Top 30 Platformer Games Revealed
- By Skylar
- Apr 01,2025
In this curated selection of video games, we present the 30 best platformers of all time, showcasing both modern gems and timeless classics that have defined the genre. From iconic titles to innovative new releases, this list celebrates the diverse and dynamic world of platform gaming. For those interested in exploring other genres, don't miss our curated lists of **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 pioneered the platformer genre. Recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling video game of all time, its hero, Mario, has become a symbol of Nintendo and video gaming worldwide. The original game holds a special place in the hearts of millions, despite the many fantastic Mario sequels that followed.
Ninja Gaiden
Image: linclogames.com
Metascore: tbd
Release date: December 9, 1988
Developer: Tecmo
Ninja Gaiden captured the hearts of NES players in the late '80s with its stunning graphics, anime-style cutscenes, and challenging gameplay. A beloved classic, the series is set to return to its 2D roots with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound in 2025, much to the excitement of long-time fans.
Disney’s Aladdin
Image: imdb.com
Metascore: 59
User Score: 7.8
Release date: November 11, 1993
Developer: Virgin Interactive
No list of platformers is complete without a Disney title. Disney's Aladdin brought the magic of the animated film to home consoles with top-notch animations and engaging gameplay, selling 4 million copies and enchanting players with its nostalgic charm.
Contra
Image: kotaku.com
Metascore: tbd
Release date: February 20, 1987
Developer: Konami
Contra is synonymous with action-platforming excellence. Launched in 1987 across 10 platforms, this classic game offers intense gameplay and cooperative action as players fight to stop the Red Falcon organization.
Earthworm Jim 2
Image: store.epicgames.com
Metascore: tbd
Download: Steam
Release date: September 18, 1995
Developer: Shiny Entertainment
Earthworm Jim 2 is a vibrant and eccentric platformer from the Sega Genesis era. With its quirky tasks, unforgettable bosses, and unique level designs, it remains a standout title that promises a fun and memorable experience even today.
Gex
Image: gog.com
Metascore: tbd
Download: GOG
Release date: April 7, 1995
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex takes players on an adventure through TV worlds as the gecko navigates through diverse and secret-filled levels. With a remake of the entire trilogy in development, this iconic game is set for a revival.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Image: wired.com
Metascore: 87
Release date: November 21, 2010
Developer: Retro Studios
In Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a quest to reclaim their stolen bananas. This game offers a rich mix of challenges and colorful fun, with an HD remaster available 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.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a remake of the 1997 classic, where Abe must escape a meat processing plant. With its focus on puzzle-solving and strategic gameplay, it's perfect for players who enjoy a slower, more thoughtful pace.
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 brings the first three Spyro games to life with stunning graphics and improved gameplay. This collection is a nostalgic delight for fans and a beautiful introduction for new players.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release date: August 20, 2013
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends combines magical cartoon graphics with engaging gameplay, securing its place among the top platformers. With levels from Rayman Origins included, it's a must-play for fans of cooperative platforming.
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 visual style. Players guide the hero through perilous levels to rescue his beloved, requiring precision and skill in every move.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: August 15, 2017
Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
Sonic Mania is a fan-made tribute to the classic Sonic games, blending nostalgia with fresh content. It offers exhilarating speed runs and new levels that both new and veteran players will enjoy.
Psychonauts
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release date: April 19, 2005
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Psychonauts takes players on a journey through the minds of characters at Whispering Rock summer camp. With its engaging stories and challenging puzzles, it's a standout platformer despite its dated graphics.
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, offering straightforward gameplay, beautiful graphics, and humor. It's a perfect collection for fans of the action-packed franchise.
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 transports the beloved pink hero to a 3D post-apocalyptic world. With innovative mechanics like transforming into a car, it's one of the best Kirby adventures yet.
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, both physically and emotionally, with its protagonist Madeline. Its gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Nintendo Store
Release date: October 27, 2017
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Super Mario Odyssey revolutionized 3D platforming with its stunning graphics and innovative gameplay, allowing Mario to possess enemies' abilities. It reaffirmed Mario's status as a platformer icon.
Cuphead
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: September 29, 2017
Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Cuphead is celebrated for its 1930s cartoon-inspired visuals and challenging gameplay. It's a stylish platformer that combines vintage aesthetics with modern mechanics.
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: It's About Time builds on the classic trilogy with new features and stunning visuals. Players can switch between heroes, including the villain Dr. Neo Cortex, to save the multiverse.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release date: December 13, 2018
Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS is a visually stunning platformer that follows a girl's journey through 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 fast-paced neo-noir action platformer that tests players' reaction times. With its intricate story and diverse gameplay, it's a thrilling experience.
DuckTales Remastered
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 70
Download: Steam
Release date: August 13, 2013
Developer: WayForward Technologies
DuckTales Remastered modernizes the classic 1989 game with expanded levels and new features. It's a delightful revisit for fans of the original.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2023
Developer: Tour De Pizza
Pizza Tower is a dynamic platformer featuring chef Peppino. Its unique mechanic of racing back to the start after destroying a goal pillar adds excitement and intensity to the gameplay.
Mega Man 11
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: October 2, 2018
Developer: Capcom
Mega Man 11 pays homage to the classic series while introducing modern visuals and the Double Gear system. It's a must-play for fans of the franchise.
Astro Bot
Image: playstation.com
Metascore: 94
Download: Steam
Release date: September 6, 2024
Developer: Team Asobi
Astro Bot was named the best game of 2024 by many publications. This 3D platformer offers over 80 levels across 50 planets, showcasing the robot's abilities and the DualSense controller's features.
Owlboy
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release date: November 1, 2016
Developer: D-Pad Studio
Owlboy is a cozy platformer with adventure elements, focusing on flying mechanics and a fairytale story. Its unique gameplay and engaging narrative make it a standout title.
The Messenger
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: August 30, 2018
Developer: Sabotage
The Messenger is a homage to classic platformers, featuring 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and Metroidvania elements. Its humor and engaging gameplay make it a delightful experience.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: May 12, 2020
Developer: Easy Trigger Games
Huntdown offers a cyberpunk-themed action platformer with thrilling shootouts and boss fights. Its pixel art and intense gameplay make it a standout title for fans of the genre.
Little Nightmares
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 78
Download: Steam
Release date: April 28, 2017
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Little Nightmares blends platforming with puzzle elements in a horror-themed setting. Its slow-paced gameplay and intense atmosphere make it a gripping experience.
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 collection of platformer games featuring the iconic shovel-wielding knight. Its retro style and engaging gameplay pay homage to the golden age of platformers.
This concludes our list of the TOP-30 platformer video games, featuring a mix of modern masterpieces and genre-defining classics. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, we hope this selection inspires you to dive into the exciting world of platform gaming.
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