2D platformers hold a special place in my gaming heart. They keep things straightforward with user-friendly controls, allowing me to jump right into the action. The genre’s simplicity is what makes it shine, but sometimes developers overcomplicate matters, which can take away from the overall experience.
I prefer a platformer game that’s simple to start and play at any given moment, rather than one with intricate mechanics that overwhelm players. If, like me, you appreciate games without the need for extensive manuals, here are some choices you’re bound to enjoy.
Let me clarify at the outset that when I say ‘easy to pick up and play’, I don’t mean it in the same sense as ‘easy’. This means that some of these games might be challenging for you, despite their simple controls or user-friendly interfaces.
10.
Rayman Legends
Where’s My Sequel?
I’m equally fond of Rayman in both his 2D and 3D escapades. In my opinion, the first two Rayman games represent the peak of his adventures, but Rayman Legends stands out as the most user-friendly among them all.
Rayman Legends is a meticulously refined 2D platform game that showcases beautiful landscapes and intelligent level design. Each world presents a unique ambiance, taking you on a journey from vibrant forests to imaginative kitchen settings where all the ingredients come to life.
Rayman offers effortlessly intuitive control mechanisms. The game’s difficulty progression is gentle, in stark contrast to the challenging obstacle that was the PS1 version. Legends serves as an inviting introduction to the series, and its music-infused levels make the purchase worthwhile.
9.
Broforce
For Action Movie Fans
In most platformer games with combat, you’re usually encouraged to engage enemies in hand-to-hand combat. However, Broforce breaks this convention by swapping melee attacks like jumping on opponents’ heads with gunfire and explosives instead.
Broforce shares similarities with Contra, although it might not be as finely tuned as those challenging legends. The game is brimming with high-octane, exaggerated action, blasts, and run-and-gun platforming. It also boasts numerous tributes to 80s and 90s action films, which is one of its most attractive features.
If you enjoy the thrill of traditional action movies, you’ll find plenty to admire in Broforce, and luckily, its fundamental mechanics are intuitive enough for you to grasp them without needing any tutorial at all.
8.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Another Nintendo Classic
Mario is undeniably one of the most recognized characters in the platforming genre, spanning various hardware systems. His games have consistently established benchmarks within the 2D and 3D platformer categories, making his inclusion on this list hardly unexpected, given that he’s a plumber by profession.
To put it simply, while I firmly believe that Super Mario World is the best 2D Mario game, there are certain parts in it that aren’t always clear about how to advance. However, if you’re looking for a more contemporary interpretation of 2D Mario, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an exceptional choice.
The game’s title delivers the classic Mario experience as you’d anticipate, but it also caters to various skill levels, with timeless controls and mechanics. A standout feature of this Nintendo Switch game is the inclusion of local multiplayer, allowing you to team up with a friend or guide a novice player on their journey.
7.
Kaze and the Wild Masks
A Faithful Homage
Rather than being a mediocre imitation of its predecessors as many similar titles tend to be, Kaze and the Wild Masks stands out as an exceptional case that breaks free from the usual pattern.
Kaze and the Wild Masks is a visually stunning 2D platformer that earns its spot on the list due to its exceptional level design and balanced difficulty progression, offering both challenge and fairness. The game draws comparisons with the Donkey Kong series, which is acceptable given their status as some of Nintendo’s most celebrated titles.
In this game, you’ll encounter not just a few but numerous references to DK, some of which are skillfully concealed and offer rewards for thorough examination. However, some gamers might feel that the homages to DK are overly obvious, and the auto-scrolling levels can become frustrating at times.
That said, I enjoyed my time with Kaze and the Wild Masks, and it’s mechanically straightforward.
6.
N++
Move Over, Naruto
N++ is a highly precise platformer game, in which you assume the role of a ninja navigating through challenges that include dodging hazards such as spike traps and lasers. Unique to this game is its minimalistic control scheme, utilizing just one button beyond basic movement controls.
N++ is, in fact, the third installment of the ‘N’ series. However, it incorporates all elements from its predecessors, so you won’t have to search for them separately. The game is known for its minimalist aesthetic, but don’t be fooled – it hosts a challenging platformer within its simplistic design.
In this game, you’re only allowed to jump, but since the movements are momentum-based, your speed and precision are continually being put to the test. As you progress, the levels transform into challenging obstacle courses that require you to clear multiple hurdles in a row to advance. Despite its simplicity, N++ is incredibly addictive, and it provides an intuitive level creator for users.
5.
Limbo
Between Heaven And Hell
Limbo is an extraordinary 2D journey, characterized by its unique monochrome color palette and captivating audio environment.
As I delve deeper into this captivating game, I find myself engrossed in an ever-evolving world that constantly keeps me on my toes. The landscape subtly alters as I advance, leaving me guessing what surprises await around the corner. And let me warn you arachnid lovers out there – there’s a downright chilling spider segment in this game!
Limbo is included due to its exceptionally straightforward controls. You can stroll, leap, grasp, and not much else. Yet, the game is brimming with creative physics-based challenges. It’s a title I find myself returning to often.
4.
Inside
My Brain Hurts
Inside is the second masterpiece on the list by Playdead, the creators of Limbo.
As a gamer, if you found Limbo’s somber color palette less appealing, then let me tell you, Inside offers a dash of color. But the similarities between the two games don’t end with the visuals. Just like Inside, its controls are remarkably straightforward to the extent that there isn’t even a tutorial required.
In this new version, the story unfolds in a modern context instead of fantasy, yet remains just as captivating and thrilling from beginning to end. The narrative further delves into the concept of mind control, providing intriguing challenges that will surely make you think outside the box, or better yet, bend your brain.
The game isn’t too lengthy and offers immediate enjoyment, making it straightforward to jump in and start playing. It can typically be completed within a short span of time.
3.
Sonic Mania
A Return To Form
Sonic, famously known as a video game hero, boasts numerous timeless 2D titles, but there are not as many successful 3D versions in his repertoire.
In 2017, Sonic Mania made its comeback to the 2D realm, hailed as a success. Just like its predecessors, the gameplay controls are simple and intuitive. Sonic can perform jumps and spin dashes, which are all he really needs for his speedy antics.
Mania showcases its level design with numerous tributes to classic games. Not only does the game boast a superbly crafted retro-inspired soundtrack, but the Encore Downloadable Content also introduces a few underappreciated Sonic characters into the gameplay.
2.
Freedom Planet
More Than A Sonic Clone
Freedom Planet proudly showcases its similarities to ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, yet it transcends being merely a low-cost imitation.
This game boasts an outstanding, swift-moving 2D platform design, filled with detailed stages and adorable characters as the main actors. The control system is delightfully straightforward, while the game also offers several tough boss battles to conquer.
Each character exhibits its own individual play method, boasting unique skills. Some players might find the character design controversial, but beneath it lies an exceptional platformer game. Unlike many other games on the list, Freedom Planet features a notably engaging narrative, intertwining unexpectedly deep emotional scenes with humor.
1.
Shovel Knight
Fear The Gardening Tool
As a gamer, I’d say that Shovel Knight certainly pushes my skills to the limit – it’s undeniably one of the toughest games on this roster. But, with its smooth and straightforward controls, it fits perfectly into the ‘grab-and-go’ gaming category. It’s a challenge that’s hard to resist!
Given the title, you embody the role of a knight, and what sets you apart is that your preferred weapon is a shovel. This humble gardening tool serves as both a formidable weapon, enabling you to engage enemies, and a means of jumping over obstacles like a pogo stick, giving you the upper hand against your foes from above.
In Shovel Knight, you’ll encounter numerous challenging jump series, but it’s the bosses that may prove most humbling. At first glance, each adversary might seem impossible to defeat, but once you understand their attacks, you can overcome even the scariest opponents. If you’re a fan of the original game, there are several campaigns available to challenge your skills further.
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2025-06-11 00:24