Games Like Spyro & Crash Bandicoot (2024 Recommendations)

Many modern games capture the collectathon platformer spirit of Spyro and Crash. Categorized by what you might miss:

Direct Spiritual Successors

• Spyro Reignited Trilogy / Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy / Crash 4: The obvious starting point—faithful remakes/sequels.
• Yooka-Laylee / Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair: Made by ex-Rare devs; pure 3D/2.5D collectathon.
• A Hat in Time: Charming 3D platformer with hat mechanics, tight controls, great DLC.

Modern Platforming Greats

• Super Mario Odyssey: King of creative 3D platforming.
• Rayman Legends: Best 2D platformer—gorgeous, rhythmic, generous.
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure: Co-op 3D platformer, very accessible.
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Action-platformer, stunning, humorous.

Nostalgia-Adjacent

• Banjo-Kazooie / Tooie (Xbox/NSO): The genre-defining N64 collectathons.
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Challenging 2D, incredible level design.
• Psychonauts 1 & 2: Quirky, story-driven, platforming + psychic powers.
• Jak & Daxter / Sly Cooper (PS Now/Remasters): PS2 classics with strong character.

Indie Gems

• Celeste, Hollow Knight, Ori 1&2: Metroidvania/platformer hybrids, masterful design.
• Pseudoregalia, Cavern of Dreams, Spark the Electric Jester: N64/PS1 aesthetic throwbacks.

Pick based on whether you want pure collectathon (Yooka-Laylee), tight action (Crash 4, Tropical Freeze), or exploration (A Hat in Time, Odyssey).