Astro Bot made 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 to scratch that itch, and don't know where to start looking in the vast sea of 3D platforming titles.
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This list looks at 7 games available on the PS5 that capture some of the same feelings as Astro 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 are a fan of Astro Bot.
7 Stray
Experience The Post-Apocalypse As A Cat
Stray
- Released
- July 19, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
The first entry on this list isn't a 3D platformer, however, Stray is an incredible adventure experience, from the perspective 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 from Astro Bot and is a much slower-paced game, Stray is 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.
6 Astro's Playroom
More Astro Bot That Shows Off Key PS5 Features and Quirky Mascot Characters
Astro's Playroom
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Asobi
- Platform(s)
- PS5
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Before Astro Bot, there was Astro's Playroom, a tech demo included with every PS5 console. Similarly to Astro Bot, Astro's Playroom has 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 Playroom is a well-crafted platforming experience with several unique levels, fun mechanics, and creative visuals that set the precedent for what Astro Bot could be. It's a fantastic experience for all fans of the larger game, it will simply leave a player longing for more.
5 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
An Impressive and Fine-Tuned Adventure with PlayStation's Favorite Lombax
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Released
- June 11, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Third-Person Shooter
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The latest entry in the long-running Ratchet & Clank franchise, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a follow-up to the previous main-line Ratchet & Clank game released 8 years prior. Ignoring the 2016 reboot, Rift Apart continues 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.
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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 Apart is a perfect game for both those who are fans of the franchise, and those who aren't.
4 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy Is Back in a Unique 3D Platformer
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is not quite a Little Big Planet game, 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 feel too different 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's platforming 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.
3 Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
It's About Time for Crash to Return After 12 Years for a New Adventure
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
- Released
- October 2, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Toys for Bob
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
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 Time offers fans of the franchise a follow-up to a trilogy from two decades prior. It's About Time is, 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 of Astro Bot could want.
It may not perfectly capture the essence of Astro Bot's charm 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.
2 Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
Nostalgia Brings Back a Remaster of Klonoa
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
- Released
- July 8, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Unlike several of the entries on this list, the Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is 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 the Kirby games.
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Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is not perfect, but it has all the charm present in Astro Bot and 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.
1 Sonic X Shadow Generations
The Best Of Both 2D And 3D for the Hedgehogs That Have Gotta Go Fast
Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Released
- October 25, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The final entry on this list is Sonic X Shadow Generations, which will not be new to many fans of platforming on the PS5. Released in 2024, this game contains not only a remaster of the original Sonic Generations but an additional side game called Shadow 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.
While Sonic X Shadow Generations is a more on-rails experience than something like Astro Bot, it once again captures much of the charm that has made Astro Bot so 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.
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