Platformers

VVVVVV is a challenging 2D platform adventure where you control gravity instead of jumping. As Captain Viridian, you must navigate a dangerous alternate dimension to rescue five lost crew members and recover 20 hard-to-reach trinkets. Inspired by classic 8-bit games, the title combines precision platforming with a unique mechanics-driven approach. It features custom player levels created by other developers and an unforgettable chiptune soundtrack by SoulEye.

✦ Best for hardcore platformer fans seeking a precise gravity-flipping retro challenge.

Rayman Legends is a critically acclaimed side-scrolling platform game that supports up to four players in chaotic cooperative action. Players control iconic heroes like Rayman, Globox, Teensies, and the warrior princess Barbara as they run, jump, and fight through more than 120 vibrant levels filled with rhythm-based musical challenges and hidden secrets. Set a century after the events of Rayman Origins, the game follows our sleeping heroes as they awake to a world overrun by the Bubble Dreamer's powerful nightmares and the treacherous Dark Teensies. Alongside the helpful assist character Murfy, players traverse whimsical worlds, defeat formidable bosses, and compete in online challenges and local multiplayer minigames to restore peace.

✦ Best for platformer fans and families wanting four-player cooperative action.

Rayman: Hoodlums' Revenge is an isometric platformer and spin-off in the Rayman series that takes place directly after the events of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc. After Rayman defeats the Hoodlums' leader Andre, the remaining Hoodlums seek revenge by kidnapping Rayman's best friend Globox, setting the stage for a rescue mission and a plot to stop the cloning of Reflux. For the first time in the series outside of multiplayer modes, Globox is featured as a playable character alongside Rayman. Developed by Backbone Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, this Game Boy Advance title offers classic action and fantasy gameplay tailored for fans of the franchise.

✦ Best for fans wanting a handheld isometric sequel to rayman 3 featuring globox.

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc is a vibrant 3-D platformer that follows the limbless hero Rayman and his loyal friend Globox as they embark on a whimsical and hilarious quest. When the wicked black lum Andre creates an army of hoodlums and gets stuck inside Globox's stomach, the duo must seek out medical help and ultimately save the world from destruction. Developed by Ubisoft and published by Feral Interactive, this action-packed fantasy journey combines quirky humor with classic platforming mechanics. Players navigate colorful environments, battle unique enemies, and experience a twisting comedic storyline filled with memorable characters across multiple gaming platforms.

✦ Best for fans of vibrant, hilarious 3-d platformers and quirky comedy adventures.

Rayman Brain Games is an educational video game built on the classic Rayman formula, specifically designed to help young children learn essential academic skills. Players guide Rayman through colorful platforming levels that seamlessly integrate math and reading challenges into the gameplay experience. Tailored for children aged 6 to 8 years old, the game provides a fun and engaging environment to reinforce fundamental school subjects. By combining familiar characters and responsive controls with curriculum-based puzzles, it encourages kids to learn while enjoying a traditional adventure.

✦ Best for 6 to 8-year-olds mastering math and literacy through classic platforming.

Rayman is a classic side-scrolling platformer starring a unique hero with no arms or legs who must rescue the scattered Electoons. Players journey through colorful, whimsical worlds, using floating hair mechanics and projectile punches to overcome obstacles and adversaries. Throughout the quest, players collect Tings for extra lives, encounter helpful characters like the Magician, and unlock new abilities to navigate tricky mazes and ultimately defeat the evil Mr. Dark.

✦ Best for retro platformer fans seeking a challenging, vibrant side-scrolling adventure.

Developed by Might and Delight, Pid is a story-driven platformer that places players in the shoes of a young boy named Kurt, who finds himself stranded on a mysterious and perilous alien world. Armed with a unique gravity beam, Kurt must navigate through diverse environments like a grand castle and bustling town streets, solving intricate puzzles and overcoming robotic foes. Along his journey to uncover a massive conspiracy and find a way home, Kurt encounters various locals and experiences a critically acclaimed adventure known for its stunning artwork, wonderful presentation, and enchanting soundtrack. Whether playing solo or teaming up with friends, players must master the mechanics of light and gravity to survive this unforgettable sci-fi indie journey.

✦ Best for platform and puzzle fans seeking a challenging alien adventure.

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is a stealth platformer developed by Sanzaru Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game follows Sly and his legendary gang as they journey through various historical periods to restore the Thievius Raccoonus from vanishing completely. Players control Sly, Bentley, Murray, and other unique characters through platforming challenges, stealth missions, and puzzles. Featuring the series' signature cel-shaded art style and humor, the game introduces exciting new time-travel mechanics and special costume abilities.

✦ Best for platformer fans seeking a time-traveling stealth adventure with vibrant visuals.

Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves is a stealth-action platformer developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released for PlayStation 2 in 2005. The game follows Sly Cooper, Bentley, and Murray as they assemble a team of experts across the globe to break into the impenetrable Cooper Vault on Kaine Island, while facing off against the formidable Dr. M. Building upon its predecessors, the game introduces brand-new playable characters with unique abilities, expanded mini-games, diverse tactical operations, and an optional 3D mode viewed with red-and-blue glasses. Players traverse global locations like Venice and Australia, executing intricate heists and experiencing a rich story of camaraderie, strategy, and thievery.

✦ Best for platformer fans wanting stealth-action heist gameplay with a charming art style.

Sly 2: Band of Thieves is a critically acclaimed stealth-action platformer developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released for the PlayStation 2. Set two years after the defeat of Clockwerk, master thief Sly Cooper teams up with his loyal friends Bentley and Murray to pull off elaborate heists, dismantle the criminal Klaww Gang, and reclaim the scattered pieces of Clockwerk's body before they fall into the wrong hands. Expanding significantly upon its predecessor, the game introduces open-ended mission structures, highly improved stealth mechanics, and the ability to seamlessly switch between three playable characters, each equipped with distinct skills and abilities. Players will navigate diverse global locations—from Paris to the Indian jungle—using cunning strategy, agility, and teamwork to outsmart enemies and evade Inspector Carmelita Fox.

✦ Best for platform and stealth fans wanting multi-character heist gameplay.

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus is a classic stealth-platformer developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Players control Sly Cooper, a master raccoon thief, alongside his loyal gang members Bentley and Murray, as they embark on an international mission to track down the Fiendish Five and retrieve their ancient family guidebook. The gameplay blends precise platforming, stealth mechanics, puzzle-solving, and light combat across five visually distinct, hub-based worlds. Featuring vibrant cel-shaded graphics, humorous storytelling, and rewarding exploration involving clue bottles and safes, it offers a memorable single-player adventure that challenges players to bypass security systems, dodge spotlights, and outsmart dangerous bosses.

✦ Best for platformer fans and retro gamers seeking a stylish stealth adventure.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is an action-packed platform game developed by Insomniac Games for the PlayStation 3. The story follows Ratchet as he searches for his missing robotic best friend Clank, who has been abducted by the mysterious Zoni and taken to the Great Clock. Players journey across the universe utilizing an arsenal of inventive weapons and gadgets while navigating time-manipulation puzzles. Along the way, Ratchet teams up with General Alister Azimuth to uncover Lombax history, while Clank learns of his ultimate destiny as the Senior Caretaker of the Great Clock before facing off against the villainous Dr. Nefarious.

✦ Best for platformer and sci-fi fans seeking a witty cinematic campaign.