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 legendary Super Mario Bros., a genre-defining classic. 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
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Metascore: tbd Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo
Ninja Gaiden dominated NES consoles in the late 80s, lauded for its high-quality graphics, anime-style cutscenes, memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) returns to 2D, promising a nostalgic 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 Disney film boasts impressive animation, visuals, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million sales are a testament to its popularity.
Contra
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Metascore: tbd Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami
The Contra series is a platforming staple, with the original 1987 installment remaining a favorite. Its intense action, diverse levels, and hordes of enemies provide a classic gaming experience, playable solo or cooperatively.
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 bizarre humor, unique challenges, and memorable boss battles. Its diverse and creative levels remain a unique and unforgettable experience.
Gex
Image: gog.com
Metascore: tbd Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly thrust into the world of television. His wall-climbing abilities, sticky tongue, and charming personality, combined with diverse levels and secrets, made this game iconic. A remake of the trilogy is currently in development.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
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Metascore: 87 Release Date: November 21, 2010 Developer: Retro Studios
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a banana-retrieval quest filled with jungle adventures, minecart races, and challenging obstacles. 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 original, it offers a slower-paced, puzzle-focused experience.
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, allowing players to revisit Spyro's adventures with enhanced visuals and modern controls.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends combines magical cartoon graphics with captivating gameplay. While similar to its predecessor, its nostalgic elements and cooperative gameplay make it a memorable platformer.
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 art style, and critical acclaim make it a standout. Its challenging levels and precise gameplay mechanics reward skillful players.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
Created by fans, Sonic Mania is a love letter to the classic Sonic games, featuring updated visuals and new levels while retaining the high-speed gameplay of the originals.
Psychonauts
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions
Psychonauts takes players through the minds of various characters, exploring puzzle-like worlds and engaging in captivating stories. While the graphics are dated, the sequel, Psychonauts 2 (2024), offers a modern update.
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 action, humor, and stylish visuals.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 85 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: March 25, 2022 Developer: HAL Laboratory
Kirby's 3D adventure in a post-apocalyptic world is praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and challenging trials.
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 metaphor for overcoming inner demons. Its gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging mechanics cater to both casual and hardcore players.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD
A successor to Super Mario 64's 3D platforming revolution, Super Mario Odyssey features 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.
Cuphead's 1930s cartoon aesthetic and challenging, fast-paced gameplay make it a stylish and demanding 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 original Crash Bandicoot games while adding new features and stunning visuals.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS's stunning visuals and profound symbolism tell the 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 skillful combat. Its intriguing story adds depth to the fast-paced gameplay.
DuckTales Remastered
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies
A remastered version of the 1989 classic, featuring updated graphics and gameplay enhancements.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
Chef Peppino's frantic dash to save his pizzeria offers unique gameplay mechanics and intense, time-based challenges.
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 visuals and the innovative Double Gear system.
Astro Bot
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Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi
This 3D platformer features over 80 levels and utilizes the DualSense controller's features for an immersive experience.
Owlboy
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio
Owlboy's unique flight mechanics and charming story set it apart from other platformers.
The Messenger
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage
The Messenger blends classic platforming with Metroidvania elements and witty humor.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games
A cyberpunk-themed action game with brutal 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 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 classic 8-bit platformers.
This top 30 list includes both modern and classic platformers, along with remasters that bridge generations of gamers. We hope this inspires you to embark on a new platforming adventure!
