5 Best Video Games Like Crash Bandicoot

Among the early console-exclusive standouts for the original PlayStation is "Crash Bandicoot," with the long-running tropical franchise starting in 1996. "Crash Bandicoot" found inspiration from Super Nintendo franchises while taking its platforming action into 3D. The inaugural game's successful launch spawned an entire series that continued on into the PlayStation 2 era. Since then, Crash and his various spin-off titles have made their way to multiple platforms, including from non-Sony companies, retaining and refining the 3D platforming gameplay.

Of course, "Crash Bandicoot" is far from the only 3D platforming game around, with plenty of other hit titles echoing its precise gameplay. In highlighting titles that evoke the wacky adventures of Crash, we're looking at relatively fast-paced platforming games with a clear ending to each level rather than freely roaming experiences. These games also offer a cartoonish presentation and art style; they're just as vibrant as Crash in their own way. These are the five best video games like "Crash Bandicoot" to keep the 3D platforming fun coming.

Sega's "Sonic the Hedgehog" franchise had employed 3D platforming ever since 1996's "Sonic 3D Blast," and it took things to the next level with 1998's "Sonic Adventure." But after a line of lackluster titles, including the troubled development of 2006's "Sonic the Hedgehog," the franchise course-corrected with "Sonic Colors." This 2010 game features a mix of side-scrolling and 3D platforming as Sonic races to save an alien race known as the Wisps from the villainous Doctor Eggman. This involves Sonic exploring a colorful set of planets linked to an interplanetary amusement park run by Eggman himself.

"Sonic Colors" was the best game in the franchise in years when it came out, partly because it ditched the run-on-rails gameplay from the storybook sub-series and clunky 3D gameplay in the infamous 2006 game. This back to the basics emphasis on speedy platforming is elevated by a truly stellar presentation, with the soaring score and vibrant visuals living up to the title. The game received a remaster for modern consoles, 2018's "Sonic Colors: Ultimate," revamping the presentation and adding new features. A cosmic reinvigoration of the franchise offering lots of fast-paced platforming as only the Blue Blur can deliver, "Sonic Colors" is a must-play for "Crash Bandicoot" fans.

Ever since the release of "New Super Mario Bros.," which was one of the best Nintendo DS games, Nintendo has alternated between free-roaming 3D adventures and more classic platforming gameplay for its flagship franchise. The 2013 Wii U game "Super Mario 3D World" combined the best of both with its own fun-filled experience. Up to four players traverse levels from a limited 3D perspective simultaneously, with each level having a clear, linear finish. Mario and Luigi are joined by Peach and Toad as they liberate a group of magical princesses kidnapped by Bowser.

"Super Mario 3D World" stands as the best "Super Mario" game released for the Wii U, especially when played with friends. All the multiplayer chaos from the "New Super Mario Bros." series is still at play here, but with an even more expansive perspective. Eight years after its debut, "Super Mario 3D World" received a Switch version with new features, including a free-roam campaign. A blend of the series' tried-and-true elements to make something exciting and new, "Super Mario 3D World" is Nintendo platforming at its best.

Ever since ownership of the "Crash Bandicoot" franchise was acquired by Activision, game development studio Toys for Bob has handled modern releases and remasters for the series. Another classic PlayStation property that Toys for Bob has helped usher into the modern age is "Spyro the Dragon." After remaking the classic "Crash Bandicoot" trilogy for modern platforms, Toys for Bob released "Spyro Reignited Trilogy" in 2018. Faithfully recreating the franchise's initial three titles, including the most popular game in the Spyro series, "Spyro Reignited Trilogy" brings the adorable dragon's 3D platforming adventures to a new generation.

With its significantly upgraded presentation, "Spyro Reignited Trilogy" breathes new life into a venerable "Crash Bandicoot" contemporary. The two properties share a lot of the same 3D platforming sensibilities, reflective of their shared era and hardware, with Toys for Bob rebuilding the Spyro games from scratch. The revamped trilogy really showcases how timeless Spyro's early adventures truly were. For players who enjoyed the "Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy," the "Spyro Reignited Trilogy" should definitely be the next compilation to pick up.

The "LittleBigPlanet" franchise reinvigorated family-friendly platforming titles on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, albeit from a largely side-scrolling perspective. The 2020 installment "Sackboy: A Big Adventure" brings the action to a primarily 3D perspective, giving its titular protagonist his most ambitious adventure yet. When the villainous Vex tries to forcibly remake Craftworld in his image, it's up to Sackboy to stop him. The game features both local and online multiplayer modes, giving players the option to take on the platforming challenges with friends.

"Sackboy: A Big Adventure" seamlessly shifts its appeal to the third dimension and takes advantage of the PlayStation 5 hardware. Because of this expansion in scope, the 2020 game is the most similar to the "Crash Bandicoot" franchise as far as "LittleBigPlanet" is concerned. In keeping with prior entries, the game also has a distinctly British sense of humor to it, something that helps set it apart from its counterparts. Things have been dormant for the "LittleBigPlanet" series since it made the leap to the PlayStation 5, but "Sackboy: A Big Adventure" stands as a solid entry in the franchise.

One of the absolute best 3D platforming games of recent years is 2024's "Astro Bot" for the PlayStation 5. The game follows a group of pint-sized friendly robots piloting a spaceship resembling a large PS5 before they're attacked by a rampaging alien. Recovering from the crash, Astro sets out to rescue his friends while repairing their spaceship before an inevitable rematch against the extraterrestrial aggressor. Traversing a group of star systems, with each planet containing a lushly realized platforming level, Astro saves his friends as he navigates peril-filled environments.

With many of its bots and levels directly inspired by classic games throughout PlayStation history, "Astro Bot" is a celebration of the consoles' greatest hits. Though platforming is still the primary gameplay focus, there are sequences that evoke everything from "Ape Escape" to, yes, "Crash Bandicoot" in its levels. And while accessible to gamers of all ages, there are some challenge levels that will keep even experienced players on their precise platforming toes. One of the best PlayStation 5 exclusive titles, "Astro Bot" is an instant classic and especially rewarding for longtime PlayStation fans.