This list showcases the 30 best platform video games of all time, blending modern hits with timeless classics. Explore both contemporary titles and genre-defining predecessors. Don't miss our curated lists for other genres:
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 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 cherished by millions.
Ninja Gaiden
Image: linclogames.com
Metascore: TBD Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo
Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES landscape in the late 80s, praised for its high-quality visuals, memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return, delighting longtime fans. Experience this classic before the new release.
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 adaptation, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, it boasts impressive animation, beautiful environments, and engaging gameplay mechanics 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
Contra, a classic action-platformer, remains a standout. The original 1987 release, ported to ten platforms, features intense gameplay, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Players battle the Red Falcon organization, either solo or cooperatively.
Earthworm Jim 2
Image: store.epicgames.com
Metascore: TBD Download: Steam Release Date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment
A vibrant and unforgettable Sega Genesis title, Earthworm Jim 2 is remembered for its quirky challenges, memorable bosses, and unique level design. Even today, its gameplay remains fresh and engaging.
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 unique abilities, including wall-climbing and tongue-use. 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, facing jungle adventures, minecart races, and more. The game is filled with secrets and challenges, appealing to both casual and hardcore players. 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. The gameplay focuses on puzzle-solving and timely actions. While potentially slow-paced by modern standards, it's a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts. A remake of the 1997 original.
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 reimagines the classic Spyro games with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players traverse levels, battle enemies, and collect items, all set to a fantastic soundtrack.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends combines stunning cartoon visuals with captivating gameplay. While similar to its predecessor, it's memorable for its cooperative mode and nostalgic inclusion of 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 art style, and critical acclaim make it a standout. Rescue your beloved by navigating treacherous levels filled with deadly obstacles. Precision is key to survival.
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 faithfully recreates the Mega Drive/Genesis era while adding new levels and enhanced visuals. Experience the thrill of high-speed platforming.
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. Journey through puzzle-like worlds, battling inner demons and uncovering hidden memories. 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' 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 setting. Kirby's ability to absorb enemies and gain their powers is central to the gameplay, offering a fun and challenging experience.
Celeste
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: January 25, 2018 Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
Madeline's climb up Celeste Mountain is a metaphor for overcoming inner demons. The game's gripping story, soundtrack, and challenging mechanics make it a standout, though difficulty settings cater to all players.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD
A successor to the revolutionary Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey showcases stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles, solidifying Mario's platforming dominance.
Cuphead
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon art style is matched by its challenging, fast-paced gameplay. A stylish platformer for fans of vintage animation.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2020 Developer: Toys For Bob
Crash Bandicoot 4 retains the spirit of the originals while adding new features and impressive visuals. Players switch between Crash, Coco, and even Dr. Neo Cortex to save the multiverse.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS is visually stunning, telling the story of a girl's journey through her inner world. Overcome obstacles and puzzles to restore color and heal emotional wounds.
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 skillful combat. The 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 gameplay.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
A frantic and dynamic platformer featuring a unique two-stage level design. The time-based dash back to the start adds intense excitement.
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 2.5D visuals and the innovative Double Gear system.
Astro Bot
Image: playstation.com
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.
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 witty homage to classic platformers, transitioning from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and incorporating Metroidvania elements.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games
A brutal 2D cyberpunk action platformer 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 compilation includes both modern and classic platformers, along with remasters appealing to both veteran and new players. We hope this list inspires your next gaming adventure!
