But Astro Bot’s not just a lone star; he comes from a long and celebrated tradition of PlayStation platformers, tracing back to the original PlayStation and the creative minds of both first-party and third-party studios.

If you’re on a quest to explore the rich past of PlayStation platformers from the start right up to today, there’s no better way to dive in than through the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and its Classics section. Here’s a peek at some standout platformers waiting for you to play now.

A Hat in Time | 2017

Taking you back to the "collectathon" craze of early 3D platformers, A Hat in Time revives the joy of collecting everything in sight. In this wacky cartoon world, you take on the role of Hat Kid, scouring vast levels for Time Pieces. Along the way, you’ll gather Yarn Balls to craft funky hats, battle for Pons to power up, hunt for hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and unravel the mystery surrounding Mustache Girl.

Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast

Ape Escape | 1999

Get ready for some wild monkey business! Roving through time thanks to a scientific mishap, these crafty monkeys have to be rounded up. As a pioneer in fully utilizing the DualShock’s analog sticks, Ape Escape lets you cleverly track and capture these clever primates with cool gadgets. Watch the helmets for clues about their moods before you make your move.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Celeste | 2018

The dash is an indispensable trick in platformers, and indie gem Celeste makes it the heart of its gameplay. This pixelated wonder will have you mastering various dashes—on ground, mid-air, from wall climbs, and more. It’s a thrilling challenge as you leap through perilous landscapes and uncover hidden secrets on your way to the summit of Celeste Mountain.

Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games

Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016

Dive into a feast of open-world exploration and intricate storytelling in Gravity Rush. Amnesiac heroine Kat wakes in the bustling city of Hekseville, quickly discovering that her feline friend grants the power to manipulate gravity. With these talents, she explores the city’s striking architecture, combats shadowy creatures, and uncovers the mysteries enveloping her.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001

This classic from Naughty Dog showcases one of the beloved partnerships of the PS2 era. When Daxter falls into a mysterious pool and morphs into a furry creature, he and Jak embark on a mission to restore him while possibly saving the entire world. With vivid animations, lively settings, and a groundbreaking world design that reduced load times, Jak and Daxter remain timeless icons.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog

Jumping Flash | 1995

Talk to any longtime PlayStation fan, and they’ll reminisce about the marvel that is Jumping Flash. This innovative first-person platformer casts you as Robbit, a mechanical rabbit whose mega-leaping abilities allow you to traverse otherworldly stages filled with unusual enemies, powerful weapons, and lots of towering platforms. It was unique then, and it’s still a blast today.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra

Rayman Legends | 2013

Who says you need limbs for platforming magic? In Rayman Legends, Rayman, Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy awaken from a century-long nap to rescue the Teensie folk and save the Glade of Dreams. Feast your eyes on lush, hand-drawn HD visuals and dive into a cooperative side-scrolling journey with up to four local players.

Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021

This is the famed PlayStation duo at their finest, fully leveraging the power of the PS5. In Rift Apart, you’re in for a spectacular visual journey filled with action-packed platforming and interdimensional adventures, aided by the awesome Rift Tether gadget. Meet Rivet, Ratchet’s female counterpart from another dimension, and prepare for a thrilling ride.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac

Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020

Despite being made of burlap and button eyes, Sackboy is no softie when it comes to grand escapades. He’s on a mission to rescue fellow Sackpeople from the villainous Vex, flaunting new moves and skills along the way. Go solo, or team up with friends online or locally to conquer tough terrains in pursuit of Dreamer Orbs.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002

Meet Sly Cooper, the charming raccoon burglar with a family legacy steeped in theft. He’s out to retrieve the stolen Thievius Raccoonus pages from the infamous Fiendish Five. Sneak through their lairs using Sly’s stealthy skills, evade guards and traps, and reclaim his family’s treasured secrets.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch

Thirsting for more platforming excitement? Dive deeper into the best 3D platformers on PlayStation with this special feature.

Note: The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog may have different selections depending on your region.