Top 30 Platformer Games Reviewed

In this curated list, we unveil the top 30 platformer games that have captivated gamers across generations. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, this selection showcases the evolution and enduring appeal of the platformer genre. For those eager to explore more, we also recommend diving into our collections of other genres, including **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
Let's kick off our list with the legendary Super Mario Bros., the game that set the standard for the entire platformer genre. Recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling video game ever, Mario's first adventure has left an indelible mark on gaming culture. The iconic plumber's journey remains a cherished memory for millions, despite the countless sequels that followed.

Ninja Gaiden

Image: linclogames.com

Metascore: tbd
Release date: December 9, 1988
Developer: Tecmo
In the late '80s, Ninja Gaiden dazzled NES players with its groundbreaking graphics, anime-style cutscenes, and challenging gameplay. A media darling and player favorite, this game set a high bar for action-platformers. Fans eagerly await the 2025 release of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a return to 2D that promises to reignite the series' classic charm.

Disney’s Aladdin

Image: imdb.com

Metascore: 59
User Score: 7.8
Release date: November 11, 1993
Developer: Virgin Interactive
Our list wouldn't be complete without a nod to Disney's contributions to the genre. Aladdin brings the magic of the animated film to life with stunning animations and engaging gameplay. Its nostalgic appeal and impressive sales of 4 million copies underscore its enduring popularity.

Contra

Image: kotaku.com

Metascore: tbd
Release date: February 20, 1987
Developer: Konami
No discussion of platformers is complete without Contra. This action-packed classic, released across 10 platforms, offers intense gameplay and cooperative fun as players battle the Red Falcon organization on a remote island.

Earthworm Jim 2

Image: store.epicgames.com

Metascore: tbd
Download: Steam
Release date: September 18, 1995
Developer: Shiny Entertainment
Earthworm Jim 2 remains a standout for its creativity and humor. Each level presents bizarre challenges and unforgettable bosses, making it a must-play for fans of the Sega Genesis era. Its unique charm holds up even after 30 years.

Gex

Image: gog.com

Metascore: tbd
Download: GOG
Release date: April 7, 1995
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
In Gex, a gecko gets sucked into a TV world, navigating through diverse and secret-filled levels. The game's charismatic hero and innovative mechanics made it a beloved classic, with a remake of the trilogy now in development.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Image: wired.com

Metascore: 87
Release date: November 21, 2010
Developer: Retro Studios
Donkey Kong Country Returns invites players on a vibrant adventure to reclaim stolen bananas. With its challenging gameplay and colorful worlds, it appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers. An HD remaster for the Nintendo Switch in 2025 ensures its continued relevance.

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 challenges players to help Abe escape a meat processing plant and save his fellow Mudokons. This remake of the 1997 classic offers engaging puzzles and a slower pace that rewards thoughtful gameplay.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Image: gamekult.com

Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: November 13, 2018
Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios
Spyro Reignited Trilogy brings the beloved dragon's first three adventures to life with enhanced graphics and gameplay. It's a nostalgic delight that combines classic charm with modern visuals.

Rayman Legends

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release date: August 20, 2013
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends captivates with its magical visuals and engaging gameplay. While similar to its predecessor, it stands out with 40 remastered levels from Rayman Origins and excellent cooperative features.

Super Meat Boy

Image: cdn.startupitalia.eu

Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release date: October 20, 2010
Developer: Team Meat
Super Meat Boy may look simple, but its challenging levels and unique style have won it numerous accolades. The game's brutal difficulty and compelling narrative make it a standout in the genre.

Sonic Mania

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: August 15, 2017
Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
Sonic Mania honors the franchise's roots while introducing fresh elements. With its classic gameplay and revamped zones, it offers a thrilling experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Psychonauts

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release date: April 19, 2005
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Psychonauts takes players on a mind-bending journey through the psyches of various characters. Despite its dated graphics, the game's captivating story and puzzles remain engaging, with Psychonauts 2 offering a modern update.

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 iconic series, showcasing its blend of action, humor, and beautiful graphics. It's a perfect collection for fans of the genre.

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 beloved character to a 3D world. With innovative mechanics like transforming into a car, it offers a delightful and challenging experience for all players.

Celeste

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release date: January 25, 2018
Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
Celeste tells the story of Madeline's climb up a mountain, both literally and metaphorically. Its challenging gameplay, beautiful soundtrack, and deep narrative have made it a favorite among platformer enthusiasts.

Super Mario Odyssey

Image: nintendo.com

Metascore: 97
Download: Nintendo Store
Release date: October 27, 2017
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Super Mario Odyssey reaffirms Mario's status as the king of platformers. With innovative gameplay and stunning visuals, it continues to push the genre forward.

Cuphead

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 86
Download: Steam
Release date: September 29, 2017
Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Cuphead stands out with its 1930s cartoon-inspired visuals and challenging gameplay. It's a stylish and demanding platformer that appeals to fans of vintage animation.

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 series' legacy with new features and stunning visuals. Players switch between heroes and even play as villains, offering fresh gameplay dynamics.

GRIS

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release date: December 13, 2018
Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS is a visually stunning journey through a girl's inner world. Its symbolic puzzles and beautiful art make it a standout platformer that resonates deeply with players.

Katana ZERO

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release date: April 18, 2019
Developer: Askiisoft
Katana ZERO combines fast-paced action with a compelling neo-noir story. Its precise mechanics and engaging narrative make it a thrilling experience for players.

DuckTales Remastered

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 70
Download: Steam
Release date: August 13, 2013
Developer: WayForward Technologies
DuckTales Remastered revives the 1989 classic with updated graphics and new levels. It's a nostalgic trip for fans and a fun adventure for newcomers.

Pizza Tower

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2023
Developer: Tour De Pizza
Pizza Tower offers a unique and frenetic platforming experience. Its two-stage level design, combining exploration with a frantic dash back to the start, keeps players on their toes.

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 tribute to the series' roots while offering fresh challenges.

Astro Bot

Image: playstation.com

Metascore: 94
Download: Steam
Release date: September 6, 2024
Developer: Team Asobi
Astro Bot has been hailed as one of the best games of 2024. With over 80 levels across 50 planets and innovative use of the DualSense controller, it's a must-try for platformer fans.

Owlboy

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release date: November 1, 2016
Developer: D-Pad Studio
Owlboy offers a refreshing take on the genre with its emphasis on flight and storytelling. Its cozy atmosphere 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 a witty twist. Its transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and Metroidvania-style exploration make it a delightful and engaging experience.

Huntdown

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 82
Download: Steam
Release date: May 12, 2020
Developer: Easy Trigger Games
Huntdown delivers a cyberpunk action-platformer with thrilling shootouts and boss battles. Its pixel art and gritty atmosphere make it a standout in the genre.

Little Nightmares

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 78
Download: Steam
Release date: April 28, 2017
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Little Nightmares blends platforming with horror and puzzles, creating a tense and atmospheric experience. Its unique art style and challenging gameplay make it a memorable journey.

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 8-bit platformers. With its unique shovel-based gameplay and charming retro style, it's a must-play for fans of the genre.

Our top 30 platformer games celebrate the rich history and innovation of the genre. From nostalgic classics to modern masterpieces, these titles offer something for every type of gamer. We hope this list inspires you to pick up a controller and embark on your next platforming adventure!