Top 10 Open-World Games with Amazing Platforming, Ranked

Summary

Immortals Fenyx Rising offers inventive platforming challenges in its Greek mythology-inspired open world.
Supraland combines puzzles and first-person platforming in a unique open-world Metroidvania setting.
Terraria blends platforming elements with sandbox mechanics, offering a complex, satisfying gameplay experience.

In open-world games, maintaining player engagement sometimes necessitates an element of excitement. Protracted journeys between locations A and B can consume a significant portion of gameplay time, making it feel monotonous and repetitive unless it’s enjoyable.

Instead of placing enemies on your path or offering quick transportation methods, some developers choose a more imaginative route by incorporating dynamic movement systems. A select few push this further still, integrating platforming aspects into the gameplay experience. The following open-world games are exceptional examples that may not be typical platformers, but they offer some of the most thrilling platforming mechanics found in sandbox games.

10. Immortals Fenyx Rising

Platforming Ambrosia

In a charming reminiscence of old-school 3D platformers such as Jak and Daxter and Crash Bandicoot, Immortals Fenyx Rising provided an engagingly rich experience from the developers behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Instead of departing from their Greek backdrop, Ubisoft Quebec instead embraced it with a cheerful, innovative twist that broke away from the standard gameplay conventions of traditional Assassin’s Creed games.

As adventurers explore the mystical open-world landscape of the Golden Isle, they encounter a variety of creative platforming obstacles. These parts evaluate players’ abilities by combining the game’s exciting combat and exploration mechanics. While some initially dismissed it as a copycat of Breath of the Wild (a valid observation), the game ultimately captured a significant following with its distinctive appeal and whimsical gameplay.

9. Supraland

Indie Darling With a Sprinkling of Platforming

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel that puzzles and platforming are like peanut butter and chocolate – they just go together perfectly. In my gaming adventures, I often find myself drawn to experiences that remind me of Valve’s Portal series, with its clever puzzles and innovative gameplay mechanics. Now imagine taking that intriguing amalgamation and expanding it into an open world. That, dear gamers, is what you get in Supraland, a masterpiece crafted by German developer David Münnich.

Fundamentally, Supraland is an enjoyable open-world Metroidvania game that combines puzzles. Delve beneath the surface, and you’ll discover innovative platforming elements tailored specifically for this title. The first-person viewpoint introduces an additional level of difficulty, demanding proficiency and accuracy to master its challenging parts.

8. Terraria

Don’t Put This Game in a Box

It’s worth mentioning that labeling Terraria as a platformer might spark some surprise, but it’s clear that this 2D action-adventure sandbox game incorporates many aspects typical of the Metroidvania genre in its platforming mechanics.

As a devoted gamer, let me tell you, this 2D action-adventure sandbox game isn’t just a simple copy of the Metroid series. It draws inspiration from Minecraft, Skyrim, Worms, and more, creating an intriguing blend of gameplay elements that keeps gamers hooked. Plus, the platforming is nothing short of sublime!

7. Lego Marvel Super Heroes

Family-Friendly Platforming Fun

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that no collection of platformers is complete without a LEGO game. They’re a blast, offering lighthearted fun that the entire family can dive into. Although LEGO games have always hinted at open-world aspects, it was in 2013 with Lego Marvel Super Heroes that they truly nailed the formula. With an expansive New York City at my disposal, I found myself exploring alongside more Marvel characters than I could count on one Mjölnir!

This game isn’t merely one of the top LEGO games; it’s likely among the finest Marvel games ever made. Its witty humor, captivating platforming, and lively open environment make it an enjoyable haven for both young and seasoned superhero enthusiasts.

6. Crackdown

Jump Up, Jump Up, and Get Crackdown

Although it didn’t quite dethrone GTA as intended, Crackdown remains one of the most creatively innovative open-world games from the 2000s. Created by Realtime Worlds, a studio with several ex-Rockstar developers, the game stood out by merging high-octane action with superhero-style movement capabilities.

Unlike the earthbound style of Grand Theft Auto, Crackdown offers players the chance to jump across rooftops, scale tall buildings, and perform death-defying stunts. A distinctive feature was gathering agility orbs, usually found atop skyscrapers, which recognized skillful platforming abilities. Additionally, players could participate in “rooftop races,” moving through a sequence of checkpoints across Pacific City’s skyline in an exciting break from typical open-world gameplay norms.

5. Sable

Platforming At Your Own Pace

Drawing inspiration from the legendary works of Jean Giraud, known as Mœbius, Sable is renowned for being one of the most visually breathtaking indie games ever crafted. Each scene is a work of art deserving of a frame. The game is set on the expansive desert planet of Midden, which bears resemblance to Jakku from The Force Awakens, offering players the freedom to explore the terrain at their leisure, while solving puzzles and traversing platforms in a relaxed manner.

This game stands out not just for its platforming elements, but also for its casual narrative style. Players can explore the game’s past subtly, engaging with well-designed non-player characters and subtle environmental hints that are artistically presented.

4. Bowser’s Fury

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Bowser Scorned

3D Mario games such as “Super Mario Sunshine” and “Super Mario Odyssey” have dabbled in open-world gameplay, but “Bowser’s Fury,” launched with the re-release of “Super Mario 3D World,” was the first to fully commit to this approach, signifying a significant shift for the well-known franchise.

Instead of the usual intricate, sequential stages, players encountered a more unconventional platformer design in this game. While it received much praise (although not without its critics), the question remains: Will this style become the benchmark for future Mario games? We’ll have to wait and see.

3. A Short Hike

Small Game, Big Heart

Known as the tranquil platformer, A Short Hike provides a serene wilderness escape for those seeking adventure without the messy footwear – muddy boots not required! In this 2019 indie treasure, players guide Claire, an anthropomorphic bird character, through the vast Hawk Peak Provincial Park. The gameplay elements are easy to grasp, involving running, climbing, swimming, and soaring to ascend the park’s peak.

Warm-hearted, enjoyable, and pleasantly absurd, this game strikes a great balance in its pace and delivers as advertised. Being relatively short at around two hours of playtime, it serves as an excellent break from lengthier, more challenging gaming sessions – a refreshing interlude, if you will.

2. Hollow Knight

Challenging Platforming in a Challenging Open World

Hollow Knight is a 2D side-scrolling adventure game, immersed in the expansive, interwoven realm of Hallownest – a meticulously crafted kingdom teeming with mystery and enigma. Although it shows similarities to the style of Dark Souls, it forges its unique path. The meticulous world-building, breathtaking graphics, and immersive sound design weave an extraordinary atmosphere that even some high-budget games aspire to achieve.

Created by Team Cherry, this popular game takes cues from traditional 2D platformers of yesteryears. Its tough boss fights, especially, require precise platforming abilities, serving as a rewarding challenge for experienced gamers.

1. Breath of the Wild

A Breath of Platforming Fresh Air

3D Zelda series, being predominantly action-adventure RPGs, can’t be ignored for their incorporation of platforming aspects, notably seen in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In fact, Breath of the Wild has influenced numerous other games to enhance their open-world exploration with increased challenge and adventure.

In the game “Breath of the Wild,” most shrines emphasized puzzles and combat, but some truly highlighted the game’s impressive platforming abilities. If you’re still not convinced, remember that a platformer is essentially a video game where the player navigates through spaces by jumping or climbing, and in this sense, “Zelda” fits the description perfectly, particularly in this version of the game.

2025-02-07 14:35