This list showcases the 30 best platform games of all time, blending modern hits with timeless classics. Explore both new and retro titles, and don't miss our other genre selections:

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 game familiar to virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario sequels exist, the original remains cherished by millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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Metascore: TBD Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo

Ninja Gaiden dominated NES consoles in the late 80s, praised for its high-quality graphics, animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging 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

No best-of platformer list is complete without a Disney title. Aladdin, based on the popular film, boasts impressive animation, graphics, beautiful environments, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million sales are remarkable for a physically-distributed game.

Contra

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Metascore: TBD Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami

The Contra series is a platforming legend. The original 1987 game remains a favorite, released across 10 platforms. Its intense gameplay, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels make it a classic action-platformer.

Earthworm Jim 2

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Metascore: TBD Download: Steam Release Date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment

A vibrant and memorable Sega Genesis title, Earthworm Jim 2 features bizarre challenges, unforgettable bosses, and unique levels. Even today, it offers a distinct and unforgettable experience.

Gex

Image: gog.com

Metascore: TBD Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly pulled into the world of television. He explores diverse levels, utilizing his wall-climbing abilities, sticky tongue, and springy tail. 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 various challenges. An HD remaster was released on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

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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 Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus features puzzle-solving and character control.

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, offering a fresh take on the classic trilogy.

Rayman Legends

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Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier

Rayman Legends combines magical cartoon graphics with captivating gameplay. It includes 40 levels from Rayman Origins and is excellent for cooperative play.

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 awards make it a standout. The protagonist must rescue his beloved through increasingly challenging levels.

Sonic Mania

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Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games

A fan-made tribute to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania blends nostalgic elements with new levels and improved gameplay.

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. Psychonauts features puzzle-solving, captivating stories, and battles against inner demons. Consider also its sequel, Psychonauts 2 (2024).

Metal Slug Anthology

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Metascore: 73 Download: PlayStation Store Release Date: December 14, 2006 Developer: Terminal Reality

This anthology includes six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' charm, graphics, animation, and humor.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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Metascore: 85 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: March 25, 2022 Developer: HAL Laboratory

Kirby explores a 3D post-apocalyptic world, utilizing his signature power-absorbing abilities. It offers challenges for hardcore players and an epic finale.

Celeste

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: January 25, 2018 Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.

Madeline climbs a mountain, confronting both environmental challenges and her 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 Super Mario 64's 3D platforming revolution, Super Mario Odyssey offers stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles.

Cuphead

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.

Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon visuals are complemented by challenging, fast-paced gameplay.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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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 visuals.

GRIS

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Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio

GRIS tells the story of a girl journeying through her inner world, overcoming obstacles and puzzles to restore color and heal emotional wounds.

Katana ZERO

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Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft

This neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and strategic thinking.

DuckTales Remastered

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies

A remastered version of the 1989 classic, featuring improved graphics, levels, and features.

Pizza Tower

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Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza

A fast-paced platformer with a unique two-stage level design.

Mega Man 11

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Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom

Mega Man 11 blends classic gameplay with modern visuals and the new Double Gear system.

Astro Bot

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Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi

A critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring a little robot and utilizing the DualSense controller's features.

Owlboy

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Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio

A charming platformer with adventure elements and unique flying mechanics.

The Messenger

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Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage

A humorous homage to classic platformers with a unique 8-bit to 16-bit transition.

Huntdown

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games

A brutal 2D cyberpunk action game with diverse weapons and 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 horror atmosphere.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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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 top 30 list includes both modern and classic platformers, along with remasters that bridge generations. We hope this inspires you to start your next gaming adventure!