15 Best PlayStation Platformers in 3D You Need to Play

3D platformers are a staple of PlayStation consoles. When players think of the original PlayStation, many think of iconic series such as Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot. Not only were 3D platformers system sellers, they were the face of the entire platform. This has slowly changed over time as shooters and action games became the face of Sony’s PS3,

It would certainly be premature to say that 3D platformers are back in full force, but the recent Kickstarter success of Playtonic Games’ Yooka-Laylee shows that there is still consumer demand and passionate fans that want 3D platformers back into their lives. So, with the beloved genre back in the minds of the gaming populace, we here at PlayStation LifeStyle thought it would be fun to take a look back at the 15 PlayStation 3D platformers that you really ought to give a go.

Check out our list below of which platformers we think should be played by all!

While there are not a ton of 3D platformers currently in development, Yooka-Laylee, Legend of Kay: Anniversary, and the Ratchet & Clank reboot should provide a fun time for platform fanatics in the next two years. Sony might even have some surprises in store for us at E3 as both Sly Cooper and Knack could possibly see sequels.

Let us know what you thought of our list and what other PlayStation 3D platformers you felt deserved a mention in the comments below!

15 3D Platformers

15 PlayStation 3D Platformers That You Need to Play
Ape Escape

Ape Escape was a pivotal game for Sony, as it not only was one of the best selling games, but was used to sell their new DualShock (or the rarer Dual Analog) controller.

This unique platformer showed off an all new form of control to an entire console base and is fondly remembered for it.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape

The original Rayman was a good, but not great 2D platformer that was notorious for its difficulty. The follow-up to Ubisoft's iconic platformer series would take the limbless protagonist to a new dimension: 3D.

Rayman 2: The Great Escape is not only a fantastic game for its time, it is a game that still stands up to this day. There is a reason why Ubisoft has re-released it on almost every platform imaginable.
Psychonauts

Before Double Fine was creating fantastic adventure games like Broken Age, they were creating one of the most beloved platformers of all time -- Psychonauts. Featuring a memorable cast of characters and a unique setup, Psychonauts has left fans clamoring a sequel ever since it released in 2005. Sadly, it seems like Tim Schafer's best work may never get the follow-up it deserves.
Maximo: Ghosts to Glory

This early PS2 game is set in Capcom's Ghosts 'n' Goblins universe and successfully combined hack and slash combat with a platform game. That being said, it's very difficult. Thankfully, the game's sequel, Maximo vs. Army of Zin, was much easier.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Fans rejoiced when Sly Cooper and friends made their glorious return in 2013. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time was a great follow-up to a series that found considerable success on the PS2. No other platformer has the fun stealth gameplay that has made Sly stand out.

A sequel is teased at the end of the game, but nothing has surfaced yet.
Jet Set Radio

Jet Set Radio was originally a Dreamcast game, but it was re-released on PSN in 2012. Its fast paced rollerskating gameplay, combined with a fresh, funky soundtrack made it a memorable experience. It may show its age in 2015, but you can't go wrong with playing Jet Set Radio.
Jumping Flash!

Released within the first year of the PlayStation, Jumping Flash! made quite the splash. Fans loved playing as Robbit, which as the name would imply a robotic rabbit, and hopping around the game's 18 levels.

Not only does Jumping Flash! serve as a great history lesson, it's also still really fun to play!
Spyro: Year of the Dragon

While Insomniac is well known for their work on the Resistance series, they'll always be known as the developer that birthed a lovable dragon named Spyro. It was hard to choose which Spyro game to choose to include, but we ultimately decided that Spyro: Year of the Dragon deserved it.

The final Insomniac-developed Spyro game had considerably improved graphics and was the peak of the series.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Ninja Theory might be one of the most under-appreciated developer, as they have developed some of the best games to come out in recent years. Heavenly Sword and the fantastic DmC: Devil May Cry may be their best known games, but Enslaved: Odyssey to the West might be their best work.

Enslaved boasts a fantastic art style, impressive motion capture, and was a treat to both the eyes and ears of gamers. Throw in varied gameplay, and you have a platformer that needs to be played.
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Few series have been as consistently good for as long as Insomniac's Ratchet & Clank series has been. Since 2002, Insomniac has been creating fantastic games that combine top notch platforming with fun gun play. Tools of Destruction was the series first try on PS3, and Insomniac hit a home run with it.
The Last Tinker: City of Colors

It's doubtful that The Last Tinker: City of Colors will be remembered as fondly as the other games on the list, but it is the best example that 3D platformers can still work on modern consoles such as the PlayStation 4.

This colorful platformer will charm you, even if its gameplay leaves a bit to be desired in terms of difficulty and depth. Definitely give The Last Tinker a shot while you're waiting for Yooka-Laylee to be released.
Mirror's Edge

While Electronic Arts may be one of the most hated publishers, they are not one that is afraid to take chances. Case in point is the DICE-developed first-person platformer, Mirror's Edge. The game may have had issues with tacked on gunplay and confusing level layouts, but at its best, Mirror's Edge just felt amazing.

Players had rarely felt so acrobatic and its freerunning mechanics have yet to be topped. Thankfully, fans have a entry in the franchise to look forward to playing in 2016.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped

Obviously Naughty Dog's classic series would make this list. Crash Bandicoot is a true PlayStation icon and his finest moment came in Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Naughty Dog put all that they learned from the first two games in making a proper send-off to the spinning marsupial. The gameplay is varied, the worlds are exciting, and Warped is one of the best platformers on the PS1.
Prince of Persia

The resurgence of the Prince of Persia series is one of the coolest happenings in gaming. Who could have imagined that Jordan Mechner's innovative 2D platformer would see AAA releases throughout the 2000s.

2008's Prince of Persia, was a temporary reboot that sparked debate among fans. Even if some preferred the games that preceded it, there is no denying that the reboot featured fantastic graphics and some of the best platforming in the entire series. The game is still gorgeous today, and is definitely one of the more unique AAA games you can play on PS3.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was Naughty Dog's last pure platformer. While sequels would add in guns and a focus on vehicles, the original was pure platforming bliss. With a colorful world to explore, and a wisecracking sidekick on Jak's shoulder, who wouldn't want to get lost exploring the Precursors' ruins?