Xbox’s Hidden Platforming Gems: Alternatives to Astro Bot

Astro Bot is a shining example of what PlayStation can do with platformers, but many Xbox fans have been lamenting the lack of a similar experience on their console. While it’s true that Xbox doesn’t have an exclusive platformer quite like Astro Bot, Xbox Game Pass offers a wealth of excellent 3D platforming experiences.

One of the most recent and impressive platformers on Game Pass is

Psychonauts 2

, published by Xbox Game Studios. This mind-bending adventure, developed by Double Fine, boasts fantastic level design and delves into themes of mental health, anxiety, and trauma in a way that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. The original

Psychonauts

is also available on Game Pass, offering a nostalgic journey back to the original Xbox era.

Xbox also has a treasure trove of classic platformers in its library.

Banjo-Kazooie

, the beloved Rare series that redefined the genre on Nintendo 64, is now available through Rare Replay on Game Pass. This includes the original game, its sequel

Banjo-Tooie

, and the more vehicle-focused

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has brought iconic platforming franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon to Xbox Game Pass. Currently,

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

is available, offering a beautifully remastered version of the original PS1 trilogy.

Beyond these major franchises, Xbox Game Pass offers a selection of lesser-known gems.

Super Lucky’s Tale

is a charming adventure starring a cute fox, while

New Super Lucky’s Tale

expands on the original with more story content and refined gameplay.

Contrast

, a unique platformer from Compulsion Games, allows players to jump between shadows and offers a captivating 1920s aesthetic.

For those looking for a blast from the past,

Blinx: The Time Sweeper

offers a time-bending twist on the 3D platformer formula. This original Xbox classic allows players to manipulate time as they navigate through levels, providing a unique and memorable gameplay experience.

And it’s not just Xbox’s own studios that offer platforming experiences.

It Takes Two

, a critically acclaimed cooperative platformer, is available through EA Play for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated

, a remake of the beloved licensed game, and

Lil Gator Game

, a charming indie platformer, round out the diverse selection on Game Pass.

While Astro Bot’s release has highlighted the lack of a similar exclusive on Xbox, Game Pass provides a diverse and extensive library of platformers. Xbox has the IP and the resources to create a truly captivating platforming experience, but the question remains: will they make it a priority?