Beloved PS1 Franchise Makes A Comeback In PS5 Game Freebie

The weekend is practically calling our name, so it’s incredibly handy that the PlayStation Store has just gained some free entertainment.

And it’s entertainment that doubles as a certified blast from the past for those of us who gamed in the late 90s.

The PlayStation 1 introduced us to so many incredible platforming characters.

There was Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Croc and, relevantly here, zany orange bobcat Bubsy.

A PS1 Cult Classic Platforming Icon Returns On PS5

Bubsy 3D wasn’t the character's first video game outing, but it did mark his first release on PlayStation as well as the point at which the franchise diverted away from 2D graphics.

It was your classic 90s platformer, with the famed orange bobcat running, jumping, gliding, and swimming to safety.

Fast forward to 2026 and Bubsy is primed and ready to make his grand return in the upcoming Bubsy 4D which has just launched a brand new free demo on the PlayStation Store.

Developed by Fabraz and published by Atari, Bubsy 4D is exactly what it sounds like, a comeback of the franchise’s classic platforming fun.

In fact, it’s the first 3D entry in the franchise in 30 years so it’s been a long time coming.

Set across three different planets, players will make their way through around 15 levels, utilising all of the usual platforming moves whilst also collecting yarns and hidden blueprints.

There’s a time trial mode for those of you who like a challenge, plus Bubsy 4D introduces a ‘hairball mode’ where you can race through levels as a spinning orange ball.

Atari

“Join Bubsy on a new, intergalactic, platforming adventure! Yeah, we couldn’t believe it either,” the synopsis reads.

“The world’s most infamous, wise-cracking bobcat has returned to 3D with new challenges, new moves, and even more purrsonality – in space!

“Run, jump, glide, and roll across alien planets, battle robotic sheep, and collect tons and tons of yarn. What could possibly go wrong?”

In this instalment, Bubsy’s enemies, the Woolies, have stolen all of Earth’s sheep with the deadly BaaBots also after Bubsy’s Golden Fleece.

Each level ends in a BaaBot boss fight, plus those yarns I mentioned? You can spend them to acquire new outfits for Bubsy. Cute.

Familiar characters return including the likes of Terri, Terry, Virgil, and Oblivia.

The demo’s runtime hasn’t been revealed, but judging by online playthroughs, it looks to last for around 30 minutes which is pretty generous.

You can download it simply by searching for Bubsy 4D on the PlayStation Store. There’s also a pre-order offer seemingly running for PlayStation Plus subscribers.

The demo is available on other platforms including Steam, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 if those are your preferred methods of gaming.

And if the demo leaves you desperate to jump into the full version of the game, which lands next month on 22 May, so you only have a few more weeks left to wait.

READ MORE: PS2 Shadow of the Colossus Getting Free PC Remaster, Restores Cut Content