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This list showcases the 30 best platformer video games of all time, blending modern hits with timeless classics. Explore both new and retro titles – genre-defining experiences you won't want to miss. Check out our other genre selections as well: 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 game known to virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario sequels exist, the original remains cherished by millions.
Ninja Gaiden
Image: linclogames.com
Metascore: TBD Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo
A late 80s NES sensation, Ninja Gaiden boasted impressive graphics, animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) returns to 2D, promising a treat for longtime fans.
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. Aladdin, based on the beloved film, delivered superb animation, visuals, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million sales (on physical media alone) speak volumes.
Contra
Image: kotaku.com
Metascore: TBD Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami
The Contra series is a platforming legend. The original 1987 entry, released on 10 platforms, remains the best, offering intense action, countless enemies, and diverse levels. Team up with a friend to thwart the Red Falcon organization.
Earthworm Jim 2
Image: store.epicgames.com
Metascore: TBD Download: Steam Release Date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment
A vibrant and zany Sega Genesis classic, Earthworm Jim 2 is remembered for its bizarre challenges, memorable bosses, and unique levels. Even today, it offers a wildly unforgettable experience.
Gex
Image: gog.com
Metascore: TBD Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex, a gecko thrust into the world of television, explores diverse levels, utilizing wall-climbing, a sticky tongue, and a springy tail. His charm and the game's secrets made it an icon, with a trilogy remake currently in 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, facing jungle adventures, minecart races, and more. A blend of challenge and fun, it received an HD remaster for 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 and character control. A remake of the 1997 original, it's a slower-paced experience ideal for puzzle enthusiasts.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Image: gamekult.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: November 13, 2018 Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios
This remastered collection of the first three Spyro games boasts updated graphics and gameplay, offering a vibrant journey for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Magical cartoon visuals and captivating gameplay make Rayman Legends a standout platformer. Featuring 40 levels from Rayman Origins, it's a nostalgic trip and excellent co-op experience.
Super Meat Boy
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Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release Date: October 20, 2010 Developer: Team Meat
Brutal difficulty, unique visuals, and critical acclaim define Super Meat Boy. Rescue your beloved by navigating deadly traps, demanding precise timing and skill.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
A fan-made love letter to the classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania recreates the high-speed thrills of the Mega Drive/Genesis era with updated visuals and new levels.
Psychonauts
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions
Explore the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp. Puzzle-solving, captivating stories, and battles against inner demons await in this unique platformer. Consider Psychonauts 2 (2021) as well.
Metal Slug Anthology
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Metascore: 73 Download: PlayStation Store Release Date: December 14, 2006 Developer: Terminal Reality
This anthology offers six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of straightforward gameplay, beautiful graphics, smooth animation, and humor.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 85 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: March 25, 2022 Developer: HAL Laboratory
A top-tier Kirby game, featuring a 3D post-apocalyptic world. Kirby's power-absorbing abilities and transformations make for engaging gameplay.
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 gripping story with challenging mechanics and a beautiful soundtrack. Difficulty options cater to all players.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD
A modern classic, Super Mario Odyssey builds on the legacy of Super Mario 64, offering stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles.
Cuphead
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Stunning 1930s cartoon visuals and challenging, fast-paced gameplay make Cuphead a stylish and memorable platformer.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2020 Developer: Toys For Bob
This installment retains the spirit of the originals while adding new features and stunning visuals. Players switch between Crash, Coco, and even Dr. Neo Cortex.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS's stunning visuals and profound symbolism tell a moving story of a girl's journey through her inner world.
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. Its engaging story adds depth to the intense gameplay.
DuckTales Remastered
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies
A modernized remake of the 1989 classic, featuring updated graphics, added levels, and new features.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
A frantic and dynamic platformer with a unique time-based dash mechanic. One mistake can mean the end!
Mega Man 11
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom
A modern entry in the Mega Man series, blending classic gameplay with updated visuals and the Double Gear system.
Astro Bot
Image: playstation.com
Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi
A critically acclaimed PS5 exclusive, featuring over 80 levels and utilizing 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 flight mechanics and a captivating story.
The Messenger
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage
A stylish homage to classic platformers, transitioning between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics with Metroidvania elements.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games
A brutal cyberpunk action platformer with intense shootouts and pixel art visuals.
Little Nightmares
Image: steam.com
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
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release Date: June 26, 2014 Developer: Yacht Club Games
A collection of Shovel Knight games, paying homage to retro 8-bit platformers.
This Top 30 list encompasses both modern and classic platformers, including several remasters. We hope this inspires you to start your next platforming adventure!
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