Entertainment
10 Best Platformer Games of All Time
# 10 Best Platformer Games of All Time: The Definitive Ranking From the earliest days of arcade cabinets to the sprawling open worlds of modern conso...
10 Best Platformer Games of All Time: The Definitive Ranking
From the earliest days of arcade cabinets to the sprawling open worlds of modern consoles, the platformer has remained a cornerstone of the gaming industry. At its core, the genre is beautifully simple: guide a character from one point to another by jumping between platforms and over obstacles. Yet, within this simple framework lies a universe of creativity, challenge, and exhilarating fun. The best platformer games are more than just a test of reflexes; they are masterclasses in level design, intuitive controls, and imaginative world-building. They create a sense of flow and momentum that is immensely satisfying, pushing players to perfect their timing and execution.
This definitive ranking celebrates the absolute pinnacle of the genre, the games that have not only defined what a platformer can be but have also left an indelible mark on gaming history. We'll be journeying through time, from the 8-bit era that established the formula to the modern age of indie darlings and blockbuster 3D adventures. Each entry on this list represents a milestone, a game that either revolutionized mechanics, told a surprisingly deep story, or polished the core gameplay to a mirror shine. Prepare to leap into a world of pixel-perfect jumps, gravity-defying feats, and unforgettable characters as we count down the 10 best platformer games of all time.
10. Donkey Kong Country
A Renaissance for 2D Platforming
Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Donkey Kong Country was a visual marvel that breathed new life into the 2D platformer genre. At a time when many developers were looking toward the third dimension, Rareware utilized pre-rendered 3D graphics to create a lush, vibrant world that felt incredibly immersive. The game's detailed character models and atmospheric environments set a new standard for what was thought possible on 16-bit hardware.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Beyond its groundbreaking visuals, Donkey Kong Country introduced a host of innovative gameplay mechanics. The ability to switch between the powerful Donkey Kong and the nimble Diddy Kong added a layer of strategy to the platforming. The game is also renowned for its fast-paced mine cart levels and the inclusion of animal buddies, each with unique abilities that opened up new ways to explore the intricately designed stages. The level design itself is a masterclass in variety, taking players from dense jungles and treacherous caves to snowy peaks and underwater grottos.
A Lasting Legacy
Donkey Kong Country was a massive commercial success and is often credited with helping Nintendo compete against the burgeoning 32-bit consoles. Its influence can be seen in the numerous sequels and spin-offs it spawned, as well as in the resurgence of 2D platformers in the modern indie scene. The game's tight controls, memorable soundtrack, and challenging yet fair difficulty have solidified its place as a timeless classic.
9. Celeste
A Mountain of a Challenge
Celeste, released in 2018, is a modern masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of 2D platforming. The game follows the journey of Madeline as she attempts to climb the titular Celeste Mountain, a perilous ascent that serves as a metaphor for her struggles with mental health. What sets Celeste apart is its incredibly precise and demanding gameplay. Every screen is a new puzzle, requiring perfect timing and a deep understanding of Madeline's move set, which includes a jump, a mid-air dash, and a wall climb.
A Story of Perseverance
While the gameplay is challenging, Celeste is also a deeply emotional and narrative-driven experience. The story tackles themes of anxiety, depression, and self-acceptance with a rare sensitivity and nuance. The characters Madeline meets on her journey are well-developed and contribute to the game's powerful message of hope and resilience. This narrative depth adds a profound weight to the gameplay, making every hard-won victory feel all the more meaningful.
Accessibility and Design
Despite its reputation for difficulty, Celeste is a remarkably accessible game. The developers included an "Assist Mode" that allows players to tweak the game's difficulty to their liking, ensuring that everyone can experience the story and the joy of its platforming. This thoughtful approach to accessibility, combined with its pixel-perfect controls and ingenious level design, has earned Celeste critical acclaim and a dedicated community of speedrunners and fans. It stands as a shining example of how a simple premise can be elevated to a truly profound work of art.
8. Shovel Knight
A Retro Revolution
In an era of hyper-realistic graphics and complex gameplay systems, Shovel Knight emerged as a loving tribute to the 8-bit platformers of the past. Released in 2014, the game captures the look and feel of a classic NES title, from its charming pixel art and chiptune soundtrack to its challenging yet rewarding gameplay. But Shovel Knight is more than just a nostalgia trip; it's a brilliant amalgamation of the best elements of retro gaming, refined with modern design sensibilities.
More Than a Shovel
The core of Shovel Knight's gameplay revolves around the titular knight's versatile Shovel Blade. This unique weapon can be used to attack enemies, dig for treasure, and even bounce on obstacles and foes in a manner reminiscent of Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales. This simple yet deep mechanic is the foundation for the game's brilliant level design, which is filled with secrets, shortcuts, and memorable boss battles against the quirky knights of the Order of No Quarter.
An Enduring Indie Icon
Shovel Knight's success helped to kickstart a renaissance for indie platformers, proving that there was still a massive audience for retro-inspired experiences. The game's initial release was just the beginning, as developer Yacht Club Games went on to release several expansions, each starring a different playable character with a unique move set, effectively creating a collection of interconnected games within one package. This commitment to providing quality content has cemented Shovel Knight's status as one of the most beloved and influential indie games of all time.
7. Rayman Legends
A Symphony of Style and Substance
Rayman Legends, first released in 2013, is a game that oozes charm and creativity from every pixel. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, Rayman Origins, this 2D platformer is a visual and auditory feast. The game's hand-drawn art style is breathtakingly beautiful, with vibrant, lively worlds that feel like playable cartoons. The UbiArt Framework engine allowed the artists to directly implement their work, resulting in a game with exceptionally fluid animation.
Rhythmic Platforming Perfection
What truly sets Rayman Legends apart is its inventive level design, particularly the now-famous musical levels. These stages are perfectly synchronized to popular songs, with every jump, punch, and slide corresponding to a beat in the music. This creates a thrilling and rhythmic platforming experience that is unlike anything else in the genre. The game also features a wide variety of gameplay mechanics, from traditional platforming and boss battles to underwater exploration and shoot-'em-up sections.
A Joy for All Ages
Rayman Legends is a game that is both accessible to newcomers and challenging for seasoned platformer fans. The controls are tight and responsive, and the difficulty curve is perfectly balanced. The game is also packed with content, including hundreds of levels, daily and weekly challenges, and a fun and chaotic multiplayer mode. Its infectious joy and boundless creativity make it a standout title and one of the finest 2D platformers ever created.
6. Hollow Knight
A World Beneath Our Feet
Hollow Knight, released in 2017, is a sprawling and atmospheric 2D action-adventure that draws inspiration from the Metroidvania subgenre. Players take on the role of a silent, insectoid knight who delves into the forgotten kingdom of Hallownest, a vast and interconnected world filled with secrets, shortcuts, and formidable foes. The game's hand-drawn art style is both beautiful and haunting, creating a sense of melancholy and wonder as you explore its diverse and mysterious environments.
Challenging Combat and Deep Exploration
At its heart, Hollow Knight is a game about discovery. The world of Hallownest is open-ended, encouraging players to forge their own path and uncover the kingdom's tragic history at their own pace. The combat is simple to learn but difficult to master, with a focus on precise timing and dodging. The game's numerous boss battles are a highlight, each offering a unique and challenging encounter that will test your skills and resolve.
An Indie Phenomenon
Hollow Knight is a testament to the power of independent game development. Created by a small team, the game is a massive and ambitious undertaking that rivals the scope and quality of many AAA titles. Its deep lore, rewarding exploration, and challenging gameplay have earned it a dedicated and passionate fanbase. Hollow Knight is more than just a platformer; it's an unforgettable journey into a dark and beautiful world that will stay with you long after you've uncovered its deepest secrets.
5. Super Mario Bros. 3
The Blueprint for 2D Platforming
Released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a game that transformed the platforming landscape. It took the revolutionary formula of the original Super Mario Bros. and expanded upon it in every conceivable way, introducing a wealth of new power-ups, enemies, and gameplay mechanics that would become staples of the series for years to come. The game's non-linear world map was a groundbreaking feature, giving players a sense of agency and exploration that was unprecedented for the time.
A Treasure Trove of Innovation
Super Mario Bros. 3 is a game bursting with creativity. It introduced iconic power-ups like the Super Leaf, which allowed Mario to fly, and the Tanooki Suit, which added a stone transformation ability. The game's eight distinct worlds are filled with imaginative and varied level designs, from the giant-sized enemies of Big Island to the treacherous airships of Bowser's Koopa Kingdom. The sheer amount of secrets and hidden content packed into the game gave it immense replay value.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Decades after its release, Super Mario Bros. 3 remains an absolute joy to play. Its tight controls, brilliant level design, and charming presentation have stood the test of time, and its influence can be seen in countless platformers that have followed. It is a game that not only defined a generation but also set a new standard for what a 2D platformer could be. For many, it remains the pinnacle of 8-bit gaming and a true masterpiece of the genre.
4. Super Metroid
The Birth of a Genre
Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo, Super Metroid is a game that, along with the Castlevania series, would go on to define the "Metroidvania" subgenre. The game drops players into the sprawling, interconnected world of Planet Zebes with little to no guidance, encouraging them to explore and discover its secrets on their own. This sense of isolation and atmospheric dread is a hallmark of the series and is masterfully executed in Super Metroid.
A Masterclass in Non-Linear Design
The genius of Super Metroid's design lies in its non-linear structure. The world is filled with obstacles and barriers that can only be overcome by acquiring new weapons and abilities. This creates a satisfying gameplay loop of exploration, discovery, and empowerment as you gradually unlock new areas of the map. The game's controls are incredibly fluid, allowing for a wide range of movement options that make traversing the world a joy in itself. Samus Aran's ability to fire in eight directions and perform a wall jump added a new level of agility to the series.
A Legacy of Exploration
Super Metroid's influence on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. Its emphasis on exploration, atmosphere, and non-linear design has inspired countless games, and its formula is still being emulated by developers today. Super Metroid is a game that trusts the player to be intelligent and curious, rewarding them with a deep and immersive experience that is both challenging and unforgettable. It is a true classic that remains a must-play for any fan of the platforming genre.
3. Super Mario Galaxy
A Cosmic Leap for 3D Platforming
Just when it seemed like the 3D platformer had been perfected, Nintendo launched Mario into space with 2007's Super Mario Galaxy. This Wii title took the genre to new heights with its innovative gravity-defying gameplay. The game is a collection of small, planetoid-like levels, each with its own unique gravitational pull. This allowed for a level of creativity and experimentation in level design that was simply not possible in traditional 3D platformers.
A Universe of Fun
The sheer variety in Super Mario Galaxy is astounding. One moment you'll be running upside down on a spherical planet, and the next you'll be navigating a 2D-inspired stage with shifting gravity. The game is constantly introducing new ideas and mechanics, ensuring that the experience never feels stale. The controls are incredibly intuitive, making it easy to perform Mario's signature jumps and spins with a flick of the Wii Remote. The game also boasts a breathtaking orchestral soundtrack that perfectly complements its grand, cosmic scale.
A Modern Classic
Super Mario Galaxy and its equally brilliant sequel are often cited as among the best games of all time, and for good reason. They represent a high point for Nintendo's creativity and a bold reimagining of what a 3D platformer could be. The game's imaginative level design, tight controls, and sense of wonder have solidified its place as a modern classic and a must-play title for any fan of the genre.
2. Super Mario World
The Pinnacle of 16-Bit Platforming
Released as a launch title for the Super Nintendo in 1990, Super Mario World is a game that many consider to be the pinnacle of 2D platforming. It took the already brilliant formula of Super Mario Bros. 3 and refined it to near perfection, introducing a host of new features that would become series staples. The game's vibrant and colorful world, Dinosaur Land, is a joy to explore, and its interconnected overworld map is filled with secrets and alternate paths.
Welcome to Dinosaur Land
One of Super Mario World's most significant contributions to the series was the introduction of Yoshi, Mario's trusty dinosaur companion. Yoshi's ability to eat enemies and gain special powers added a new layer of depth to the gameplay. The game also introduced the Cape Feather, a power-up that allowed Mario to fly through the air with a level of control that was unprecedented at the time. The level design is a masterclass in platforming perfection, with a perfect balance of challenge and fun.
An Enduring Legacy
Super Mario World is a game that has aged like a fine wine. Its tight controls, timeless visuals, and brilliant level design make it just as enjoyable to play today as it was over three decades ago. It is a game that has been a source of inspiration for countless developers and remains a beloved classic for millions of gamers around the world. For its sheer polish and perfection of the 2D platforming formula, Super Mario World is a strong contender for the greatest platformer of all time.
1. Super Mario 64
A New Dimension of Fun
When Super Mario 64 launched alongside the Nintendo 64 in 1996, it didn't just redefine the platforming genre; it laid the groundwork for 3D gaming as we know it. For the first time, players were able to explore a fully 3D world with an unprecedented level of freedom. The game's analog control stick provided a level of precision and nuance that was revolutionary, and Mario's extensive move set, including the triple jump, wall jump, and long jump, set a new standard for 3D character control.
The Magic of the Mushroom Kingdom
The world of Super Mario 64 is a magical and inviting one. The game's hub world, Princess Peach's Castle, is a joy to explore in its own right, with secret passages and hidden stars to discover. The game's 15 main courses are sprawling, open-ended playgrounds, each with a variety of objectives to complete. This open-ended design was a radical departure from the linear structure of previous Mario games and gave players a sense of freedom and discovery that was truly groundbreaking.
The Unquestionable King of Platformers
The influence of Super Mario 64 cannot be overstated. It provided the blueprint for countless 3D platformers that would follow and established many of the conventions that are still used in 3D game design today. While some aspects of the game, such as its camera, may feel dated by modern standards, its core gameplay remains as brilliant and engaging as ever. For its revolutionary impact, its timeless design, and its pure, unadulterated fun, Super Mario 64 stands as the definitive best platformer game of all time.
11. Conclusion
The platformer genre has a rich and storied history, from its humble beginnings in the arcades to its modern-day masterpieces. The ten games on this list represent the very best of what the genre has to offer, each one a testament to the power of creative design and intuitive gameplay. Whether you're a fan of classic 2D side-scrollers or sprawling 3D adventures, there's no denying the enduring appeal of a well-crafted platformer. As the genre continues to evolve and innovate, one thing is certain: the simple joy of jumping from one platform to the next will always be a cornerstone of the gaming experience.