Although it is not a very well-known genre in the video game industry due to the popularity of action, adventure, and strategy titles, platformers are still considered one of the best genres of games for players at all ages. In fact, not many people even realize that they’re playing platform games.
This article covers some of the best platform games you would love to play today. And for those who don’t enjoy these games for any reason, we hope that you’ll have a different perception after reading through our roundup below.
Best Platform Shooting Games
1. Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Microsoft Windows
- Game genres: Beat ’em up, action role-playing game
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara isn’t any regular beat ‘em up platformers that you often see. With different customization paths, inventory shops, and awesome player abilities, the game feels more like an action title with serious gameplay rather than any other side-scrolling platform games.
By featuring a multiplayer mode that supports up to 4 players, in both local and online co-op mode, you can double the fun playing the game with your friends. However, there isn’t any way to mix between local and online players, so it has to be one way or the other. But this shouldn’t be any problem since most computers nowadays are connected to the Internet. Just keep in mind that due to a large number of players, you might experience lag or stutter during your game.
The newly added exciting challenges have made Dungeons & Dragons even more addictive since it extends the gameplay and giving different things to discover. Not to mention the winnable trophies and prizes should be able to satisfy their hunger for power and bragging rights.
2. Broforce
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, Linux
- Game genre: Run-and-gun platform
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
For those who’re fans of the 80s action movies, your needs for exaggerated violence, destruction, and the plot will be satisfied with Broforce. You can blow up your enemies as if they’re just carton boards. With tons of level destructions featuring many destructible objects, the game can be as frantic as you want it to be.
This would also multiply depend on the number of players that are currently active on the screen. And since Broforce does support 4-player couch/online co-op, you should be expecting a lot of actions and explosions once you’re in the game.
On top of that, you won’t feel bored even after hours of bloody gunfights in Broforce as the game will keep refreshing its gameplay in different ways so that gamers would never lose their addictiveness. Moreover, you’ll also have 30+ available characters, each with their own unique abilities and playing styles. You can switch them up every time after you save a hostage or are K.i.A, which in Broforce, can happen anytime.
However, you might find the single player mode isn’t as fun as its multiplayer counterpart; this is largely due to the excessive puzzles and repetitions in each level making the game less like a co-op frag fest and more like a boring puzzle-solving platform game.
3. Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Linux, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
- Game genres: Action, platform
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
As the title states, the game is like a marriage where players have to rely on each other to overcome the difficulties. The more you play it, the more you’ll understand how much more a two-person team can do compared to a single individual.
This holds true as, the enemies’ offenses, movements, and defenses are executed and located in different areas, you need to work with others to achieve victory regardless how good you’re playing. You’ll feel this more and more after each higher level where the cooperation plays a critical role in the victory.
Moreover, Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime features beautiful and playful art style and a story that encourages us to play despite the difficulties and challenges. The intuitive soundtrack will guide you along each and every moment of your journey.
A major disadvantage of the game compared to other platformer is its inability in online co-op mode, this might make it hard for friends from distances to play together. However, the fact that you can only play co-op multiplayer locally, this could be allowing players to support each other side by side.
For other shooting games recommendation, check out this post.
Best Platform Games PC
4. Limbo
- Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux
- Game genres: Puzzle, platform
- Game mode: Single player
The dark, creepy, and disturbing toneless world of Limbo might give you few false conceptions of the game. Although the game takes place in a nightmare scenery, a world that filled with danger, horror, and hideous deaths, Limbo tells a profound story that you would impress all its audiences.
You’ll be playing as a boy who travels through the spooky and fogged forests and terrains which were occupied by two sole colors of black and white. With the blurs in, out of focus, and flickering films that gave us the feeling of an early 20th movie.
During your journey, you’ll be facing many dangers with bear traps, giant monsters, and even zombies that would decapitate you within a flicker of an eye. To escape this hell, you’re not only required to excel at platform jumping but also puzzle solving.
With a dark, disturbing, yet beautiful environment, it’s definitely a world that worth exploring.
5. Celeste
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, MacOS
- Game genre: Platform
- Game mode: Single player
From the creator of the classic multiplayer game TowerFall, Matt Makes Games has once again introduced to us a great platformer. Join Madeline, a young maiden in her journey to Mt. Celeste to save her from the inner demons that’re eager to break free.
The game features a narrative and touching story that feel like mommy’s bedtime fairy tales. In this single-player adventure, you’ll also be able to play as different characters, each with their own story to discover.
With over 700 screens of hardcore difficulties and obstacles, the game challenges even the most skillful platformer players. Aside from that, 2 hours of beautiful music and soundtrack will accompany you throughout your journey
Celeste comes with simple and accessible controls; there are only a few moves that you need to remember. But it’s tough to master since each higher level will be more challenging to overcome.
6. Child of Light
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows
- Game genres: Platformer, RPG
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
Follow Aurora, an innocent girl from the late 19th century Austria, in her journey into the forgotten continent of Lemuria. In this dark world where the sun, the moon, and all the stars on the sky have vanished, she must fight against the dark force of the Queen of the Night. And along with that, unfold the secret about her true destiny.
Throughout your journey in Lemuria, you’ll find many exotic creatures from all kinds and sizes. From the spirits of the forest to the talking animals, and even a huge evil sea serpent. Discover the vast lands of Lemuria to unveil what’ve been hidden and restore the lights to the world.
Step in the majestic world of living paintings, stunning scenery and beautifully crafted music from the talented team at Ubisoft Montreal. You won’t be able to find a platformer with this level of graphics so easy.
This game also features in our top RPG games list and best graphics game list.
Best 2D Platformers
7. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Sega Saturn, Xbox 360
- Game genres: Platform, action-adventure, role-playing game
- Game mode: Single player
The famous Castlevania title was a combination of many elements, action, adventure, RPG, and platformer, all together, makes Castlevania: Symphony of the Night one of the best games in this franchise. In fact, it even defined what the later games would be for many years.
Even today, most Castlevania games do follow the same formula. Although they’ve added more action elements instead of platforms, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is still considered a great example of how great a platformer could be.
8. Super Mario Bros. 3
- Platforms: Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PlayChoice-10
- Game genre: Platform
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
Although we’ve always been talking about Super Mario Bros (1985) as a great example of how a platformer should be, and its attributions to the whole genre are undeniable, the third installment – Super Mario Bros. 3 is, by no means, a less significant game.
The game has introduced a wide variety of different features and powers to the franchise, and for the first time, create an inventory system in which we can manage everything. You can now skip levels by discovering and going through warp zones. And most importantly, the Koopa Kids have made their first appearance in the series.
Super Mario Bros. 3 features a huge collection of different levels and themes, ranging from giant worlds to pipe worlds. For the first time, there aren’t just the conventions of fire, ice, grass, or desert worlds.
9. Sonic 3 & Knuckles
- Platforms: Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Xbox 360, Sega Saturn, Microsoft Windows
- Game genre: Platform
- Game mode: Single player
It would be a shame to not mention Sonic in the list of the best 2D platform games, especially when its rival – Mario has already in the list. Along with Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog is undoubtedly the other king of platformers in the era of arcade gaming.
But why should we introduce both Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles at the same time, wouldn’t it be better to do just one? Actually, the two was originally considered to be released as a single game, but the limited storage for games at that time forced SEGA to split their game into two versions.
The games, like Super Mario Bros. 3, have delivered many different changes to their franchise. Which is why we think it should be best to represent the series.
Best Android platform games
10. Badland
- Platforms: Android, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One
- Game genre: Puzzle
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
The award-winning side-scrolling action adventure platformer takes place in the atmospheric forest that is full of exotic creatures and species. And don’t you be fooled by the gorgeous scenery of the forest, there is something wrong with this land.
Playing as dwellers of the forest, you slowly discover a surprising number of traps and obstacles appear on your way. Find out what’s going on at your homeland and find a way to stop it. Badland features impressive physics-based gameplay that delivers true-to-life experiences. Combining with stunning graphics and immersive audio, the game is definitely a must play for any platformer fans.
In addition, players can join in a local multiplayer mode that supports up to four players at the same time. You can compete with others in intensive survival games or cooperate with your friends to overcome the challenging multiplayer missions.
11. Rayman Adventures
- Platforms: Android, iOS, tvOS
- Game genres: 2D Platformer, action-adventure
- Game mode: Single player
The holy forest is in danger as the Ancient Eggs was stolen. Now, without its nutrient source, the Sacred Tree is dying. Join Rayman and his friends in their venture across the land to find a way to save the world.
Experiencing the breathtaking sceneries and exciting adventures in the vast worlds of Rayman Adventures. The game features up to 55 playable characters, including Rayman, Barbara, Globox, Teensie, and so on.
Control your characters, run, swim, and fly through the levels as you travel through different environments and terrains. In addition, countless monsters and enemies are ready to challenge you in your ultimate quests.
Dash through the mysterious and haunted lands to unravel the hidden secrets to revive the Sacred Tree.
12. Leo’s Fortune
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Windows Phone, MacOS
- Game genres: Puzzle, platform
- Game mode: Single player
The award-winning platform game on Android tells the story of you on the journey to track down the thief that has stolen your gold. The funny thing is that you’ll be literally controlling a bushy furball. But don’t take it lightly, as this piece of fur is capable of performing impressive jumps and dashes that would make other platformer characters envious.
With gorgeous graphics and well-executed gameplay, the game has brought Leo’s story to life with his epic adventure. Venture through different environments featuring mossy forests, scorching desert, freezing mountains, too crowded cities. Moreover, you’ll also have to face dangerous traps and tricky puzzles throughout the 24 exciting levels of the game.
Finally, unlock the Hardcore Mode, where you have to beat the game without wasting a single life. Only a few elite players were able to do it, will you be the next?
Best Retro platform games
13. Donkey Kong (1981)
- Platform: Arcade
- Game genre: Platform
- Game mode: Single player
The legendary Donkey Kong has been the symbol for many platformers that came after it. No matter where you play it from, arcade machines, the Game & Watch handheld or the famous NES, it is always super addictive.
Follow Mario in his first adventure, climbing up the ladders, avoiding obstacles, and so on, all which have set the foundations for later platform games. It’s hard to believe such a simple game could be so impactful.
14. Prince Of Persia (1989)
- Platform: MS-DOS, Game Boy, NES, MacOS, Genesis, iOS (2011), Nintendo 3DS (2012), Wii (2012) and more
- Game genres: Action-adventure, cinematic platformer
- Game mode: Single player
Though it was released decades before the great movie of Prince of Persia that starring Jake Gyllenhaal, we’re still impressed by how well the physics were executed. Developers had created realistic animation using rotoscoping, which was really advanced at the time.  Not to mention that the sword fighting was replicated from real-life recordings, a technique that many games nowadays are using.
Best Free Online Platform Games
These games require Flash.
15. Small Worlds
One of the most important aspects of platform games is simplicity. They don’t need to have a complex story or gameplay in order to attract players – those mostly only come looking for enjoyable titles where they don’t have to put their brain to the limit. That’s why sometimes the simplest concept is the best.
Small Worlds is a fun and exciting game which can be played online using your browser. It doesn’t come with a deep storyline or any complex features and customizations. Your character won’t be having any special skill sets, weapons, or whatsoever. There is even no significant prize to earn after you complete a level. And yet, Small Worlds is considered one of the best online casual games simply because of its artistic gameplay which allows players to explore wonderful virtual worlds with beautiful details.
16. Meat Boy
If you think you’ll be controlling a cool, charming hero in this platform game, then you’re going to be disappointed. It won’t even look like a human character, instead, like the name, you’ll be literally playing as a gooey and pinky slab of meat. But don’t underestimate him cause this meat got quite a few moves.
Due to his extreme evasiveness and agility thanks to being a chunk of meat (what!), Meat Boy is capable of escaping tough and dangerous traps, obstacles, or anything that stand on his way as he ventures forth to save his loved one. I guess it’s not an exaggeration to say that the power of love can do everything.
The game has set a new standard for many platform games that came after it; you don’t need a captivating character to make a good platform game, just a cool one.
17. Scary Girl
Playing horror games seem like a good way to enjoy the Halloween atmosphere, and sometimes, the good ones don’t have to cost any cent. Scary girl is undoubtedly the most thrilling and exciting games that we’ve played, not just because of any particular aspect, but the whole game itself was superbly crafted. The platformer comes with captivating graphics, great music, and an awesome story.
We’ve seen many paid titles that are not even close when compared to Scary Girl. And the fact that it is completely free to play and can be enjoyed anytime on your device’s internet browser make it hard for anyone not to give it a try.
Summary: 17 best platform games
- Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara | Buy Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara from Steam
- Broforce | Buy Broforce from Steam
- Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime | Buy Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
- Limbo | Buy Limbo
- Celeste | Buy Celeste
- Child of Light | Buy Child of Light
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | Get Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Super Mario Bros. 3 | Get Super Mario Bros. 3
- Sonic 3 & Knuckles | Get Sonic 3 & Knuckles
- Badland | Play Badland
- Rayman Adventures | Play Rayman Adventures
- Leo’s Fortune | Buy Leo’s Fortune for Android
- Donkey Kong (1981) | Play Donkey Kong
- Prince Of Persia (1989) | Play Prince of Persia
- Small Worlds | Play Small Worlds
- Meat Boy | Play Meat Boy
- Scary Girl | Play Scary Girl
Thanks for reading and we’ll see you in our future posts.
