The Best 30 Platformer Games

This compilation showcases the 30 best platformer video games of all time, blending modern hits with timeless classics. Explore a diverse range of titles, from retro gems to contemporary masterpieces. Don't miss our genre-specific game lists: Survival Horror, Simulators, and Shooters.

Table of Contents

• 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

Super Mario Bros.

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Metascore: tbd Release Date: September 13, 1985 Developer: Nintendo R&D4

Kicking off our list is the legendary Super Mario Bros., a genre-defining classic recognized by virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario iterations have followed, the original remains cherished by millions.

Ninja Gaiden

Image: linclogames.com

Metascore: tbd Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo

Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES landscape in the late 80s, praised for its high-quality graphics, animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable soundtrack, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return, delighting longtime fans.

Disney’s Aladdin

Image: imdb.com

Metascore: 59 User Score: 7.8 Release Date: November 11, 1993 Developer: Virgin Interactive

This adaptation of the beloved animated film showcases impressive animation, graphics, and engaging gameplay for its time. Exploring the vibrant streets of Agrabah, players relive the magic of a childhood classic. Its 4 million sales are a testament to its enduring appeal.

Contra

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Metascore: tbd Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami

The original Contra remains a standout action-platformer, renowned for its intense gameplay, diverse levels, and hordes of enemies. Whether solo or with a friend, players confront the Red Falcon organization in this timeless classic.

Earthworm Jim 2

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Metascore: tbd Download: Steam Release Date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment

A Sega Genesis standout, Earthworm Jim 2 is remembered for its quirky humor, unique levels, and unforgettable bosses. Its vibrant visuals and unusual challenges deliver a truly unforgettable experience.

Gex

Image: gog.com

Metascore: tbd Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics

Gex's unexpected journey through the world of television is a testament to its charm and unique gameplay. Wall-climbing, tongue-using antics, and diverse levels make this a memorable platformer. A remake of the trilogy is currently in development.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

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Metascore: 87 Release Date: November 21, 2010 Developer: Retro Studios

Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a banana-retrieval quest filled with jungle adventures, minecart races, and pirate ship encounters. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay is perfect for both casual and hardcore players. An HD remaster was released on 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.

Abe's escape from a meat processing plant, while rescuing his brethren, is a puzzle-solving adventure. While the pace might feel slower by today's standards, its strategic gameplay is rewarding for puzzle enthusiasts. A remake of the 1997 original.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: November 13, 2018 Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios

This remastered collection breathes new life into the classic Spyro trilogy, featuring enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players revisit beloved levels, battling enemies and collecting hidden items in a visually stunning package.

Rayman Legends

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier

Rayman Legends' magical cartoon visuals and captivating gameplay make it a top-tier platformer. While similar to its predecessor, it's memorable for its nostalgic charm and cooperative gameplay. Includes 40 levels from Rayman Origins.

Super Meat Boy

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Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release Date: October 20, 2010 Developer: Team Meat

Super Meat Boy's brutal difficulty, unique art style, and critical acclaim make it a standout. The protagonist's quest to rescue his beloved is a relentless test of precision and reflexes.

Sonic Mania

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Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games

A fan-made tribute to the classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania expertly blends nostalgia with innovation. Improved classic zones and new levels offer a thrilling high-speed experience for both veterans and newcomers.

Psychonauts

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Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions

Psychonauts takes players on a journey through the minds of various characters, exploring puzzle-like worlds and battling inner demons. While the graphics might show their age, the captivating story and unique gameplay remain compelling. Consider Psychonauts 2 (2021) for a modern experience.

Metal Slug Anthology

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Metascore: 73 Download: PlayStation Store Release Date: December 14, 2006 Developer: Terminal Reality

This collection features six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of action, humor, and beautiful graphics. Its straightforward gameplay and charming aesthetic set it apart from other shooters of its time.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Image: nintendo.com

Metascore: 85 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: March 25, 2022 Developer: HAL Laboratory

A top-tier Kirby game, featuring a 3D post-apocalyptic world. Kirby's ability to absorb enemies and gain their powers, along with the transforming car mechanic, makes for a unique and engaging experience.

Celeste

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: January 25, 2018 Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.

Madeline's mountain climb is a compelling metaphor for overcoming personal challenges. Celeste's gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging mechanics make it a memorable experience, despite its difficulty.

Super Mario Odyssey

Image: nintendo.com

Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD

A worthy successor to Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey delivers stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and mind-bending puzzles. Its success reaffirms Mario's reign 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 stunning 1930s cartoon art style is matched by its challenging, fast-paced gameplay. A stylish platformer for 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 retains the spirit of the originals while adding new features and improved visuals. Players switch between Crash, Coco, and even Dr. Neo Cortex to save the multiverse.

GRIS

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio

GRIS's stunning visuals and poignant story make it a beautiful and moving platformer. A girl's journey through her inner world is a testament to the power of art and storytelling in games.

Katana ZERO

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft

A fast-paced neo-noir action platformer demanding precise timing and strategic thinking. Its thrilling gameplay is interwoven with a captivating story.

DuckTales Remastered

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Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies

A modernized remake of the 1989 classic, featuring improved graphics, added levels, and new features. Experience the adventures of Scrooge McDuck in this updated classic.

Pizza Tower

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Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza

A frantic and visually unique platformer featuring a unique two-stage level design. Chef Peppino's high-speed dash back to the start after reaching the goal creates intense gameplay.

Mega Man 11

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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. A solid entry in the long-running series.

Astro Bot

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Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi

A critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring over 80 levels and innovative use of the DualSense controller. A must-play for PS5 owners.

Owlboy

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio

A charming platformer with adventure elements, featuring a unique flight mechanic and a heartwarming story.

The Messenger

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Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage

A clever homage to classic platformers with a humorous twist and a unique 8-bit to 16-bit visual transition.

Huntdown

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games

A brutal cyberpunk action platformer with stylish pixel art and intense gunplay.

Little Nightmares

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release Date: April 28, 2017 Developer: Tarsier Studios

A slow-paced, puzzle-solving platformer with a disturbing horror atmosphere. Guide a little girl through terrifying environments.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release Date: June 26, 2014 Developer: Yacht Club Games

A collection of Shovel Knight games, paying homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This top 30 list encompasses both modern and classic platformers, including several remasters that bridge generations of gamers. We hope this inspires you to embark on new adventures!