Top 10 Best Platformers Ever

Hollow Knight, released in 2017, presents a sprawling, interconnected underground kingdom known as Hallownest, offering combat depth comparable to dedicated action games. Its distinctive hand-drawn art style and haunting musical score accompany players through a vast and mysterious world. The game features over 40 unique bosses, each providing a significant challenge. As a Metroidvania, it emphasizes exploration and character progression within its intricate map. The initial price point of $15 made it an accessible entry into the genre, offering substantial content and critical acclaim upon its release. Its detailed world and challenging combat provide a rich experience for those who delve into its depths.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze stands out for its exceptional 2D level design, with each stage introducing unique mechanics that keep the experience fresh without overstaying their welcome. The game's acclaimed soundtrack by David Wise enhances the vibrant environments, while dynamic camera work further elevates the visual presentation. It offers a challenging but fair difficulty curve, catering to both casual players and seasoned platformer enthusiasts. Originally released in 2014 for the Wii U, it was later ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2018, allowing a wider audience to experience its critically praised gameplay.

Super Mario Bros. 3 revolutionized the platforming genre upon its release in 1988, introducing innovations such as a sprawling overworld map and iconic power-ups like the Tanooki Suit. The game featured eight distinct themed worlds, each offering unique challenges and secrets that expanded the scope of what an 8-bit game could achieve. Its intricate level design and emphasis on discovery laid a foundational blueprint for subsequent platformers. Super Mario Bros. 3 was a commercial success, selling over 17 million copies worldwide, significantly influencing the trajectory of video game design.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps captivates players with its stunning hand-painted environments and emotionally resonant narrative. The game's movement mechanics are exceptionally fluid, making traversal a core joy of the experience. Released in 2020, it significantly refined the combat system from its predecessor, addressing previous criticisms and delivering a more polished and engaging experience. This focus on fluid movement and responsive combat, combined with its striking visual and auditory design, solidifies its reputation as a standout in the platforming genre.

Rayman Legends features visually striking hand-painted graphics, made possible by the UbiArt Framework engine, and innovative music levels that synchronize gameplay with orchestrated covers of well-known songs such as "Eye of the Tiger" and "Black Betty." Released in 2013, the game garnered widespread critical acclaim, evidenced by its Metacritic score of 89. Despite its high ratings, the game sold approximately 2 million copies. Its unique artistic direction and creative level design have cemented its status as a highly regarded platformer of its generation.

Mega Man 2 delivers the tightest action-platforming of the NES era, thanks to its eight Robot Master stages and the game-changing Metal Blade weapon. Developed by a Capcom team working unpaid overtime after the original’s poor sales, this 1988 classic sold over 1.5 million copies, saving the franchise from cancellation.

Super Meat Boy redefines hardcore platforming by making brutal difficulty instantly addictive—respawns are near-instant, and levels last only seconds. With over 300 stages, unlockable indie characters, and Danny Baranowsky’s driving soundtrack, Team Meat’s 2010 title sold more than 1 million copies in its first year.