In this curated list, we showcase the 30 best platformer video games of all time, encompassing both modern marvels and timeless classics that have shaped the genre. Dive into our recommendations and explore games from various genres such as Survival, Horror, Simulators, and Shooters:
Table of Content
- Super Mario Bros.
- Ninja Gaiden
- Disney’s Aladdin
- Contra
- Earthworm Jim 2
- Gex
- Donkey Kong Country Returns
- Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy
- Rayman Legends
- Super Meat Boy
- Sonic Mania
- Psychonauts
- Metal Slug Anthology
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Celeste
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Cuphead
- Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
- GRIS
- Katana ZERO
- DuckTales Remastered
- Pizza Tower
- Mega Man 11
- Astro Bot
- Owlboy
- The Messenger
- Huntdown
- Little Nightmares
- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
0 0 Comment on this Super Mario Bros.
Image: neox.atresmedia.com
Metascore: tbd
Release date: September 13, 1985
Developer: Nintendo R&D4
Kicking off our list is the legendary Super Mario Bros., the game that ignited the platformer genre. Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling video game ever, it has made Mario an iconic figure in gaming. The original charm of this game continues to resonate with players worldwide, even as newer iterations dazzle with their innovations.
Ninja Gaiden
Image: linclogames.com
Metascore: tbd
Release date: December 9, 1988
Developer: Tecmo
In the late '80s, Ninja Gaiden captivated NES players with its stunning graphics, anime-style cutscenes, and unforgettable music. It remains a beloved classic, and fans can look forward to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound in 2025, a return to its 2D roots.
Disney’s Aladdin
Image: imdb.com
Metascore: 59
User Score: 7.8
Release date: November 11, 1993
Developer: Virgin Interactive
No list of top platformers is complete without a Disney game. Aladdin, based on the beloved animated film, offers engaging gameplay, beautiful animations, and iconic settings. With 4 million copies sold, it's a testament to the era's love for physical media games.
Contra
Image: kotaku.com
Metascore: tbd
Release date: February 20, 1987
Developer: Konami
The Contra series is synonymous with action-platforming excellence. The 1987 original remains a fan favorite, challenging players to navigate intense levels and thwart the Red Falcon's nefarious plans.
Earthworm Jim 2
Image: store.epicgames.com
Metascore: tbd
Download: Steam
Release date: September 18, 1995
Developer: Shiny Entertainment
Earthworm Jim 2 is a standout for its quirky levels and memorable bosses. Each stage offers a unique experience, making it a must-play for fans of the Sega Genesis and beyond.
Gex
Image: gog.com
Metascore: tbd
Download: GOG
Release date: April 7, 1995
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex transforms TV-watching into an adventure as the gecko navigates through diverse worlds. With its charm and innovative mechanics, Gex remains iconic, and fans can look forward to a trilogy remake.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Image: wired.com
Metascore: 87
Release date: November 21, 2010
Developer: Retro Studios
Join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on their quest to reclaim stolen bananas. This game blends challenging gameplay with vibrant visuals, now enhanced with an HD remaster on the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 84
Download: Steam
Release date: July 22, 2014
Developer: Just Add Water (Developments), Ltd.
In Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty, guide Abe through a meat processing plant, solving puzzles and saving his fellow species. This engaging remake of the 1997 classic offers a slower, thoughtful gameplay experience.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Image: gamekult.com
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: November 13, 2018
Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy revives the charm of the original games with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Journey through levels as Spyro, enjoying the nostalgia and modern polish.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release date: August 20, 2013
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends captivates with its magical graphics and engaging gameplay. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, especially for fans of cooperative play.
Super Meat Boy
Image: cdn.startupitalia.eu
Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release date: October 20, 2010
Developer: Team Meat
Super Meat Boy is renowned for its brutal difficulty and unique style. Navigate through treacherous levels to save your beloved, showcasing precision and skill.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: August 15, 2017
Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
Sonic Mania celebrates the franchise's roots with classic gameplay and visuals. It offers both nostalgia and fresh experiences, appealing to fans old and new.
Psychonauts
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release date: April 19, 2005
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Psychonauts invites players into the minds of characters at a summer camp. Its engaging stories and puzzles, combined with a sequel in 2024, offer a rich gaming experience.
Metal Slug Anthology
Image: techtudo.com.br
Metascore: 73
Download: PlayStation Store
Release date: December 14, 2006
Developer: Terminal Reality
Metal Slug Anthology compiles six games from the beloved series. It offers straightforward yet charming gameplay, with humor and smooth animations that set it apart.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 85
Download: Nintendo Store
Release date: March 25, 2022
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Kirby and the Forgotten Land introduces the pink hero to a 3D post-apocalyptic world. With innovative mechanics and a thrilling finale, it's a standout in the Kirby series.
Celeste
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release date: January 25, 2018
Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
Celeste challenges players to climb a mountain, confronting inner demons along the way. Its gripping story and adjustable difficulty make it a must-play for all gamers.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Nintendo Store
Release date: October 27, 2017
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Super Mario Odyssey redefines 3D platforming with innovative gameplay and stunning graphics. It reaffirms Mario's status as the king of platformers.
Cuphead
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: September 29, 2017
Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Cuphead's 1930s cartoon-inspired visuals are matched by its challenging gameplay. It's a stylish platformer that appeals to fans of vintage aesthetics and tough challenges.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release date: October 2, 2020
Developer: Toys For Bob
Crash Bandicoot 4 blends classic charm with new features and visuals. Players save the multiverse, switching between heroes and even playing as the villain.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release date: December 13, 2018
Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS is a visually stunning platformer about a girl navigating her inner world. Its profound symbolism and beautiful art make it a true masterpiece.
Katana ZERO
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release date: April 18, 2019
Developer: Askiisoft
Katana ZERO is a neo-noir action platformer that tests your reflexes. Perfect your katana strikes and navigate through a complex, engaging story.
DuckTales Remastered
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 70
Download: Steam
Release date: August 13, 2013
Developer: WayForward Technologies
DuckTales Remastered reimagines the 1989 classic with enhanced graphics and new levels. Experience the thrill of being the richest duck in the world.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2023
Developer: Tour De Pizza
Pizza Tower offers dynamic gameplay as chef Peppino navigates levels with unique mechanics. The frantic time-based dash adds excitement and intensity.
Mega Man 11
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: October 2, 2018
Developer: Capcom
Mega Man 11 blends classic gameplay with modern visuals and the innovative Double Gear system. It's a fitting tribute to the enduring franchise.
Astro Bot
Image: playstation.com
Metascore: 94
Download: Steam
Release date: September 6, 2024
Developer: Team Asobi
Astro Bot is a 2024 PS5 exclusive that has been hailed as one of the year's best games. Its 3D platforming and use of the DualSense controller are exceptional.
Owlboy
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release date: November 1, 2016
Developer: D-Pad Studio
Owlboy offers a refreshing take on platforming with its emphasis on flying and adventure. Its charming story and unique mechanics make it a standout title.
The Messenger
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: August 30, 2018
Developer: Sabotage
The Messenger pays homage to classic platformers with its humor and engaging gameplay. The transition from 8-bit to 16-bit visuals adds to its charm.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: May 12, 2020
Developer: Easy Trigger Games
Huntdown is a cyberpunk action game with thrilling shootouts and pixel art. Its dark future setting and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Little Nightmares
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 78
Download: Steam
Release date: April 28, 2017
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Little Nightmares combines platforming with horror elements, offering a chilling experience. Guide a girl through terrifying levels, solving puzzles and facing creatures.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release date: June 26, 2014
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a loving tribute to retro platformers. With its unique shovel-based mechanics and 8-bit style, it's a delightful journey through the genre's golden age.
This concludes our selection of the TOP-30 platformer video games, featuring both modern masterpieces and classic gems. These games bridge different generations, offering both nostalgia and new experiences. We hope this list inspires you to pick up a controller and explore these incredible worlds!
