Top 30 Must-Play 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 today.

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

We begin our top 30 with a legend—the game that arguably birthed the entire platformer genre. Super Mario Bros., a title recognized globally, holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling video game of all time. Mario, its iconic plumber protagonist, is a symbol of Nintendo and gaming itself. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains cherished by millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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

A late-80s NES sensation, Ninja Gaiden captivated gamers with its stunning graphics and animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming roots, the upcoming 2025 release, *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound*, promises a 2D return to its classic style.

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 adaptation, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, this game boasted impressive animations, graphics, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its memorable music and iconic locations make it a nostalgic favorite.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming institution. The original 1987 entry remains a high point, released across ten platforms. Its intense action, diverse levels, and hordes of enemies make for a classic, cooperative experience.

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 bizarre humor, unforgettable bosses, and wildly creative levels. Even today, its unique gameplay remains a memorable experience.

Gex

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

Gex, the wisecracking gecko, finds himself thrust into the world of television. Explore diverse levels, utilize Gex's unique abilities, and enjoy the charismatic hero in this iconic title. 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 adventure filled with jungle challenges, minecart races, and pirate ship encounters. This game offers a blend of challenging gameplay and vibrant visuals, with an HD remaster released for Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

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

Abe's quest to rescue his fellow Mudokons from a meat processing plant combines puzzle-solving, timely actions, and character control. This remake of the 1997 original offers a slower, more deliberate gameplay experience.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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

This remastered collection brings the first three Spyro games to life with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Relive the classic adventures of the purple dragon with improved visuals and modern controls.

Rayman Legends

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

Rayman Legends combines stunning cartoon visuals with captivating gameplay. While building upon its predecessor's mechanics, this entry stands out with its memorable levels and cooperative gameplay options.

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 relentless challenge and satisfying precision required to rescue the protagonist's beloved make this a memorable experience.

Sonic Mania

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

A love letter to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania delivers high-speed action with updated visuals and new levels while remaining true to the spirit of the original Mega Drive/Genesis games.

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 offers captivating storytelling, challenging puzzles, and unique level design, with a sequel (Psychonauts 2) released in 2021.

Metal Slug Anthology

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 run-and-gun action, beautiful graphics, and humorous elements.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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, featuring innovative abilities and challenging gameplay.

Celeste

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 challenging but rewarding experience, blending platforming with a compelling narrative and thoughtful mechanics.

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 with stunning visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and challenging 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 and fast-paced gameplay.

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 impressive visuals.

GRIS

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

GRIS is a visually stunning platformer with a poignant narrative, focusing on a girl's journey through her inner world.

Katana ZERO

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

Katana ZERO's fast-paced action and neo-noir setting create a thrilling and challenging experience.

DuckTales Remastered

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

This remastered version of the classic DuckTales game offers updated visuals and gameplay.

Pizza Tower

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

Pizza Tower's unique gameplay mechanics and frantic pace create a highly engaging 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 innovative Double Gear system.

Astro Bot

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

Astro Bot is a critically acclaimed 3D platformer that makes excellent use of the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller.

Owlboy

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

Owlboy offers a unique gameplay experience centered around flight and exploration.

The Messenger

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

The Messenger is a stylish homage to classic platformers with a humorous narrative and a unique visual transition.

Huntdown

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

Huntdown delivers intense run-and-gun action in a gritty cyberpunk setting.

Little Nightmares

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

Little Nightmares blends platforming with horror elements to create a disturbing yet captivating experience.

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 that pays homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This diverse selection of platformers, from retro classics to modern masterpieces, offers something for every gamer. We hope this list inspires you to explore these incredible worlds!