Whether 2D, 2.5D, or 3D – in many games, you can jump from platform to platform, from level to level. Many remarkable titles have emerged from this basic idea. We show you particularly successful titles with this Top 5 of the best platformer games.
If you want to discover more platformer game worlds, it might help to take a closer look at these particularly successful titles of the genre.
5. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
The latest title in the series is, in our opinion, also the most mature version of Crash Bandicoot and comes with a fresh 2.5D look on the Unreal 4 engine. The popular badger revisits Cortex Castle and the pirate haven Salty Wharf from the old games. It’s About Time returns to its roots while integrating many new characters and game modes into the title. For example, Crash has the ability to defy gravity or slow down time. Here you won’t be bored for a second and encounter a game designed with great attention to detail. However, the latest title also includes a very high difficulty level that will challenge even hardcore veterans of the genre extremely.
This game is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC and can be purchased via the official Crash Bandicoot website.
4. LittleBigPlanet 1 to 3
LittleBigPlanet on PlayStation 3 did indeed create a very original game series, and the sequels continued that success. Here you have to solve fun puzzles and play with the laws of physics. Some features are still quite innovative today: As “Sackboy” or “Sackgirl”, you’ll have to be creative and show skill and logic to solve the many riddles and reach the level’s objective. The first LBP already made a great contribution to online level creation, providing a lot of freedom to make your own levels, and thus numerous high-quality community-based maps with custom content are available.
This popular game series is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and can be purchased for PS4 via the PlayStation Store.
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
This platformer is a breathtaking Jump ‘n’ Run spectacle on every level and has an enormous emotional scope. Also, the prequel, Ori and the Blind Forest, was a blast. The sequel was able to follow up on this success and even surpass it. As Ori, you once again fight as a little ghost through numerous levels, this time with your buddy Ku by your side. Together you not only wander through forests but also the new land called Niwen, which sank into darkness. Immediately you find the game and its gameplay style coherent and likable and dive into an amazing, lovingly told story. As in the first game, you’ll start with no abilities, but quickly you’ll gain unexpected powers and abilities that will make you a fearsome fighter.
The game is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC, and xCloud and can be purchased on Steam via Steam.
2. Super Mario Galaxy
This platformer game for the Nintendo Wii sends the hero Mario into space with the objective of exploring numerous wondrous planets. At the same time, fighting many different enemies to save princess Peach once again. Mario jumps around on planets that are often not much bigger than himself. This offers a completely new level of experience in 360° visuals and makes the feeling of gravity even more real. The levels and enemies are very cutely designed: You often get that fantastic feeling of endless things to discover, which always drives curiosity. This WOW effect is unleashed even more by the innovative controls of the Wii Remote and the Nunchuck controller. Through that combination, new and unique movements are possible with the plumber.
The title can be played on Nintendo Wii, purchased via the Nintendo store, or get the cartridge version for the Nintendo Switch via Amazon (affiliate link).
1. Banjo-Kazooie
This game for the Nintendo 64 gave players an extremely original gaming experience. Especially due to its story, gameplay style, and unique game mechanics. Super Mario 64 appeared a short time before and completely redefined the 3D platforming genre. But Banjo-Kazooie immersed us in a completely new, colorful world with new surprises and puzzles. The story is deeply touching, and the cute characters and levels were very diverse. Most notably, you always team up with your partner, Kazooie. With the help of the bird, you can perform special attacks or fly through the world. A noteworthy feature in the game is shape-shifting: Let Mumbo the Shamen transform you into a small pumpkin and gain new access to certain places. This Jump’n’Run is still a jewel for many gamers today and evokes nostalgic feelings in many of us.
The title can be enjoyed on Nintendo 64 and also on Nintendo Switch with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
What platformer games do you want to get into next?
We hope it will be easier for you now to find your next platformer game. If you are also interested in other game genres, you might want to look at our lists for the best free RPG games, the best free FPS games, Co-op games like It Takes Two, the best Survival Games on PS4 / PS5 or the best RTS games.
Do you have a favorite title that you think should be on our list as well? Let us know in the comments below.
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