The Best 30 Platformer Games

Dive into our curated list of the 30 best platformer video games of all time! This selection spans decades, featuring both modern marvels and timeless classics that deserve a place in every gamer's memory. Don't miss our other genre selections: **Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters.**

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 platforming genre. A household name for gamers worldwide, Super Mario Bros. holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling video game of all time, and its iconic plumber, Mario, remains a symbol of gaming itself. While countless Mario games have followed, the original adventure remains a cherished experience for millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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

A late-80s NES sensation, Ninja Gaiden captivated players with its stunning graphics and animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable soundtrack, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later branched out, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return, delighting longtime fans. Experience this classic before the new game arrives!

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, this game boasted impressive animations, graphics, and locations for its time, coupled with engaging gameplay. Run through Agrabah and relive your childhood memories—it sold an impressive 4 million copies!

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 standout, released across 10 platforms. Experience intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels in this classic. 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 and bizarre, unforgettable levels and bosses. The diverse and unique locations and memorable features make this a must-play even three decades later.

Gex

Image: gog.com

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly pulled into the world of television! Explore expansive levels, utilize Gex's unique abilities, and enjoy the charismatic hero's journey through five diverse worlds. 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

Join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on their banana-retrieving adventure! Face challenges in jungles, navigate minecart races, and overcome obstacles on pirate ships. This game is filled with secrets and challenges for players of all skill levels. An HD remaster was released on 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 rescue his fellow creatures from becoming food for evil aliens. Solve puzzles, time your actions, and control various characters in this remake of the 1997 classic, Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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

Experience the remastered Spyro trilogy with improved graphics and gameplay. Explore levels, battle enemies, and collect hidden items while enjoying the updated visuals and memorable soundtrack.

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 the core mechanics are similar to its predecessor, this game remains a memorable experience for fans of cooperative play, also featuring 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 visual style, and critical acclaim make it a standout. Rescue your beloved by navigating treacherous levels filled with deadly traps, requiring 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

A love letter to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania is a fan-made masterpiece that recreates the feel of the Mega Drive/Genesis era while adding new levels and improved visuals. Experience thrilling high-speed action for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Psychonauts

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Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions

Journey through the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp. Explore vast, puzzle-filled levels, engage with captivating stories, and battle inner demons in this unique platformer. Consider also playing Psychonauts 2 (2021).

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 animations, and humor.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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

Kirby explores a 3D post-apocalyptic world, utilizing his signature ability to swallow enemies and gain their powers. Enjoy challenging trials and an epic finale in this top-tier Kirby adventure.

Celeste

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Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: January 25, 2018 Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.

Madeline climbs a mountain, confronting both environmental challenges and her inner demons. Celeste's gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging mechanics make it a standout, with adjustable difficulty settings for all players.

Super Mario Odyssey

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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 graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics (including possessing enemies), and mind-bending 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 aesthetic is matched by challenging, fast-paced gameplay. A stylish and demanding platformer 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

Crash and Coco return to save the multiverse in this visually stunning installment, featuring new gameplay mechanics and the ability to play as villain Dr. Neo Cortex.

GRIS

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

A visually stunning and emotionally resonant platformer about a girl's journey through her inner world. Solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to restore color and heal emotional wounds.

Katana ZERO

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

A fast-paced neo-noir action platformer where precise timing and skillful katana strikes are key to survival. A gripping story adds depth to the intense gameplay.

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 improved graphics, expanded levels, and added features like collectible items and difficulty settings.

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, then race back to the start against the clock. One mistake can mean defeat!

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 2.5D visuals and the unique Double Gear system, allowing for strategic slow-motion and enhanced attacks.

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 across 50 planets, utilizing the DualSense controller's features for an immersive experience.

Owlboy

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

A charming platformer with adventure elements, featuring a unique flying mechanic and a captivating fairytale story.

The Messenger

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

A humorous homage to classic platformers, transitioning between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics and incorporating Metroidvania elements.

Huntdown

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

A brutal cyberpunk action platformer with stylish pixel art, diverse weapons, and thrilling boss fights.

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. Guide a little girl through terrifying levels, requiring both skill and sharp thinking.

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, celebrating the golden age of 8-bit platformers with its charming retro style and engaging gameplay.

This concludes our top 30 platformer games, encompassing both modern and classic titles, including noteworthy remasters. We hope this selection inspires you to embark on thrilling platforming adventures!