Summary
- The PlayStation 3 era had fewer 3D platformers compared to the PlayStation 2 era, but there are still some great options to choose from.
- The Simpsons Game and Sonic Generations are all fantastic 3D platformers for the PlayStation 3.
- Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time and Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time are also worth checking out for fans of the genre.
The PlayStation 2 era was known for its plethora of 3D platformers, ranging from first-party classics to smaller indie titles. But the PlayStation 3 era was the start of a more prestige Sony and the silliness of 3D platformers was a bit more far and few between.
That said, quite a few platforming mascots from the PlayStation 2 era made the jump to the third Sony generation. In addition, other developers still struck some gold with the genre in the late-2000s/early-2010s period and there are quite a few fantastic 3D PlayStation 3 platformers to choose from.
7 The Simpsons Game
In conjunction with the movie that came out around the same time, The Simpsons Game is surprisingly separate from the plot of the film. In fact, the main plot revolves around the Simpsons family recognizing they are in another video game and dealing with new powers they have possessed.
Throughout the game, each family member either tackles a new weird situation alone or with another relative. There are many references to the main The Simpsons show, as well as a handful of popular video games, many of which are developed by Electronic Arts since they are the main developers.
6 Stick It To The Man
Indie games in modern times have tried to keep the 3D platforming genre alive, but there are some developers who were trying their hand at it during the PlayStation 3 era. One of these attempts came from Zoink Games called Stick It to The Man.
After an accident, Ray has grown a pink wiggling arm that comes out of his head. Since the world around him is made of paper, he can use this arm to tear off pieces of the environment and stick them in other places to solve puzzles or get over obstacles.
5 Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations
- Released
- November 1, 2011
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Over the years, Sonic the Hedgehog has had an up-and-down history of 3D platforming releases. However, one of Sega's better 3D releases in the Sonic universe is Sonic Generations. While there are classic side-scrolling sections, there are also many 3D-focused levels in the vein of entries released around the same time period.
The plot revolves around Eggman using an entity called the Time Eater to go back in time and work together with his past counterpart to defeat Sonic and follow through with his evil plans. It is up to the player to go through these levels as both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, along with his friends.
4 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time
PlayStation is known for being the origin of many 3D platforming mascots. One that has persisted for four generations is Ratchet & Clank. The 3D platformer franchise had many major entries during the PlayStation 3 period. The series' seventh entry, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time, is considered one of the better entries during the era.
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After the events of the previous game, A Crack In Time has Ratchet working with Captain Qwark to find Clank after he was kidnapped by Dr. Nefarious. Players will have action-packed sequences playing as Ratchet as well as puzzle-focused gameplay where Clank creates time loops with his movement to get through scenarios.
3 Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time
Another popular PlayStation mascot that first debuted on PlayStation 2 was Sly Cooper, a series that combined platforming with stealth gameplay. There was only one Sly Cooper game on the PlayStation 3 called Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time. However, it was developed by a different team than the original trilogy, with Sanzaru Games behind this fourth entry.
Taking place after the third game, Sly Cooper reunites the members of his gang to get back the pieces of the historical book that told the story of Sly's family's thieving heritage. The gameplay revolves around navigating open spaces and hiding from enemies to put the pieces of the book back together.
2 Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools Of Destruction
Among the handful of 3D platformers on the PlayStation 3, Ratchet & Clank had seven titles released on the hardware. While there was a good mix of main installments and spin-offs, the best entry out of all of them was the fourth main entry in the series called Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.
Ratchet and Clank look to stop Emperor Tachyon after he and his armies invade Metropolis. They travel to the Polaris Galaxy to find more information about lombaxes. The gameplay is mainly focused on the third-person shooter elements the franchise is known for, with a variety of tools for Ratchet to use on enemies.
1 Journey
Journey
- Released
- March 13, 2012
- Developer(s)
- Thatgamecompany
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
One of the more fascinating titles to come out during the PlayStation 3 era, Journey is an indie title that puts players in control of a robed individual who is walking across a desert. Occasionally, players will be joined by a random other player with communication only through musical chimes.
The game's main focus is on exploration, with platforming being a central aspect of the game.
In addition, a scarf allows Journey players the ability to fly. The main goal of the short game is to reach the mountain that is seen in the distance early on while discovering specific landmarks and other creatures along the way.