Summary

  • You may not think about PlayStation's current catalog when it comes to good platformers, but there are some great titles.
  • Reboots like Kao the Kangaroo and SpongeBob: The Cosmic Shake offer nostalgic yet fresh takes on these universes.
  • Psychonauts 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Astro's Playroom are some of the most impressive games you can find here.

For whatever reason, there seem to be fewer 3D platformers being developed for modern systems such as the PlayStation 4 and 5. Whether they’re too ambitious for many indie developers or larger publishers are unwilling to gamble on a genre that many believed peaked around the turn of the century, searching for 3D platformers on the PS4 and PS5 can feel like yearning for water in the desert.

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Thankfully, some undeniably great 3D platformers have come out on Sony’s current and last-gen systems. From classic series making triumphant returns to new faces staking their claims in this genre, there is now no shortage of memorable platformers on the PS4 and PS5 that push into the third dimension.

Updated on August 6, 2024, by Harry Fritsch: As the PS5 generation continues to thrive and the sun sets on the much-loved PS4, the 3D platformer genre continues to carve out its own space in the ever-crowded market of gaming software.

Notably, more and more games within this genre are experimenting with the long-established expectations of what a “3D platformer” can and should be, resulting in some wonderfully creative titles that feel modern and forward-thinking in all the best ways.

17 Kao The Kangaroo

Top Of The Hops

Kao the Kangaroo is the long-awaited reboot of the 3D platforming series that bounced around consoles in the early 2000s. This new game finally gives the boxing glove-wearing marsupial his time to shine on modern-day systems.

While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel of the 3D platformer, it nonetheless executes on the all-important control and level design elements of the genre. The result is a cosy mascot platformer that is a perfectly tasty comfort food option if you are seeking some time spent jumping and punching your way through a colourful world.

16 Neon White

A Match Made In Heaven

While it may be difficult to glean the “3D Platformer” aspect of Neon White when you first look at it, the truth is that this game features some of the most thrilling movement feels out of any game on the PS5. The fact that you’re doing it as a smooth-talking demon hunter trying to fight his way to salvation only elevates the experience even further.

The genius of Neon White is how it combines its seemingly disparate ideas into gameplay that, once mastered, feels effortlessly slick. The various movement abilities are the reason this game belongs on this list. The terrific level design and imaginative speed running incentives are the reasons this title belongs on your PS4 or PS5.

15 SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake

Welcome To The Wish Worlds

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake was created as the spiritual successor to the beloved Battle for Bikini Bottom, nearly two decades after that game originally launched. While The Cosmic Shake naturally benefits from the modern system’s technical advancements, the core gameplay is a welcome throwback to the simpler days of the genre.

That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of imagination at work here – indeed, the various Wish Worlds that you travel to are some of the most visually dynamic in any SpongeBob media. But there’s a warm, cosy feel that harkens back to memories spent with these characters. And that’s always a good place to be in.

14 Ratchet & Clank (2016)

Back To The Beginning

It’s not that Ratchet & Clank had joined Jak and Sly Cooper in the pit of irrelevance back in 2016, but the series was certainly teetering on the edge. Insomniac Games decided to develop a tie-in game to the ill-fated and ultimately seldom-remembered film (talk about irrelevance), bringing the iconic duo back to their very first adventure.

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Only, this time, there had been two whole console generations worth of technical innovation to play with, and boy, did the developers play. The 2016 Ratchet & Clank remake is a terrific burst of energy that returned the series to the upper echelons of PlayStation IPs, while being a superb action-packed 3D platformer in its own right.

13 Sonic Frontiers

Breath Of The Hedgehog

Sonic Frontiers

Action Adventure Released November 8, 2022 Developer(s) Sonic Team Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand Collapse

Sonic Frontiers gives you more freedom and exploration than ever before, resulting in a 3D Sonic game that feels truly innovative and modern compared to other recent offerings. Traversing the vast open plains of the Starfall Islands is an absolute rush, thanks to Sonic Frontier’s slick controls, with the game’s combat being surprisingly strong as well.

The story, written by long-time Sonic comic book writer Ian Flynn, is well-paced and avoids some of the awkward tonal clashes that have plagued other games in the series. Throw in a great soundtrack and all-around stellar voice acting, and you have a Sonic game that runs alongside the greats of the series.

12 Demon Turf

A Colourful Turf War Filled With Demons And Sweets

The first thing you will notice about Demon Turf is its gorgeous visuals. Looking like a 3D coloring book, Demon Turf’s vibrant levels absolutely pop on the PS4 and PS5, embodying a visual identity that

Thankfully, the game is also a lot of fun to play and even has a unique mechanic where you place down three separate checkpoints to determine where you respawn after dying. With a memorable main character and tight controls, Demon Turf is a surprisingly meaty 3D platformer that is well worth your time.

11 Solar Ash

Going Beyond The Event Horizon

Solar Ash

Platformer Released December 2, 2021 Developer(s) Heart Machine Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5 Powered by Expand Collapse

Solar Ash is a truly one-of-a-kind 3D platformer on PS4 and PS5 that sees you traverse through a black hole known as the Ultravoid. While there is combat in Solar Ash, movement is really what the game excels at.

The smooth controls make navigating these celestial levels an absolute blast, especially given how daunting some obstacles first appear. Solar Ash revels in its scale and otherworldly beauty, always surprising you with what new challenges it has in store.

10 Yooka-Laylee

A Kickstarter Success Story Worth Celebrating

Yooka-Laylee

Platformer Released April 11, 2017 Developer(s) Playtonic Games Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Depending on who you ask, Yooka-Laylee was either a nostalgic homage to the glory years of the 3D platformer or an underwhelming reminder of the genre’s least timeless aspects. As is usually the case with these things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but that doesn’t mean you should entirely write off this game.

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Playtonic Games infused Yooka-Laylee with so much love and creativity that even when the camera decides to be funky or the level design isn’t as tight as some of the classics, there is always something charming waiting to completely draw you into this delightfully imaginative world.

9 Tearaway Unfolded

Explore A Delightful Arts And Crafts World

Speaking of delightfully imaginative, there is hardly a video game world that fully commits to its aesthetic to the same degree as Tearaway Unfolded. Every arts and crafts detail that makes up this game’s look and design feels so wonderfully rich and tangible that you just want to reach into your TV screen and start playing with the stationary yourself.

Of course, that isn’t possible, so you’ll just have to settle for playing the actual game. Thankfully, Tearaway Unfolded plays around with the DualShock 4 controller in innovative ways to create a unique platforming experience that will stick long in your memory.

8 New Super Lucky’s Tale

Fox On The Run

Super Lucky's Tale

Platformer Released November 7, 2017 Developer(s) Playful Studios Platform(s) PC, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

New Super Lucky’s Tale isn’t out to reinvent the wheel or completely overhaul the core tenants of the 3D platformer. Instead, it’s more than content with being an extremely competent entry into the genre with a cast of whimsical characters, an interesting world to explore, and buttery smooth controls.

Most importantly, this semi-remake of the original Super Lucky’s Tale irons out some of that game’s most tedious wrinkles — namely, a much-improved camera and extra polish across all of the levels. New Super Lucky’s Tale is pure comfort food, but what’s wrong with that?