Built On Trial And Error
Platformer games have always been a test of the ability to stay calm when your character misses the ledge by a pixel. Unlike dialogue-heavy RPGs, platformers thrive on precision and simplicity. You learn the level by failing a few dozen times, and somehow, that process never stops being enjoyable. Over the years, the genre has evolved from basic side-scrollers into high-stakes challenges. So, here are 20 platformers that nailed the formula and raised the bar in all the right ways.
1. Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced power-ups like the Tanooki Suit and Kuribo’s Shoe, setting a standard for creative mechanics in platformers. Its world map added a layer of exploration never seen before. Selling over 17 million copies, it became one of Nintendo’s most iconic global successes.
Super Mario Bros 3 - Complete Walkthrough by Typholosion4President
2. Sonic The Hedgehog
Designed to rival Super Mario, Sonic The Hedgehog kicked off a franchise that sped past 140 million units sold. It broke platforming norms by emphasizing velocity, with levels built to showcase speed. Moreover, Sega leaned into its “blast processing” gimmick, highlighting technical power.
Sonic the Hedgehog - Full Game 100% Walkthrough by BeardBear
3. Celeste
Celeste stood out in a crowded genre, winning Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2018. Known for its hyper-precise jumping and tight controls, it became a speedrunning favorite. Beyond gameplay, it tackled mental health and self-doubt—rare topics in platformers.
4. Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends earned acclaim for fluid animation and level design that moves in perfect rhythm with its soundtrack. Built on the UbiArt Framework engine, the game lets artists directly implement hand-drawn assets, giving it a rich, painterly style.
Rayman Legends - Full Game Walkthrough by packattack04082
5. Hollow Knight
This Kickstarter-backed indie rose to fame with over 3 million units sold, blending tight platforming with Metroidvania-style exploration and ferocious boss fights. Beyond gameplay, its layered lore sparked deep fan theories and online communities.
6. Donkey Kong Country
When Donkey Kong Country hit the SNES, it redefined what 16-bit games could look like. Using costly Silicon Graphics workstations, Rare pioneered pre-rendered 3D visuals that stunned players and critics alike. Most notably, it introduced Diddy Kong as more than a sidekick.
Donkey Kong Country - Full Game 101% Walkthrough by packattack04082
7. Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight dug deep into nostalgia, blending NES-era charm with modern precision. Funded through Kickstarter with over $300,000 raised, it delivered polished gameplay with a retro soul. The game's success put Yacht Club Games on the map and helped spark the indie platformer renaissance.
8. Mega Man 2
Developed as a side project with limited Capcom backing, Mega Man 2 unexpectedly became the franchise's breakout hit. Topped off with a legendary chiptune soundtrack, it’s no wonder this 8-bit action-platformer is still hailed as the series’ gold standard.
9. LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet flipped the genre on its head by letting players build the game themselves. With over 10 million user-created levels, it championed the “Play, Create, Share” philosophy and made Sackboy a beloved, customizable face for Sony.
LittleBigPlanet - Full Game by Encrypted Duck
10. Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Building on its predecessor, this game refined every movement and added fresh combat and traversal tools. Escape sequences played like high-stakes cinematic sprints, pushing players to the edge. Visually stunning and narratively rich, it was crafted entirely by Moon Studios’ remote indie team.
11. Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Kazooie began as an SNES RPG titled Dream: Land of the Giants before Rare reimagined it into one of the N64’s most beloved 3D platformers. It pioneered the “collectathon” formula with Jiggies, Notes, and Jinjos scattered across sprawling levels.
Banjo-Kazooie - Full Game 100% Walkthrough by packattack04082
12. Cuphead
Cuphead turned heads with its 1930s-inspired animation, hand-drawn frame by painstaking frame over seven years. The game sold over 6 million copies, sparked a wave of merchandise and cosplay, and even landed a Netflix series.
Cuphead - Full Game Walkthrough by ProsafiaGaming
13. Inside
Crafted by the team behind Limbo, Inside delivers minimalist platforming wrapped in unsettling silence and shadow. The game swept multiple BAFTA awards, and its ending sparked countless fan theories, while a secret alternate conclusion—hidden through obscure rooms—only deepened the mystery.
14. Crash Bandicoot
Born out of Naughty Dog’s early ambition, Crash Bandicoot became a PlayStation icon and helped push consoles worldwide. Its tight corridor levels and unique “into-the-screen” perspective set it apart visually. Inspired by Looney Tunes, every slapstick death delivered as much charm as a challenge.
Crash Bandicoot 1996 | Full Game 100% by TheMoonRover
15. Fez
Fez flipped the genre—literally—by letting players rotate its 2D world in full 3D space. Developed over five years, it became a cult favorite for its mind-bending puzzles and secret-laden environments. Hidden languages, codes, and cryptic clues inspired deep community-driven ARGs.
Fez Gameplay (PC HD) [1080p60FPS] by Throneful
16. Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank blasted onto the PS2 with a mix of gunplay and agile platforming set across vibrant galaxies. It helped anchor Sony’s lineup of mascot platformers during the PS2 era. Later, the 2016 remake offered a polished reboot that tied directly into a full-length animated film.
Ratchet & Clank PS2 Gameplay HD (PCSX2) by xTimelessGaming
17. Braid
At first glance, Braid looks like a painterly tribute to classic platformers—but one twist of time reveals its true depth. Developed almost entirely by Jonathan Blow over three years, it redefined what indie games could express. Each level layered time-bending puzzles with metaphors about regret and control.
Braid FULL GAME Walkthrough No Commentary (Longplay) by Noire Blue
18. Yoshi’s Island
Yoshi’s Island used the Super FX 2 chip to power its crayon-style visuals and screen-stretching effects. Yoshi’s flutter jump and enemy-swallowing mechanics brought fresh gameplay, while Baby Mario’s constant cries divided players.
Yoshi's Island - Full Game - No Damage 100% Walkthrough by RetroArchive
19. Limbo
No title captured bleak beauty quite like Limbo. Its stark black-and-white palette and silhouette-driven visuals set the tone for a new wave of “artsy indie platformers”. With over 100 award nominations, it was praised for its emotional impact despite minimal storytelling.
Limbo Gameplay Walkthrough - Full Game by IGN Guides
20. Metroid Dread
After nearly two decades, Metroid Dread brought Samus back to 2D form with fresh urgency. Developed by MercurySteam alongside Nintendo, it introduced stealth-heavy E. M.M.I. encounters that raised the tension dramatically. The game sold over 3 million copies, becoming the franchise’s top seller.
