The Best 30 Platformer Games

This list showcases 30 of the best platformer video games ever created, a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces. Prepare for a journey through gaming history, encompassing both retro favorites and cutting-edge titles.

We also invite you to explore our curated selections of games from other genres: **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.

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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 birthed the entire platformer genre. A household name for gamers worldwide, Super Mario Bros. holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling video game ever, and its iconic plumber, Mario, remains a symbol of gaming itself. Despite countless sequels, the original remains a cherished classic.

Ninja Gaiden

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

Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES scene in the late 80s, celebrated for its impressive graphics and animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. While the series later ventured beyond platforming, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a return to 2D, delighting longtime fans.

Disney’s Aladdin

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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, it boasts excellent animation, visuals, memorable locations, and engaging gameplay for its time. With 4 million copies sold, its success is undeniable.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming legend. The original 1987 game remains a standout, released across ten platforms. Its intense gameplay, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels make it a classic action-platformer experience, perfect for solo or co-op play.

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 boss encounters, making it a truly memorable and uniquely bizarre experience.

Gex

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly pulled from his armchair into the world of television! He explores diverse worlds, utilizing his wall-climbing abilities and unique moves. His charisma and the game's secrets cemented its place in gaming history. 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, facing jungle adventures, minecart races, and more. The game is packed with secrets and challenges, offering a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. An HD remaster was released for Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

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

Abe must escape a meat processing plant and save his fellow creatures. This remake of the 1997 classic features puzzle-solving, timely actions, and diverse character control. Its methodical pace might not appeal to everyone, but puzzle enthusiasts will find it rewarding.

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 of the first three Spyro games features improved graphics and gameplay, allowing players to revisit the purple dragon's adventures with enhanced visuals and modern controls.

Rayman Legends

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

Rayman Legends combines magical cartoon graphics with captivating gameplay. While similar in core mechanics to its predecessor, it remains a memorable platformer, offering a nostalgic experience and cooperative play.

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 fraught with perilous traps, demanding 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

Created by fans, Sonic Mania is a love letter to the classic Sonic games, featuring updated visuals and new levels while retaining the high-speed thrills of the originals.

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. Psychonauts' puzzle-like worlds, captivating stories, and unique combat make it a memorable experience. Consider also checking out the 2021 sequel, Psychonauts 2.

Metal Slug Anthology

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

This anthology features six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of action, humor, and beautiful visuals.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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

Kirby's 3D adventure in a post-apocalyptic world is a standout entry in the series. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and challenging levels make it a must-play for Kirby fans.

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 personal challenges. Its gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging gameplay make it a memorable and rewarding experience.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64, offering stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, 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 art style and challenging gameplay make it a visually striking and intensely fun 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.

GRIS

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

GRIS's stunning visuals and profound symbolism make it a beautiful and emotionally resonant experience.

Katana ZERO

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

Katana ZERO's fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and intriguing story combine for a thrilling neo-noir experience.

DuckTales Remastered

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

This remastered version of the 1989 classic features updated visuals, new levels, and modern gameplay features.

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 and frantic pace make it a truly unique and exhilarating platformer.

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 new mechanics.

Astro Bot

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

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

Owlboy

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

Owlboy's unique flight mechanics and charming story make it a memorable and atmospheric experience.

The Messenger

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

The Messenger's blend of 8-bit and 16-bit graphics, engaging gameplay, and witty humor make it a delightful homage to classic platformers.

Huntdown

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

Huntdown's brutal action, cyberpunk setting, and pixel art visuals make it a stylish and intense platformer.

Little Nightmares

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

Little Nightmares' atmospheric horror and puzzle-solving gameplay create a chilling and memorable experience.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a collection of games showcasing the charming retro style and engaging gameplay of the Shovel Knight series.

This diverse selection of platformers spans decades and styles, offering something for every gamer. Enjoy your journey through these incredible worlds!