by Zoey Mar 17,2025
This curated list showcases 30 of the best platformer video games ever created, blending timeless classics with modern masterpieces. Prepare for a journey through gaming history, featuring titles that have defined the genre and continue to captivate players.
Explore 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 0 0
Metascore: tbd Release Date: September 13, 1985 Developer: Nintendo R&D4
Kicking off our top 30 is the legendary Super Mario Bros., a game that arguably birthed the entire platformer genre. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains a cherished classic for millions.
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 music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming roots, the upcoming 2025 release, *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound*, promises a 2D return to its origins.
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 animated film, delivered top-notch animation, graphics, memorable locations, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million copies sold remain impressive.
Metascore: tbd Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami
The Contra series is a platforming legend. The original 1987 game, released across 10 platforms, remains a classic, offering intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Whether solo or with a friend, players battle the Red Falcon organization.
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, bizarre challenges, and unforgettable bosses. The diverse and unique levels remain a highlight even decades later.
Metascore: tbd Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly pulled into the world of television. He explores diverse levels, utilizing his unique abilities to overcome obstacles. A remake of the Gex trilogy is currently in development.
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 more. An HD remaster was released for Nintendo Switch in 2025.
Metascore: 84 Download: Steam Release Date: July 22, 2014 Developer: Just Add Water (Developments), Ltd.
Abe must escape a meat processing plant while rescuing his fellow creatures. The gameplay focuses on puzzle-solving and timely actions.
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: November 13, 2018 Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios
This remastered collection features improved graphics and gameplay, allowing players to revisit the classic Spyro trilogy.
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Magical cartoon graphics and captivating gameplay combine in this memorable platformer, also featuring 40 levels from Rayman Origins.
Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release Date: October 20, 2010 Developer: Team Meat
Brutally difficult yet uniquely stylish, Super Meat Boy challenges players with its precise platforming and perilous levels.
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
A love letter to classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania blends nostalgia with fresh levels and gameplay.
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions
Explore the minds of various characters in this unique platformer, with a sequel, Psychonauts 2, released in 2024.
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 and humor.
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.
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.
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 and innovative gameplay.
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Stunning 1930s cartoon visuals meet challenging, fast-paced gameplay in this stylish platformer.
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.
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio
A visually stunning and emotionally resonant platformer about a girl journeying through her inner world.
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft
Fast-paced action and a gripping neo-noir story combine in this challenging platformer.
Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies
A remastered version of the classic DuckTales game, featuring updated graphics and gameplay.
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
A frantic and unique platformer with a time-based dash mechanic.
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom
A modern entry in the Mega Man series, featuring updated visuals and gameplay mechanics.
Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi
A critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring over 80 levels and innovative use of the DualSense controller.
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio
A charming platformer with adventure elements, focusing on flight and exploration.
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage
A humorous homage to classic platformers, featuring a transition between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics.
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.
Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release Date: April 28, 2017 Developer: Tarsier Studios
A chilling platformer with puzzle elements and a disturbing atmosphere.
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 diverse selection of 30 platformers offers something for every player, from retro classics to modern masterpieces. We hope this list inspires you to embark on your next platforming adventure!
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