The Best 30 Platformer Games

Dive into our curated list of the 30 best platformers ever created! This selection spans decades, featuring timeless classics alongside modern marvels. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, you'll find something to love. And don't forget to check out 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.

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

Kicking off our list is the legendary Super Mario Bros., the game that arguably defined the platformer genre. A global phenomenon, it holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling video game of all time, and Mario himself is a video game icon. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains a cherished classic for millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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Metascore**: TBD Release date**: December 9, 1988 Developer**: Tecmo

A late-80s NES sensation, Ninja Gaiden boasted impressive graphics and animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, 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 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, it features superb animation, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay mechanics for its time. Relive the magic and the catchy tunes of Agrabah!

Contra

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Metascore**: TBD Release date**: February 20, 1987 Developer**: Konami

The Contra series is a platforming legend, and the original 1987 entry remains a high point. This classic action-platformer offers intense gameplay, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Team up with a friend or go solo to thwart the Red Falcon organization!

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, bizarre humor, and unforgettable bosses. Each level presents unique challenges and memorable moments—a truly wild and unforgettable platforming experience.

Gex

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

Gex, the wisecracking gecko, is sucked into the world of television! Explore diverse levels, utilize Gex's unique abilities (wall climbing, sticky tongue), and enjoy the charismatic hero's personality. A remake of the Gex 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-retrieving adventure filled with jungle perils, minecart races, pirate ships, and more! This game offers a great blend of challenge and fun, with secrets and challenges for experienced players. An HD remaster was released for the 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 brethren from becoming alien food! This remake of the 1997 classic features puzzle-solving, timely actions, and control of multiple characters. A slower-paced experience perfect 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 features improved graphics and gameplay for the classic Spyro trilogy. Enjoy the purple dragon's adventures with updated visuals and engaging gameplay.

Rayman Legends

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

Magical cartoon graphics meet captivating gameplay in Rayman Legends. While similar to its predecessor, this game remains memorable for its fun cooperative gameplay and nostalgic nods to Rayman Origins.

Super Meat Boy

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Metascore**: 90 Download**: Steam Release date**: October 20, 2010 Developer**: Team Meat

Brutally difficult but incredibly rewarding, Super Meat Boy features a unique visual style and challenging gameplay. Rescue your beloved by navigating treacherous levels filled with deadly traps.

Sonic Mania

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

A love letter to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania blends nostalgia with fresh content. Experience the thrill of high-speed runs through updated classic zones and all-new levels.

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. Journey through puzzle-like worlds, battle inner demons, and uncover hidden memories. Consider also playing 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 straightforward gameplay, beautiful graphics, smooth animation, and humor.

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 to date, this 3D adventure features a post-apocalyptic setting and Kirby's signature ability to swallow enemies and gain their powers. Enjoy challenging trials and an epic finale!

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 journey of self-discovery. This challenging platformer features gripping storytelling, a beautiful soundtrack, and precise mechanics. Difficulty settings make it accessible to all players.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A modern masterpiece that builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64. Stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and mind-bending puzzles reaffirm Mario's status as the king of platformers.

Cuphead

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

Stunning 1930s cartoon visuals meet challenging, fast-paced gameplay. Cuphead is a stylish platformer perfect for fans of vintage animation.

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 latest entry in the Crash Bandicoot series retains the classic spirit while adding new features and stunning visuals. Save the multiverse by playing as Crash, Coco, or even Dr. Neo Cortex.

GRIS

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

A visually stunning platformer about a girl journeying through her inner world. Overcome obstacles and solve puzzles to restore color and heal emotional wounds. A true work of art.

Katana ZERO

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

A fast-paced neo-noir action platformer demanding precise timing and strategy. Use your katana to slice through enemies and unravel a compelling story.

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, featuring updated graphics, expanded levels, and new features. Experience the adventures of Scrooge McDuck!

Pizza Tower

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

A frantic and dynamic platformer where chef Peppino must reach a goal and then race back to the start against the clock. A thrilling and intense experience!

Mega Man 11

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

A modern entry in the Mega Man franchise, featuring classic gameplay with updated visuals and the unique Double Gear system.

Astro Bot

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

A critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring over 80 levels and innovative use of the DualSense controller's features.

Owlboy

Image: steam.com

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

A charming platformer with adventure elements, focusing on a winged youth and his companion. Flying plays a key role in the unique gameplay.

The Messenger

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

A homage to classic platformers, featuring a transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and Metroidvania-style backtracking.

Huntdown

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

A brutal 2D cyberpunk action game featuring intense shootouts and diverse weapons.

Little Nightmares

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

A slow-paced platformer with puzzle elements and a disturbing horror atmosphere.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

A collection of Shovel Knight games, paying homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This concludes our top 30 platformers, a mix of classic and modern titles. We hope you enjoy your next platforming adventure!