Grab your Groovitrons because Ratchet & Clank is a critical and commercial hit – just try not to mention the movie while you move your feet to the beat. The game – with its strong consumer reception and compelling price point – topped the UK sales charts this week, significantly outpacing PlayStation 3 favourite A Crack in Time by some margin. And it begs the question: do you want more platformers on Sony's new-gen system?
Unless you own a Nintendo console, then you'll know that good jump-a-thons are in short supply. Both the PSone and PlayStation 2 had dozens of them: Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Jak & Daxter, and Sly Cooper. But the PlayStation 3 – despite the frequency of Ratchet & Clank releases – saw the genre almost reduced to irrelevance, as Sony funded multiplayer shooter after shooter for its flagship format.
Knack, a PlayStation 4 launch tile, was supposed to represent a return to those nostalgic days of yore; Mark Cerny was to revisit his younger years with a Crash Bandicoot-esque experience for a new generation. But whatever your opinions on the game – love it or loathe it – it wasn't quite the old-school platformer that many of us were hoping for. However, don't the recent Ratchet & Clank sales prove that this is something that many are yearning for?
There are perpetual rumours that Crash Bandicoot is to make a comeback – it's now or never at this year's E3 as far as we're concerned. But regardless of whether Sony intends to bring the Wumpa fruit munching 'coot back, the fact that he's featured so heavily in marketing materials for many years now shows just how hungry the market may be for a return to those colourful platformers of old. The big question is: are you one of those desperate for more old-school adventures on your PS4?
Do you want more family friendly platformers on PS4? (198 votes)
- Yes, I love these games and would buy many, many more
- Hmm, sure they’re nice every now and then
- No, these kind of games don’t really interest me at all
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Comments 62
Totally.
I'd sure love tons of platformers, but not too much so the games get washed out like many have within the FPS genre. Colorful, humorous, artistic platformers are amazing, just as long as they're good, unique and innovative
I wouldn't mind more of them as long as they are 3D platform games. Nintendo has flooded the market with 2D side scrollers, I'd like to see a return of the Mario 64 style games.
Isnt there a sly cooper film coming out next year or something? Could easily see Sony doing another Ratchet and Clank style tie-in
@Grawlog Yeah, I only really added the family friendly part just to make extra clear the "types" of games I mean; you could probably describe inFAMOUS and Uncharted as a platformer, I guess.
But yeah, agreed.
I'm in on the platform games. They don't have to be family friendly either. I still want a new Conker or Jak game.
I think Ratchet & Clank's success has shown there's still a market for more... light hearted games and platformers, but they have to have a certain appeal. Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, for example, were very 90s in their style and attitude, and that resonated with the market. These days, I don't think that sort of style would work as well, and to some extent, I don't think platformers as a genre really evolved in a way that continued to keep them as relevant as they once were.
Having said all that, I'd buy a new Crash Bandicoot game in a heartbeat as long as it wasn't crap.
I miss 3D platformers a lot. We've had some great 2D ones in recent years with the likes of Shovel Knight, Rayman Origins/Legends and Super Meat Boy, but it's time for 3D to return.
Of course, Yooka Laylee should be out within the next year so I'm hoping that'll be another great title. Of course, an exclusive for PS4 would be great too!
Absolutely, there should always be a place for quality and the ability to appeal to all ages.
I grew up with Super Mario 3, World, 64 and then Banjo Kazooie! So yeah I want more, as long that the quality is good.
No
@dryrain Any reason why?
I really loved Spyro on the original PlayStation. Stewart Copeland's soundtrack is still one of my favorites.
Yes, give me new ape escape or at least ps2 version. Are there any news on ps2 ape escape on ps4?
Oh definitely I need these types of games to lighten the mood. I like adult games but the big kid in me needs ratchet and clank etc. There's money to be made as you've covered the market kids and adults.You can bond with your kids by playing these type of games and I for one would love more of these type of platformers
Yes, of course. Platformers are some of the best games of all time
See im in a different section here. I dont play these games myself, but having a variety of genres available is a good thing. Why not have something that kids can play? Surely offering something for younger players is sensible?
I personally dont have much time for Ratchet and Clank, but the new game is stunning to look at, and im happy to hear its selling well.
Sony may not have QUITE the library of Nintendo but it still has some absolute classics and I would love to see them on the PS4! Starting with Crash...obviously.
Personally no, im happy with a few of these a year, if they keep pumping out games of the quality of rachet n clank ive no objections.
@KingofSaiyanZ YES! Bring back Crash Team Racing. Everybody loves Mario Kart every time it gets another release. I believe this would sell really well on PS4.
Obviously this is a yes for me. However, I don't want an oversaturation of platformers like there was in the '90s.
@JMillsDezign
It's not Nintendo that's done that but these dime-a-dozen indie developers. I'm completely sick of 8/16-bit style 2D games. They're ridiculously oversaturated. What we need more of, IMO, are good, solid 1080p60 2D platformers.
A solid yes from me. Ps used to be a great console for platformers, both 3d and 2d. It's been mentioned, and I agree the market is slightly oversaturated with 2d platformers right now, so something in the vein of pandemonium or Klonoa might not quite cut it. A new Crash or Spyro or something similar? I'd be all up for that.
@JAbroni1002
As long as they don't change the physics too much I would literally squeal like a little girl if they announced a naughty dog ctr reboot. Ctr was literally my favourite game, possibly of all time. Even Mario kart (one of my favourite series) doesn't come close to how much I would love a ctr game.
We need more platformers! Microsoft owns rare and has left most of its ips to die. Playstation has given away and given up on so many awesome platforming ips. One of the reasons I love Nintendo so much is because it has some awesome platformers, yet there is so much that Microsoft/sony can utilise. Literally you have crash bandicoot, spyro, ape escape, jack and daxter, rayman ( I love the origins series but I wouldn't mind a new 3D game) and gex. Theres shedloads more that I didn't even play much like ty, sly and jinx (I bet people can add to the list). I really hope Sony uses the sales of ratchet and clank to allow more games like platformers that are for all ages.
Yes, I would love nothing more than for family friendly platformers to be as big as they were during PSX and PS2 days. Those are my personal favorites usually, but more importantly it's great having games like those to play with my nephews. I'd rather put a six year old and three year old on an E rated platformer than an M or T rated anything.
Yes, I would love nothing more than for family friendly platformers to be as big as they were during PSX and PS2 days. Those are my personal favorites usually, but more importantly it's great having games like those to play with my nephews. I'd rather put a six year old and three year old on an E rated platformer than an M or T rated anything.
Yes, I would love nothing more than for family friendly platformers to be as big as they were during PSX and PS2 days. Those are my personal favorites usually, but more importantly it's great having games like those to play with my nephews. I'd rather put a six year old and three year old on an E rated platformer than an M or T rated anything.
Yes, I would love nothing more than for family friendly platformers to be as big as they were during PSX and PS2 days. Those are my personal favorites usually, but more importantly it's great having games like those to play with my nephews. I'd rather put a six year old and three year old on an E rated platformer than an M or T rated anything.
Yes, I would love nothing more than for family friendly platformers to be as big as they were during PSX and PS2 days. Those are my personal favorites usually, but more importantly it's great having games like those to play with my nephews. rather put a six year old and three year old on an E rated platformer than an M or T rated anything.
APE ESCAPE!
I just feel that if there was a big enough market for these games then they would already be on the system.
Yes I would love platformers to come back it would be amazing
@get2sammyb I don't think Uncharted is a "platformer", the first maybe, but the 2nd and third were "Cinematic adventure games" or some such. Infamous maybe, though I haven't played the 3rd. But I am really looking forward to the new Spiderman game if it evolves out of the inFamous formula.
There are however platformers I think you could have mentioned. All of the Lego games fill that niche. And Skylanders and Disney Infinity. And Lego Dimensions. So Sony may feel 3rd parties meet that need.
But if there is a Crash Bandicoot game - get ready for the DLC NFC toys.
Yes. I have absolutely no interest in games like Uncharted, Killzone or Infamous. I would love to see more quality platformers come to the PS4.
@get2sammyb yes I would definitely live more of these games, I have had more fun with Ratchet and Clank than with any other PS4 game. It's not necessarily the best game but I've had a bigger smile than any other and I would love some sequels, not to mention that it's actually better than the most recent 3d Mario game. Also I'm ready to put my money where my mouth is and have backed Yooka Laylee on kickstarter and would more than welcome a return for Crash Bandicoot. This type of game has been deserted for far too long in the pursuit of so called mature games.
whould be so cool to have some new Jak and daxter game.
bring them on. the more the merrier. 2d and 3d, adult and family friendly. its just a more relaxed type of game for me.
Platformers are are great! Its really nice to have different types of games. I have no idea why Knack wasn't welcomed more, I liked it also. The only problem I had was the chest rooms all being the same.
Its not just family friendly platform games, what about Arcade driving games like Ridge Racer or Arcade sports games games like NBA Jam?
Last gen everything bacame serious and grey - I miss the colour of earlier generations. Popping colour that makes your eyes bleed, bouncing tunes and Over the top voices. HIGH SCORE!
I'd love to see more platformers. Family-friendly, not-so-family-friendly... It doesn't really matter, we just need more platformers in general.
There was a day and age that most of us got our start into video gaming with a platformer. It I agree, @get2sammyb, last gen made them sound like they are now irrelevant. The Jak and Daxter series is one of my favorite on PS2. I know people now affiliate Naughty Dog with Uncharted, but to me, they will always be "the ones who made the Jak and Daxter games".
It would be a nice change. Ps4 is flooded with the same crappy FPS, call of duty has been played to death
Atleast Yooka Laylee is coming, i need me some Crash Bandicoot though.
@JMillsDezign
I know that's the popular perception, but the truth is Nintendo hasn't flooded the market. They've released 4 2D platformers on the Wii U all generation long (DKC Tropical Freeze, NSMBU, Yoshi's Wooly World, Mario Maker)- all 4 quite different experiences. On the 3DS, they've released 5 (NSMB2, DKC Returns 3D, Yoshi's New Island, Kirby Triple Deluxe, Chibi Robo Zip Lash).
That's an average of 1 per year. I've seen more FPS release on other consoles in the span of a month than platformers release on Nintendo for a generation. In fact, even Vita may have as many if not more.
The problem for me is there's not enough. I love platformers, but unfortunately there's really not much on offer elsewhere. MS has the excellent Ori & the Blind Forest (one of the finest games I've ever played) and PS4 has Ratchet & Clank (not as good as 3D Mario games but, it's the first 3D platformer to at least compete in the same league in a long time). And all systems have the sublime Rayman Legends (excellent, really really excellent!)... But aside from that, what else is there? There are indies, but there are indies of every genre. We're talking quality retail experiences.
The sad truth is many gamers no longer value platformers. They look down on the genre as "lesser than". As a result we don't see much of the genre anymore. The only sanctuary platforming fans can take solace in anymore is the few Ninty sidescrollers released each generation. I'm hoping that will change. Although, indies are getting better- I have tempered my desires with a number of top-shelf digital releases these past few years.
But what I really want is the for the rest of the industry to treat platformers as an equal genre. I see dozens upon dozens of FPS, 3rd Person Shooters, Open World Games, Sports Games, Racing Games, and more. But platformers are strangely sparse. The thing is though, Sony could change that. Last gen they did well but this gen has suddenly shifted focus. I could swear there's actually more civilization SIM's than there are platformers on store shelves. It's crazy.
Loved the new Ratchet and Clank. Could go for a new Spyro, Crash or Sly game any day now....
Of Sony's big three family-friendly platforming franchises (Ratchet & Clank, Jak & Daxter and Sly Cooper) the only one I ever managed to really get into was R & C. I liked the first Jak game well enough, but the ones after that didn't do anything for me, which was surprising as I generally tend to love open world games. Sly Cooper I could just never get into at all. I'm glad that the new R & C game is doing so well and hope it leads to more and perhaps convinces Sony to try its hand at some other platforming games. I also hope the rumors of a second Knack game are true. Really enjoyed that even though I know it wasn't great. I hope that the sequel, if there is one, can live up to that game's potential.
Ratchet & Clank on the PS4 was great. Hopefully Insomniac will make a sequel, and Sony could reintroduce Crash some soon.
I would love more family friendly gaming on the PS4 as a whole because it would be great for family owners. However, getting family gaming right is tough so can understand why they might be hesitant to try.
I would love open world 3D platformers, like Mario 64 was. I think that formula fits the genre better than a linear approach.
In the 80's it seemed that every week, at least 1 new platformer was released. Whether it was something simple like just making your way through the game and avoiding the enemies, side scrolling platforming or adding a basic 'shooting' element to deal with enemies.
SM64 was the first 3D platformer that really changed what I wanted from a Platformer. Not only did that give us the '3D' world but its analogue control scheme also gave us so much more control - the ability to 'creep', walk, run or sprint added so much more than just the 3D world. The ability to go round enemies or boxes. The freedom this offers over 2D is for me the most important.
Up until 'Goldeneye' released, my favourite genre was platformers. I enjoyed Doom and Wolfenstein but these were basic and lacked any of the finesse that Goldeneye offered. They lacked 'story', variety etc - just clear the level and move to the next slightly more difficult level and repeat (something I fear the new Doom will be like).
From SM64, we saw more 'story' added. SM64 was pretty much the same as the 2D version in that there was a 'underlying' story (princess captured and you have to beat the boss to rescue her - no different from the original Donkey Kong). As technology had improved significantly, games added 'dialogue' - albeit in Speech bubbles, but this gave developers the opportunity to add more 'depth' into their worlds.
In my opinion, I believe games like Assassins Creed, Uncharted etc are the evolution of 3D platformers. The 'collectibles' (coins, gems etc) have been replaced as the main objective and become optional (feathers, treasures). The platforming has been merged into a 'movement mechanic'. The 'story' is now the main focus and more focus has been but into the 'action' and 'combat'. You can see how 3D platformers evolved over the n64 era - SM64 was a straight up platformer, Banjo Kazooie was a platformer with a bit more 'story' to it, Conker had more story again and DK64 more story, more action (weapons, ammo, super abilities - music), Goemon focussed a lot on the story too.
I don't mind 3D platformers for something different, something 'old-school', something 'shallow'. I get bored with 2D platformers and it annoys me that everything feels so 'flat' even if the art-style gives an impression of 'depth' - I include 2.5D in this too. It feels very restrictive.
I still think we should have 'family' orientated 3D platformers. Whilst I don't have 'children' of a young age, I do think they should have access to these. My son beat SM64 at 3 but I wouldn't have wanted him playing FPS or more adult orientated games. These games 'teach' a lot of the basics of most 3D based games and gives you something to enjoy with younger family members.
Yes! Give me a new or rebooted Jak & Daxter please! Was one of my favourite games on PS2.
But like somebody already mentions Sony has plenty of these IPs but doesn't use them which I think is strange, everybody loves playing games that aren't all serious and are just fun and easy, I'm delighted for R&C hopefully it'll spur Sony on to make more of these type of games.
Definitely. R&C shows it can be done, but it has to be priced accordingly, marketed, and the game has to actually be good.
@get2sammyb
I know that you're on NeoGaf 24/7, so you've probably heard already, but are you gonna report on the Crash Easter Egg in UC4? Or are you honoring the official release date?
It seems an announcement of a reboot of some sorts this e3 is inevitable!
@Boerewors I'm not allowed to talk about it! My advice: avoid Uncharted 4 spoilers like the plague.
@get2sammyb
I will, but I've heard from several people how hard it is. Luckily I don't use social media, so I just have to refrain from reading comment sections... Comment sections like these
I just want Knack 2. Or a good Spyro the Dragon.
Yeah, totally.
Please, i hope they remaster the original Crash Bandicoot games from the PS1 era!!! This would be the year for them, especially the first one. 20 years of Crash Bandicoot!!! Make it happen Sony!
No doubt about it. There are many 2D platforms but 3D mascot platforms have basically died, and its not because there is no demand for it.
Just like Castlevania and Bloodstained, Banjo and Yooka-Laylee and Mighty Nr 9, we still want those type of games but publishers only listen to 10yrs olds in focus groups who don't even know what they want for breakfast let alone think of anything other than COD clones and MOBAs. /rant
Yes, but also more family friendly adventures and multiplayer.
An uncharted type adventure game softened down for the 10+ is even more lacking, swearing and gore is fun, but feels a bit unnecessary sometimes when sat in a family living room in front of granny!
Also look at Splatoon as a lesson in family friendly multiplayer, SW Battlefront isn't far behind either.
For one who owns all the movie-tie-in-platform-adventures for PS3, and have Snoopy's Grand Adventure, Knack (loved it by the way) and Ratchet and Clank for PS4...as well as the Lego titles and Legend Of Kay, then yes, I'd love to see some new kid-friendly games added to the system. There were plenty of platformers and party games on the PSOne, PS2 and even the PS3 had a few, so why not...make it to where any person (young or old) can play the system and enjoy it. My kids are 4 and 5, so many of the games are difficult to them, but they like playing some of them (mostly on the original Wii, but they do love Knack and Hasbro Family Party Pack on PS4).
I'd love to see a new Jak and Daxter title like the very first one (which kind of reminded me of Super Mario 64 in a way)...or at least the first one updated like Ratchet And Clank was. Until then, let's get some new Spyro, Crash, Sly Cooper and maybe Sega can work on a new Billy Hatcher And The Giant Egg and maybe even a Super Monkey Ball title???
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