23 Best Platform Games, Every Gamer Should Try Now!

Are you ready to embark on an adrenaline-pumping journey through the captivating realm of platform games?

Look no further! We’re here to take you on a thrilling adventure where your gaming skills will be put to the test. Platform games have been a staple in the world of video gaming for decades, offering players a unique blend of action, strategy, and exploration.

We’ll go deeply into the captivating world of platform games in this exhaustive guide, giving you a long list of the top games that have had gamers all around the world on the edge of their seats. We have something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just putting your toes into the pixelated waters.

But first, let’s take a time to understand what makes platform games so compelling before we explore the thrilling world of platform gaming. Imagine yourself as the hero, navigating a visually spectacular, constantly-changing landscape while leaping across perilous chasms, outwitting adversaries, and gathering priceless riches. It has a tried-and-true recipe that consistently evokes feelings of wonder and nostalgia.

We’ll not only present you to the top platform games on the market in this blog article, but we’ll also look at how this adored genre has changed over time. We’ll discuss the distinctive elements and gameplay mechanics that distinguish these games as well as offer our professional opinions on what makes a platform game truly stand out.

23. Dead Cells (2020)

Platform games have always had a unique place in players’ hearts since they provide an adrenaline rush that is unmatched by other genres. They test your reflexes, intellect, and resolve while engrossing you in a world with intricate details. Dead Cells stands out among this diverse landscape of platforming games and captivates players all over the world.

But what genuinely distinguishes Dead Cells? Is it the heart-pounding battle that keeps you on your toes throughout your journey, or is it the pixel art style that pays homage to the masterpieces of yore? We think a number of things work together to push “Dead Cells” to the top of the platform game genre.

In the first place, Dead Cells expertly combines the ancient with the new. It combines the nostalgic allure of classic platformers with contemporary gameplay elements to produce a sensation that is both comforting and novel. Whether you’re a seasoned platformer or a novice to the genre, the game is playable for gamers of all backgrounds thanks to this fine balance between old and modern elements.

22. Psychonauts (2005)

Imagine a whimsical dreamworld filled with bizarre characters and fascinating settings that are all tied together by the depths of the human psyche. A platform game called Psychonauts encourages players to explore the characters’ unconscious brains, where creativity flows rampant and every turn holds a surprising surprise.

But what distinguishes Psychonauts, you might wonder? First off, it was created by Double Fine Studios, led by the brilliant game developer Tim Schafer. This masterwork brilliantly displays their skill at weaving complex narratives and creating unique gaming experiences.

The game’s plot centres on Razputin, a young psychic prodigy who infiltrates a summer camp for kids with psychic abilities. What comes next is an exhilarating ride filled with bizarre characters, mind-bending adventures, and a story that will have you glued to the screen the entire time.

21. Super Meat Boy (2010)

Platform games frequently have straightforward plots, but Super Meat Boy gives its story complexity. The protagonist of the game, Meat Boy, sets out on a heroic quest to save his beloved Bandage Girl from the pernicious Dr. Fetus. Players will actually care about the people they manage because of the humorous and endearing tale of love and tenacity that is being portrayed.

A visual delight is Super Meat Boy’s unique retro art style, which harkens back to older video games. The game’s eccentric character designs and pixelated graphics give it its own special charm. The settings are expertly designed, providing a visually appealing setting for the difficult gameplay.

Without interesting boss fights, no platform game is complete, and Super Meat Boy excels in this regard. This game’s bosses are strong opponents that will put your abilities and tactics to the test. It feels tremendously satisfying to win these epic battles, which increases the game’s enthusiasm.

20. Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010)

A platformer’s gameplay is of utmost importance. The sequel to Donkey Kong Country is excellent. When you first start the game, you’re met with an entertaining fusion of traditional platforming components and cutting-edge techniques. Players of all skill levels can enjoy the game because to the intuitive, responsive, and fluid controls.

Yet the way this game utilizes the Wii’s motion controls is what really makes it stand out. Donkey Kong Country Returns skillfully combines technology to improve gameplay by including gestures like shaking the controller to conduct ground pounds or blow dandelions. This makes the game both tough and fun.

Visuals are incredibly important in the world of platform games for immersing players in the game’s world. The stunning graphics in Donkey Kong Country Returns combine a contemporary twist with the nostalgia of the first Donkey Kong games. Each level is a visual beauty because to the lush, vivid surroundings, painstakingly created character designs, and attention to detail.

19. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (2001)

The popular mascot of the series, Sonic the Hedgehog, is renowned for his breakneck speed and extraordinary agility. Like no other game, Sonic Adventure 2 Combat fully embraces these qualities. A spectacular combination of loops, jumps, and high-speed chases make up the gameplay. As they direct Sonic and his companions through a variety of levels, each more thrilling than the last, players are glued to their seats the entire time.

Players are introduced to a variety of endearing characters in the game, each with their own special skills. Players can select their preferred character and experience many narratives, from Sonic’s foe Shadow the Hedgehog to the mechanical genius Tails. This variety of personalities gives the game more depth and replay value, ensuring that it never gets boring.

Sonic Adventure 2 Fight not only features heart-pounding action, but also a gripping story. The game’s story revolves around the battle between Sonic and his friends against the nefarious Dr. Robotnik (Eggman) and the enigmatic Shadow. Players remain immersed in the universe of the game because to the interconnecting tales that are full of surprises.

18. Yoshi’s Story (1997)

Although Yoshi’s Tale is a platformer, it is also quite user-friendly. Players of all skill levels may pick up and enjoy the game quickly thanks to its simple controls. Yoshi’s abilities to flutter hop, devour adversaries, and even change into other vehicles bring variation to the gameplay and keep it fun and engaging.

Few things make a player remember a game like a memorable music, and Yoshi’s Tale excels in this department. The music in the game is a great collection of upbeat songs that go wonderfully with the game’s whimsical graphics and gameplay. With just a few notes, the music can instantly take you back to your younger years.

Many gamers hold a particular place in their hearts for Yoshi’s Tale. The game transports those who played it as children back to more innocent times. It’s simple to understand why this endearing adventure has persisted for so long, even to newbies.

17. Kirby & The Forgotten Land (2022)

When it comes to fun and lighthearted gaming experiences, Kirby and The Forgotten Land stands tall. It’s a game that radiates brightness and cheer, offering a refreshing change of pace from the more intense titles on the market. Whether you’re soaring through the skies, exploring whimsical environments, or interacting with quirky characters, this game is brimming with joy.

One of the game’s standout features is its memorable characters and creatively designed levels. Kirby’s adventures have always been known for their charming and unique cast, and The Forgotten Land doesn’t disappoint. Each character you encounter adds to the game’s overall charm, making the journey an engaging and enjoyable one.

The levels themselves are a testament to the game’s creativity. From lush forests to mysterious ruins, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world that feels both familiar and wonderfully new. Each level presents its own set of challenges and surprises, keeping players on their toes and eager to see what’s around the corner.

16. Jet Set Radio (2000)

Imagine yourself skating around the streets of a futuristic city covered in graffiti, leaving colourful trails of paint in your wake. A unique platform game with lasting appeal, Jet Set Radio was first made available for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000.

So what distinguishes it from the opposition?

1. Groundbreaking Visuals

Your initial impression of Jet Set Radio is its visual aesthetic. It’s a game that deftly combines a cel-shaded look that was revolutionary at the time of its debut with the gritty, lively street culture of Tokyo. The end result is a stunningly beautiful world that resembles a dynamic work of urban art.

2. Unique Gameplay Mechanics

Jet Set Radio is more than just hopping from one platform to another. It involves controlling a skater and becoming an expert graffiti tagger while avoiding law enforcement and competing gangs. It’s fun to move around the city thanks to the smooth and thrilling physics of rollerblading. Few platform games can equal the level of inventiveness and strategy added by the graffiti tagging system.

3. Bursting with Personality

The burstiness and ambiguity of Jet Set Radio are its defining characteristics. Each character is full of personality, and the city itself comes to life thanks to its multicultural population. This lively atmosphere is enhanced by the soundtrack of the game, which features a diverse range of musical styles. It’s like entering a realm where each tag is a work of beauty and where every turn holds a fresh surprise.

15. Mega Man X2 (1994)

Every pixel-perfect jump, every deft dash, and every accurate shot matter in Mega Man X2, a masterwork of precision gaming. It deftly combines the excitement of discovery with the adrenaline of fast-paced action, giving players a sensation of mastery that few other games can match. The precision required to conquer the game’s challenges is akin to a tightrope walker navigating a perilous chasm. It’s puzzling and exciting all at once.

The clever weapon system in Mega Man X2 is at the core of its charm. In a meticulously created setting, players battle a variety of robotic adversaries and bosses, each equipped with a special ability. Mega Man’s capacity to incorporate these abilities gives the player an incredible depth of strategy and variety. Imagine it as a chessboard where every piece has its distinct moves, and the art of victory lies in selecting the right tools for the job.

Despite its heart-pounding gameplay, Mega Man X2 spins a compelling story that holds players’ attention from beginning to end. The storyline examines issues with AI ethics, the effects of unbridled power, and the quest for self-awareness. Players are in awe of the richness and complexity of this story, which is as intricate as a well woven Persian rug and in which each thread contributes to the overall picture.

14. Ristar (1995)

For good cause, the video game Ristar has left its impact on gaming history. It may not have the same brand recognition as some of its colleagues due to its development by Sonic Team and 1995 debut for the Sega Genesis, but it is nonetheless deserving of a spot in the hall of fame of excellent platformers.

1. Innovative Gameplay

Ristar’s unique gameplay stands out like a beacon in the night sky. Our hero Ristar uses his flexible arms to grip, swing, and attack foes rather than just jumping. This mechanism gives the traditional platforming formula a special twist in addition to depth. The game’s superbly constructed stages are like having your own heavenly lasso at the ready to grip onto any star.

2. Bursting with Character

Ristar’s appeal extends beyond just his gameplay elements. The game’s characters and settings are vibrant and full of personality. Every globe you visit feels like entering a unique region of the cosmos, complete with unique difficulties and compelling adversaries. The abundance of inventiveness on exhibit keeps the game feeling new and thrilling from beginning to end.

3. A Forgotten Gem

The fact that Ristar is a well-kept secret may contribute to its attractiveness. It may not have attracted as much notice as other of its Sega Genesis siblings, but those who have had the pleasure of playing it have quietly come to admire it. It’s similar like discovering a unique constellation in the night sky that represents a hidden treasure.

4. Enduring Appeal

Even today, Ristar stands the test of time. Its engaging gameplay and memorable characters continue to captivate gamers of all ages. Much like a celestial body that continues to shine through the eons, Ristar’s appeal remains unwavering.

13. Celeste (2018)

2018’s Celeste is more than simply a game; it’s a transcendent emotional experience that goes beyond the confines of the platforming subgenre. But what distinguishes Celeste from other platform games and gives it the reputation it has today?

1. Heartfelt Storytelling

A powerfully affecting narrative that examines issues with mental health, self-discovery, and tenacity is at the heart of Celeste. Players become deeply involved in Madeline’s struggle as they lead her on her long climb up the game’s titular mountain. The tale is both captivating and moving, and it serves as proof that video games can convey potent narratives.

2. Precision Platforming

Precision is necessary in the game Celeste. Its difficult platforming segments are made to push the boundaries of your abilities and reflexes. To overcome the ever-increasing difficulties, each jump, dash, and climb must be completed flawlessly. Yet, the game achieves a delicate balance, making it difficult but not impossible.

3. Bursting with Creativity

Creative freedom is unrestricted in the Celeste universe. The game’s constant addition of fresh obstacles and gameplay concepts keeps players interested and excited throughout their adventure. There are constantly new things to learn since each level offers a unique set of obstacles, such as riding air currents and bouncing off clouds.

4. Astonishing Soundtrack

Few video games can offer a music as breathtakingly lovely and deeply moving as Celeste’s. The game’s gameplay and emotional beats are wonderfully complemented by the music, which was composed by Lena Raine. It’s a symphony of feelings that immerses players more deeply.

5. Inclusivity and Accessibility

The dedication to diversity displayed by Celeste is among its most outstanding accomplishments. It has a number of accessibility features, such as aid modes that are suitable for players of all skill levels. No matter their gaming experience, everyone will be able to appreciate the magnificent adventure of the game thanks to this considerate design.

12. Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack In Time (2009)

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack In Time released in 2009 for the PlayStation 3, has solidified its status as one of the best platform games ever created. But what makes it a standout in a constellation of platformers?

1. Impeccable Gameplay

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack In Time offers gameplay that is just outstanding at its heart. Players may switch from acrobatic leaps to furious battles with ease because to the responsive controls. It’s a game that both novice and experienced players will enjoy since it hits the ideal balance between being approachable and tough.

2. A Galaxy to Explore

The game’s expansive and varied universe is one of its distinguishing qualities. As Ratchet, you’ll explore a variety of gorgeous worlds, each with its own unique personality and difficulties. Players are kept interested as they discover secrets, collectibles, and oddball individuals along the way as they experience the same sense of exploration and discovery as when traversing a large galaxy.

3. Engaging Storytelling

A strong narrative may take an experience in platform games to new heights. Here is where Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack In Time shines. The game spins a compelling story that explores the origins of the titular characters while delivering sharp humour and emotional nuance. It serves as proof that good storyline may improve platforming.

11. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee (1997)

Platform games frequently enthrall players with their gameplay, but Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee goes one step further by incorporating engrossing stories. Playing as Abe, a charming Mudokon who sets out on a mission to rescue his fellow Mudokon captives from the evil Glukkons, transports you to a dark and gloomy world. Players can’t help but become emotionally immersed in the story because of the way that humour, social commentary, and a hint of gloom are woven throughout the narrative to create a memorable journey.

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee distinguishes itself from the platforming crowd by introducing a variety of original gameplay features. Abe can interact with other Mudokons, giving orders and directing them around various barriers. In addition to giving the gameplay depth, this concept instills a sense of accountability as you work to save as many Mudokons as you can.

Abe’s journey is full with tricky puzzles and obstacles that call for both cunning and ability to solve. The problems in the game frequently call for innovative use of your surroundings and your fellow Mudokons. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee challenges and rewards dexterity, whether you’re planning a daring escape or figuring out how to carefully negotiate a minefield.

10. New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe (2019)

Fundamentally, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe excels because to its brilliant level design. Players are invited to enter a universe with carefully designed levels that are both difficult and thrilling. Each level presents a unique adventure, with cleverly placed obstacles and enemies that keep you on your toes. It’s similar to navigating a maze of surprises where each jump and power-up matters.

The sheer volume of content in this game is a surprising aspect. Players may expect an enormous platforming trip with approximately 160 levels spread over multiple realms. There is always something new to discover, whether you are exploring the lush vegetation of Acorn Plains or attempting the steep slopes of Frosted Glacier.

Few platformers can equal the social enjoyment provided by the game’s multiplayer feature. Join forces with loved ones for a challenging and hilariously chaotic cooperative adventure. Nothing compares to the excitement of teaming up to overcome challenging levels or accidentally ruining each other with ill-timed jumps.

9. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Imagine defying gravity as you jump from planet to planet. Platform game gained a completely new dimension because to a ground-breaking mechanic that Super Mario Galaxy offered. This cosmic modification of conventional platforming was truly revolutionary. It gave gamers a sense of what it might be like to travel through space while keeping them interested and continually surprising.

In Super Mario Galaxy, every celestial body that Mario explores is a work of art in and of itself. Each one is carefully created and has an own mix of difficulties and puzzles. Players are hooked and ready to discover more because to the burst of originality in each level, which includes everything from dodging meteors on a scorching comet to swimming through an underwater cosmos.

The concept of exploration was expanded upon in Super Mario Galaxy by visiting additional celestial bodies. It enticed players to go out on a cosmic adventure while gathering Power Stars and learning about the mysteries of the cosmos. Players couldn’t help but become lost in the game’s wide, starry expanse because of its open-ended exploration, which gave the feeling that it was a cosmic adventure of epic proportions.

8. Shovel Knight (2014)

Shovel Knight, developed by Yacht Club Games and released in 2014, embraces the spirit of classic 8-bit platformers while infusing it with modern sensibilities. It’s like embarking on a journey through time, where you wield a shovel as your trusty weapon in a quest to save your beloved from the clutches of the dastardly Enchantress.

Shovel Knight’s precisely designed gameplay is what makes it stand out. Every step, leap, and shovel swing seems deliberate and responsive. It brings to mind the time when gamers were rewarded for their abilities and perseverance by being required to play with pixel-perfect accuracy.

Shovel Knight doesn’t stop at packing a nostalgic impact. It overflows with originality and ingenuity. The game is stuffed to the gills with oddball characters, difficult boss fights, and a range of interesting and graphically stunning levels. The ability of the shovel to dig through terrain provides a degree of depth that keeps the action interesting and each stage has its own unique set of challenges.

7. Crash Bandicoot (1996)

Imagine this: A crazy bandicoot with a taste for adventure races through a rich, colourful environment to foil the terrible schemes of the villainous Dr. Neo Cortex. When Crash Bandicoot was first released in 1996, it won over gamers of all ages. The nostalgia it evokes is what gives it its enduring appeal. Crash Bandicoot takes players back to the heyday of platform gaming like the warm embrace of an old friend.

Crash Bandicoot’s incredible mechanics, which are like a treasure chest full of surprises, are one of its distinguishing features. The game features a colourful array of characters, each with their own unique traits and charm. The game radiates personality from every pixel, from Crash himself with his silly yet adorable antics to the iconic bad guys like Cortex and Uka Uka. It resembles a well-written storybook that has been brought to life online.

The gameplay in Crash Bandicoot is both simple to understand and captivating. All skill levels of players will find it to be a friendly experience because to the simple controls. But don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity; there are a wealth of difficulties and mysteries hidden behind it. The game masterfully balances appealing to both die-hard platformer enthusiasts and beginners.

6. Super Mario World (1991)

Imagine yourself being taken to a vibrant place where each jump, spin, and power-up has the promise of an exhilarating experience. Super Mario World, which was published in 1990 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), introduced players to a seemingly infinite environment.

The level design of Super Mario World is where its genuine genius rests. Each planet is a painstakingly created masterpiece with a variety of environments, challenging foes, and buried treasures. Every setting feels different and has a unique set of difficulties, from the dense forests of the Mushroom Kingdom to the precarious heights of Chocolate Island. This creative outburst keeps players looking forward to what comes next.

Super Mario World fosters exploration, in contrast to some platformers that steer players down a predetermined path. The game is a vast canvas with numerous paths, undiscovered shortcuts, and buried power-ups just waiting to be found. Players can choose their own path thanks to this feeling of independence, which fosters a sense of pride in their journey.

5. Banjo-Kazooie (1998)

Picture yourself in a fantastical setting where you take on the hairy paws and feathered wings of Banjo the bear and Kazooie the wisecracking bird. The 1998 Nintendo 64 game Banjo-Kazooie is a masterpiece that has cemented its place in gaming history.

But what makes it truly special?

When you first go into the magical world of Banjo-Kazooie, you are met with beautiful settings, oddball characters, and a setting that seems to have been taken directly out of a fairy tale. Each level is a painstakingly made work of art, full with intriguing intricacies, puzzles, and mysteries. It’s like wandering through a fantastical theme park, where there are surprises around every corner.

The gameplay of Banjo-Kazooie is a symphony of dexterity and levity. The titular characters’ wide variety of moves make the gaming interesting and fun. The game frequently offers new mechanics that give the platforming experience more depth, such as Banjo’s ability to roll somersaults and Kazooie’s capacity to blast eggs. Players may concentrate on the adventure by learning the controls quickly and easily in this game.

4. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (1992)

The 1992 release of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 rocked the gaming industry and established Sonic as a true gaming legend. The game’s primary strength is in providing an exhilarating sense of speed that few others can match. Players are immersed in a wave of excitement as Sonic runs through challenging stages while speeding through loops.

The game’s faultless playability is one of its defining qualities. Players will have a seamless experience as they lead Sonic through a variety of zones, each with its own special obstacles, thanks to the controls’ intuitiveness and responsiveness. It’s intuitive to jump, spin, and gather rings, so both newbies and devoted players may enjoy it.

The level design in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is what really makes it stand out. Every zone, from the lush Green Hill Zone to the mechanical marvel of the Chemical Factory Zone, is a masterpiece in and of itself. These levels are jam-packed with intricate details, providing numerous paths to discover and secrets to learn. This creative outburst keeps gamers interested and anxious to find out what lies ahead.

3. Super Mario 64 (1996)

The earliest example of 3D platforming is Super Mario 64. It was a revolutionary transition from the 2D game world to a totally engrossing 3D setting. Each door in Mario’s new home, the Peach’s Castle, opened up to a world filled with challenges and secrets, and Nintendo expertly introduced players to it. This change was ground-breaking and established the bar for countless platformers to follow.

The essential gameplay principles of Super Mario 64 are what make it so appealing. At the time, Mario’s manoeuvres were revolutionary because they featured precise controls that let players pull off a variety of acrobatic feats. The gameplay offered the ideal balance of discovery, puzzle-solving, and exhilarating platforming challenges. Players were encouraged to go into this enchanted world and explore every nook and corner.

The beautifully created worlds in the game each offer a distinct experience. Diversity is the word of the game, from the lava-filled depths of Deadly Lava Land to the peaceful serenity of Cool, Cool Mountain. Because of the variety, gamers are motivated to explore every inch of Mario’s 3D wonderland.

2. Rayman: Legends (2013)

The abundance of content in the game keeps gamers interested for hours on end. There are more than 120 levels, several gaming modes, and a ton of trinkets to find, so there’s always something fresh and fun to try. It’s a game that never stops offering, making sure that players are always astonished and amused.

Precision and control are key components of platform games, and Rayman: Legends excels in these areas. The gameplay is really fluid, and the controls are responsive. Every action and reaction feels flawless, whether you’re dashing through a crumbling castle, swinging from vines, or fighting fearsome bosses.

1. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey brilliantly fuses modernity with the cherished Mario franchise classics. It features Cappy, a sentient hat that Mario may toss at various things and adversaries to give him special abilities. Each level becomes a laboratory for exploration and discovery thanks to this mechanic, which opens up a vast array of potential scenarios.

Each kingdom that Mario sees is a wonder in and of itself, with unique themes and difficulties. You are continually confronted with new and interesting events, from the busy streets of New Donk City to the lush vegetation of the Cascade Kingdom.

The game’s accessibility is one of its advantages. Players of various skill levels can play Super Mario Odyssey. You’ll find something to love whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro. The game’s learning curve is mild, making it easy for new players to pick up the basics while still providing challenging levels for experienced players.