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.
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.
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
ActionAdventure Platform(s) PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC Released November 8, 2022 Developer(s) Sonic Team
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 Platform(s) PC , PS4 , PS5 Released December 2, 2021 Developer(s) Heart Machine
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 Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC Released April 11, 2017 Developer(s) Playtonic Games
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.
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 Platform(s) PC , Xbox One Released November 7, 2017 Developer(s) Playful Studios
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?
7 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
A Joyous Co-operative Platformer
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
3D PlatformerActionAdventure Platform(s) PS4 , PS5 , PC Released November 12, 2020 Developer(s) Sumo Digital
Sackboy: A Big Adventure breathed new life into the LittleBigPlanet series by fully embracing the third dimension. This change in perspective opens the game up to a whole new world of possibilities, chief among them being a greater focus on multiplayer.
Grabbing up to three friends together to play through Sackboy: A Big Adventure is still one of the best cooperative multiplayer experiences on PS4 and PS5. The game even features certain levels specifically designed around multiple players teaming up.
6 A Hat In Time
A 3D Platformer Made By Fans Of 3D Platformers
A Hat in Time harkens back to classic 3D platformers such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie in all the best ways. The large, open levels are begging to be explored, interwoven with collectibles and platforming challenges seamlessly navigated through the game’s extensive move-set.
It’s clear that A Hat in Time was developed by mega fans of the genre. The game’s non-linear exploration is only strengthened by its admirable desire to consistently diversify its gameplay and setting to create an experience that you have to tip your hat to.
5 Astro’s Playroom
A Feast For The (Dual)Senses
Astro's Playroom
Platformer Platform(s) PS5 Released November 12, 2020 Developer(s) Team Asobi
Astro's Playroom comes pre-loaded on every PS5 and made for a wonderfully crafted introduction to the new generation of gaming. Not only is the game a great 3D platformer and an excellent demonstration of the DualSense controller’s capabilities, but it is also perhaps the best celebration of PlayStation’s history to date.
If there is anything holding Astro’s Playroom back, it’s that there isn’t more of it. Even so, the game overcomes its short length purely by virtue of it never wasting a second to amaze with its forward-thinking design.
4 Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The Triumphant Return Of Everyone's Favourite Purple Dragon
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Platformer Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC Released November 13, 2018 Developer(s) Toys for Bob
The Spyro the Dragon trilogy formed one of the pillars of the original PlayStation’s catalog, so it only makes sense that the games’ remakes are a must-play on the PS4 and PS5. Almost every change made to these classic games improves the overall experience, making for the definitive way to play Sypro’s most beloved games.
The visuals are simply jaw-dropping, the gameplay is snappier than ever before, and the developers went above and beyond to modernize these classics for newer consoles.
3 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Crashing Back As An Icon Of The Genre
Crash Bandicoot 4
Platformer Platform(s) PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC Released October 2, 2020 Developer(s) Toys for Bob
Speaking of iconic PlayStation 3D platformers, they hardly come more iconic than Crash Bandicoot. After years of underwhelming sequels and misguided spinoffs, the series finally returned to form with the excellent and appropriately titled Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.
This fourth mainline entry into the series sees Crash and friends bounce between the multiverse on a mission to take down Doctor Neo Cortex. This dimension-hopping story lends itself perfectly to imaginative levels and some of the best platforming the series has ever seen.
2 Psychonauts 2
A Cerebral 3D Platformer That Stands Out From The Crowd
Psychonauts 2
Platformer Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , Linux , macOS Released August 25, 2021 Developer(s) Double Fine
It was never a given whether there would ever be a Psychonauts 2, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Schafer’s cult classic 3D platformer. Thankfully, the years of longing were worth it, as Psychonauts 2 is as creatively charged and undeniably hilarious as the original.
The game’s levels take place in the minds of different characters, with the obstacles and design influenced by that person’s struggles, thoughts, and dreams. The game is brimming with inventive ideas and is on a constant mission to outdo its own ingenuity.
1 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
A Technical Showcase For The Future Of The Genre
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
PlatformerThird-Person Shooter Platform(s) PC , PS5 Released June 11, 2021 Developer(s) Insomniac Games
Ratchet & Clank made the leap into the PS5 generation with this exhilarating installment that fully utilized the system’s advanced technical capabilities. Every frame of this game is stunning to look at, and the collection of planets may be the strongest in the series to date.
And that’s not even mentioning the thrilling gameplay or heartwarming story that introduces fan-favorite characters like Rivet, Kit, and Emperor Nefarious. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is one of the most complete 3D platformers to come out in recent years and promises a bright future for a genre that has spent too long in the shadows.
