The PlayStation 5 is the latest and most powerful console from Sony. Released in November 2020, it boasts 8K resolution, lighting-fast loading times, and the revolutionary DualSense controller with haptic feedback. As such, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience, and many of its titles take advantage of the new technology to offer innovative and engaging platformers. Platformers are one of the most iconic and beloved genres in gaming, and the PlayStation 5 is home to some truly excellent titles. From the nostalgia-filled Astro’s Playroom to the vibrant Sackboy: A Big Adventure, the best PlayStation 5 platformers offer something for everyone.
What is a Platformer game?
A platformer game is a video game genre characterized by jumping and climbing to navigate the environment and reach the goal. Platformer games are often fast-paced and action-packed, with many challenges and obstacles to overcome. Popular examples of platformer games include Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Astro’s Playroom.
Many platformer games also include power-ups that can help the character overcome obstacles, such as invincibility or the ability to double jump. They are often considered some of the most classic and iconic video games, with many franchise titles still being released today.
Is PlayStation 5 Known for Platform games?
PlayStation 5 is widely known for its excellent platformers. There is a wide variety of fun and exciting platformers available on the console that offer a unique experience. With its powerful hardware and software capabilities, the PlayStation 5 is a great choice for anyone looking to get into the genre. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best platformers available on the PlayStation 5.
10. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a third-person shooter platformer from Insomniac Games, published for the PlayStation 5 by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is the 16th entry in the Ratchet & Clank series and the sequel to Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (2013).
The game follows Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, a robotic sidekick, on their journey as they traverse numerous levels. Along the way they encounter and fight opponents with various gadgets and weapons, overcoming obstacles to reach their objective and finish their mission.
The game is the first in the series to feature an inter-dimensional portal system that enables travel between locations, planets, and universes instantaneously. The “Rift Tether” is a new gadget in Ratchet and Rivet’s arsenal that tethers the duo from one side of a portal to the other. Players can utilize this skill to enable rapid travel
Planets from previous games return, but their mirrored versions make them appear in a different dimension. There are also new worlds added to the series. You can now dash and even run along walls in this game. This gives you more freedom to move and change direction. This game’s arsenal includes new weapons and weapons from previous games.
Overall, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a fast-paced, vibrant game that offers a thrilling adventure for fans of the series and newcomers. Its stellar presentation and fun gameplay make it one of the best platformers available on PlayStation 5.
- The intergalactic adventurers are back with Ratchet & Clank: Rift apart. Help them stop a robotic Emperor intent on conquering cross-dimensional worlds, with their own universe next in line.
- Built from the ground up by acclaimed studio insomniac games, go above and beyond with the mind-blowing speed and immersive features of the PS5 Console.
- Brand-new haptic feedback and adaptive trigger Technology creates astonishing physical sensations, bringing in-game actions to life in your hands via the dual sense wireless Controller.
9. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
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Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a PlayStation 5 platformer game that features 3D platforming action and exploration. The game has different points of view and 3D movement. Players control Sackboy on world maps that lead to a lot of platforming stages and bonus items. As Sackboy finishes each stage, he can access the next one to move forward. Dreamer Orbs, which can be found on all levels, must be gathered in large numbers to get to the end of the game.
Unlike earlier games, players can now slap whenever they want, roll around, nosedive, pick up things, and flutter jump. Moves can be combined to make combinations, which helps skilled players go farther. In each level of the game, there are a series of things that Sackboy can interact with, and he has to have at least one interaction to move forward.
Players can customize their Sackboy with costumes and objects to solve puzzles and progress through the levels. The physics-based mechanics give the game a unique sense of momentum and challenge, as players must use their skills to find new ways to traverse the levels.
The game also features an incredibly unique soundtrack and art style that truly captures the world of Craftworld.
- Face thrilling, unpredictable challenges as you explore distinctive hand-crafted lands through deeply immersive and expressive controls.
- PERILOUS PLATFORMING EXPERIENCE - Explore here, there and everywhere as you utilize Sackboy’s cool, diverse move-set to face a huge variety of thrilling challenges, fierce enemies and startling...
- RE-STUFFED. RE-STITCHED. RE-ZIPPED - Sackboy returns to the big time stuffed with fresh moves and game-changing gadgets in an awe-inspiring and downright fun 3D adventure in this new, but familiar...
8: Little Nightmares II
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Little Nightmares II takes place in a 2.5D setting, much like its predecessor. The game takes place in a dark, otherworldly world filled with strange creatures, puzzles, and secrets to uncover. Players follow the story of Six and the mysterious boy named Mono as they travel through the Pale City to reach the Signal Tower. The game features the same signature visuals and atmosphere as the original, with an even more oppressive and sinister tone. Contrary to the original game, the player is not entirely defenseless; Mono can grip certain items and swing them to shatter objects or fight back against smaller foes. Nevertheless, like Six, he must rely on stealth and the environment to avoid larger enemies.
Little Nightmares II has players navigate tricky levels filled with dangerous creatures and puzzles. Players must use stealth and agility to outwit the monsters and progress to the next area. As you progress, you uncover more mysteries surrounding Pale City. Throughout their journey, Six and Mono come across various friendly and hostile characters, each with their own story. The atmosphere is tense and spooky, with an excellent soundtrack to match. Little Nightmares II is one of the best platformers on PlayStation 5 for fans of horror and puzzles alike.
- Little Nightmares II is a suspense-adventure game in which you play as Mono, a young boy trapped in a world that has been distorted by a mysterious transmission from a distant signal tower
- With Six, the girl in a yellow raincoat, Mono sets out to discover the dark secrets of The Signal Tower and save Six from her terrible fate; but their journey will not be easy
- Outsmart the sadistic teacher, survive the bloodthirsty hunter and flee from many more terrifying characters, as Mono and Six journey through this world together
- Your journey will take you from creepy woodlands to sinister schools on your way to the dreadful Signal Tower Find the source of the evil that spreads through the TV screens of the world
- Can you gather up the courage to fend off your tormenters, and work with Six to make sense of The Signal Tower?
7: Solar Ash
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Solar Ash is a platforming adventure game set in a science fiction universe. The game’s plot revolves around trauma and moving forward after awful events. It is set in the same fictional universe as Heart Machine’s debut game, Hyper Light Drifter, but the two games’ plots are unrelated. The game focuses less on combat and more on movement.
The player guides the protagonist, Rei, a Voidrunner in a black hole known as the Ultravoid, across a multicolored, three-dimensional environment. Rei attempts to save her planet by sidestepping obstacles and striking foes with energy slashes with a phase-shifted, hard-light sword.
The visuals of Solar Ash are simply stunning, with its vibrant neon palette, creative enemy design, and intricate level design. The game’s controls are fluid and responsive, allowing players to move quickly and deftly while navigating the game’s dangerous environments. In addition, the title offers a unique mix of exploration, combat, and platforming that makes it stand out from other games in the genre.
6: Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
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Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is the eighth installment in the popular Crash Bandicoot series. The game continues the story of the original three characters, bringing Crash and his sister Coco to a new world where they must face off against their arch-nemesis, Dr. Neo Cortex, and other villains.
The game plays like an action-packed platformer, with a variety of levels to explore and obstacles to overcome. Players must navigate obstacles such as explosive crates, slopes, and bottomless pits.
The game also introduces a “Quantum Masks” system, where you can use special masks to transform into new forms and gain special abilities. Regarding gameplay, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a classic platformer. You’ll need to jump, spin, and slide your way through the levels while collecting Wumpa fruit and destroying crates. There is also a variety of mini-games that require precise timing and skill to complete.
- New abilities
- More playable characters
- Alternate Dimensions
- Ridonkulous bosses
- Same awesome sauce
5. Sonic Frontiers
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Sonic Frontiers is a vibrant and creative platformer developed by Sonic Team. The game is the first in the series to feature a new story. In Sonic Frontiers, players follows the adventures of Sonic and his friends as they try to stop Dr. Eggman from creating an army of robots to take over planet Mobius.
Players take on the role of Sonic and explore this new world by running, jumping, and flying around it. Along the way, they must defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and collect rings to progress through the story.
The game features several unique levels filled with obstacles, traps, and enemies. Players can also unlock new abilities, such as a dash attack or an air jump, to help them navigate each level. With its vibrant visuals, tight controls, and challenging puzzles, Sonic Frontiers is sure to be an exciting experience, giving it a spot on our list for best PlayStation 5 platformers.
- Race across five massive overworlcl islands, each with their own unique action-platforming challenges and hidden secrets to uncover
- Blaze a trail as you see fit and discover side quests, solve puzzles, scale enormous structures, go fishing, and encounter a firendly face or two along the way
- Unlock Cyber Space levels featuring signature 3D platforming at Sonic speeds and a variety of challenges to test your skills like never before
- Use the all-new battle system and skill tree upgrades, combining moves such as dodges, parries, counters, combos, and the new Cyloop ability to take down mysterious foes
- Become Sonic and journey to uncover the mysteries of the remains of an ancient civilization plagued by robotic hordes
4. Human: Fall Flat
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Human: Fall Flat is a puzzle-platformer video game with vibrant visuals and a humorous art style. The game stars Bob, a humanoid figure with no defined gender or identity. The goal of the game is to solve a series of puzzles using Bob’s physics-based abilities, such as climbing and jumping. There are a variety of levels available that challenge the player’s ability to think creatively and find unique solutions to problems.
Although Bob’s default image is that of a featureless, minimalist, all-white figure with a baseball cap, players can customize it to their satisfaction by painting the body in various colors and dressing it in several costumes.
The result of the game is uncertain. Each level has a distinct look, and each of the puzzles in those levels has multiple solutions. Players can obtain tips on playing the game and solving the puzzles by locating remote controls buried around the planet.
- More Humans, More Mayhem: Hilarious Multiplayer, the game's breakout mode has players laughing out loud.
- Perfect puzzling: Puzzles slowly increase in complexity enabling seamless progression and rewarding exploration.
- A Blank Canvas: Your Human is yours to customize. With outfits from builder to chef, skydiver, miner, astronaut and ninja.
- A Vibrant Community: Streamers and YouTubers flock to Human: Fall Flat for its unique, hilarious gameplay. Fans have watched these videos more than 0.7 Billion times!
3. Cyber Shadow
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Cyber Shadow is a side-scrolling action-platform game with intense combat and a unique 8-bit aesthetic. It occurs in the ruins of the fictional city of Mekacity. Players take on the role of the titular ninja, Shadow, as he battles through a series of enemies in an attempt to save his clan from artificial lifeforms that steal their abilities. As Shadow progresses through the game, he can unlock new skills and abilities to help him on his quest. These include a powerful sword attack, the ability to cling to walls, and even a stealth mode.
Shadow travels across Mekacity, fighting cybernetic monsters and Apparitor, a traitor from Shadow’s ninja clan. Additionally, he kills his imprisoned clanmates to release their spirits. His primary objective is to locate the Master of the clan, with whom the original human Shadow appeared to be in love.
In addition to its intense action gameplay, Cyber Shadow also offers several puzzle elements. As Shadow progresses, he will come across obstacles that require careful thought to get around. For example, certain obstacles can only be passed by luring enemies into certain positions or utilizing Shadow’s wall-clinging ability. This helps keep the game from becoming too repetitive and gives players more options in how they approach each level.
2. Astro’s Playroom
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Astro’s Playroom is a critically acclaimed platformer for the PlayStation 5. The player controls Astro Bot with the DualSense controller, which allows him to jump, hover, and make a spin attack. The game’s four environments are all based on different parts of the PlayStation 5 console. The player can move the DualSense controller around to look around and use the touchpad or microphone to talk to them.
Each planet has three kinds of collectibles: coins, puzzle pieces, and artifacts. There are also a lot of other robots in the world that are doing different things, like acting out scenes from video games like God of War and Resident Evil. In PlayStation Labo, you can use coins at a “gacha” machine to try to get collectible figurines, more puzzle pieces, or relics.
The game combines classic platforming elements with next-gen graphics and technology. The game runs on a custom engine designed specifically for the PS5, providing players with an incredibly immersive experience. Astro’s Playroom offers detailed 3D environments, dynamic lighting, and lifelike character animations. The game also features a unique soundtrack that combines the sounds of classic gaming systems with modern electronic music. With its unique gameplay and stunning graphics, Astro’s playground is undoubtedly one of the best PlayStation 5 platformers.
1. It Takes Two
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It Takes Two is an innovative platformer for the PlayStation 5 that offers a unique experience for players. This game follows the story of Cody and May, two characters who have recently gone through a rough break-up. After being magically transformed into dolls, they must work together to return to their human forms.
The game focuses heavily on cooperative play and requires two players to complete the entire game. In each level, Cody and May must rely on each other’s skills to progress. Throughout the game, there are tons of puzzles to solve and enemies to defeat. You can switch between the two characters at any time during the game, allowing for creative strategies.
It Takes Two also features a variety of mini-games throughout the game to keep things interesting. The visuals in the game are stunning, featuring beautiful 3D environments and detailed character models. With its unique cooperative play mechanics and tons of puzzles to solve, this game is sure to provide hours of fun. If you’re looking for one of the best platformers for your PlayStation 5, then you should definitely check out It Takes Two.
- PURE CO-OP PERFECTION: Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass**, and experience a thrilling adventure built purely for two. Choose from couch or online co-op with split-screen play, and...
- GLEEFULLY DISRUPTIVE GAMEPLAY: From rampaging vacuum cleaners to suave love gurus – with It Takes Two, you never know what you’re up against next. Filled with genre-bending challenges and new...
- A UNIVERSAL TALE OF RELATIONSHIPS: Discover a touching and heartfelt story of the challenges in getting along. Help Cody and May learn how to overcome their differences. Meet a diverse cast of strange...
Conclusion
The PlayStation 5 has an impressive selection of platformers that have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a classic adventure, an innovative experience, or something totally new, there’s a platformer on the PS5 that will suit your needs. Not only are these games visually stunning and full of exciting gameplay, but they all offer unique and immersive experiences. With its wide range of titles, the PlayStation 5 is sure to be the go-to console for platformers in the years to come.
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