10 Best Platformers on Game Pass

Key Takeaways

Steamworld Dig 2 is an addictive 2D adventure game with a satisfying gameplay loop.
Human Fall Flat offers hilarious physics-based puzzles and a fun co-op experience.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a stunning platformer with jaw-dropping visuals.

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen it all, from the pixelated beginnings of gaming to the state-of-the-art virtual realities we have today, I must say that the platformers on Game Pass are a delightful throwback to my youth. Among these retro-inspired games, three stand out as my absolute favorites.

Nowadays, it’s not common to find new platformer games, as the gaming industry tends to emphasize on genres such as open-world journeys and live-service titles instead.

Lucky for you, there are numerous excellent game options available if you know where to search. With an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you’ll find yourself in a veritable buffet of choices. Here’s a list of games that you definitely won’t want to overlook.

10 Steamworld Dig 2

Another Solid Steamworld Game

Steamworld Dig 2 is an addictive 2D adventure game with mining and exploration at its core.

In your adventure, you take on the role of Dorothy, a robot character, embarking on a journey to locate Rusty, the main character from Steamworld Dig. Essentially, Steamworld Dig 2 shares similarities with a Metroidvania style game, and there are areas within the harsh underworld that cannot be accessed until you acquire upgrades for your character.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I’m constantly accumulating gems for my future equipment upgrades, creating a captivating gameplay rhythm that makes me feel like I’m consistently growing stronger. Exploration is richly rewarded, and I find myself meticulously strategizing as I delve into the enigmatic depths.

You can find both Steamworld Dig games on Game Pass, so go ahead and begin with the initial one if you’re partial to it. Although the first game has a simpler structure, it doesn’t detract from enjoying the sequel, but chronologically speaking, it comes before the second title in the series timeline.

9 Human Fall Flat

Refreshingly Silly

Human Fall Flat” is an amusing 3D adventure game that gained popularity when humorous physics-based titles were trendy. Unlike many other games in this category, Human Fall Flat demonstrates the genre’s longevity, even if it seems as though its legs are made of jelly!

In this game, you take on the role of a character resembling play-dough who can stumble over their own feet. You’ll navigate through a series of challenges based on physics, and because the controls are intentionally less responsive, there might be some humorous mishaps along the way. However, these failures just add to the enjoyment of the game.

Levels and obstacles are creative, and gameplay is entertaining whether you succeed or not.

Human: Fall Flat might not appeal to everyone, yet it stands out as the cream of the crop in its peculiar subcategory. It offers a fun experience that can be shared with companions.

8 Ori and the Blind Forest

Damn Those Ninja’s Cutting Onions

Ori and the Blind Forest is an impressive 2D platform game, boasting stunning graphics and elements reminiscent of the Metroidvania genre.

As the charming spirit being called Ori, you embark on a mission to revitalize a once lush forest that has been barren for quite some time. Along your journey, you encounter numerous engaging puzzles, and the platforming segments are delightful due to Ori’s incredible agility.

In the game “Ori and the Blind Forest,” although it shares some characteristics with Metroidvania games, it is significantly more straightforward than titles such as “Hollow Knight.” This linearity, however, doesn’t bother me because it ensures that you don’t get stuck in one place for extended periods.

As a gamer, I’d say that Ori and the Blind Forest stands out as one of the most visually stunning games in this collection, boasting breathtaking landscapes that never fail to impress. It’s a captivating world, and I can’t help but feel drawn to delve deeper into every corner of it.

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7 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

A Trio Of Incredible Classics

In the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, you’ll find refreshed editions of the initial game, Cortex Strikes Back, as well as Warped.

In Crash Bandicoot, you’re likely familiar with the gameplay, but each title offers an engaging mix of side-scrolling and linear 3D stages filled with cunning traps, adversaries, and hazards. Crash is nimble using his signature spin attack, double jump, and bellyflop, and these moves have been meticulously reproduced in the remastered version.

What stands out most about the N. Sane Trilogy is its additional content. Now, you have the option to play as Coco (Crash’s sister) throughout each game. The original version has Time Trials included, and extra stages were even added that were considered too challenging for the official versions.

If you thought Slippery Climb was difficult, you will be humbled by the new Stormy Ascent level.

If you’ve never played a Crash Bandicoot game, there’s no better way to experience these classics.

6 Dead Cells

Slick and Stylish

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but rave about how Dead Cells delivers some of the smoothest, lightning-fast 2D platforming out there, featuring a dodge roll that leaves me feeling untouchable!

Even though Dead Cells appears to be a swift 2D platformer in nature, it’s essentially a Roguelite game, ensuring endless playability. The unique characteristic of Dead Cells is its procedurally generated stages, meaning each playthrough offers a distinct experience, keeping you engaged and eager for more.

In this game, you’ll find an array of breathtaking environments just waiting to be discovered and numerous paths to traverse. Additionally, there is a significant balance between danger and reward, with the more challenging stages offering substantial rewards for those daring enough to venture into them.

In summary, you have a vast array of weapons and combat techniques at your disposal, ranging from colossal scythes to agile twin daggers. Each weapon comes with its unique advantages and disadvantages, requiring you to adapt quickly in the heat of battle.

Dead Cells” proves to be quite challenging, and achieving victory might require numerous attempts. However, an adept gamer can significantly reduce damage with cleverly timed dodges, and the feeling of achieving a flow state is incredibly gratifying.

5 Limbo

So Good They Forgot To Color It In

The game called Limbo stands out as a remarkable 2D platformer, featuring inventive puzzles, breathtaking scenery, and one of the most chilling spider sequences I’ve encountered during my gaming experience.

The charm of Limbo lies in its unpredictability; each step could lead you anywhere, from towering urban rooftops to caverns teeming with creatures that exert control over your mind.

In the game, you won’t find any heads-up display (HUD) or combats. Instead, each area challenges your intuition and quick thinking skills. The game Limbo, which is rather brief at approximately 3 hours in length, ensures it doesn’t become tiresome.

This title is ideal for busy individuals, and if you find it engaging, you might also appreciate “Inside” just as much. Notably, both games were developed by Playdead and are accessible through Game Pass.

4 Banjo Kazooie

An N64 Classic

In its time, the N64 boasted some exceptional 3D titles like “Super Mario 64” and multiple installments of the popular “Legend of Zelda” series.

Indeed, it’s quite remarkable that Banjo Kazooie manages to hold its own against such gaming giants, and much like a fine wine, it has only improved over time.

Banjo Kazooie represents an outstanding 3D adventure brimming with stunning landscapes, tough platform challenges, and a generous serving of wit and humor. In this journey to rescue Banjo’s sister from the mischievous witch, Gruntilda, each region provides a grand quest for collecting items.

Although the Game Pass edition seems to originate from the Xbox 360, it’s quite similar to the original version on the N64. Only minor modifications to the controls for a more modern feel have been made. Essentially, Banjo Kazooie remains largely untouched, providing an excellent way to experience this classic game.

3 Psychonauts

You’ve Never Played Anything Like It

Psychonauts, a cherished 3D platformer from the PlayStation 2 period, is a whirlwind of action that keeps players engaged due to its swift pace, unpredictable nature, and irresistible allure once you begin playing it.

In this game, you assume the role of Raz, a talented young individual endowed with psychic abilities known as telekinesis. You employ these skills to delve into the minds of various vibrant characters in Psychonauts, an extraordinary concept that is beautifully realized through exceptional voice-acting and visually stunning representations of their thoughts.

In true retro platformer fashion, playing Psychonauts feels challenging, even downright frustrating at times. The combat could use a bit more fluidity, but the platforming segments are genuinely enjoyable.

Back in 2005, I stumbled upon a game called Psychonauts, and boy, did it leave an impression! Over the years, this title has built quite a dedicated fanbase, and we were all overjoyed when a sequel, Psychonauts 2, dropped in 2021. If you’re a fan of the original, get ready to be ecstatic because not only is it amazing, but if you’ve got Game Pass, it’s already part of your collection!

2 Unravel

A Creative, Wholesome Adventure

Explore “Unravel” is an enchanting 2D platformer, nestled within a visually stunning universe that you may find difficult to depart from. Remarkably accessible for players of any age, it’s among the least challenging games on the list, ensuring enjoyable experiences for all audiences.

Unravel provides an exceptional style of platforming through the peculiar skills of its protagonist. The character you control is a Yarny, which is essentially a string figure. This Yarny can manipulate yarn to descend from cliffs, traverse gaps by swinging on it, and even create makeshift trampolines for added jumping power.

Leaving a trail of string behind you while moving around the world adds a charming element, and it frequently serves as a useful tool for regaining balance after an incorrect jump.

Puzzles offer a unique, albeit slightly challenging experience for me. However, playing Unravel is an exhilarating experience and it delivers a delightful “feel-good” platformer vibe. Similarly, Unravel 2 can be enjoyed on Game Pass and includes the exciting feature of local cooperative play.

1 Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

A Haunting Metroidvania

As a gamer, I’d say “In this game called ‘Hollow Knight,’ I journey through a stunning yet melancholic 2D world. Every corner holds secrets waiting to be discovered, and my knack for solving puzzles is put to the test at every turn.

It’s interesting to note that numerous Platformer games on Game Pass exhibit characteristics reminiscent of Metroidvania genre, and without a doubt, Hollow Knight stands out as one of the top choices in this regard. In this game, you assume the role of “the Knight” as you traverse the decayed realm of Hallownest.

The gameplay provides a balanced blend of action-based combat and brain-teasing puzzles, so keep your thinking cap on to avoid getting confused. Hollow Knight is also renowned for its intricately designed boss fights against strange adversaries that will challenge your quick reflexes and memory skills.

In Hallownest, the challenge remains balanced yet just, making your journey both tough and gratifying. With each step, you acquire fresh skills and grow stronger.

With a vast following anxiously looking forward to it, the upcoming sequel of the renowned game, “Hollow Knight,” titled “Silksong,” is just a click away. Since it’s available for free on Game Pass, why not hop on board and become part of this exciting journey?

The title even has mod support, and a robust community working to expand the Hollow Knight world.

2024-10-21 17:09