Compared to Nintendo, Sony isn't known for platformers on its consoles, and yet it has some of the best exclusive franchises outside of Mario. Jack and Daxter, Ratchet and clank, LittleBigPlanetand more. The latest console, the PS5, isn't bursting with masterpieces, but there are still some worth discussing.
If you only play one PS5 game this year, make it one of these
Get ready for an epic gaming year with these must-play PS5 games. If you're only getting one PlayStation game in 2026, these are things to consider.
Like typical mascot platformers Astro Bot Like more inventors It takes twoThere is something for every platformer fan on the PS5. Hopefully, by the end of the console, there will be more platformers to enjoy from third-party and first-party developers. Maybe some will scream this year, but like the heroes in the following games, let's jump into things.
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Astro Bot
Super Mecha Galaxy
Astro Bot It's one of those games that fans wish they had a mind eraser with so they could experience the game again and again with fresh eyes. It's one of the most creative platformers on any console with tons of cool powers, levels, bosses, music, and incredibly solid controls.
Some powers included rolling around in lava as a stealth ball, becoming a sponge to put out fires, or traveling through cloudy skies as an inflated balloon. Best of all, in nostalgia Astro Bot Batting thousands between fan favorite cameos from franchises like Resident Evil As for the more obscure Mr. Mosquito.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Two universes are better than one
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart It's the type of experience for those who appreciate more action in their platformers. Like other games, the heroes will be armed with pistols, shotguns and grenade equivalents, but they will also have unfamiliar guns that turn enemies into pixels.
The best feature in this latest entry is the multiverse world-hopping and role reversal as Ratchet joins Kit while Clank becomes the sidekick of Rivet, who are both female alternate reality versions of Ratchet and Clank. Great levels, fun weapon leveling mechanics, and stellar comedy bits. This is a great one Ratchet and clank Game for new players.
Evil Legacy 2
A family business
Evil Legacy 2 is a 2D roguelike with hand-drawn visuals that are stunning. Although the combat comes first, the platforming challenges are very solid, and there are many power-ups players can find to make things easier on their journey, such as Air Dash.
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As players progress through random dungeons, they'll often have to platform through spiked areas or other traps, and getting through them all can be as rewarding as the task. Evil Legacy 2 Undoubtedly challenging, but the progression system makes it an easy recommendation for beginners in the genre. easy
Shinobi: The Art of Revenge
Ninjas Kick Back
Shinobi: The Art of Revenge There is a reboot Shinobi The franchise deserved it, which frankly turned out to be harder than it needed to be. It also features hand-drawn visuals that look great on any screen as they feature fluid animations between running, jumping and slashing.
It's another 2D game with flawless combat and platforming that's both challenging and rewarding, if not a little rough at times. The fast-paced ninja action turns any player into a speed runner as they try to look as good as possible in their playthrough, even if no one else is watching.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Chasing ghosts
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown There's also a reboot variant featuring a new Prince to root for Sargon. Structurally, it can be described as Metroidvania with great combat and even better platforming challenges as players unlock new time-based powers.
For example, the best challenge rooms involve players creating copies of themselves to solve puzzles with layered interactions with ghostly versions of Sargon. As a 2D Metroidvania, it's forward-thinking with an excellent map that details where players should focus their attention, and it should be noted that the boss fights are also pretty epic.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Kept you waiting, huh?
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time This is a double pun as it takes more than a decade to create a new original Crash Bandicoot game, and it's also about time travel just like the third game. Also, like old games, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time A level-based platformer with fresh ideas that doesn't feel like a rehash.
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From ancient ruins to futuristic cities exploring pirate shipyards, the level design is on point with the platforming controls, as Crash has never felt better to play. Players can assume the role of multiple characters beyond Crash, acquire different costumes, explore secret levels, and more.
a stray
Kitty, come home
a stray One of the most captivating and heartbreaking platformers on PS5. Things get off to a tragic start when the ginger cat protagonist gets separated from his stray cat pack and enters a dystopian society full of robots.
Soon, they create their own robot companion to help them return to their family, with many annoying set pieces and puzzles along the way. The platforming may not be as inventive as the other examples, but the journey is relatively short a stray Thanks for the world building will be attached.
It takes two
A new treat every minute
It takes two It's not so much a core platformer as it is a hodgepodge of ideas with a platforming foundation. This co-op-only game features a husband and wife duo who were turned into dolls and must now embark on a journey to reverse the curse while working through marital problems.
It's a heavy subject, but their issues are quickly forgotten on the journey when they have to climb ants, grind on trains, cross trees, or even fire turrets. If players can find a partner, be it a child, friend, or love interest, they will never forget their time It takes twoThanks for the constant gameplay surprises.
Bread, Anniversary Edition
Time unknown
Bread, Anniversary Edition A remaster of the original 2008 game, which was one of the earliest indie success stories of the Xbox 360 era. Decades old, Braid still feels fresh thanks to its inverted platforming mechanics. In beautifully illustrated levels, players must manipulate time to get past enemies, platform over obstacles, or solve other puzzle-based scenarios.
The goal is a simple one involving the rescue of a princess, but there is a twist in the journey, because of which Bread, Anniversary Edition Really cemented itself in the indie community beyond being a good 2D platformer.
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