What Are The Best Platform Games?
In this article, we will embark on a thrilling adventure exploring the realm of platform games. We will journey through the vast landscape of the gaming world, discovering the gems that have captured the hearts of gamers around the globe. Prepare to leap, dash, and swing through exhilarating levels, as we unveil the crème de la crème of platform games that have left an indelible mark on the gaming community. Get ready to discover extraordinary worlds filled with challenges, excitement, and endless fun! When it comes to platform games, there are a plethora of options to choose from. From iconic classics to modern masterpieces, platform games have been a beloved genre in the gaming industry for decades. In this article, we will explore some of the best platform games in different franchises, including Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, Donkey Kong, Rayman, Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Spyro the Dragon, Mega Man, and Cuphead. So, let’s dive into the colorful and exciting worlds of these games!
Mario Games
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey takes players on a grand adventure across various kingdoms in pursuit of rescuing Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. With its open-world design and innovative gameplay mechanics, this game offers a fresh and immersive experience for players. From exploring the bustling streets of New Donk City to traversing the vibrant landscapes of the Seaside Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey never fails to captivate players with its stunning visuals and creative level design.
Super Mario World
Considered a timeless classic, Super Mario World is a game that has stood the test of time. Released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990, it introduced players to Yoshi, Mario’s trusty dinosaur companion. With its colorful and diverse levels, hidden secrets, and challenging boss battles, Super Mario World continues to be a fan favorite even after three decades.
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy took the Mario franchise to new heights, quite literally. Released for the Nintendo Wii in 2007, this game allowed players to navigate through various galaxies, each with its own unique challenges and gravity-defying gameplay mechanics. From collecting Power Stars to saving Princess Peach once again, Super Mario Galaxy showcased the capabilities of the Wii and provided an immersive and enchanting experience for players of all ages.
Sonic the Hedgehog Games
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a game that ignited the blazing fast gameplay and iconic level design that the Sonic franchise is known for. Released for the Sega Genesis in 1992, players were introduced to Sonic’s sidekick Tails and were able to experience the exhilarating speed of the Blue Blur in levels like the iconic Green Hill Zone. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 remains a beloved entry in the series and continues to entertain players with its high-octane action.
Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is a love letter to the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games of the 16-bit era. Released in 2017, this game expertly captures the essence of what made the original Sonic games great while adding new twists and surprises. With beautifully remastered levels, catchy music, and smooth gameplay, Sonic Mania offers a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and a thrilling introduction to the series for newcomers.
Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations celebrates the blue hedgehog’s 20th anniversary by combining elements from both classic and modern Sonic games. Released in 2011, this game takes players on a time-traveling adventure, allowing them to play as both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic. With its stunning visuals, memorable levels, and a mashup of old and new gameplay mechanics, Sonic Generations is a must-play for any Sonic fan.
Donkey Kong Games
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country revolutionized the platforming genre with its groundbreaking visuals and unique gameplay mechanics. Released for the SNES in 1994, this game introduced players to Donkey Kong and his nephew Diddy Kong as they embark on a quest to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the villainous King K. Rool. With its stunning pre-rendered graphics, memorable soundtrack, and challenging levels, Donkey Kong Country became an instant classic and spawned a successful franchise.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the fifth installment in the Donkey Kong Country series, released for the Wii U in 2014. This game takes the beloved Kong family on a frozen adventure as they try to reclaim their homeland from the invading Snowmads. With its breathtaking level design, dynamic gameplay, and a cooperative multiplayer mode, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze offers a refreshing and challenging experience for players.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
Considered by many as one of the best platform games of all time, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest picks up where its predecessor left off. Released for the SNES in 1995, this game introduced players to Dixie Kong, Diddy Kong’s girlfriend, as they set off on a daring mission to rescue Donkey Kong from the clutches of the villainous King K. Rool. With its intricate level design, memorable soundtrack, and a perfect balance of challenge and fun, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest remains a timeless gem in the platforming genre.
What Are The Best Platform Games?
Rayman Games
Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is a visually stunning and incredibly fun platform game released in 2013. With its whimsical art style and fluid gameplay, this game takes players on a breathtaking journey through various mythical worlds. From navigating treacherous dungeons to engaging in fast-paced musical levels, Rayman Legends never fails to surprise and entertain players with its innovative level design and charming characters.
Rayman Origins
Rayman Origins serves as a reboot of the Rayman franchise, released in 2011. This game takes players back to the origins of Rayman’s adventures, inviting them to explore lush and colorful levels filled with quirky characters and challenging platforming sequences. With its beautiful hand-drawn artwork, tight controls, and a cooperative multiplayer mode, Rayman Origins offers a delightful and engaging experience for players of all ages.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Rayman 2: The Great Escape marks a significant turning point in the Rayman series, transitioning from 2D to 3D platforming. Released in 1999, this game introduces players to a fully-realized 3D world filled with imaginative environments and memorable characters. With its engaging storyline, clever level design, and diverse gameplay mechanics, Rayman 2: The Great Escape remains a beloved entry in the franchise.
Crash Bandicoot Games
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is the second installment in the Crash Bandicoot series, released for the PlayStation in 1997. This game follows Crash’s quest to gather Crystals to stop the evil plans of Dr. Neo Cortex. With its challenging platforming, vibrant visuals, and memorable boss battles, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back solidified Crash as a beloved mascot of the PlayStation era.
Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy
The Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy is a collection of remastered versions of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy, released for various platforms in 2017. This collection brings back the classic platforming adventures of Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped with stunning visuals and updated gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, the N. Sane Trilogy provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the nostalgia and charm of the original Crash Bandicoot games.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a recent addition to the Crash Bandicoot series, released in 2020. This game picks up after the events of Crash Bandicoot: Warped, as Crash and Coco team up to save the multiverse from the evil plans of Dr. N. Tropy and Dr. Neo Cortex. With its challenging platforming, gorgeous visuals, and a time-bending storyline, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time offers a fresh take on the classic Crash Bandicoot formula.
Jak and Daxter Games
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is the first game in the Jak and Daxter series, released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. This game follows the adventures of Jak and his sidekick Daxter as they explore a vast and beautifully crafted open world in search of a cure for Daxter’s transformation into an ottsel. With its dynamic gameplay, immersive world, and a captivating storyline, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy became a critically acclaimed platform game and laid the foundation for a successful franchise.
Jak II
Jak II takes a darker and more mature turn compared to its predecessor, released in 2003. This game introduces players to a dystopian city known as Haven City, where Jak and Daxter find themselves entangled in a conflict between warring factions. With its seamless blend of platforming, shooting, and racing elements, Jak II offers a unique and action-packed experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
Jak 3
Jak 3 concludes the Jak and Daxter trilogy, released in 2004. This game takes players on a thrilling journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland as Jak grapples with his newfound powers and faces a new threat to the world. With its vast open world, diverse gameplay mechanics, and an emotionally charged storyline, Jak 3 provides a satisfying conclusion to the series and leaves players with unforgettable memories.
Spyro the Dragon Games
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a collection of remastered versions of the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy, released for various platforms in 2018. This collection brings the adorable purple dragon to life with stunning graphics and updated gameplay mechanics, giving both longtime fans and newcomers the opportunity to rediscover the magical worlds of Spyro. With its charming characters, expansive levels, and addictive gameplay, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers a delightful platforming experience for players of all ages.
Spyro the Dragon
Spyro the Dragon is the game that started it all, released for the PlayStation in 1998. In this game, players take on the role of Spyro, a young dragon tasked with rescuing his fellow dragons from the clutches of Gnasty Gnorc. With its colorful visuals, vibrant worlds, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Spyro the Dragon captured the hearts of players worldwide and laid the foundation for a beloved franchise.
Spyro: Year of the Dragon
Spyro: Year of the Dragon is the third installment in the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy, released for the PlayStation in 2000. This game takes players on a thrilling adventure through various worlds as Spyro and his friends try to reclaim stolen dragon eggs from the Evil Sorceress. With its memorable characters, challenging puzzles, and engaging platforming, Spyro: Year of the Dragon is a worthy conclusion to the original trilogy and a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Mega Man Games
Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2 is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the Mega Man series, released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. This game follows the robotic hero Mega Man as he battles against the evil Dr. Wily and his army of Robot Masters. With its tight controls, creative level design, and catchy chiptune soundtrack, Mega Man 2 helped define the platforming genre and solidified Mega Man as an iconic video game character.
Mega Man X
Mega Man X takes the Mega Man formula to a whole new level, released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993. Set in the future, this game introduces players to a new protagonist, Mega Man X, as he battles against the powerful Mavericks and their leader Sigma. With its fast-paced gameplay, upgradeable abilities, and thrilling boss battles, Mega Man X breathed new life into the franchise and became a fan favorite among platforming enthusiasts.
Mega Man 11
Mega Man 11 is a recent addition to the Mega Man series, released in 2018. This game combines the classic 2D platforming of the original games with updated visuals and gameplay mechanics. As Mega Man, players must once again save the world from the clutches of Dr. Wily by defeating a series of challenging Robot Masters. With its stunning graphics, tight controls, and a variety of new abilities, Mega Man 11 successfully revitalizes the beloved franchise for a new generation of players.
Cuphead
Cuphead
Cuphead is a unique and visually stunning platform game that pays homage to the classic cartoons of the 1930s. Released in 2017, this game follows the adventures of Cuphead and his brother Mugman as they traverse through a series of challenging boss battles in an effort to repay their debt to the Devil. With its hand-drawn animations, jazz-inspired soundtrack, and intense gameplay, Cuphead offers a refreshing and challenging experience that stands out in the platforming genre.
In conclusion, the world of platform games is filled with a diverse array of titles, each offering its own unique blend of captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. Whether you’re a fan of iconic franchises like Mario and Sonic, or you prefer the charm of games like Rayman and Spyro, there is no shortage of fantastic platform games to explore. So grab your controller, jump into these vibrant worlds, and embark on an unforgettable platforming adventure. Happy gaming!
