The "absolute best" PlayStation 5 (PS5) platformers represent the pinnacle of the iconic jump-and-run genre optimized for Sony‘s latest console. With processing power rivaling gaming PCs, ultra-high speed solid state storage, and advanced immersion technology like the DualSense controller, the PS5 delivers uncompromising, cutting-edge gameplay experiences.
Top-tier PS5 platformers stand out by leveraging this powerful hardware for incredibly detailed 4K graphics at smooth 60 frames per second, near-instant loading, and innovative features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Combine this with creative game design, expansive worlds begging to be explored, precise platforming challenges, and engaging stories – the hallmarks of a memorable platformer.
After extensive research into the critical and fan reception of over 50 platformer titles on PS5, the following games rise above the rest as absolute must-plays. Each offers an exemplary showcase of the new console‘s capabilities along with substantial fun factor and countless hours of replayable content.
1. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Launched alongside the PS5 in November 2020 as a marquee next-gen title, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart sets a new bar for cartoon platformers. Legendary studio Insomniac Games leverages the hardware to deliver their most gorgeous, action-packed adventure yet at a rock-solid 60fps. Vibrant, Pixar-like alien worlds come alive with color thanks to ray tracing light effects. Speedy loading eliminates interruptions hopping between planets and deaths. Overall, it earned an 88 average critic score according Metacritic data, with over 97% of nearly 2000 user reviews positive.
Players guide Lombax mechanic Ratchet and his witty robot companion Clank across spaceship-themed levels and multiple unique planets brimming with platforming challenges. Compelling writing and lavish musical score further the cinematic feel. While gunplay takes the forefront, jumping precisely across gaps or identifying hidden paths puts player agility to the test. An arsenal of incredibly fun weapons like the Topiary Sprinkler or Negatron Collider makes combat a blast.
The dimension-rifting hook propels the experience to new heights, letting players shift seamlessly between worlds for zippy traversal unheard of in past entries. Harnessing the PS5‘s custom I/O system, jumping through a rift sees the character continue movement in the new area instantly rather than jarringly halting. It revolutionizes level possibilities compared to standard platformers.
With visually resplendent alien vistas, endless mechanical creativity, and dimension-tearing antics, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart belongs on any PS5 owner‘s shelf.
2. Astro‘s Playroom
Pre-installed free with every PS5, Astro‘s Playroom offers a joyous celebration of PlayStation history while highlighting the DualSense controller‘s capabilities. Developed by Sony‘s talented Japan Studio, this 3D platformer has players guide cute robot Astro through four worlds representing PS5 components. Vibrant, detailed environments rendered at native 4K 60fps showcase the GPU‘s graphical power.
Gameplay centers on running, jumping across platforms, avoiding hazards via quick reflexes, and collecting artifacts that reference PlayStation nostalgia. For example, finding a tiny PlayStation 2 in the GPU Jungle world unlocks the ability to play the iconic PS2 boot-up animation on a television. Witty touches like this delight seasoned PlayStation fans. The DualSense‘s advanced haptics and adaptive triggers immerse players by recreating physical sensations accurately, like the satisfying clunk of inserting a disc.
While accessible enough for gamers of all ages to enjoy, over 100 cleverly hidden prizes reward eagle-eyed veterans. Game files and concept art give insight into PlayStation history. Unlike standard collect-a-thons, actually finding collectibles takes real platforming prowess. With universal acclaim from critics and fans alike, earning a metascore of 88 on Metacritic and User Score of 8.7, Astro‘s Playroom makes the perfect ambasssador for showcasing the new generation of PlayStation magic.
3. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sumo Digital brings Sony‘s charming arts and crafts hero to the third dimension for the first time in Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Crafted natively for PS5, Sackboy looks knitted and stuffed with more detail than ever on the 4K display. Vibrant cloth textures and smooth animations immerse players in an imagination-powered realm under siege from the dastardly Vex.
Using an intuitive control scheme focused on agility, players spin, jump, grab, slap, and nose-dive across over 50 themed handmade levels spanning forests, arctic peaks, fiery pits and more. Level design masterfully balances 3D platforming challenges and puzzles with collectathon elements. Assist mode and adjustable difficulty help younger audiences enjoy. Local 4-player couch co-op enables delightful chaos, a series hallmark.
While milder difficulty might disappoint some series veterans, Sackboy truly shines on PS5. The DualSense‘s detailed haptics, adaptive triggers, motion sensor, and built-in speaker enhance gameplay with greater immersion. Instant loading eliminates frustrating interruptions between vibrant locales. With sales exceeding 1 million units and sitting comfortably amongst 2022‘s 100 top-rated PS5 games at OpenCritic.com, Sackboy‘s inaugural PS5 adventure makes wonderful use of new hardware to bring beloved PlayStation icon to life.
4. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
An awe-inspiring action-adventure, Kena: Bridge of Spirits uses the PlayStation 5‘s graphics and storage capabilities to deliver an interactive anime film come to life. As the young Spirit Guide Kena, players traverse picture-perfect forests, abandoned villages, and forgotten shrines brought to life by the hardware‘s speed and high-fidelity visuals.
Kena must track down sacred shrines and cleanse corrupted spirits across the land to uncover the fate of an ancient village. Ember Lab‘s first title as an indie studio demonstrates their pedrigee as animation professionals and love for Japanese cinema through masterful art direction. Fluid, intuitive controls make wielding Kena‘s magical staff in combat and performing her agile evasive maneuvers uniquely enjoyable. Haptic triggers on the DualSense accentuate each strike and landing with nuance.
From its positively adorable rot spirits who assist navigation to intensely challenging large-scale boss battles, Kena pulls players deeply into its setting thanks to excellent worldbuilding and technical mastery of the PlayStation 5 platform. Sitting comfortably amongst OpenCritic‘s top 15 highest rated PlayStation 5 games with an 86 average critic score, Kena stands tall as one of the most visually splendid, unforgettable exclusive PS5 platformers that demands to be experienced firsthand.
5. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Everyone‘s favorite wacky marsupial platformer mascot returns to glory in spectacular fashion with Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Developer Toys for Bob adopts a vibrant, detailed art style taking full advantage of 4K graphics with HDR for brilliant color and clarity. Animations stay liquid smooth thanks to targeted 60fps optimization. Crash and Coco‘s fur flows believably as they spin through diverse alien worlds.
Veterans will delight at AAA-quality presentation bringing enhanced visual pop without sacrificing the classic formula they know and love. The quantified tough-as-nails platforming and 100+ levels demand perfect timing spinning, sliding and jumping across hazards with no lives system. Innovative masks inject fresh abilities like the time-slowing Phase Mask, but challenge still makes this a trial by fire. Online leaderboards and flashback tape levels aimed at series devotees offer substantial replay value for those seeking to 100% the adventure. With an impressive Metacritic critic average of 85 matching user reviews, Crash 4 stands tall as a contemporary exemplar of classic platforming guts and flair updated for modern hardware.
Conclusion
With its stellar lineup unleashing the full potential of modern gaming hardware on the iconic platforming genre, the PlayStation 5 establishes itself as the definitive contemporary home for exceptional jump-and-run experiences.
Lush alien vistas in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart showcase the visual fidelity only possible thanks to cutting-edge graphics tech like ray tracing married to the steady 60fps gold standard. Astro‘s Playroom highlights immersion revolutionized by the DualSense controller. Ever-quick loading keeps the pace brisk hopping between Crash 4‘s diabolical obstacle gauntlets.
Fun and exciting platformers available on PlayStation 5 offer unmissable showcases of new generational advances. With countless options to experience, veterans nostalgic for inventive Golden Age classics and newcomers alike will fall in love with the genre all over again thanks to incredible design only possible leveraging the PS5 difference.
