Top 5 Platformers of All Time

Since the early 80s, platformers have graced the video game scene. Granted, they weren’t called platformers until long after they appeared, but those early games did define the genre and allow for new and innovative takes on the basic premise of going from one side of the screen to another. While very few of the games on this list are old or genre-defining, the games that I do feature ended up here because of their unique and enjoyable gameplay.

 

    5. Limbo

Limbo didn’t do much to define itself in terms of new gameplay—there were already several games released with a trial-and-error learning system centered on death, while the controls themselves centered on two basic things already appearing in numerous games: jumping, grabbing, and pressing buttons. However, Limbo’s puzzles remained incredibly difficult and the short game took several hours to play, even with a guide to help out. Most distinctive was its grim overtone, grisly deaths, and dark art style. These features made it stand out from other platformers and meshed horror with platforming perfectly.

            4. Mega Man 2

Mega Man 2 was one of the first games to do away with a point system—your goal was simply to get through the level alive. The plot was very loose—but still present—so you did have some kind of motivation going through the game. The game allowed Mega Man to collect different weapons from his enemies, making later levels easier, as long as you used the right tool. Parts of the game are challenging and can easily frustrate someone with a short attention span—but if you’re willing to sit and play for a few hours, this game can be a rewarding experience.

            3. Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 was the first 3D game in the series, and it did an excellent job of converting the old 2D gameplay into a 3D world. As one of the Nintendo 64’s launch games, it had to deal with new issues beyond just controls—camera angles, level layouts, and controls all had to be dealt with from a different perspective. The exploratory nature of the game set it apart from its predecessors, and perhaps from most other platformers, since there was plenty to find that wasn’t required to complete the game. The game did keep the basic ‘collect all of the important items!’ in its plot, along with the difficult terrain to navigate, so despite the differences it felt like any other Mario game. Even today, it’s still a good play.

               2. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country was ahead of its time in terms of graphics. While its gameplay wasn’t revolutionary, its graphics featured pre-rendered 3D animation, compressed and playable on an SNES console. It also allowed you to switch between two different characters with different abilities during gameplay, opening up new areas or giving you the advantage during certain fights. The levels were intricately drawn and had plenty of secret areas to discover, while the sound tracks were incredibly catchy and remain prominent in the series today.

                1. Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy is an example of a game that took something already present in most games—gravity—and made it a core feature, rather than a simple anchor for the character. This game explored the potential of 3D platforming in a way that didn’t simply convert two-dimensional gameplay into a three-dimensional environment. It explored the capabilities of the Wii and is still one of the best games on the system. Its sequel also failed to disappoint, adding in more levels and reenvisioning some older levels of the series with the new gravity mechanics. Overall, the game looks quite good, plays quite well, and—most importantly—is one of the most enjoyable platformers of all time. In all this time, games haven’t lost their ability to focus on fun.

 

Honorable Mention: Donkey Kong