Best Platformer Games: 14 of The Best Games in The Genre
I played the best platformer games growing up and they’re a huge part of why I fell in love with gaming. I still remember the sweet and hazy memories of playing Crash Nitro Kart Arcade GP in an old arcade. Really, for a lot of us, platformers were our first ever games and many of us were introduced to gaming by platformers like Super Mario and Donkey Kong.
Be it 2D classics or polished 3D cinematic worlds, platformers are a genre that never goes out of style. What’s crazy is how these games can balance simplicity with depth. You think you’re just jumping on platforms, but then they mix it up so much nowadays: a sneaky storyline, intricate level design, or a boss that tests your patience. Platformers have evolved while staying true to their roots.
I genuinely appreciate the simplicity and pure fun this genre provides. So, I’ve made a list of the best platformers. I’ve included newer games and classic games to discover and possibly explore. This genre is teeming with so many good titles, it won’t matter too much if you’re new to them or not. You’ll probably find something special, so keep reading.
On a side note, I’ll also be including some links to great game deals if you’re feeling hyped to jump in ASAP.
Top Platformer Games of All Time
Let’s talk platformer games—the ones that keep us jumping, exploring, and hitting that sweet spot of challenge and fun. It wasn’t easy since the platformer genre spans decades, but we made it folks.
- Astro Bot: Game of the Year Winner (2024): This is the genre at its best. A sweet dive for any platforming fan.
- Celeste (2018): The story of Madeline’s climb, paired with tight platforming mechanics.
- Hollow Knight (2017): This is a Metroidvania masterpiece.
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020): Stunning visuals, an emotional story, and precise platforming.
- Sonic X Shadow Generations (2024): All new from the Sonic Team!
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017): A trip down memory lane.
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007): A must-try classic in all ways.
These are only the top 7 contenders but there are 14 games in the entire list, so stay with us. I’ll go into more juicy details about why the game got its rank, how the gameplay and visuals are, and more.
What Makes a Great Platformer Game?
When it comes to platformers, there are a few things that separate the good from the legendary. Here’s what I think makes a platformer truly shine:
- Level Design: It’s all about flow. The best games guide you naturally without feeling too linear. Every nook and cranny has something exciting to discover.
- Tight Controls: Nothing kills the fun like clunky mechanics. Great platformers make every jump, dodge, and attack feel intuitive and precise.
- Difficulty Progression: The best games start simple, teaching you the ropes, and then gradually ramp up the challenge (Hollow Knight, anyone?). It keeps you hooked without overwhelming you. A game wouldn’t be fun if it were too difficult and it’s boring if it’s too easy as well. When devs find the balance, they make a great game that’s rewarding and exciting.
- Visuals & Soundtrack: Let’s be real: great graphics and music elevate the experience. Games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps are not just games; they’re art pieces.
I think platformers tap into that primal love for exploration and mastery. If you’re here for the challenge or just to vibe with some stunning visuals, the best ones deliver on all fronts. Let’s move on to our list and see which games embodied these elements and slayed.
1. Astro Bot (Game of the Year 2024): Best Showcase of Next-Gen Platforming
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9.9/10 | 2024 | PS5 | Team ASOBI |
Astro Bot won Game of the Year 2024 because it’s a love letter to gaming that combines nostalgia, creativity, and sheer fun. The game’s 90 levels across six galaxies offer a perfect balance of challenge and charm, with difficulty tailored to both casual players and hardcore fans. They really leaned into making it something families could enjoy too. The team did talk about creating a game kids would love.
What makes Astro Bot stand out is its brilliant use of the DualSense controller. You feel every surface through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, like squeezing water from a sponge or gripping vines. The visuals also serve. So squeaky clean and modern. With its playful platforming and clever design, this game will surprise you in many ways. This is the type of platformer that even non-fans of the genre would enjoy.
2. Celeste: Best Emotional Journey in a Platformer
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9.7/10 | 2018 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Maddy Makes Games |
Celeste hit me hard in all the right ways. This game is about reaching the top of a mountain AND it’s about battling your inner demons. You play as Madeline scaling Celeste Mountain while facing anxiety, doubt, and fear. This is all cleverly woven into its narrative and mechanics. What stands out is how every part of the game mirrors Madeline’s emotional journey.
It’s one of those rare platformers that pulls you in with its heart, not just its gameplay. The controls are tight and the diverse difficulty options mean anyone can enjoy its story. Newbies and hardcore speedrunners are welcome. Plus, the stunning pixel art and that soundtrack? Chef’s kiss. If you want more confirmation, check out its over 100,000 reviews on Steam and its overwhelmingly positive reception.
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3. Hollow Knight: Best Exploration-Based Platformer
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9.6/10 | 2017 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Team Cherry |
Hollow Knight pulled me into the dark, enchanting world of Hallownest and refused to let go. You’re a mysterious knight exploring a crumbling underground kingdom filled with secrets, danger, and intense battles.
What sets it apart? The exploration. The map is huge, and every new ability unlocks hidden paths, rewarding curiosity. Add in a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and hand-drawn art, and it’s clear why this is one of the best platformer games out there. It’s no wonder the game sold over 3 million copies across platforms. If you’ve got a thing for lore-rich worlds and tough bosses then Hollow Knight is your golden ticket.
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4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Best Artistic Pick
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9.5/10 | 2020 | PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Moon Studios |
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of those platformer games that I genuinely can’t stop recommending. The story pulls you in immediately as Ori embarks on a heart-wrenching journey to save their best friend, Ku. What sets it apart for me are the lush visuals. They feel more like a painting in motion than a video game.
Every leap and bound through this mystical world is pure joy. The tight controls make the platforming feel intuitive and rewarding. It has a breathtaking soundtrack that matches its ethereal dreamcore vibes. It has seamless difficulty progression and a thriving speedrunning community. But let’s get into the stats that back up the hype. This game boasts an average Metacritic score of 90+ across platforms and has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. It’s easy to see why this is a must-play.
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5. Sonic X Shadow Generations: Best Nostalgic Experience
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9.4/10 | 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X | Sonic Team |
If you’re new to Sonic games or just curious about Shadow’s backstory, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a perfect entry point. It features Shadow the Hedgehog battling his old nemesis in a journey that spans iconic levels from the series. What’s great is how it switches between 3D platforming and classic side-scrolling action. You get the best of both worlds.
You’ll appreciate the smooth controls and fun mechanics like Chaos Control. It lets you freeze time and find hidden paths. The hub world makes it easy to explore while getting used to new abilities. Plus, the DLC adds an epic level tied to the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie! There’s something extra for those looking to dive deeper. This is genuinely one of the best platformers of 2024. And don’t get me started on those crisp visuals. They serve.
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6. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy: Best Nostalgic Remaster
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.9/10 | 2017 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Blizzard Albany |
If you’re like me and grew up with Crash Bandicoot, this remaster feels like a warm hug. The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy takes the three iconic games, upgrades them with stunning visuals, and keeps the same tight mechanics that made us rage and laugh in equal measure. It’s pure nostalgia but with modern polish. Exactly what you’d want from a remaster.
Every one of the 100+ levels is a mix of fun and challenge. Hop across death-defying gaps or dodge boulders Indiana Jones-style. The time trials are high-key evil, but I couldn’t stop. It’s the kind of game you’ll play for hours, then hand the controller to your friends for their turn to fail (or succeed, if they’re lucky). Over 10 million copies sold says it all: Crash Bandicoot still rules. This trilogy gives it the life it deserves on modern consoles.
Grab a copy of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy >
7. Super Mario Galaxy: Best Gravity-Defying Fun
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9.1/10 | 2007 | Nintendo Wii, Switch | Nintendo |
Super Mario Galaxy is a staple in these types of lists and for good reason. Mario leaps across the world. He explores the cosmos while chasing Bowser to save Princess Peach. Don’t forget to dodge enemies and eat those power ups. Its gravity-defying gameplay revolutionized how we think about platforming in a 3D space.
The way the game plays with space and gravity feels revolutionary, even years later. Every planet offers unique mechanics and keeps the gameplay fresh. With a 97 Metascore and numerous Game of the Year awards, it’s impossible not to recommend. If you missed it in 2007, the Switch version is a perfect way to catch up.
8. Gris: Best Artistic Storytelling
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 9/10 | 2018 | PC, Switch, PS4 | Nomada Studio |
You know those games that stick with you long after you’ve played them? Gris is one of those rare gems. It’s about the gameplay and it’s deeply personal. It’s an emotional ride. You play as a young girl dealing with grief in a world that feels like a living watercolor painting. Every moment feels crafted to hit you right in the feels. Navigate through the puzzles, the platforming, or the quiet beauty of the story unfolding.
What blew me away was how Gris tells such a profound tale without a single word. It’s all in the visuals, the music, and how you interact with the world. The game is short, around 5 hours. But those hours are unforgettable. Gris has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam and is often praised as a masterpiece. If you’re looking for something unique that’s about more than just gameplay, you’ve got to give this one a shot.
9. Path of the Teal Lotus: Best Creative Mechanics
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.9/10 | 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Squid Shock Studios |
“Path of the Teal Lotus” grabbed my attention with its hand-drawn visuals and whimsical Japanese-inspired lore. You play as a mysterious character. You navigate dreamlike landscapes, solve puzzles, and master graceful jumps. It’s one of those indie games that hits a sweet spot: simple on the surface but packed with depth.
This game aces platforming mechanics, blending precise movement with gorgeous visuals. The unique ability system lets you transform into tools like a fan or lantern to solve challenges. Plus, it’s got glowing Steam reviews for its replayability and creative-level design. Want a game where every leap feels satisfying? This is it.
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10. Inside: Best Atmospheric Puzzler
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.8/10 | 2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Playdead |
Inside is memorable. It’s a twisted, cinematic journey that messes with your mind in the best way. You play as a young boy struggling through a dystopian landscape filled with haunting visuals and bizarre, shadowy threats. Its movement and physics-based puzzles feel natural yet constantly keep you on edge. Every scene has this unnerving tension like something really bad is about to happen.
Why should you play it? Because Inside delivers storytelling without words, relying on its nightmarish environments and disturbing reveals to hook you. The visuals and audio design are flawless. It won four BAFTA Game Awards, including Artistic Achievement. If you’re into games that are short, impactful, and downright unsettling, Inside is essential.
11. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove: Best Indie Retro-Style Pick
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.7/10 | 2014 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Yacht Club Games |
This game is the ultimate throwback to the golden era of platform games. You play as a shovel-wielding knight. You battle quirky bosses and dig your way through beautifully crafted pixel-art worlds. This collection isn’t just a single game. It’s a full package of multiple campaigns. Each campaign features unique characters, abilities, and playstyles that make the experience feel complete.
What makes Shovel Knight shine is its genre-defining replayability. There’s treasure to dig up, elements of speedrunning challenges, secret stages, and hidden goodies for perfectionists. The game sold over 2.5 million copies globally. A massive win for retro platformers. Add in the critically acclaimed chiptune soundtrack and the responsive gameplay form, and you’ve got a modern classic that every gamer needs.
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12. Super Meat Boy (2010): Best Intense Challenger
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.6/10 | 2010 | PC, PS4, Xbox 360, Switch | Team Meat |
Let’s talk about pain and glory. Super Meat Boy is the ultimate test of your platforming skills. You play as a cube of meat trying to save his girlfriend from the evil Dr. Fetus. Sounds weird, right? But trust me, it’s addictive. The game throws obstacles at you and it dares you to conquer them.
The controls are tighter than any game ever, at least that’s what everyone says. Every level feels like a brutal puzzle but clearing it gives you that sweet rush of victory. No wonder it’s rocking a 90 on Metacritic and inspired a whole wave of tough-as-nails platformers. Oh, and the soundtrack slaps too.
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13. SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake: Best Family-Friendly Pick
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.5/10 | 2023 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Purple Lamp |
If you grew up watching SpongeBob, you’ll adore The Cosmic Shake. It’s like stepping into an episode of the show but you’re in control. You guide SpongeBob through wacky dimensions, solving puzzles and battling goofy enemies. Each level is a new adventure: from cowboy saloons to underwater karaoke battles.
The creativity here is off the charts and it’s perfect for gamers of all ages. Casual players will enjoy the laughs, while completionists have plenty to explore with hidden collectibles. It’s already winning hearts on Steam with “Very Positive” reviews. Seriously, if you want lighthearted platforming fun, this is the game to grab.
Get Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake >
14. Planet of Lana: Best Indie Cinematic Adventure
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Developer: |
| ⭐ 8.4/10 | 2023 | PC, Xbox One and Series X | Purple Lamp |
Planet of Lana is like stepping straight into a playable Studio Ghibli movie. You guide Lana and Mui. You navigate through a cool alien world filled with clever puzzles and jaw-dropping landscapes. This isn’t just a pretty game. There’s real heart here and the emotional storytelling hits differently.
What really makes this game shine is the bond between Lana and Mui. Every challenge feels natural and you’ll catch yourself smiling as you figure out each section together. The indie gaming community is obsessed. It’s already racked up 2 million downloads and glowing reviews from fans. Is it criminally underrated? You tell me.
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The Evolution of Platformer Games
For me, platformers are proof that gaming doesn’t need to be flashy or overcomplicated. As long as they balance challenge, fun, and story in their unique way, they usually win us over. It’s been a blessing to encounter subgenres that pioneered new ways for the classic expectation of what a platformer is.
- 2D Classics: Starting with gems like Super Mario Bros., it was all about timing your jumps, avoiding enemies, and chasing that perfect run. That simple and satisfying format drew us in all the time.
- The Leap to 3D: Games like Crash Bandicoot flipped the genre on its head, introducing lush, fully realized worlds where movement felt alive (almost like an RPG). It wasn’t just about jumping anymore. It was full-on exploration time.
- Nostalgia Meets Innovation: Modern platformers like Hollow Knight, take that old-school challenge and layer it with emotional storytelling and intricate designs. Innovations like this make you feel and think MORE as you play.
- Tech-Driven Upgrades: Today, platformers push the limits of gaming with stunning visuals, precise mechanics, and immersive worlds. Think Celeste. It did a good job of serving soul-crushing difficulty with a wholesome narrative.
I wonder how platformers will evolve over the next few years. It’s worth seeing how it might converge with VR over time.
Popular Subgenres in Platforming
Platformers have come a long way, and the subgenres have been absolute game-changers. Here are my favorites:
- Puzzle Platformers: If you haven’t tried Inside or Gris, you’re missing out. These games blend clever challenges with deeply emotional vibes. It’s like solving puzzles while feeling all the feels.
- Metroidvania Magic: Games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps are a dream for explorers. You’re constantly finding new abilities, unlocking secret areas, and piecing together massive, interconnected worlds. Every discovery feels earned.
- Run-and-Gun Thrills: When I want pure adrenaline, I go for games like Astro Bot. Fast-paced action, iconic bosses, and that retro vibe make these a blast, even when I’m yelling at the screen.
- Narrative-Driven Adventures: Some platformers, like Hollow Knight, blend subgenres. They give you epic stories, massive exploration, and hardcore challenges in one neat package.
No matter what kind of gamer you are, there’s a platformer out there ready to hook you. What’s your go-to?
Final Thoughts
Platformers are timeless. Jumping through the emotional heights of Celeste or the eerie depths of Hollow Knight, these games hit you where it counts: your reflexes, your brain, and sometimes, your soul. They’re the perfect mix of challenge, creativity, and nostalgia.
There’s nothing quite like nailing a tricky jump or unlocking a hidden secret. It’s those moments of pure satisfaction that keep platformers in a league of their own. Add in the storytelling—dark and mysterious in Inside, delightfully quirky in Super Mario Galaxy, and you’ve got games that stick with you long after the credits roll.
You can’t lose with this genre. At the end of the day, gaming is about having fun and immersing yourself into a digital world. It does both of those things fantastically. I always come back to this genre if I want a truly grassroots experience filled with nostalgia and childhood vibes. If you’re looking for something to play that’s as clever as it is fun, these games are your sweet spot.
As always, happy gaming everyone.
FAQs
What are considered the best classic platformer games?
If you ask me, Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and Donkey Kong Country are must-plays.
Can platformer games be educational?
Absolutely! Games like Portal sneak in problem-solving while keeping things fun.
Are there any cooperative platformer games available?
For sure. It Takes Two and Rayman Legends are amazing co-op experiences.
What platforms offer the most platformer games?
I’d say PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation are packed with killer platformers.
Which platformer games are suitable for beginners?
Try Gris or Super Mario Galaxy.
