Platformers

Secret Agent Clank is an action-packed platform video game developed by High Impact Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Expanding upon the beloved Ratchet & Clank universe, this spin-off puts the spotlight on Clank as he takes on secret agent missions, utilizing advanced gadgets and martial arts to uncover the truth behind a mysterious crime. Players will experience a unique blend of traditional platforming and stealth-based gameplay that diverges from the mainline series while maintaining its signature humor and charm. With iconic gadgets, puzzle-solving elements, and alternate playable characters, the game delivers an engaging undercover adventure for fans of all ages.

✦ Best for fans wanting a humorous spy-themed action platformer spin-off.

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a critically acclaimed 2007 platformer developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Players control the heroic duo as they flee the forces of the tyrannical Emperor Tachyon while exploring vibrant alien worlds and wielding an extensive arsenal of inventive weaponry. Marking the franchise's debut on the PlayStation 3, the game blends fast-paced shooting, platforming, and light puzzle-solving with a comedic sci-fi narrative. Featuring stunning visual fidelity for its era and support for DualShock 3 rumble, it delivers an engaging single-player journey that lays the groundwork for the subsequent Future series.

✦ Best for fans of humorous platformers and inventive sci-fi shooters.

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is an action-packed platformer that follows the dynamic duo as their vacation is abruptly interrupted by the kidnapping of a young girl named Luna. Embarking on a quest across the galaxy, they uncover a sinister plot by the forgotten Technomite race, led by Emperor Otto Destruct, involving DNA cloning and a device to steal the intelligence of every being in the galaxy. Players will utilize a diverse arsenal of weapons and gadgets, explore inventive alien worlds, and even shrink down to enter Clank's internal systems to eliminate computer viruses and hostile intruders. Featuring classic platforming action, engaging shooter mechanics, and plenty of humor, the game delivers an unforgettable cosmic journey for fans of the beloved franchise.

✦ Best for action platformer fans wanting sci-fi comedy and multiplayer modes.

Mega Man ZX Advent is an action-packed platformer for the Nintendo DS that picks up years after the events of Mega Man ZX. Players can choose between two main characters, Grey and Ashe, as they explore ruins filled with Mavericks and uncover the mysteries of the governing Legion and its Masters. The gameplay revolves around utilizing the mysterious Biometal model A, which grants a special Megamerge ability to transform into defeated Pseudoroid bosses, each possessing unique powers crucial for combat and exploration. Throughout the journey, players must emulate the abilities of conquered bosses to discover hidden routes, acquire rare items, and conquer powerful enemies. Taking full advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware features, the title delivers an engaging sci-fi storyline and dynamic combat. Developed by Inti Creates and published by Capcom, it combines classic side-scrolling action with innovative transformation mechanics and deep exploration elements.

✦ Best for fans of challenging nintendo ds action platformers and sci-fi shooters.

Mega Man ZX combines classic 2D side-scrolling action with an open-ended exploration environment, allowing players to select either Vent or Aile as their protagonist. Navigating through a technologically advanced world divided into safe Inner regions and dangerous Outer regions, players engage enemies, uncover secrets, and receive Biometals that grant unique transformation abilities and elemental powers. Set centuries after the events of Mega Man Zero 4, the game features a narrative involving the corporation Slither Inc. and the self-defense organization known as the Guardians. Players utilize form-specific abilities while managing weapon energy to fight off rogue Mavericks, investigate the sources of recent incidents, and navigate a sprawling map filled with missions and challenges.

✦ Best for action platformer fans wanting open-ended sci-fi exploration.

Mega Man Zero 4 is the fourth and final installment in the acclaimed Mega Man Zero series, developed by Inti Creates and published by Capcom in 2005. Players control Zero as he protects a human caravan from Dr. Weil's oppressive regime and thwarts the devastating Operation Ragnarok. This title introduces innovative mechanics such as the Zero Knuckle, which allows Zero to disarm and steal weapons from enemies, and a dynamic weather system that alters the conditions and difficulty of the main stages before entry.

✦ Best for retro gamers and action platformer fans seeking a challenging finale.

Mega Man Zero 3 is the third chapter in the critically acclaimed action adventure series for the Game Boy Advance. Two months after the defeat of Elpizo, Zero investigates a crashed spaceship emitting energy similar to the Dark Elf, leading to a confrontation with the giant Reploid Omega and the return of Copy X under Dr. Weil's control. Players can equip Zero with a new customization system using chips to affect his attributes and abilities, and master the recoil rod weapon to tackle challenging platforming and combat scenarios. With refined hack-and-slash mechanics and a gripping sci-fi storyline, Zero must navigate Neo Arcadia to save his companions and thwart impending global destruction.

✦ Best for action fans wanting challenging gba hack-and-slash gameplay.

One year after the defeat of Copy X, a weary Zero wanders the desert until he is rescued by Harpuia and brought to the new Resistance Base. Reunited with Ciel and introduced to commander Elpizo, Zero must once again take up his weapons to fight against Neo Arcadia and uncover the mysteries of the Baby Elf. Developed by Inti Creates and published by Capcom in 2003, this classic action platformer features intense hack-and-slash combat, challenging boss fights, and a cooperative LAN multiplayer mode for two Game Boy Advance players. Experience a thrilling science fiction storyline filled with classic side-scrolling gameplay and demanding heroic trials.

✦ Best for retro action platformer fans seeking challenging gameplay and a deep sci-fi story.

Set a century after the events of the Mega Man X series, this action-packed platformer follows the scientist Ciel as she leads a resistance against the oppressive government of Neo Arcadia. Unjustly labeling innocent Reploids as Mavericks, Neo Arcadia forces Ciel to awaken the legendary warrior Zero from a 100-year slumber using the sacrifice of her Cyber-elf, Passy. Armed with his signature Z-Saber and Buster, Zero must battle through relentless Pantheons and Golems to uncover the truth behind the corrupted leadership and save his fellow Reploids. Developed by Inti Creates and Capcom, the game blends fast-paced hack-and-slash combat with precise platforming challenges. Players navigate intricate stages, rescue hidden resistance members, and acquire new weapons and abilities while experiencing a gripping sci-fi narrative. With its demanding difficulty, ranking system, and iconic sprite art, it delivers a deeply rewarding challenge for fans of classic action-adventure games.

✦ Best for fans of challenging retro action platformers with deep combat and progression.

Rockman EXE WS brings the iconic NetNavi into a side-scrolling platform-based action adventure exclusively for the WonderSwan. Players navigate challenging obstacle courses and platform stages while shooting down hostile viruses and enemies. Developed by Capcom Production Studio 2 and published by Bandai in 2003, this unique entry departs from the traditional tactical RPG mechanics of the main series to focus on fast-paced platforming and run-and-gun gameplay.

✦ Best for wonderswan collectors and mega man series completionists

Mega Man Network Transmission is an action-platformer and role-playing game developed by Arika and published by Capcom for the Nintendo GameCube. Set one month after the events of the original Mega Man Battle Network, the story follows Lan Hikari and his NetNavi, MegaMan.EXE, as they investigate a mysterious and destructive computer virus known as the Zero Virus that is infecting NetNavis across the internet. Blending traditional 2D side-scrolling platform action with the deck-building and battle chip mechanics of the GBA series, the game challenges players to navigate virus-infested networks, battle corrupted Navis like FireMan.EXE, and uncover the truth behind a faulty vaccine. Released in March 2003 in Japan and later that year in North America and PAL regions, it offers a unique console-based crossover of platforming and RPG gameplay.

✦ Best for mega man fans wanting a challenging action-platformer spin-off.

Something mysterious is going on at the reploid research island, where reploids have ceased functionality and their data has been strangely erased. An investigation team has encountered irregular reploids infected with a strange new DNA chip known as 'DNA Soul', which replaces useful data with a devastating Sigma virus and places all reploids in imminent danger. Now, it is up to Mega Man X and his comrade, Zero, to get to the damaged island and find out who is behind the DNA Soul virus. Players must navigate action-packed platforming stages, battle infected boss characters, and master abilities to save the reploid population from destruction.

✦ Best for retro action fans wanting classic platforming with playable zero.