Best Modern Nintendo Switch Platformers

Key Takeaways

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy offers a modern take on classic platforming with challenging gameplay.
Fez on Nintendo Switch is a clever puzzle platformer that showcases unique gameplay mechanics.
New Super Lucky’s Tale on Switch provides a colorful and competent 3D platforming experience with charming characters.

As a seasoned gamer with memories of playing DuckTales and Mega Man etched into my gaming DNA, I must say, Shovel Knight brought back those nostalgic feelings like no other modern platformer has. The precision of every action – bouncing off bubbles, digging through dirt, and swatting foes with a trusty shovel – was simply delightful. And the variety offered by the relics and boss battles against The Order of No Quarter made each level feel fresh and exciting.

Platform games were often the introduction to video gaming for numerous players, particularly on Nintendo systems. Mario, who started as a basic jumping plumber, has since become a gaming legend. However, with various genres vying for attention, discovering top-tier platformers can be challenging. Fortunately, guidance is available to help you find these hidden gems.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen some truly outstanding platform games being launched, even rejuvenating some iconic series. Here are some top-tier platform games you can play on the Nintendo Switch.

Most of these game titles can be found on the Nintendo Switch, but a significant number aren’t developed by Nintendo themselves or exclusive to the Switch.

10 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

A Whirlwind Of Retro Energy Brought To Modern Consoles

Thanks to the magic of remakes, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy can still feel like a brand new game, despite being based on an old classic series from the PlayStation era. This thrilling collection gathers three challenging platformers into one package, and even if you’ve played these games as a child, it’ll keep you on your toes!

In this game, whether you’re fleeing adversaries, whirling around containers, battling Cortex’s devices, or dodging hazards, you’ll find non-stop chaos to navigate through, available in both 2D and 3D environments. With a fresh, vibrant update and some contemporary features added, it allows both seasoned and novice gamers to enjoy the nostalgic gameplay. However, many might have found the platforming particularly challenging within this collection.

9 Fez

A Clever Puzzle Platformer You Never Expected On Nintendo Switch

It’s safe to assume that few anticipated Fez on a Nintendo console. The game didn’t appear until nearly a decade after its initial release. However, when it finally arrived, Nintendo enthusiasts quickly understood why this intriguing puzzle-platformer garnered all the acclaim and recognition it has since earned. This game is remarkably intelligent, with an enigmatic and fourth-wall-breaking storyline.

Transforming the setting from two dimensions to three resulted in an exceptionally distinctive journey, ideal for portable gaming. The non-linear exploration of expansive levels created an intriguing puzzle platformer, as you pursued the shattered cubes. This game consistently challenges your keen eye for detail and encourages revisiting areas during your adventure.

8 Runner3

Keep On Running In This Absurd Adventure

Five years following the Wii U release of “Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien“, Switch users finally got their hands on its sequel, “Runner3“. Despite not having a catchy tagline, it more than compensated with difficult rhythm-based platforming that can make your palms perspire. Each level is divided into numerous challenging sections, where the heroic Commander relentlessly runs, dodges, and jumps in sync with the music.

One unique aspect that makes this game stand out is its delightfully nonsensical overall feel. It offers various branches, hero missions, and innovative retro obstacles. Though the levels can be challenging at times, Runner3 remains balanced, catering to a wide range of skill sets. It serves as an excellent introduction for those new to the genre.

7 Grapple Dog

Grappling With A Challenging Adventure Full Of Charm

Among the initial exceptional releases by Super Rare Games, Grapple Dog demonstrated the promise of the upcoming titles. With its sweetly wrapped, charming storyline, captivating gameplay concept, extravagant boss battles, and unique grapple mechanics, Grapple Dog was so enticing that it even sparked a sequel.

Grapple Dog offers not just thrilling physics, but also boasts significant replay value for dedicated players, along with some remarkable boss fights. It’s a captivating game that draws from the nostalgia of the SNES era, yet maintains its place as a contemporary and engaging platformer.

6 New Super Lucky’s Tale

The N64 Era Lives On In This Colorful Quest

3D platformer games often showcase captivating 2D journeys, yet it can be challenging to discover one that’s skillfully crafted and balanced. The N64 era saw much exploration with varying success, but these games did demonstrate potential. Eventually, a fox named Lucky demonstrated the right way in New Super Lucky’s Tale.

This game is remarkably accessible, from its user-friendly camera control to its charming visual style. It stands out for being one of the few platformers featuring a lethal dance duel with a boss, and desert ruins that would leave Indiana Jones impressed. Essentially, it’s an endearing and skillfully crafted three-dimensional adventure that excels at the basics.

5 Cuphead

Bullet Hell and Platforming With an Undeniable Visual Hook

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to give props where they’re due. Studio MDHR pulled off the extraordinary. They blended the timeless charm of Disney’s Steamboat Willie with an electrifying fusion of bullet hell and platformer genres. The result? A game that, on paper, seemed like a recipe for disaster, but in reality, turned out to be an absolute blast to play – none other than Cuphead, a gaming gem that’s left me grinning from ear to ear!

This game is relentless yet reminiscent of series like Contra, where mastering enemy patterns paves the way to victory. Your arsenal plays a crucial role as you strive to reclaim your soul from the Devil in intense boss encounters. Despite being constantly defeated in the process, the triumph feels exceptionally rewarding when it finally comes.

4 Horace

Learn, Laugh, And Love As A Noble Robot

While some people may appreciate platform games solely for their gameplay mechanics, there’s no denying the power of a platformer that can tug at your heartstrings with compelling characters and an engaging narrative. Without a doubt, Horace falls into this category, as it follows a robot on a journey to understand what it means to be alive.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be swept away by this exhilarating journey that’s brimming with creativity. It’s filled with moments that tug at your heartstrings, along with some seriously tricky obstacles to conquer. You’ll master the art of defying gravity, vanquish enraged mechas, and much more. With a vast world to delve into and a tale beautifully woven, this isn’t just a platformer; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that transcends mere gameplay.

3 Shovel Knight

You’ll Dig This Love Letter To Old School Platforming

As a devoted fan, I’ve got to say, it’s not unusual for crowdfunded projects to miss their backers’ expectations. But oh boy, Shovel Knight from Yacht Club Games was the rare exception! This quirky adventure didn’t just scratch the nostalgia itch of yesteryear’s games; it delved deep into it, stylistically speaking. And let me tell you, the soundtrack was nothing short of stunning, while the integration of modern conveniences added a fresh twist to the timeless gameplay.

The platforming in this game is meticulously crafted, evoking memories of timeless classics such as DuckTales and Mega Man while maintaining a unique flair. Every action, from bouncing on bubbles to digging through dirt and swatting enemies with your shovel, feels intentional and perfectly precise. To top it off, the game offers intriguing relics that alter gameplay mechanics, challenging achievements, and intense boss fights against The Order of No Quarter.

2 Celeste

Make It To The Summit In This Emotional Platformer

In a remarkable way, Horace demonstrated the power of blending compelling gameplay with a gripping narrative. However, Celeste elevated this formula significantly. It’s an intensely personal and emotionally resonant tale that mirrors the struggle to overcome one’s self-doubts, skillfully reflecting the challenge of conquering a towering, relentless mountain summit.

The game “Celeste” offers an exhilarating experience as you navigate steep mountain slopes, where falls can be lethal and dangers, both real and mythical, lurk around every corner. The game delightfully tests your wit with death traps, ensuring you’ll get to know spikes and a variety of other perils while summoning the strength to scale vertical walls. You’ll often question if certain areas can be conquered, find yourself repeatedly defeated, and then, in a flash of insight, discover the path forward. This captivating platformer is all about determination, and you’ll find yourself eager to conquer the peak.

1 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Wildly Creative Times For Mario And Friends

In essence, a platformer’s success hinges on its gameplay mechanics, and few series master the basics as well as Super Mario does. The captivating gameplay of Super Mario Bros. Wonder wasn’t just about precise platforming; it also showcased remarkable creativity and originality, even within the realm of a Mario game.

The creativity here is evident through the unusual change mechanism, where Mario and company perform actions like growing into giant elephants or drilling through rocks with their hats. Each level presents fresh challenges, and when they suddenly switch, you’ll realize a fun surprise awaits – anything from a bull stampede to crooning Piranha Plants. Moreover, engaging multiplayer options, numerous playable characters, and an attractive environment to discover make it one of the top platformers in recent times.

2024-10-11 18:39