This list showcases the 30 best platform games of all time, blending modern titles with timeless classics. Explore our genre-specific game selections for more:
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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 genre-defining, legendary Super Mario Bros. A global phenomenon, its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless sequels exist, the original remains cherished by millions.
Ninja Gaiden
Image: linclogames.com
Metascore: TBD Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo
An NES sensation of the late 80s, Ninja Gaiden boasted impressive graphics, animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) returns to 2D, promising a treat for fans.
Disney’s Aladdin
Image: imdb.com
Metascore: 59 User Score: 7.8 Release Date: November 11, 1993 Developer: Virgin Interactive
This adaptation of the beloved animated film showcases excellent animation, visuals, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million sales (on physical media alone) are a testament to its popularity.
Contra
Image: kotaku.com
Metascore: TBD Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami
The Contra series is a platforming cornerstone. The original 1987 title, released across 10 platforms, remains a classic action-platformer with intense gameplay and diverse levels.
Earthworm Jim 2
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Metascore: TBD Download: Steam Release Date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment
A vibrant and memorable Sega Genesis title, Earthworm Jim 2 features bizarre challenges, unforgettable bosses, and unique level designs. Its quirky charm remains captivating even today.
Gex
Image: gog.com
Metascore: TBD Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex, the gecko, is sucked into the world of television! His adventure through diverse levels, utilizing unique abilities, established him as an iconic character of the era. A Gex trilogy remake is 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-retrieving adventure filled with jungle challenges, minecart races, and more. An HD remaster was released on 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, while rescuing his brethren, involves puzzle-solving and timely actions. A remake of the 1997 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
This remastered trilogy features improved graphics and gameplay, offering a fresh take on the classic purple dragon's adventures.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Magical cartoon graphics and captivating gameplay make Rayman Legends a standout platformer. It includes 40 levels from Rayman Origins.
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. The protagonist's quest to rescue his beloved is fraught with perilous traps.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
A fan-made homage to classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania blends nostalgia with fresh content, offering thrilling high-speed gameplay.
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. The game features captivating stories and challenging puzzles. Consider also its 2024 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 action, humor, and beautiful graphics.
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 and Kirby's signature power-absorbing abilities.
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 challenging yet rewarding experience, blending gripping storytelling, a beautiful soundtrack, and precise mechanics.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD
A modern classic, building on the legacy of Super Mario 64 with stunning visuals, 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.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio
A visually stunning and emotionally resonant game about a girl's journey through her inner world.
Katana ZERO
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft
A fast-paced neo-noir action platformer demanding precise timing and strategic thinking.
DuckTales Remastered
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies
A modernized version of the 1989 classic, featuring enhanced visuals, gameplay, and additional levels.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
A frantic and unique platformer with a time-based dash mechanic adding intense gameplay.
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 3D platformer with over 80 levels and innovative use of the DualSense controller.
Owlboy
Image: steam.com
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 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 2D cyberpunk action game with intense shootouts and stylish pixel art.
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, a love letter to retro 8-bit platformers.
This top 30 list encompasses both modern and classic platformers, including remasters that bridge generations. We hope this inspires you to explore these amazing worlds!
