Platformers aren’t nearly as popular as they once were, which is a shame as you have to look so much harder to find the good ones.
That said, some masterpieces on PS Plus will put your precision jumping skills to the ultimate test. Here are our picks for the best the genre has to offer that you can play with your PlayStation subscription.
All titles on this list are part of the PS Extra games library. I haven’t included any games that have previously been free on PlayStation Plus unless they are also available at no cost now.
10Rayman Legends
A Forgotten Ubisoft Franchise
Rayman Legends
The originalRaymanis a brutal but brilliant 2D platformer on the PlayStation. The series switched to 3D before finally coming full circle withRayman Origins, and Legends.
Rayman Legendsis agorgeous 2D platformerwith tight controls, beautiful backgrounds, and an unforgettable soundtrack. All of Rayman’s iconic abilities, like punching and helicopter hair, triumphantly return, and the difficulty curve is flawless.
The star of the show in Rayman Legends is the music stages, where you rely on musical cues to conquer dramatic setpieces. This is a “must-play” for fans of 2D platformers, although you’ll wonder why a sequel doesn’t exist by the end.
9Mega Man 11
No Introduction Needed
Mega Man 11
The 2DMega Mangames are platforming royalty, and 11 proves the genre has some tricks up its sleeve.
If you’re new to the series, you play as Mega Man andcan tackle stages in any order. When you beat a boss, you earn one of their abilities, and it’s an addictive gameplay loop as you’re always getting stronger.
You’ll need that strength, asMega Man 11has a healthy dollop ofold-school difficulty. The closing stages are borderline unfair, but beating aMega Mangame is an accolade any gamer can be proud of.
If you enjoyMega Man 11, there are several collections of older titles in thePS Plus Classics libraryto put your skills to the test.
A Roguelite Masterpiece
Dead Cells
Dead Cellsis an exceptional 2DRoguelitewith some of themost responsive and satisfying movementyou can experience in the genre.
WhileDead Cell’s gameplay is that of an accomplished platformer, theRoguelite mechanics add a ton of replayability.You’re meant to die inDead Cells, but you get stronger and unlock more weapons each time you do.
Another feature of the Roguelite genre islevels are procedurally generated, so no two runs are the same.Dead Cellsboasts a mix of several genres but describes itself as an “Action-Platformer,” which is a perfect representation of what’s on offer.
7Ghostrunner
A Badass Simulator
Ghostrunner
We’re jumping into the 3rd dimension forGhostrunner, which is arguablythe most stylish game on this list.Ghostrunneroffers a futuristic playground, complete with swords, wall-running, and double jumping.
TheCyberpunk aestheticis a perfect fit, and it’s hard not to appreciate the thumpy soundtrack while you’re zipping around like a boss, cutting enemies into ribbons.
Ghostrunneris a challenging 3D platformer, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you master the spicy movement tech.
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6Trials Fusion
Trading Legs For Wheels
Trials Fusion
Trials Fusionmay seem like an odd inclusion, but hear me out. TheTrialsgames areknown for tricky physics-based jumpsand puzzles. The physics engine is so advanced you can pop wheelies and even bounce on one wheel with enough practice.
If you enjoy precision platforming, a few games on the market will test those skills, likeTrials Fusion. The title also hasnigh infinite replayabilitythanks to Track Central, a library of custom stages.
Fusionhas a slick and immaculate futuristic aesthetic, and it quickly throws obstacles at the player, which will take hours of practice to conquer.
5Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Welcome To Hallownest
Hollow Knight (Dupe)
Hollow Knightis a beautiful, somber title full of exploration, intrigue, and tight platforming. The game is a 2DMetroidvania, meaning there’s a huge map to explore, and you can access new areas as you earn more abilities.
The environments inHollow Knightare incredible, as are the boss battles, which feel more like dramatic setpieces.
Your platforming skills will be tested, but you’ll also need your thinking cap on to get the most out ofHollow Knight. This is a game that doesn’t hold your hand, nor does it care if you get hopelessly lost.
If you may overcome that obstacle, you can join the army of fans eagerly awaiting the sequel,Hollow Knight: Silksong.
4Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
Two Underrated Classics
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
TheKlonoa Phantasy Reverie Seriesincludes remasters of both originalKlonoagames.
Klonoais an odd cat-rabbit thing, complete witha Pac-Man hat. He looks goofy, but he’s the protagonist in a pair of epic fantasy platformers that will take you everywhere, from dank caves to kingdoms in the stars.
You can useKlonoa’s Wind Bullet to grab enemies and throw them or as a platform to double jump.TheKlonoagames are mechanically simple, but the vibrant visuals and grand boss battles mean there’s never a dull moment.
TheKlonoa Phantasy Reverie Seriesis one of the easier entries on this list, making itperfect for newcomers.
3Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
An Iconic Playstation Platformer
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
TheRatchet and Clankseries has gone from strength to strength since its inception on the PlayStation 2.Rift Apartcontinues this legacy with astunning 3D world and charismatic cast.
There are jump-puzzles galore, but the best part ofRatchet and Clankhas always been the weapons. There’s anincredible arsenal of creative guns, from launchers that spawn black holes to the “Pixelizer HD” that reduces enemies into a pixellated mess.
Rift Apart is charming and accessible, and the series looks better than ever on modern hardware.
2Oddworld New ‘n’ Tasty
A Unique Blend Of Puzzler And Platformer
Oddworld New ‘n’ Tastyis a bold remaster of the originalOddworld: Abe’s Oddyseeon the PlayStation. You play as Abe, and as he’s not the best fighter, your running and platforming skills will be tested.
Most things inOddworldwant to kill or eat Abeand his friends, and you need quick reflexes to stay off the menu. As Abe can’t fight, there’s a generous helping ofpuzzle-solving and riddlesto sink your teeth into.
Oddworld New ‘n’ Tastyhas it all, and you’ll likely enjoyOddworld: Abe’s Exoddusonce you’re done.
One For The History Books
What Platformer list would be complete withoutCeleste? It’s one of the most beloved games in the genre, boasting stunning visuals, an impactful story, and amasterclass in level design.
Celestealso has some of the best feeling controls you can experience in a 2D platformer. Everything is wonderfully responsive, and you’re well-equipped for the jumping puzzles in your way.
Celestehas it all, and the mechanics are so good it’s no surprise that the game has a thrivingspeedrunningcircuit.
