The Best 30 Platformer Games

This curated selection showcases 30 of the best platformer video games ever created, blending timeless classics with modern masterpieces. Prepare for a journey through gaming history, featuring titles that have defined the genre and continue to captivate players.

We also invite you to explore our other genre selections: **Survival, Horror, Simulators, 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.

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

Kicking off our list is the legendary Super Mario Bros., a game that arguably birthed the entire platformer genre. Its impact is undeniable; a Guinness World Record holder for best-selling video game, Mario himself has become a global icon. While countless Mario iterations have followed, the original remains a cherished experience for millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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

Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES scene in the late 80s, captivating players with its impressive graphics and animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable soundtrack, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from its platforming roots, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return, delighting longtime fans. Experience this classic before the new game arrives.

Disney’s Aladdin

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

No platformer list is complete without a Disney title, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, it boasts superb animation, beautiful environments, and engaging gameplay mechanics for its time. Running through Agrabah, you'll find yourself humming along to the iconic soundtrack. Its 4 million copies sold are a testament to its enduring appeal.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming legend, and the 1987 original remains the best. Released across 10 platforms, Contra's intense gameplay, relentless enemies, and diverse levels have stood the test of time. Team up with a friend or go solo to thwart the Red Falcon organization.

Earthworm Jim 2

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

A Sega Genesis standout, Earthworm Jim 2 is remembered for its wild creativity. Each level presents increasingly bizarre challenges and unforgettable bosses. The diverse and unique locations, each with a memorable quirk, ensure a truly unforgettable experience, even three decades later.

Gex

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly sucked into the world of television! He must navigate five wildly different worlds, from graveyards to space stations. The expansive levels, Gex's unique abilities (wall climbing, sticky tongue), and his charming personality cemented this game's place in gaming history. A remake of the trilogy is currently in development.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

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

Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a banana-retrieval quest, facing jungle adventures, minecart races, pirate ships, and more. Packed with secrets and challenges, this game offers a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players. An HD remaster was released on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

Metascore: 84 Download: Steam Release date: July 22, 2014 Developer: Just Add Water (Developments), Ltd.

Abe must escape a meat processing plant and rescue his brethren from becoming alien food. This remake of the 1997 classic emphasizes puzzle-solving and strategic gameplay. While its pace may feel deliberate by modern standards, it's a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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

This remastered collection of the first three Spyro games boasts enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players will enjoy revisiting classic levels, battling enemies, and collecting hidden items, all set to a fantastic soundtrack.

Rayman Legends

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

Rayman Legends combines magical cartoon visuals with captivating gameplay. While the core mechanics are familiar, the game's charm and inclusion of 40 levels from Rayman Origins make it a nostalgic treat, especially for cooperative players.

Super Meat Boy

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 fraught with peril, requiring precision and quick reflexes to navigate deadly traps.

Sonic Mania

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

Sonic Mania is a love letter to the franchise, created by fans. It expertly recreates the classic Mega Drive/Genesis era while adding new levels and enhancing existing ones. It's a thrilling high-speed adventure for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Psychonauts

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

Explore the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp. Psychonauts' captivating story, giant puzzle-like worlds, and battles against inner demons make it a unique and memorable experience. Consider also playing Psychonauts 2 (2024).

Metal Slug Anthology

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

This anthology contains six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of straightforward gameplay, beautiful graphics, smooth animations, and humor.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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

This 3D adventure features Kirby in a post-apocalyptic world. The game's innovative mechanics, challenging trials, and epic finale make it a standout Kirby title.

Celeste

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

Madeline's mountain climb is a metaphor for overcoming inner demons. Celeste's gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging yet accessible gameplay make it a powerful experience.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A modern classic, Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64, delivering stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and mind-bending puzzles.

Cuphead

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 must-play for fans of vintage animation.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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 stunning visuals. Players switch between Crash and Coco, even playing as Dr. Neo Cortex.

GRIS

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

GRIS is a visually stunning game about a girl's journey through her inner world. Its beautiful visuals and profound symbolism make it a work of art.

Katana ZERO

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

This fast-paced neo-noir platformer demands precision and quick reflexes. Its intriguing story adds depth to the intense gameplay.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A remastered version of the 1989 classic, DuckTales Remastered features enhanced visuals and gameplay.

Pizza Tower

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

Pizza Tower's unique gameplay mechanic and frantic pace make it a thrilling and memorable experience.

Mega Man 11

Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom

Mega Man 11 blends classic gameplay with modern visuals and the unique Double Gear system.

Astro Bot

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

Astro Bot's charming visuals and innovative use of the DualSense controller make it a standout 3D platformer.

Owlboy

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

Owlboy offers a unique blend of platforming and adventure, with a focus on flying mechanics.

The Messenger

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

The Messenger is a clever homage to classic platformers, featuring a unique visual shift and Metroidvania elements.

Huntdown

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

Huntdown delivers intense cyberpunk action with beautiful pixel art and thrilling boss fights.

Little Nightmares

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

Little Nightmares blends platforming and horror, creating a disturbing yet captivating atmosphere.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a collection of games in the series, paying homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This diverse collection of platformers offers something for every player, from nostalgic classics to innovative modern titles. We hope this list inspires you to jump into these unforgettable worlds!