This list showcases the 30 best platform 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, and 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.
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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 title familiar to virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario sequels exist, the original remains a cherished classic.
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, animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and engaging gameplay. Though the series later diverged, 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
This adaptation of the beloved Disney film boasts impressive animations, visuals, and engaging gameplay for its time. Exploring Agrabah's streets is a nostalgic trip, and 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 cornerstone. The 1987 original, released across 10 platforms, remains the best, offering intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Team up with a friend to defeat the Red Falcon organization.
Earthworm Jim 2
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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 outlandish levels, unforgettable bosses, and unique locations. Even today, its gameplay remains a memorable and unique 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. Explore diverse levels, utilizing Gex's wall-climbing abilities and unique skills. A remake of the Gex 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, facing jungle adventures, minecart races, and more. This game offers a blend of challenging gameplay and fun, colorful visuals. 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 must escape a meat processing plant while rescuing his brethren. This remake of the 1997 original features puzzle-solving and character control. Its slower pace is perfect for those who enjoy thoughtful gameplay.
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 collection of the first three Spyro games features improved graphics and gameplay. Experience Spyro's adventures with enhanced visuals and great music.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends combines magical graphics with captivating gameplay. While similar to its predecessor, it's a memorable platformer, especially for cooperative play, and 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
Super Meat Boy's brutal difficulty, unique style, and critical acclaim make it a standout. Rescue your beloved by navigating treacherous levels filled with deadly traps.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
A fan-made tribute to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania recreates the Mega Drive/Genesis era with improved zones and new additions. Experience thrilling high-speed action for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Psychonauts
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Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions
Explore the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp. This game features captivating stories, challenging puzzles, and battles against inner demons. Consider also playing the 2021 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' charm, graphics, animations, 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 metaphor for overcoming inner demons. Celeste's gripping story, soundtrack, and challenging mechanics make it a standout.
Super Mario Odyssey
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Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD
A successor to the revolutionary Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey features stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles.
Cuphead
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Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon style and challenging gameplay make it 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 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 is a visually stunning platformer about a girl's journey through her inner world. Its beautiful visuals and profound symbolism make it a work of art.
Katana ZERO
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft
This fast-paced neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and strategy. Its intriguing story adds depth to the intense gameplay.
DuckTales Remastered
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Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies
A remastered version of the 1989 classic, featuring improved graphics, added levels, and modernized features.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
This frantic platformer features a unique two-stage level design, demanding precision and speed.
Mega Man 11
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom
Mega Man 11 blends classic gameplay with modern visuals and the unique Double Gear system.
Astro Bot
Image: playstation.com
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.
Owlboy
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio
Owlboy offers a charming story and unique flying mechanics, setting it apart from other platformers.
The Messenger
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage
This game is a tribute to classic platformers, transitioning between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics and incorporating Metroidvania elements.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games
Huntdown is a brutal cyberpunk action game with diverse weapons, stylish pixel art, and thrilling boss fights.
Little Nightmares
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release Date: April 28, 2017 Developer: Tarsier Studios
This atmospheric horror platformer blends puzzle elements with a disturbing and captivating setting.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release Date: June 26, 2014 Developer: Yacht Club Games
This collection of Shovel Knight games is a love letter to retro 8-bit platformers.
This Top 30 list includes both modern and classic platformers, along with remasters that bridge generations. We hope this inspires you to start your next platforming adventure!
