Before we count down the absolute greatest, first things first – what actually makes a platformer? Platformers are all about running, jumping and dodging obstacles across stages to reach an end goal. You may have grown up with Mario and Sonic, but today‘s advanced consoles allow for expansively vivid worlds and incredibly responsive controls that evolve the genre.
So what elevates modern platformers into the upper echelon on PlayStation 3 specifically? Simple yet flexible controls, clever level layouts, slick animations, special moves to master and jaw-dropping visuals. Keep all that in mind as we dive into the 10 platformers that score highest in these areas and demonstrate PlayStation 3‘s technical prowess.
Rayman Origins takes you back to the glory days of 2D platformers with its flawlessly nostalgic gameplay and visuals. Playing as the limbless yet shockingly dexterous Rayman, you‘ll punch, kick and float through over 60 delightfully challenging levels across 12 wacky worlds. I‘m talking mystical faerie forests, tasty candy wonderlands and magic-fueled castles in the sky!
From Rayman creator Michel Ancel, Origins masterfully modernizes retro 2D greats of the ‘90s. Responding to fan feedback, Ancel employs super crisp high definition hand-drawn visuals with lush animations unseen in classic Rayman games. Meanwhile, gameplay feels like putting on your favorite childhood sneakers again thanks to pixel perfect control precision and obstacles calling back top platformers like Donkey Kong Country. Add in local 4-player co-op hijinks and some unexpectedly awesome musical rhythm levels, and Rayman Origins belongs on any platformer fan‘s hall of fame.
What!? A iconic platformer mascot left off this PlayStation list until now? No chance. Enter Sonic Generations, a carefully crafted love letter celebrating the Blue Blur‘s super-fast legacy while setting new 3D standards. The game lets you play as Classic pixely Sonic revisiting some of his best Genesis-era side scrolling stages. Then Modern Sonic employs silky smooth 3D movement like unseen in older entries when racing across enhanced 3D versions of beloved levels.
Long-term Sonic Team leader Takashi Iizuka confidently called Sonic Generations "the definitive 3D Sonic experience" upon release due to strict focus on polished spectacle and platforming. Lush tropical coasts with loop de loops galore and boost pads tunneling through dazzling stained glass museums exemplify production values matching the game‘s "definitive" boasts. Iconic tunes like Chemical Plant and Sky Sanctuary never sounded better while Sonic himself controls better than ever thanks to refined animations and physics. By blending the old and new into one unforgettable package, Sonic Generations proves some blue dude‘s still got platforming passion and staying power.
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