Best Platform Games

Platform games are a genre of video games that are characterized by their focus on jumping, running, and climbing through various levels and obstacles. The goal of platform games is typically to reach the end of each level, which is often marked by a boss battle or other challenge.

Platform games are known for their challenging gameplay and precise controls, with players needing to master their character’s movements and abilities in order to progress through the levels. Platform games often feature a variety of power-ups and collectibles, adding to their replayability and giving players a reason to explore each level thoroughly. Let’s take a look at the best platform games across platforms.

Best Platform Games for Mobile

Platforms have been around since the early days of gaming and are loved by many gamers. Familiar characters like Mario, Sonic, and Crash Bandicoot got their start in platforms. Our list of the best mobile platforms includes both familiar faces and new ones. You’ll find platforming action, obstacle courses, and adventures to suit all platformer fans.

1. Super Mario Run

Super Mario Run is a 2016 endless runner platform game developed and published by Nintendo for iOS and Android devices. In the game, players control Mario as he runs through courses, jumping over obstacles and collecting coins.

The game features four worlds, each with multiple levels. Players can also unlock new characters, such as Luigi and Toad, by completing challenges. The game also features a multiplayer mode, where two players can compete to collect the most coins.

2. Alto’s Odyssey

Alto’s Odyssey is a 2018 endless runner platform game developed and published by Snowman for iOS and Android devices. In the game, players control Alto as he rides his snowboard through a desert, jumping over obstacles and collecting coins.

The game features multiple biomes, such as sand dunes, canyons, and mountains. The game also features a variety of challenges and achievements to complete. Players can also unlock new characters, such as Maya and Wolfgang, by completing challenges.

Also read: The 10 Best Endless Runner Games for Mobile in 2023

3. Rayman Adventures

Rayman Adventures is a 2015 endless runner platform game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier. The game was released for iOS and Android devices in December 2015. In the game, players control Rayman as he runs through a series of levels, jumping over obstacles and collecting Lums. The game also features a variety of challenges and achievements to complete.

Rayman Adventures is a well-made and enjoyable platformer. The gameplay is simple and easy to pick up, but there is still a challenge to be found. The game is also visually appealing, with its bright colors and detailed graphics.

4. Mortal Crusade

Mortal Crusade is a 2D action-platform game developed by Pixelated Milk. The game was released for iOS and Android devices in February 2018. In the game, players control a young knight as he fights his way through a series of levels, defeating enemies and bosses. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities that can be used to defeat enemies, and players can also upgrade their character’s stats to become more powerful.

Mortal Crusade is a challenging game that will test players’ skills. The game’s levels are full of enemies and traps, and players will need to use their skills to avoid damage and defeat their opponents. However, the game is also very rewarding, and players will feel a sense of accomplishment when they finally defeat a difficult boss.

5. Super Cat Tales 2

Super Cat Tales 2 is a 2D action-platform game developed by Hyperbeard. The game was released for iOS and Android devices in February 2018. In the game, players control a team of cats as they explore a series of levels, fighting enemies and solving puzzles. The game features a variety of different cats to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. Players can also upgrade their cats’ abilities and equipment to become more powerful.

The game also features a variety of different cats to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. Players can experiment with different combinations of cats to find the best team for each level.

6. Dan the Man

Dan the Man is a 2D action-platform game developed by Halfbrick Studios. The game was released for iOS and Android devices in December 2016. In the game, players control Dan, a young man who must fight his way through a series of levels, defeating enemies and bosses. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities that can be used to defeat enemies, and players can also upgrade their character’s stats to become more powerful.

Dan the Man is a freemium game, which means that it can be downloaded and played for free. However, some features of the game, such as weapons and abilities, can be unlocked by purchasing in-app purchases.

7. Summer Catchers

Summer Catchers is a 2D endless runner game developed by The Game Bakers. The game was released for iOS and Android devices in December 2017. In the game, players control a young girl named Summer as she runs through a series of levels, avoiding obstacles and collecting coins. The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. Players can also collect power-ups that will help them progress through the game.

8. Teslagrad

Teslagrad is a platform game with hand-drawn graphics, 2D sidescroller mechanics, and plenty of puzzle elements. Players find various relics that unlock various powers, which are useful for solving the game’s many puzzles and defeating bad guys. The game also includes boss fights, hardware controller support, and support for Android TV and NVIDIA Shield devices.

9. Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja is a 2010 action video game developed and published by Halfbrick Studios for iOS and Android devices. In the game, players control a ninja who slices fruit with a sword.

The game features multiple modes, including classic mode, arcade mode, and Zen mode. Players can also unlock new blades, such as the Fire Blade and the Ice Blade, by completing challenges.

10. Jetpack Joyride

Swordigo is a platform game with 3D-ish graphics but a purely 2D side-scrolling experience with some adventure, RPG, and action elements. Players find various weapons to help them on their quests and face off against a variety of monsters.

The controls are simple and customizable, and the game has a decidedly arcade platformer feel similar to arcade games in the 1990s. It’s not just jumping from platform to platform. The game is free to download with cheap in-app purchases to remove the advertising.

Best Platform Games on PC

Platform games have a rich history on PC, with classic titles like Commander Keen, Duke Nukem, and Jazz Jackrabbit paving the way for a new generation of platform games. Today, PC gamers have access to a wide variety of platform games, ranging from classic 2D sidescrollers to modern 3D adventures. Many popular platform games are available on PC, including Super Mario Bros., through emulators, Sonic Mania, Hollow Knight, and Cuphead.

PC platform games often offer improved graphics and performance compared to console versions, thanks to the powerful hardware found in modern gaming PCs. Additionally, the PC platform offers a variety of customization options, including mods and user-generated content, giving players even more ways to experience their favorite platform games. Whether you prefer classic 2D platformers or modern 3D adventures, PC platform games offer a fun and engaging experience that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. Let’s take a look at the best platform games for PC.

1. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful and immersive platform game developed by Moon Studios. In the game, players take on the role of Ori, a small spirit creature who must navigate through a vast and dangerous world to find her family. Ori’s abilities include jumping, climbing, and gliding, which allow her to traverse the game’s levels and overcome the various obstacles in her way.

The game features stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s emotional narrative. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game that is sure to leave a lasting impression on players who give it a chance.

2. Celeste

Celeste is a critically acclaimed indie platform game developed by Maddy Makes Games. The game follows the story of a young woman named Madeline as she attempts to climb to the top of a mountain named Celeste. Along the way, she encounters various obstacles and challenges that she must overcome to reach her goal.

The game’s mechanics are built around Madeline’s ability to jump, climb, and dash, allowing her to navigate through the game’s levels and overcome the obstacles in her way. The game’s levels are designed to be challenging, with increasingly difficult obstacles as the player progresses. Celeste is also known for its touching narrative, which deals with themes of anxiety, depression, and mental health. The game’s story is told through its characters and their interactions, as well as through the game’s environment and music.

Also read: Top 30 Best Indie Games : Stardew Valley, Celeste, Hades, Cuphead and more

3. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a beautifully crafted platform game developed by Team Cherry. The game takes place in the decaying world of Hallownest, where players take on the role of a small insect-like creature known as the Knight. The Knight’s abilities include jumping, dashing, and using various weapons and spells to defeat enemies.

The game’s levels are designed to be interconnected, with the player being able to explore the world freely and uncover its secrets. The game’s stunning visuals and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly capture the game’s atmosphere, making it a joy to play from start to finish.

4. Cuphead

Cuphead is a platform game developed by StudioMDHR. The game is known for its unique art style, which is inspired by the animation of the 1930s. Players take on the role of Cuphead, a small character with a cup for a head who must fight various bosses to repay a debt to the devil.

The game’s mechanics are built around Cuphead’s ability to shoot various projectiles and dodge obstacles. The game’s levels are designed to be challenging, with increasingly difficult bosses as the player progresses. The game’s art style and soundtrack perfectly capture the game’s theme, making it a truly unique experience.

5. Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight is a retro-style platform game developed by Yacht Club Games. The game takes place in a world where knights wield shovels instead of swords. Players take on the role of Shovel Knight, a small knight with a shovel, who must defeat various enemies and bosses to save his beloved.

Shovel Knight is a game that is packed with charm and personality. The game’s retro-inspired graphics and music are a joy to experience, transporting players back to the golden age of platformers. The game’s tight controls and challenging level design make it a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to put down.

6. Super Meat Boy

Super Meat Boy is a challenging platform game developed by Team Meat. The game follows the story of Meat Boy, a small character made of meat who must rescue his girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from the evil Dr. Fetus. The game’s mechanics are built around Meat Boy’s ability to jump, run, and stick to walls, allowing him to navigate through the game’s levels and overcome the various obstacles in his way.

The game’s levels are designed to be challenging, with increasingly difficult obstacles as the player progresses. The game’s art style and soundtrack perfectly capture the game’s quirky and humorous tone, making it a game that is sure to leave players laughing and frustrated in equal measure.

7. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a unique platform game developed by Motion Twin. The game combines elements of platformers and roguelikes to create a unique and challenging experience. Players take on the role of a small character who must navigate through a dangerous and ever-changing castle to uncover its secrets.

The game’s procedurally generated levels and permadeath mechanics make each playthrough feel fresh and exciting. The game’s combat system is also a standout feature, with players able to mix and match weapons and spells to create their own playstyle.

Also read: From Hades To Crypt Of The NecroDancer, Top 10 Dungeon Crawlers

8. A Hat in Time

A Hat in Time is a charming and whimsical platform game developed by Gears for Breakfast. The game follows the story of Hat Kid, a small girl who travels through various worlds to collect the Time Pieces and save her spaceship. The game’s mechanics are built around Hat Kid’s ability to jump, dash, and use various hats to gain new abilities, allowing her to navigate through the game’s levels and overcome the obstacles in her way.

The game’s levels are designed to be charming and colorful, with each world having its own unique theme and style. The game’s art style and soundtrack perfectly capture the game’s whimsical and lighthearted tone, making it a game that is sure to leave players with a smile on their face.

9. Mark of the Ninja

Mark of the Ninja is a stealth platform game developed by Klei Entertainment. The game follows the story of a ninja who must navigate through various levels to complete his missions. The game’s mechanics are built around the player’s ability to sneak, climb, and use various weapons and traps to defeat enemies.

The game’s levels are designed to be completed in a variety of ways, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles and approaches. The game’s art style and soundtrack perfectly capture the game’s dark and moody tone, making it a game that is sure to keep players on the edge of their seat.

10. Dust: An Elysian Tail

Dust: An Elysian Tail is a beautifully crafted platform game developed by Humble Hearts. The game follows the story of Dust, a small creature who must navigate through a vast and dangerous world to uncover his past. The game’s mechanics are built around Dust’s ability to jump, dash, and use various weapons and spells to defeat enemies.

The game’s story is emotionally charged and deals with themes of identity and purpose. The game’s combat system is also a standout feature, with players able to string together combos and use various weapons and spells to defeat enemies.

Best Platform Games for Console

Console gamers have access to a wide variety of platform games, ranging from classic titles to modern masterpieces. Super Mario Odyssey, available on the Nintendo Switch, is widely considered one of the best platform games of all time, with its creative level design, charming characters, and engaging gameplay. LittleBigPlanet 3, available on the PlayStation 4, is another standout platform game, with its robust level editor and creative user-generated content. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, available on the Nintendo Switch, is a challenging and rewarding platform game that offers some of the most precise and satisfying gameplay in the genre.

Other standout platform games for console include Ori and the Blind Forest, available on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, and Rayman Legends, available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Both games feature beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters, making them a must-play for any fan of the platform genre. Whether you’re a fan of classic 2D platformers or modern 3D adventures, console gamers have access to some of the best platform games in the industry, offering a fun and engaging experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more. Let’s take a look at the best platformer console games.

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a critically acclaimed platform game that once again takes Mario on an epic adventure to save Princess Peach from Bowser. This time, however, Mario has a new companion, his sentient hat named Cappy, who can be thrown to possess enemies and objects. The game features a vast open-world filled with secrets, collectibles, and challenging platforming sequences.

The game’s graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that bring the world to life. The game’s soundtrack is also memorable, featuring a mix of classic Mario tunes and new tracks that complement the game’s tone and atmosphere. Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play for any fan of the Mario franchise and a standout platformer on the Nintendo Switch.

2. Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is a visually stunning platform game that tells the emotional story of Ori, a guardian spirit who must restore the forest of Nibel to its former glory. The game features a breathtakingly beautiful hand-painted art style that immerses players in the game’s world. The game’s platforming mechanics are challenging yet rewarding, with a variety of abilities like wall jumping, dashing, and gliding that allow for fluid and acrobatic movement through the levels.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a hauntingly beautiful score that perfectly captures the game’s emotional tone. Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform game that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, making it a standout game on the Xbox One.

3. LittleBigPlanet 3

LittleBigPlanet 3 is a unique platform game that allows players to create and share their own levels with other players around the world. The game features a charming and whimsical art style, with handmade environments and characters that are full of personality. The game’s story follows Sackboy, a small creature made out of fabric, as he embarks on a journey to save the world of LittleBigPlanet from the evil Newton.

The game’s platforming mechanics are finely tuned, with a variety of gadgets and tools that allow for creative solutions to puzzles and challenges. The game’s level editor is also robust, allowing players to create their own levels, characters, and even cutscenes. LittleBigPlanet 3 is a platform game that encourages creativity and collaboration between players, making it a unique and engaging experience on the PlayStation 4.

4. Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends is a vibrant and colorful platform game that follows Rayman and his friends as they journey through a variety of worlds to save the Glade of Dreams from the nefarious plans of the nightmares. The game features gorgeous hand-drawn environments and characters that are full of personality and charm. The game’s platforming mechanics are challenging yet satisfying, with tight controls and a variety of abilities like wall jumping and gliding that allow for acrobatic movement through the levels.

The game also features a variety of minigames and challenges that add to the game’s replayability. Rayman Legends is a platform game that is full of personality and charm, making it a must-play game on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

5. Donkey Kong Country

Tropical Freeze: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a challenging and engaging platform game that follows Donkey Kong and his friends as they journey through a variety of islands to take back their home from the invading Snowmads. The game features beautiful 2D and 3D environments that are packed with secrets and obstacles to overcome.

The game’s difficulty is balanced by its responsive controls and fair level design, making it a satisfying and rewarding experience for players who are up for the challenge. The game also features a variety of creative boss battles, each with their own unique mechanics and challenges.

6. Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania is a platform game that pays tribute to the classic Sonic games of the 1990s. The game features beautiful pixel art graphics and a catchy chiptune soundtrack that perfectly capture the look and feel of the 16-bit era. The game’s platforming mechanics are finely tuned, with a variety of abilities like spin dashing and homing attacks that allow for fluid and acrobatic movement through the levels.

The game features a variety of classic zones from previous Sonic games, as well as new zones that are full of surprises and secrets. Sonic Mania is a platform game that is sure to delight fans of the Sonic franchise and anyone who loves retro-inspired games on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

7. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a cooperative platform game that follows the story of Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who become magically transformed into dolls. The game’s story explores themes of love, communication, and forgiveness, as the couple works together to overcome various challenges and repair their relationship. The game’s cooperative gameplay is its biggest selling point, with players controlling Cody and May as they navigate through levels, solve puzzles and battle bosses.

It Takes Two’s unique cooperative gameplay is enhanced by its split-screen mechanics, which allow players to see both Cody and May’s perspectives at the same time. This adds a layer of strategy and communication to the game, as players must work together to overcome obstacles and coordinate their movements.

8. Unravel

Unravel is a platform game that follows the story of Yarny, a small creature made of yarn who must navigate through various environments to collect memories. The game’s story explores themes of love, family, and nostalgia, as players explore Yarny’s memories and the memories of his owners.

The game’s story is also told without any dialogue, relying instead on visuals and environmental storytelling to convey its themes and emotions. Unravel is a platform game that is both challenging and emotionally resonant, with a story that is sure to tug at players’ heartstrings. The game is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

9. Little Nightmares

Little Nightmares is a puzzle-platform game that follows the story of Six, a small girl trapped in a mysterious vessel called The Maw. The game’s story explores themes of fear, hunger, and survival, as players navigate through the eerie and unsettling environments of The Maw.

The game’s atmosphere is its biggest selling point, with its haunting visuals and eerie soundtrack creating a sense of dread and unease that permeates throughout the entire game. The game’s puzzles are also cleverly designed, with players using Six’s abilities to solve a variety of challenges and escape from the dangers that lurk in the shadows.

10. Hello Neighbor

Hello Neighbor is a stealth horror game that follows the story of a curious young child who becomes suspicious of their neighbor’s behavior and decides to investigate. The game’s story explores themes of paranoia, surveillance, and the fear of the unknown, as players navigate through their neighbor’s house and uncover the dark secrets that lie within.

The game’s stealth mechanics are its biggest selling point, with players sneaking around and avoiding the neighbor’s traps and patrols. The game’s AI is also noteworthy, with the neighbor learning and adapting to the player’s actions, making each playthrough a unique and challenging experience.

In conclusion

The platformer genre has a rich history in the video game industry and continues to captivate players of all ages and experience levels. From classic 2D sidescrollers to modern 3D adventures, there are countless platform games available on a variety of platforms, each offering unique and engaging gameplay experiences. Super Mario Odyssey, LittleBigPlanet 3, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Rayman Legends are just a few of the standout platform games available across platforms. With their challenging gameplay, creative level design, and memorable characters, these games are sure to keep players entertained for hours on end. Whether you’re a fan of classic platform games or looking for something new, there’s a platform game out there that’s sure to meet your needs and offer a fun and engaging experience.