Best Of
5 Best Platforming Games on PlayStation Plus (August 2023)
One genre of games that's responsible for countless standout titles is platformers. With a unique level design, platformers have the potential to deliver original gameplay with an intriguing story which tends to result in a well-rounded title. At the same time, some platformers are just looking to challenge and stretch the players' talents on the controller. Either way, platformers tend to offer some great gaming experiences. As a result, we've compiled this list of the best platforming games PlayStation Plus. So, if you're a PlayStation Plus member, make sure you don't miss out on playing the fantastic platformers featured below.
5. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Kicking off this list of the best platforming games on PlayStation Plus, we have a title starring two PlayStation icons, Ratchet & Clank. The pinnacle of the series, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is up for grabs to PlayStation Plus subscribers, and it is one of the most exciting action platformers to date. In the series finale, an evil robotic emperor seeks to dominate cross-dimensional travel and the worlds it can reach. Unfortunately, Ratchet & Clanks world is next on the chopping block.
By teaming up with Rivet – a Lombax resistance fighter from another dimension – the squad must do everything in their power to save their world and stop this evil power from wreaking further havoc on the universe. The story itself is easy to get behind, but the best part is what it brings to the gameplay. By jumping through rifts to different realities, you will encounter a flurry of different levels, each of which offers a distinct and exciting experience. So, if you're looking for a thrilling journey, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the platformer for you.
4. Hollow Knight Voidheart Edition
Being one of the most successful platformers of all time, we doubt Hollow Knight needs any introduction. Taking control of a mysterious protagonist, you will slash and dash your way in an epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. As you uncover the kingdom's riddles, you will explore twisted caves, battle contaminated animals, and even befriend weird bugs. And the whole experience is brought together through its hand-drawn 2D style and soundtrack with over 40 songs.
Hollow Knight is without a doubt one of the best platforming games on PlayStation Plus, that will leave you wanting more. Thankfully, the game that's offered to PS Plus subscribers is the Voidheart Edition, which includes four giant content packs that expand the game with new quests, bosses, and abilities. If that isn't enough, the sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is set to arrive in late 2023. As a result, the has never been a better time to experience one of the best platforming games of all time.
3. Dead Cells
We did state that some platformers seek to push the player's perception of what they are capable of. As a result, platformers of this nature tend to have a high learning curve. However, in Dead Cells' case, it's ruthless. Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer with no checkpoints. As a result, each time you die in the game, you start from the beginning again. So you have no choice but to beat the game in one go or die trying.
That may sound merciless, but Dead Cells isn't all that cruel. When you die, you will have access to the abilities and weapons you unlocked in your previous run in your subsequent run. As a result, with each playthrough, you become stronger and gradually learn to master each level and its boss. So, while Dead Cells may sound difficult, it's equally rewarding when you beat a level or enemy that's been causing you trouble. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a platformer that will give you a challenge, look no further than Dead Cells.
2. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Stepping away from the conventional 2D side-scrolling format of platformers and back into 3D platformers, we have Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Being one of PlayStation's most notable icons, Sackboy and his game series is the definition of a fun and light-hearted platformer. And Sackboy: A Big Adventure is not only the series' pinnacle, but it's the best game in its lineup. As a result, it easily lands as one of the best platforming games on PlayStation Plus.
In the grand finale, Sackboy embarks on a solo adventure to rescue his friends from the dastardly Vex. With a variety of challenges, puzzles, and obstacle-filled levels Sackboy: A Big Adventure presents an appropriate fun-filled challenge. One that won't make you break your controller, but not something you can do with one eye closed. Nonetheless, if you're searching for a stress-free platformer with some entertaining gameplay, you can't go wrong with Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
1. Celeste
Taking the number one spot for the best platforming games on PlayStation Plus is Celeste. In this 8-bit adventure, you play as protagonist Madeline, who traverses up Celeste Mountain as she confronts and learns to overcome her inner demons. As a result, Celeste is a self-discovery game that has a profound impact on the player. It may only have three controls (jump, air-dash, and climb), but the levels add a layer of depth to the gameplay, and the story starts to weigh on you the deeper you go. Or in this case, I should say the higher you go. Nonetheless, if you're in need of a platformer that will pull on your heartstrings, Celeste will do the trick.
