The Best 30 Platformer Games

This list showcases the 30 best platformer video games of all time, blending modern titles with timeless classics. Explore both contemporary and retro gems, each a testament to the genre's enduring appeal. We also invite you to browse 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.

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., a genre-defining title familiar to virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario sequels have followed, the original remains a cherished classic.

Ninja Gaiden

Image: linclogames.com

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

Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES landscape in the late 80s, captivating players with its high-quality graphics, animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming roots, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return.

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 Disney film boasts impressive animation, visuals, engaging level design, and innovative gameplay mechanics for its time. Its 4 million sales are a testament to its enduring popularity.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming cornerstone. The original 1987 installment remains a favorite, released across ten platforms. Its intense action, diverse levels, and hordes of enemies provide a timeless gaming experience.

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, bizarre challenges, unforgettable bosses, and unique level designs. Even today, it offers a refreshingly distinct platforming experience.

Gex

Image: gog.com

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

Gex, the television-hopping gecko, navigates diverse worlds, utilizing his unique abilities (wall-climbing, sticky tongue, springy tail) in a charismatic adventure. A remake of the entire trilogy is currently under development.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Image: wired.com

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 challenging encounters. 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 involves puzzle-solving, timely actions, and character control. A remake of the 1997 original, it's ideal for players who enjoy thoughtful, puzzle-driven gameplay.

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 trilogy features improved graphics and gameplay, allowing players to revisit Spyro's adventures with enhanced visuals and modern controls.

Rayman Legends

Image: steam.com

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

Rayman Legends combines charming cartoon visuals with captivating gameplay. While similar to its predecessor, it's memorable for its cooperative mode and inclusion of 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 fraught with perilous traps and requires precise timing.

Sonic Mania

Image: steam.com

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

A fan-made tribute, Sonic Mania expertly recreates the classic Sonic experience with updated visuals and new levels, appealing to both longtime fans 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 surreal puzzle-like worlds and engaging in captivating storytelling. While the original's graphics may show their age, the 2021 sequel, Psychonauts 2, offers a modern update.

Metal Slug Anthology

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

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

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Image: nintendo.com

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

Kirby's 3D adventure in a post-apocalyptic world is praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and challenging content.

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 metaphor for overcoming personal challenges, featuring gripping storytelling, a beautiful soundtrack, and challenging yet adjustable difficulty.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A modern masterpiece, Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64, offering stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles.

Cuphead

Image: steam.com

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.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2020 Developer: Toys For Bob

This installment retains the spirit of the original Crash Bandicoot games while introducing new features and enhanced visuals.

GRIS

Image: steam.com

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

GRIS is a visually stunning platformer with a poignant narrative, exploring themes of loss and self-discovery.

Katana ZERO

Image: steam.com

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

This neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and strategic thinking, combining challenging gameplay with a compelling narrative.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A modernized take on the 1989 classic, DuckTales Remastered features enhanced visuals, added levels, and improved gameplay mechanics.

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 timed dash back to the start after reaching the goal adds a layer of intense challenge.

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's charming robot protagonist and innovative use of the DualSense controller make it a standout 3D platformer.

Owlboy

Image: steam.com

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

Owlboy offers a unique take on platforming with its emphasis on flight and a heartwarming narrative.

The Messenger

Image: steam.com

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

The Messenger cleverly blends 8-bit and 16-bit graphics with Metroidvania elements and witty humor.

Huntdown

Image: steam.com

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

Huntdown delivers intense cyberpunk action with stunning pixel art and thrilling boss battles.

Little Nightmares

Image: steam.com

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

Little Nightmares combines platforming with puzzle elements and a disturbing atmosphere, creating a unique and unsettling experience.

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 paying homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This compilation encompasses both modern and classic platformers, including remasters that bridge generations of gamers. We hope this selection inspires you to experience the diverse and exciting world of platforming games!