The vibrant and collect-a-thon focused world of Yooka-Laylee, and its more recent iteration, Yooka-Replaylee, has captured the hearts of many gamers nostalgic for the N64 era of platforming. If you've finished exploring all the nooks and crannies of Yooka's adventures and are craving more of that charming, objective-driven, 3D platforming goodness, you're in luck! The landscape of gaming in 2025 offers a plethora of titles that echo the spirit of Yooka-Replaylee. Here, we dive into the top 5 best games that capture that unique blend of exploration, quirky characters, and satisfying collection.
1. A Hat in Time
Often cited as a spiritual successor to classic 3D platformers, 'A Hat in Time' is a delightful indie gem that perfectly scratches the Yooka-Laylee itch. Players control Hat Kid, a young girl trying to collect her spaceship's fuel (Time Pieces) before it drifts away. The game features a vibrant art style, whimsical characters, and expansive, creative levels that encourage exploration and experimentation. Like Yooka-Replaylee, its core gameplay loop revolves around completing various objectives within each world, unlocking new abilities, and discovering secrets. The sheer variety of gameplay mechanics, from platforming challenges to mini-games, keeps things fresh and engaging.
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2. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
For those who loved the colorful worlds and straightforward collect-a-thon gameplay of Yooka-Replaylee, the 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy' is a must-play. This beautifully remastered collection brings the original three PlayStation Spyro games to modern consoles with stunning visuals and updated controls. Each game tasks players with guiding the little purple dragon through a series of diverse worlds, collecting gems, rescuing dragons, and defeating the nefarious Ripto. The sense of progression, the joy of unlocking new areas, and the satisfying chime of collecting every last item make this trilogy a perfect companion to Yooka-Replaylee's gameplay loop.
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3. Psychonauts 2
Double Fine Productions' 'Psychonauts 2' is a masterclass in narrative-driven 3D platforming. While it delves deeper into storytelling and character development than Yooka-Replaylee, it shares the same core DNA of imaginative level design and diverse gameplay mechanics. Players step into the psychic shoes of Razputin Aquato as he explores the minds of various characters, each representing a unique and surreal world. The game excels in its creative use of psychic abilities, its humor, and its ability to blend challenging platforming with a genuinely heartfelt story. If you appreciate Yooka-Replaylee's ability to transport you to fantastical places, Psychonauts 2 will do so in spades.
4. Banjo-Kazooie (and Banjo-Tooie)
It's impossible to discuss games similar to Yooka-Laylee without mentioning its direct inspirations, the original 'Banjo-Kazooie' and its sequel, 'Banjo-Tooie'. Developed by Rare, these N64 classics set the standard for 3D platforming collect-a-thons. Players control the titular bear and bird duo as they embark on grand adventures to stop the witch Gruntilda. The games are packed with charming characters, intricate levels filled with secrets, musical challenges, and a vast array of items to collect. The humor, the cooperative gameplay between Banjo and Kazooie, and the sheer depth of exploration make these games timeless and essential for any Yooka-Replaylee fan.
5. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
'Sackboy: A Big Adventure' offers a more modern take on the 3D platformer, blending the signature charm of the LittleBigPlanet series with a more focused, linear-to-semi-open level structure. Players control Sackboy as he travels through a fantastical world to stop the villainous Clive Handforth. The game boasts gorgeous visuals, inventive level design, and a delightful soundtrack. While it may not be as open-ended as Yooka-Replaylee, its emphasis on precise platforming, collecting Zom-Nums, and utilizing a variety of power-ups provides a deeply satisfying experience that fans of the genre will appreciate. Its co-op features also add another layer of fun for those who enjoy playing with friends.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure PC Steam CD Key GLOBAL is available in our store
Conclusion
The legacy of the collect-a-thon 3D platformer is alive and well in 2025, thanks in no small part to games like Yooka-Replaylee and its predecessors. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical worlds of 'A Hat in Time', the classic charm of 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy', the imaginative narratives of 'Psychonauts 2', the foundational brilliance of 'Banjo-Kazooie', or the modern polish of 'Sackboy: A Big Adventure', there's a fantastic adventure waiting for you. These titles offer the perfect blend of exploration, collection, and joyful platforming that makes games like Yooka-Replaylee so enduringly popular.
