The Best 30 Platformer Games

Prepare for a thrilling journey through the history of gaming with our curated list of the 30 best platformers of all time! This selection spans decades, featuring both timeless classics and modern marvels. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting your adventure, you'll find something to pique your interest. And don't forget to explore our other genre selections: **Survival, Horror, Simulators, 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

Super Mario Bros.

Image: neox.atresmedia.com

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

Kicking off our top 30 is the legendary Super Mario Bros., the game that arguably defined the platformer genre. A household name for gamers worldwide, its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains a cherished classic, holding a special place in the hearts of millions.

Ninja Gaiden

Image: linclogames.com

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

A late-80s NES sensation, Ninja Gaiden captivated players with its stunning graphics and animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later branched out, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return, delighting longtime fans. Experience this timeless classic before the new game arrives!

Disney’s Aladdin

Image: imdb.com

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

No best-of platformer list is complete without a Disney title, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, this game boasts impressive animations, graphics, beautiful environments, and engaging gameplay for its time. Relive childhood memories as you run through the streets of Agrabah, and remember its impressive 4 million sales!

Contra

Image: kotaku.com

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

The Contra series is a platforming legend, and the original 1987 entry remains a favorite. Released across 10 platforms, Contra delivers intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Team up with a friend or go solo to thwart the Red Falcon organization's sinister plans.

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 vibrant visuals and wildly inventive levels. Each stage presents unique challenges and unforgettable bosses, creating a truly memorable and bizarre platforming experience that still holds up today.

Gex

Image: gog.com

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

Gex, the gecko who found himself flung into the world of television, must navigate five diverse worlds, from graveyards to space bases. His wall-climbing abilities, sticky tongue, and springy tail, combined with his charismatic personality, made this game a classic. A remake of the trilogy is even in the works!

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, pirate ships, and more! This game offers a blend of challenging gameplay and lighthearted fun, and an HD remaster on the Nintendo Switch (2025) makes it easily accessible to modern players.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

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

Abe's journey to save his fellow Mudokons from becoming food for evil aliens involves puzzle-solving, timing, and controlling various characters. While the pace might feel slower by today's standards, it offers a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts.

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 original Spyro trilogy, enhancing graphics and gameplay. Experience Spyro's adventures with improved visuals and a renewed sense of charm.

Rayman Legends

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

Rayman Legends' magical cartoon graphics and captivating gameplay make it a standout platformer. While similar in core mechanics to its predecessor, it's memorable for its nostalgic appeal and cooperative gameplay.

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 must-play. The hero's quest to rescue his beloved is fraught with peril, requiring precise timing and skill.

Sonic Mania

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

A fan-made love letter to the classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania perfectly captures the spirit of the Mega Drive/Genesis era while adding new levels and improved visuals.

Psychonauts

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

Explore the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp in this unique platformer. While the graphics may show their age, the captivating story and puzzle-solving make it a worthwhile experience. Consider also checking out its sequel, Psychonauts 2 (2021).

Metal Slug Anthology

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

This anthology lets you experience six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of action, humor, and beautiful graphics.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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

One of the best Kirby games yet, this 3D adventure sees Kirby exploring a post-apocalyptic world. The ability to swallow enemies and gain their powers remains a highlight, and the game offers a satisfying challenge.

Celeste

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

Madeline's climb up Celeste Mountain is a metaphor for overcoming inner demons. The game's challenging gameplay is balanced by its gripping story and beautiful soundtrack.

Super Mario Odyssey

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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 with stunning graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and challenging puzzles.

Cuphead

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Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.

Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon aesthetic is matched by its challenging, fast-paced gameplay. A stylish and memorable platformer.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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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, and even play as the villain, Dr. Neo Cortex.

GRIS

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

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

Katana ZERO

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

This fast-paced neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and skillful execution. Its gripping story adds depth to the intense gameplay.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A remastered version of the 1989 classic, DuckTales Remastered adds new levels and features while retaining the charm of the original.

Pizza Tower

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

Pizza Tower's unique gameplay mechanic of a frantic dash back to the start after reaching the goal creates a thrilling and intense experience.

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.

Astro Bot

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

Astro Bot is a critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring over 80 levels and making full use of the DualSense controller's features.

Owlboy

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

Owlboy offers a charming story and unique flying mechanics, creating a refreshing platforming experience.

The Messenger

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

The Messenger is a clever homage to classic platformers, transitioning from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and incorporating Metroidvania elements.

Huntdown

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

Huntdown delivers brutal action in a cyberpunk setting, with diverse weapons, stylish visuals, and intense boss fights.

Little Nightmares

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

Little Nightmares blends platforming and puzzle elements with a disturbing atmosphere of horror.

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 games in the series, paying homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This concludes our list of the top 30 platformers, a journey through the genre's rich history. We hope this selection inspires you to embark on your own platforming adventures!