10 Retro Platformers That Still Hold Up In 2025

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I always get a little anxious when I revisit a game from my past. It’s happened so many times – I’ll replay a childhood favorite like Super Mario World or Ocarina of Time, but worry the whole time that it won’t live up to my memories, or just won’t be as fun as I remember.

Occasionally, a game doesn’t just remain enjoyable, it’s still truly fantastic. This can be especially challenging for platformers, where precise controls are essential to keep the gameplay feeling good.

These platformers aren’t just classics that remain enjoyable; I genuinely think they’re among the very best in the genre even now. I’d confidently compare them to any modern, high-budget platformer released today.

10. Donkey Kong Country

A Rare Treat

Donkey Kong is currently enjoying a surge in popularity. His latest game, Donkey Kong Bananza, was a huge hit, and there’s talk of a Donkey Kong movie being made. But it was in the 1990s that Donkey Kong really became a star in his own right, finally moving out from under Mario’s shadow.

Man, I can play Donkey Kong Country over and over again and still love it. The graphics still look amazing, the levels are just brilliantly designed, and the soundtrack? Seriously, it’s incredible. It really holds up!

The Donkey Kong Country series is a landmark in platforming games, and it all began with this beloved classic for the Super Nintendo. Even now, it’s just as enjoyable as it was when it first came out in 1994.

9. Super Mario 64

The Gold Standard

New 3D Mario games always feel special. For many of us, they remind us of the joy we experienced playing Super Mario 64. Even after revisiting that classic game recently, I can say that feeling of wonder is still alive and likely always will be.

As a huge fan of open-world platformers, I still think Super Mario 64 holds its own against even today’s biggest games. It just feels so good to play, and the levels are brilliantly designed. Honestly, it feels like every gamer should experience it at least once – it’s a true classic and kind of a gaming milestone for me.

You need to play it. I don’t make the rules.

8. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

A Mystical Platforming Adventure

I often associate certain games with happy memories. However, even though I fondly remember playing WCW Monday Nitro with my brother every weekend, looking back, it hasn’t aged well at all.

Often, games we fondly remember are simply well-made. This is certainly true of Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon. Konami poured a remarkable amount of charm and personality into this game, creating one of the most vibrant and energetic 3D game worlds I’ve ever experienced.

I have to say, Bakeru, the new game from Good-Feel, totally blew me away this year! It really reminded me of those classic, over-the-top ninja platformers, and it proved that the genre still has a lot to offer. It quickly became one of my favorites in 2024.

7. Banjo-Kazooie

Guh-Huh!

It seems clear a new Banjo-Kazooie game would be a hit, but so far, no one has decided to make one. It’s disappointing, especially since the original game is still enjoyable after all this time.

I don’t dislike Nuts & Bolts at all, and I actually enjoy it. However, I still believe the original game on the N64 remains one of the greatest 3D platformers ever made.

Rare’s quirky and fun style is a hallmark of its time, giving the game a truly distinct personality. It’s a standout example of the ‘collect-a-thon’ genre, and it still feels fresh and enjoyable even now, as games like this are rare today.

6. Heart Of Darkness

A Forgotten Genre

The original PlayStation had a lot of great platforming games, but Heart of Darkness really stood out. It was a uniquely cinematic experience, and it’s a shame there aren’t more games like it today, as this style feels fresh and largely unexplored.

In Heart of Darkness, you play as Andy, a brave young man determined to rescue his lost dog. The game features stunning animation, music, and overall artistic style.

Classic story-driven platformer games are rare these days, but if you’re looking for the best example of the genre, Heart of Darkness is a great place to start.

While games such as Another World gained more recognition, Heart of Darkness truly showcases the potential of this style of game. It creates an immersive experience, almost like stepping into a classic Disney animated film.

5. Glover

I Still Glove This Game

With giants like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie already dominating the Nintendo 64, it was tough for new 3D platformers to get noticed, but Glover still managed to make a mark.

Most platforming games are about reaching the end as a character, but Glover is different – you control a hero who has to roll a ball to the finish line. This unusual idea leads to some really enjoyable levels and challenges.

Glover features diverse and interesting levels, taking you from snowy landscapes and spooky forests to a pirate ship and a prehistoric jungle. Plus, it’s simple to pick up and play on today’s consoles and computers.

4. Conker’s Bad Fur Day

Bad Day For Conker, Great Day For Gamers

I often wonder what the original, more lighthearted version of Conker’s Bad Fur Day would have been like, but the final game is still a classic that holds up today.

It quickly becomes clear that this game isn’t like other Nintendo 64 titles. It’s edgy, often shocking, and deals with more adult themes than anything else on the console.

Despite the technical limitations of the N64, Rare’s team still crafted a game that holds up visually even today.

Honestly, this game just looks amazing. The world is so vibrant and full of color, it’s really striking. And Conker himself? His movements aren’t like your typical old 3D game – they’re super expressive and remind me more of a classic cartoon. It’s got this really unique, lively feel.

No game before or since has felt like Conker. It’s a game in dire need of a sequel.

3. Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Gotta Go Fast

I’ve always found the Sonic the Hedgehog series interesting because it’s based around the idea of going fast, but the original 2D games often felt like they slowed you down right when the action was getting good.

Not so with Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The name of the game in Sonic 2 is momentum. And lots of it.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a fast-paced and exciting adventure. The main idea is simple: run as quickly as possible to power through each level at incredible speed.

Aside from a few of the Game Boy Advance titles and Sonic Mania, this game feels better to play than any other in the series. It’s a game you can pick up and enjoy immediately, even now.

2. Rayman 2: The Great Escape

One Of UbiSoft’s Greatest Ever

Occasionally, a Ubisoft game truly stands out. A great example of this is Rayman 2: The Great Escape.

Rayman 2 is one of the best 3D platformers from its time. While it doesn’t get mentioned as much as Super Mario games, it’s a real standout title and a true gem of its generation.

Moving from the original Rayman to Rayman: The Great Escape is a huge improvement. While the first game is charming, The Great Escape really takes things to the next level with its transition to 3D.

1. Klonoa: Door To Phantomile

The Forgotten Platformer Mascot

While Klonoa isn’t as popular now as characters like Mario or Donkey Kong, Door to Phantomile remains a truly wonderful game.

This game is just overflowing with joy and pure cuteness! It’s an adorable 2D platformer that I played over and over as a child, and it was a real favorite of mine.

It still looks and plays like a dream. The controls are flawless, and movement feels slick.

This game holds its own against any modern 2D platformer of its kind. It doesn’t feel old or outdated at all, and it could easily be released today alongside popular indie games.

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2025-11-17 00:42