Super Mario is almost synonymous with platforming, but unfortunately he’s stuck on Nintendo’s systems. However, if you want to play some quality platformers on your PS4, you’re in luck! PlayStation has a slew of great titles ranging from 2D side-scrollers to 3D platformers like Spyro. There’s a little something for everyone no matter your taste or skill set.
★ Featured favorite
Celeste
Celeste isn’t for the faint of heart. You wouldn’t tell from its graphics, but this is one diabolical and challenging platformer. Making your way to the top of Celeste Mountain is a tremendous test of your capabilities. Luckily for some, Celeste offers an Assist Mode that allows players to turn on invincibility, making it accessible to nearly everyone.
$20 at PlayStation
Crash is back
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Staff favorite
Crash Bandicoot may be Naughty Dog’s baby, but Vicarious Visions masterfully remade it for current-gen consoles. Compiling the first three titles in the iconic series, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy features completely remastered graphics while retaining the essence of the originals.
$40 at PlayStation
Insects galore
Hollow Knight
Metroidvanias always come with certain expectations and Hollow Knight hit almost all of them with perfect aim. Make your way through the insect kingdom of Hallownest with only a small nail as your weapon against formidable bosses. I hope you like bugs! Insects, not game glitches.
$15 at PlayStation
The flame still shines bright
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Everyone’s favorite little dragon received the remaster treatment just like Crash Bandicoot did. This 3D platforming collection contains the first three games in the series featuring modern graphics. Developer Toys for Bob embellished some details because of how old the games are, but they retain the familiarity you know and love.
$28 at Amazon
Mexican influence
Guacamelee! 2
Don the mask of a luchador and jump into the Mexiverse in this colorful side-scrolling metroidvania. Use different combinations of wrestling moves to progress between the realms of living and dead, each with their own unique challenges. And since it’s always more fun with friends, Guacamelee! 2 supports 4-player co-op.
$20 at PlayStation
Dynamic duo
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet and Clank are back and better than ever in the series’ most recent release. As with a lot of great 3D platformers today, this is a re-imagining of the first game in the franchise. Don’t let the animated movie ruin your interest in this, Ratchet & Clank is an incredible game.
$19 at Amazon
Kickstarted success
Shovel Knight
8-bit platformers may be among some of the earliest video games ever made, but developers are proving that even today retro graphics are timeless. Those who’ve played DuckTales should recognize the “pogo jump” used in Shovel Knight with the character’s shovel, which serves a dual purpose for platforming and offensive combat.
$25 at PlayStation
Morbid adventures
INSIDE/Limbo Double Pack
Between INSIDE and Limbo, it can be hard to choose which you should get. So why not both? The INSIDE/Limbo Double Pack features both acclaimed side-scrolling platformers in one package. If you want tight platforming controls, clever puzzles, and thought-provoking narratives, you’ll find all of them in this bundle.
$18 at Amazon
Feel-good time
Unravel Two
Yarny is back! And this time he’s brought a friend. Unravel Two can be played either solo or with another player as you control an anthropomorphic creature made of yarn and traverse the environment using your wits to solve puzzles and platform your way to the end.
$20 at PlayStation
Sci-fi metroidvania
Axiom Verge
Axiom Verge takes the classic metroidvania formula and improves upon it in new and exciting ways. Featuring dozens of weapons and power-ups found throughout the ancient alien world of Sudra, Axiom Verge is relentless and never stops throwing challenges at you until the very end.
$20 at PlayStation
Pick of the platformers
We’re sorry we can’t offer you Mario however, I think PlayStation has some games with a similar feel that are equally fun and equally nostalgic for those who have played the originals. And, they can also be a great new game for those who have yet to meet the characters. Having played Spyro when it first came out in ’98 and the remastered games, you can feel the love that can go into breathing new life into some of our old favorites.
No matter your taste, there is a little something for everybody with the platformers listed above, be it 3D platforming like Crash, side-scrollers or metroidvanias like Axiom Verge. However, if you’re looking for a challenge we seriously recommend you try out Celeste. It’s great that they’ve added the option for assist mode but to experience Celeste in its full glory we suggest playing without it. You can always turn it on later if you get stuck. Good luck!
