Platformers

Super Mario Land takes the iconic plumber to the tropical kingdom of Sarasaland, where players must rescue Princess Daisy from the alien invader Tatanga. The game delivers classic platforming in a compact, portable format, featuring new power-ups and memorable level design. Despite its simple graphics, the title introduced fresh mechanics like the Mario Flyball and showcased Nintendo's ability to adapt the Mario formula to new hardware. It remains a beloved retro classic that continues to be enjoyed through modern re-releases.

✦ Best for retro gamers and kids

Super Mario Bros. 3 takes players on a vibrant journey across eight distinct worlds, each packed with hidden secrets, power‑ups, and challenging enemies. With its innovative map system and diverse level design, the game offers endless replayability for both newcomers and seasoned gamers. Originally released in 1988, this timeless classic continues to captivate audiences with its tight controls, memorable music, and imaginative level themes, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the platform genre.

✦ Best for classic platformer fans

Super Mario Bros. 2 takes players on a colorful journey through dreamlike worlds, introducing new characters and unique abilities that refresh the beloved series. The game blends classic platforming with inventive level design, offering both challenge and charm for players of all ages. Originally released in 1988, this title remains a staple of Nintendo's catalog, celebrated for its cooperative feel and imaginative environments. Its timeless gameplay continues to delight both nostalgic fans and new players alike.

✦ Best for classic platformer fans

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels revisits the original 1985 platforming formula, adding new world designs, higher difficulty, and fresh power‑up placements. Originally released only in Japan, it later reached worldwide audiences via virtual console services, preserving its retro charm while testing even veteran players. The game retains the iconic side‑scrolling action, precise controls, and memorable music, while introducing new obstacles like poison mushrooms and more complex enemy patterns. Its timeless gameplay makes it a perfect showcase of early platform design for both nostalgic fans and new players seeking a true retro challenge.

✦ Best for retro platformer fans craving authentic 8‑bit challenge

Kirby's Dream Land introduces players to the lovable pink hero as he explores whimsical landscapes, inhales enemies, and discovers hidden secrets. The game’s simple controls and vibrant world make it an ideal entry point for younger gamers and anyone seeking a light‑hearted platform experience.

✦ Best for young gamers seeking classic fun

LittleBigPlanet invites players into a charming, handcrafted world where imagination drives the gameplay. As Sackboy, you explore vibrant levels, solve puzzles, and meet quirky characters while crafting your own creations. The game blends platforming, sandbox building, and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends collaborate on custom stages or tackle challenges together. Its robust level editor and online community make every playthrough unique.

✦ Best for families with ps3

Marble Arena 2 drops you into vibrant, physics‑driven tracks where you control a rolling marble through platforming challenges and competitive races. With both single‑player challenges and online multiplayer modes, the game offers endless replayability for skill‑based fun. Developed by Brightside Entertainment, the title runs on Linux, PC, and Mac, delivering smooth cross‑platform play and a robust level editor that lets the community create and share new arenas. Its indie spirit shines through quirky visuals, customizable skins, and a focus on skillful maneuvering.

✦ Best for indie platformer fans

Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus is the critically acclaimed sequel to Abe's Oddysee, delivering a richly detailed 2D world where players guide Abe through hazardous factories, alien landscapes, and secret tunnels. The game blends tight platforming with inventive puzzle mechanics, all wrapped in a darkly humorous sci‑fi narrative. Originally released in 1998, the title has been re‑released for modern platforms, preserving its classic charm while offering updated controls and optional widescreen support. Fans of challenging puzzles and atmospheric storytelling will find a timeless experience that still feels fresh today.

✦ Best for fans of classic 2d platformers who love puzzles and quirky humor

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee follows the humble factory worker Abe as he discovers the sinister plans of the ruthless Glukkons and sets out to free his captured fellow Mudokons. The game blends classic side‑scroll platforming with inventive puzzle‑solving and stealth mechanics, all wrapped in a darkly comedic sci‑fi world. Originally released in 1997, the title has become a cult classic thanks to its memorable characters, unique Quake ability, and richly detailed 2D environments. Players navigate treacherous factory floors, avoid detection, and use Abe's chanting powers to possess enemies and solve intricate challenges.

✦ Best for fans of classic platform‑puzzle games craving quirky stealth challenges

Rayman Origins returns to the series' roots with hand‑drawn 2D graphics, whimsical characters, and tight, responsive controls. Players guide Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies through lush worlds filled with secrets, challenges, and humor. The game supports both single‑player and local co‑operative play, letting friends team up to tackle the same levels. With a blend of classic platforming, collectible hunting, and inventive level design, it offers endless replay value for gamers of all ages.

✦ Best for families and friends seeking local co‑op platform fun

Wik & the Fable of Souls is an indie platform‑strategy hybrid where you guide the tiny hero Wik through a series of intricate, physics‑based puzzles. The game blends charming pixel art with clever level design, challenging players to think several steps ahead. Released in 2004 by Reflexive Entertainment, the title offers a single‑player experience on PC and Xbox 360, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh gameplay loop that rewards both patience and creativity.

✦ Best for fans of indie puzzle‑platformers craving strategic, story‑driven challenges

Super Meat Boy is a tight, precision‑based platformer that throws you into frantic runs as the eponymous meat cube, racing to rescue his girlfriend Bandage Girl. Each level is a short, deadly gauntlet filled with spikes, moving blocks, and hidden shortcuts that demand perfect timing and reflexes. The game’s pixel‑art style and dark humor are complemented by a high‑energy soundtrack, while its simple controls make it easy to pick up yet nearly impossible to master, offering endless replay value for both casual and hardcore players.

✦ Best for hardcore platformer fans craving precision and leaderboards