Astro Botmade huge waves in the gaming landscape, going on to win Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and has been lauded as one of the greatest 3D platformers in years. Now that it has been out for some time, many players are looking for the next game toscratch that itch, and don’t know where to start looking in the vast sea of 3D platforming titles.
This list looks at 7 games available on the PS5 that capture some of the same feelings asAstro Bot, from the tightly crafted platforming gameplay to the adorable characters, to the intriguing and colorful world. Each game on this list has an infinite number of things to offer the right player, especially if they area fan ofAstro Bot.
The first entry on this list isn’t a 3D platformer, however,Strayis an incredible adventure experience, from theperspective of an adorable cat. The player is tasked with exploring a post-apocalyptic world, uncovering more and more as they climb over buildings, meet various robotic friends, and meow incessantly.
While it plays very differently fromAstro Botand is a much slower-paced game,Strayis well worth experiencing for anyone who finds themselves enamored with the cute critters of Astro’s world. Plus, there’s a dedicated meow button, which should sell this game to any doubters.
BeforeAstro Bot, there wasAstro’s Playroom, a tech demo included with every PS5 console. Similarly toAstro Bot,Astro’s Playroomhas the player take control of Astro, Sony’s newest mascot, in a platforming adventure that explores the inside of the PS5 and demonstrates the potential of the console and its controller. While it doesn’t have as much content behind it as many of the games on this list, completing all the levels is only the first part of the game, with many collectibles and achievements to hunt.
Astro’s Playroomis a well-crafted platforming experience with several unique levels, fun mechanics, and creative visuals that set the precedent for whatAstro Botcould be. It’s a fantastic experience for all fans of the larger game, it will simply leave a player longing for more.
The latest entry in the long-runningRatchet & Clankfranchise,Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apartis a follow-up to the previous main-lineRatchet & Clankgame released 8 years prior. Ignoring the 2016 reboot,Rift Apartcontinues the story of the titular characters with an updated look and finely-tuned gameplay. One major difference between this and other installments in the franchise is the presence of Rivet, a second playable character.
Outside of this, it continues with many of the gameplay elements seen in previous titles, culminating in an ultimately entertaining experience that offers a compelling story to match.Rift Apartis a perfect game for both those who are fans of the franchise, and those who aren’t.
Sackboy: A Big Adventureis not quite aLittle Big Planetgame, yet is as close as gamers can get on modern systems. It stands apart from the mainline Little Big Planet games thanks to its full dedication to 3D platforming, as opposed to the series' established norm of 2.5D. While for die-hard fans of the series, this may make the game feeltoodifferent from its predecessors, it lends itself to a bright, fun world full of things to do.
Sackboy himself is a predecessor to Astro, once a mascot of the PlayStation’splatforming prowess, with a similar character design to the little robot. If family-friendly platforming fun is what a player is after, looking for a box with Sackboy plastered all over it is a sign of good things, and this game shows that he still is.
Similar to Sackboy,Crash Bandicoot is an icon of the platformers of old. Now with updated graphics and gameplay elements,Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timeoffers fans of the franchise a follow-up to a trilogy from two decades prior.It’s About Timeis, however, a perfectly well-contained experience, requiring no knowledge of Crash’s previous exploits to enjoy. With crazy characters, bright, colorful levels, fun and engaging gameplay with unique mechanics, and satisfying execution, this game has everything a fan ofAstro Botcould want.
It may not perfectly capture the essence ofAstro Bot’scharm as other games can. However, it is impossible to argue against Crash Bandicoot’s status as a platforming icon, and an instantly recognizable figure that will perfectly replace the robot-shaped hole in any gamer’s life.
Unlike several of the entries on this list, theKlonoa Phantasy Reverie Seriesis not a long-awaited continuation of a well-established franchise from the early 2000s. Instead, it is a collection of the two original Klonoa games, remastered for modern systems to bring the characters and world of Klonoa to a new audience. While these games may feel a little more dated than other entries thanks to their status as remasters, they have held up well and provide an entertaining platforming experience that feels reminiscent of theKirbygames.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Seriesis not perfect, but it has all the charm present inAstro Botand then some, hopefully sharing the love that many fans have for this franchise. Jumping around as an adorable critter who harnesses the power of the wind to move enemies around and get from place to place with ease.
The final entry on this list isSonic X Shadow Generations, which will not be new to many fans of platforming on the PS5. Released in 2024, this game contains not only aremaster of the originalSonic Generationsbut an additional side game calledShadow Generations,which both contain 2D sidescrolling levels as well as 3D platforming levels. Bridging the gap between classic Sonic gameplay and the 3D platforming of modern titles, this game has content for everyone.
WhileSonic X Shadow Generationsis a more on-rails experience than something likeAstro Bot, it once again captures much of the charm that has madeAstro Botso successful within the genre. Running around at the speed of sound is one of the most satisfying gameplay elements of any game on this list, and both Sonic and Shadow are icons of gaming for a very good reason.
