Just a few decades ago, the platforming genre dominated the gaming industry and invaded homes with some of the best platforming games ever created. Mascot characters like Sonic, Earthworm Jim, Donkey Kong and Mario helped shape the genre into what is today and also deliver unforgettable experiences.
The genre continued to reign supreme until every video game out there shifted from 2D to 3D. Many renowned platformers struggled to adapt to the sudden switch, but on the other hand, Mario and Sonic continued to thrive among many beloved mascot characters that fell to their doom.
The year Grand Theft Auto III was released saw the period when the platforming genre stopped being the main selling point. The sixth generation of consoles and their improved hardware capabilities allowed for more realistic and detailed games, which paved the way for the emergence of open-world games, and first-person shooters. At that point, the platforming genre was falling rapidly.
Although after all these years, the platforming genre didn’t completely disappear. In fact, the indie gaming industry made sure such a genre won’t die. And hence, the PS4 saw the release of some of the best platformers that took inspiration from their ancestors. The PS4 indeed did have an excellent roster of incredible platformers. If you’re planning to play some great platforming games on the system, here’s a list of the best PlayStation 4 platformers.
 | Shantae: Half-Genie Hero2016 |          |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date December 20, 2016 | |
 | Developer WayForward |
| Publisher WayForward |
| Genre 2D Platformer | |
| Graphics 2D | |
| Perspective Side Scroller | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin United States |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2016-12-20 |    |
| 2018-05-08 |  |
| 2018-05-30 |   |
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a 2D platformer that is reminiscent of several GBA platformers like Wario Land 4 and Super Mario. Half-Genie Hero is actually the fourth instalment in the series and the direct sequel to Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse.
Players take on the role of the purple-haired young girl Shantae who can use her hair to whip any enemy. And as players progress, they obtain several dances which allow them to transform into different forms. Of course, each form with its own different abilities. The game’s graphics are worthy of praise. They’re simple and addictive. Unlike its predecessors which had retro-pixelated graphics, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero had a sort of a comical style around it. It goes without saying that fans of retro platformers will feel right at home upon booting Half-Genie Hero.
 | Rayman Legends2013 |    |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date August 29, 2013 | |
 | Developer Ubisoft |
| Publisher Ubisoft |
 | Franchise Rayman |
| Genre 2D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin France |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2014-02-18 |  |
| 2014-02-20 |   |
| 2014-02-21 |  |
Rayman Legends, and its predecessor Rayman Origins, were crucial in bringing side-scrolling platformers back to life. Originally released back in 1995, Rayman enjoyed major success in the crowded market of the 2D platforming genre at the time. Like other platformers that switched from 2D to 3D, Ubisoft did the same with Rayman, ensuring that the mascot won’t fall behind major competitors like Super Mario 64 and Sonic Adventures.
The shift back from 3D to 2D wasn’t a bad idea, in fact, it was a clever idea by Ubisoft. The game was a blend of different ideas sandwiched together, and the result? awe-inspiring. Rayman Legends is a step above its predecessors, bringing to the table beautiful modern visuals with engaging platforming gameplay and a slice of excellent music scores on top. Rayman Legends is a blast that any platformer fan should experience once in their lifetime.
 | Shovel Knight2014 |  |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date June 26, 2014 | |
 | Developer Yacht Club Games |
| Publisher Yacht Club Games |
| Genre 2D Platformer | |
| Concepts Dragon, Fantasy, Fantasy Creatures | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2015-04-21 |   |
Shovel Knight is an 8-bit 2D platformer developed and published by Yacht Club Games. A company that is renowned for the publishing of other great 2D side-scrollers like Cyber Shadow. Upon its release, Shovel Knight was heavily praised with awards from critics and players alike.
To any platformer fan out there, Shovel Knight is a nostalgic trip to the 8-bit era of the NES days. The gameplay is extremely reminiscent of Capcom’s DuckTales since you can bounce on your enemies using your shovel, dig-up treasures from the ground, or straight-up attack them with it. Taking inspiration from other titles such as Zelda II: The Adventures of Link and Castlevania: Simon’s Quest, players can go back to the village where they can purchase valuable items to help them through their quest. Every 8-bit fan should give this one a try before they are sent to the grave with a shovel.
 | Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy2018 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date November 13, 2018 | |
 | Developer Toys for Bob |
 | Publisher Activision |
 | Franchise Spyro |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Concepts Dragon, Fantasy | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2018-11-13 | |
Spyro made a strong comeback recently with the reignited trilogy which featured three remakes of the original games. The beloved original Spyro trilogy has been treated with care, and upon playing it, it’s obvious that the developers had put die-hard fans into perspective when making it. Not too different, and not the same, something in-between that successfully pleases multiple kinds of audiences.
Even if you haven’t played the originals it’s not too late to jump into the reignited trilogy. Fans of the platforming genre will feel at home once again with Spyro: Reignited Trilogy.
 | Crash Bandicoot N' Sane Trilogy2017 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date June 30, 2017 | |
 | Developer Vicarious Visions |
| Publisher Activision |
 | Franchise Crash Bandicoot |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2017-06-30 | |
| 2017-08-03 |  |
Crash’s latest years have been pretty wild with the remakes of the original racing and platforming games. The year 2017 saw the release of several critically acclaimed hits from the genre such as Super Mario Odyssey, A Hat in Time, Yooka Laylee and so many more. Many agree that 2017 was indeed a wonderful year for the platforming genre and the fans.
Crash Bandicoot: N’ Sane Trilogy sees Crash making a comeback to the platforming genre with three remade games from the original PlayStation. Moments of addicting platforming and comedic dialogues await you here. However, if you haven’t played the originals before, bear in mind that Crash Bandicoot features some platforming levels that are brutal. Please, don’t break your controller if you reach that point in the game.
 | Little Big Planet 32014 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date November 18, 2014 | |
 | Developer Sumo Digital |
 | Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Genre Puzzle | |
| Players Multiplayer, Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin United Kingdom |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2014-11-18 | |
| 2014-11-26 | |
| 2014-11-28 |   |
| 2014-12-04 | |
Little Big Planet 3 could be considered Sony’s answer to many platformers released at the time. Its unique art style and approach to platforming make it stand apart from other 2D platformers in the genre. The gameplay puts you in the shoes of Sackboy in yet another cute adventure. After being sucked into a portal that led him to another planet, Sackboy is once tasked with saving the world from evil.
Like its predecessors, Little Big Planet 3 is a puzzle-platforming game with an emphasis on being creative at what you create. Such as creating levels, tools, decorations, stickers and so much more. Creating such levels allows players to share their creations and explore vibrant and artistic levels brimming with colours. Fans of the Little Big Planet franchise should definitely check a dormant hidden gem titled Puppeteer.
 | Celeste2018 |  |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date January 25, 2018 | |
 | Developer Extremely OK Games |
| Publisher Extremely OK Games |
| Genre 2D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Canada |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-25 | |
| 2019-01-01 | |
| 2020-04-23 | |
Celeste is a 2D platforming game that features a story which many individuals suffering from mental struggles will feel connected with. The story puts you in the shoes of Madeline on an adventure to climb Celeste Mountain. Throughout her journey, she’ll confront her inner demon voice and attempt to triumph.
Taking inspiration from several 2D platformers, Celeste adds its own stamp to the genre. The gameplay sees players jumping from one platform to another while avoiding deadly obstacles. Early levels are a walk in the park, but as players progress they’ll definitely notice the difficulty spiking up. Thankfully, developers have implemented accessibility options such as invincibility and unlimited stamina for those who just want to have an enjoyable time.
 | A Hat in Time2017 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date October 05, 2017 | |
 | Developer Gears for Breakfast |
| Publisher Gears for Breakfast |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Denmark |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2017-12-05 | |
| 2021-11-12 | |
| 2021-12-03 | |
A Hat in Time starts as an average platformer that may lure you into thinking that the game was only made for kids. But as you progress, it turns out the game has many antics to offer for everybody. The story puts you in the hat of a cute little girl who happens to lose her Time Pieces on planet Earth. To retrieve them, she will have to travel to multiple locations on the planet.
Taking inspiration from renowned platformers such as Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64 and Conker’s Bad Fur Day, A Hat in Time is a stellar mixture that I’m sure you’ll feel right at home with. Featuring an emotional story, excellent soundtracks, and challenging platforming levels, A Hat in Time is right under your alley.
 | Inside2016 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date June 29, 2016 | |
 | Developer Playdead |
| Publisher Playdead |
| Genre Puzzle | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Denmark |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2016-08-23 | |
Inside is the spiritual successor to PlayDead’s Limbo originally released on the Xbox One before releasing to several other platforms. Like its predecessor, Inside’s story is obscure, and despite the lack of any dialogue or text in the game, the plot is told through a different method.
Inside is a puzzle platforming with a slower pace when compared to other similar games. Much like Limbo, the game features some intensively tense moments that manage to put you on the edge of your seat. At times, you’ll be followed by ferocious dogs, dangerous guards, and even a demonic mermaid. She just wants to give hug, don’t be shy.
 | Guacamelee!: One-Two Punch Collection2019 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date August 06, 2019 | |
 | Developer DrinkBox Studios |
 | Publisher Leadman Games |
| Genre Metroidvania | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Canada |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2019-08-06 | |
| 2020-06-12 |  |
Guacamelee! is a blend of different ideas melted together. Namely Metroidvania, brawling, and 2D platforming. The game draws several inspirations mostly from traditional Mexican culture and folklore. For a Metroidvania title, Guacamelee won’t take you hours to complete, but it will surely not end up quick either.
You take on the control of Juan who has been mysteriously bestowed with the power of the Luchador mask which granted him mystical powers. El Presidente’s daughter is kidnapped by the evil Charro and it’s up to you to rescue her.
 | Owlboy2016 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date November 01, 2016 | |
 | Developer D-Pad Studio |
| Publisher D-Pad Studio |
| Genre 2D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Norway |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2018-04-10 | |
| 2018-05-29 | |
| 2018-10-31 | |
Owlboy is a side-scrolling platformer that was in development for almost a decade. Long after, the game was finally released in 2016 to critical acclaim. Critics and gamers alike praised the meticulously crafted cel-shaded art style, soothing soundtracks, and memorable characters.
D-Pad Studio’s title takes plenty of inspiration from several titles such as Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. 3, Kid Icarus, and most notably The Legend of Zelda. In Owlboy, you take on the role of a cute little owl named Otus whose village has been raided by a band of pirates. Otus suffers from low-self esteem due to the harsh environment he’s lived in, and especially his master always scolding him. Yet, amidst all the chaos, he realizes that the only way to prove to the village that he’s worthy is by saving it from the clutches of malignity that befell it. Throughout his journey, Otus will meet with several friends that will help him succeed.
De Blob / De Blob 22008 / 2011 |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date September 22, 2008 | |
 | Developer Blue Tongue Entertainment |
 | Publisher THQ |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Concepts Fantasy, Modern | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Australia |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2017-11-14 |  |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date February 22, 2011 | |
| Developer Blue Tongue Entertainment |
| Publisher THQ |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Concept Fantasy | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Australia |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2018-02-27 | |
De Blob is perhaps THQ’s indirect answer to Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise as both share the same philosophy: Color everything you see. The game is all about bringing life to the surroundings using vibrant colours while listening to catchy music. The music is not only incredible, but it’s also impossible not to hum along with.
You take on the role of an alien ball named De Blob tasked with rescuing the fictional Chroma City from the INKT Corporation. Ink has destroyed life in the entire city, vanquishing all colours and making life gloomy for everyone. It’s up to you, De Blob, to colour everything and restore life to the surroundings. Jump from one corner to another as you splash the buildings with red, the ground with yellow, landmarks with blue, and even citizens with purple. De Blob is a happy game, full of humour and stuff to do, and for those who like relaxing games, De Blob doesn’t disappoint.
 | Hob2017 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date September 26, 2017 | |
 | Developer Runic Games |
| Publisher Runic Games |
| Genre Adventure | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2017-09-26 | |
Hob was developed by the same team behind the original Torchlight. The former was Runic Games’ last title before they closed their doors for good. Fans of other adventure games such as Hyper Light Drifter and Ico should definitely take a look at Hob.
Hob is an action-adventure platformer that puts emphasis on exploration and combat. Hob sees you exploring a vibrant sci-fi world full of strange wildlife, breathtaking visuals and combat that will satisfy old and young gamers alike.
 | Yooka-Laylee2017 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date April 10, 2017 | |
 | Developer Playtonic Games |
 | Publisher Team17 |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Players Multiplayer, Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United Kingdom |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-11 | |
Yooka-Laylee is a nostalgic trip to the N64 era, especially when titles such as Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day pushed the boundaries of the genre. In case you didn’t know, Yooka-Laylee was developed by former employees at Rare. It took years for Banjo Kazooie to finally get a spiritual successor in the name of Yooka-Laylee, and I wish that maybe one day these two will make a crossover.
Yooka-Laylee is a 3D platformer with gameplay reminiscent of Rare’s previous games. You play as a chameleon named Yooka and a bat named Laylee. Much like Banjo and his side-kick Kazooie, Yooka and Laylee are a duo like no other. Together they embark on a journey full of platforming, exploration, puzzles and most importantly, humour.
 | SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated2020 Remake |     |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date June 23, 2020 Initial Release: October 31, 2003 | |
 | Developer Heavy Iron Studios |
| Publisher THQ |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2020-06-23 | |
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated is a remake of the original game released back in 2003. Like Crash and Spyro remakes, SpongeBob SquarePants’ remake adds a new fresh coat of paint and shiny graphics that make the game still relevant today. Despite the mixed reviews it received, the game was a commercial success.
As you would expect already, this is a 3D platform featuring the core elements of the genre. Such as collecting items, defeating foes, and obviously jumping from one platform to another. Three playable characters can be selected in the game; Sandy, SpongeBob and Patrick. Each with its own moves and abilities. Although I wish Squidward was playable, we can make do with him being a boss fight.
 | SteamWorld Dig 22017 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date September 21, 2017 | |
 | Developer Image & Form |
| Publisher Image & Form |
| Genre 2D Platformer | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Sweden |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2017-09-26 | |
| 2017-09-27 | |
| 2018-06-19 | |
SteamWorld Dig 2 is two steps above the original in so many ways, featuring improved graphics, better movement and abilities. The game’s story continues from where the first game left off. As Dorothy, you search for your friend Rusty who mysteriously disappeared at the end of the first game.
The gameplay is fun and relaxing as it involves exploring through gargantuan underground mines. While digging your way through, you’ll encounter several foes which you can finish off with your axe or the different tools you have. Similar to Metroidvania titles, players will gain new abilities that’ll help them reach new places they weren’t able to access before.
Do not let SteamWorld Dig 2’s simple look lure you into thinking is not worth the time because that’s what I felt at first glance. However, upon booting up and finishing it, the game was worth every second.
 | Legend of Kay Anniversary2015 Remaster |  |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date July 28, 2015 Initial Release: March 04, 2005 | |
 | Developer Neon Studios |
 | Publisher JoWooD |
| Genre 3D Platformer | |
| Concept Fantasy | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Germany |
| PS4 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2015-07-28 | |
| 2015-07-29 | |
The Legend of Kay puts you in the role of a brave cat warrior known as Kay who grew tired of tyranny and discrimination. Kay left his village in order to stop the tyrant rats and gorillas who have been using their power to exploit every innocent life. The game has you meeting different kinds of animals such as Pandas, Cats, Frogs, Wolves and more. A cute little platformer with a story that’ll keep you hooked for a while.
The Legend of Kay is one of the best 3D platformers that many weren’t aware of upon its release. And while the game would go on to receive a remaster on modern consoles and PC, it would sadly still remain obscure amidst all other platforming games. This is a great hidden gem with a blend of platforming and hack and slash elements that’ll stick with you. It has its issues, but it’s not a terrible game either.
Thank you for Reading.
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FreeckyCake
I'm just your average gamer who enjoys hunting hidden gems and underrated games. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck and I recommend that you play it.
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