Top 10 Classic and Modern 2D Platformers You Can’t Miss

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Summary

  • Shovel Knight blends classic 8-bit style with modern gameplay systems, creating a retro-style throwback with ample bonus content.
  • Rayman Legends offers multiplayer excitement with cute ‘Lums’, unlockable skins, bonus levels, and rhythm-based challenges.
  • Ultimate Chicken Horse is a unique multiplayer platforming game where players create and complete challenging stages for points.

Ever since I stumbled upon the world of gaming, 2D platforming adventures have always been a cherished part of it. Some of the most groundbreaking and iconic video games in history, including the original Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, fall under this category.

Navigating treacherous landscapes and mastering challenging stages through agile movement and jumps creates a straightforward yet thrilling gaming experience, and even today, fresh 2D platformers continue to enchant players and establish themselves as timeless classics within the genre. Here are some exceptional examples of 2D platform games that have stood the test of time.

11. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Retro-Style Throwback With Masses Of Bonus Content

Shovel Knight is a tribute to classic 8-bit platform games, blending old-school charm with contemporary game mechanics for an ideal fusion of timeless style and modern flair. In this game, you’ll take control of the shovel-wielding hero on a quest to rescue Shovel Knight’s comrade, Shield Knight. Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter challenging bosses, intricate platform levels, and narratives that demand swift mastery of the precise controls.

The game was highly acclaimed and subsequently expanded with narrative packs that significantly transformed various aspects of the gameplay. These updates allowed players to explore levels typically reserved for bosses and secondary characters from the original tale. Treasure Trove compiles all these additional stories, along with a multiplayer fighting game, into a massive collection.

10. Rayman Legends

Collecting Lums Amid Magic And Music

2D platform games frequently serve as an artist’s playground, where developers can encourage players to enjoy themselves even in tricky predicaments. Transforming these platformers into multiplayer experiences significantly boosts the fun factor, as it enables players to jointly experience the stages and, more importantly, allows friends to engage in friendly competition or even sabotage one another. In the game Rayman Legends, players take on the role of rescuing adorable ‘Lums’ – tiny insects that emit light and have been captured by the enemies.

This game offers numerous customizable characters’ appearances (skins) and additional difficulty levels, which increase the overall complexity. The time trials and rhythm-based segments where players must navigate platforms in sync with music demonstrate a high level of skill in developing platform games that is tough to surpass. The integrated multiplayer mode allows players to engage in playful fights and squabbles, enhancing the game’s humorous, animated appeal.

9. Ultimate Chicken Horse

Platforming Party Game

A popular multiplayer game cherished by platforming enthusiasts since its debut is called “Ultimate Chicken Horse“. In this game, players earn points when they’re the sole player to reach the end of a stage. Each player gets a turn to add obstacles or elements to the stage, making it more challenging for everyone involved, thus contributing to creating the platforming challenge itself.

Designers should strive to create levels that are challenging for opponents without being impossible, keeping in mind their own skill level. With numerous rewards, a robust multiplayer experience, and plenty of humor, Ultimate Chicken Horse offers a unique twist on competitive platform gaming.

8. Ori and the Blind Forest

Mystical Metroidvania

In a nutshell, Ori and the Blind Forest is an immersive adventure game that invites players to journey through a breathtaking forest as a tiny spirit. Navigating the deteriorating woodlands involves using various movement skills such as jumping, scaling heights, and soaring through the air. The game’s design emphasizes exploration and acquiring new abilities by uncovering hidden areas, all while adhering to the Metroidvania genre’s conventions.

As I journey through this enchanting world, I’m constantly enhancing Ori’s skills in my quest to protect our home. The game masterfully combines action and platforming elements, giving me the unique ability to set up my own checkpoints using resources at my disposal. For anyone who loves a deep narrative and a challenge on the platforms, Ori is an unmissable platformer.

7. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Carefully Collecting With Baby Mario

Yoshi’s Island represents a beloved game for Super Nintendo consoles, serving as an unusual follow-up to Super Mario World. Rather than controlling Mario directly, players assume command of Yoshi, setting off on a mission to rescue baby Luigi while safeguarding baby Mario. Unlike conventional gameplay where the player takes damage upon encountering enemies, it’s Yoshi who gets hit, resulting in Mario being knocked off his back. Players have a set time to retrieve Mario before Koopas spirit him away and take custody of the babies.

Players exploring the levels in the Mario series for the first time used Yoshi’s unique skills, which included his bouncy leap and egg-tossing capabilities. This game initially introduced these signature moves, though it was challenging to master. Yet, it continues to be celebrated as one of the best games ever made due to its enduring popularity.

6. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Brilliant Platforming With The Blue Blur

Following the significant triumph of Nintendo’s main rival, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” was unveiled amidst great anticipation. Players were able to achieve higher speeds, engage in battles against larger and more formidable adversaries, and even collaborate with a friend to navigate the stages as a duo. The secondary player takes control of Tails, joining forces with Sonic as they thwart Doctor Robotnik’s plan to finish his ‘Death Egg’.

In the vein of “Sonic the Hedgehog,” this sequel retains its captivating health system, allowing Sonic to survive obstacle impacts by holding any number of rings. Newly added is the skill to seize Chaos Emeralds, transforming into Super Sonic – a character who runs faster, becomes invincible, and dashes through adversaries while depleting rings. Even without mentioning its competitive multiplayer race mode, “Sonic 2” stands out as a remarkable milestone in platformer history.

5. Celeste

Madeline’s Mental Health Mountain Retreat

As a gamer, I can attest that Celeste is rightfully hailed as a masterpiece, even after being released over five years ago. This game feels incredibly contemporary when it comes to platformers, and I’m still captivated by it. In Celeste, players embark on an epic journey to conquer a towering mountain using their platforming skills. But what starts as a simple traversal of puzzling sections soon transforms into a deeply personal narrative about battling self-doubt and anxiety.

In this game, the main character, Madeline, encounters inner struggles that push her towards quitting her journey, but players join forces to conquer challenging stages and aid Madeline in finishing her small spiritual voyage. The precise controls and captivating difficulty levels intensify the powerful narrative, ultimately enhancing the emotionally satisfying conclusion.

4. Sonic Mania

The Height Of Sonic Side-Scrolling

Led by developers who honed their skills creating Sonic fan-made games and ROMs, Sonic Mania enables players to tackle refreshed versions of classic levels and innovative adaptations of the Sonic gameplay style simultaneously. Players can choose among Sonic, Knuckles, or Tails, racing through vivid Zones filled with thrilling and peculiar bosses at the conclusion of each Act.

In the style of “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”, these contests are playable with multiple players as well. The game’s straightforward narrative, catchy tunes, and stage layout earned it recognition among Sonic enthusiasts as a rejuvenation of the series and one of its finest entries. Super Sonic and special abilities for each character are included to highlight the coolness of the Blue Comet and his companions.

3. Super Mario Bros. 3

New Power-Ups Saving Princess Toadstool

In a departure from the norm for Mario enthusiasts, the game “Super Mario Bros. 3,” which is the third best-seller for the Nintendo Entertainment System, offers players an opportunity to select between characters Mario and Luigi as they embark on a mission to rescue the Princess from Bowser. Although this setup aligns with what fans have come to expect, the third installment distinguishes itself due to its meticulously crafted platforming controls that provide a satisfying challenge for seasoned gamers. Additionally, fresh power-ups are introduced in this game, enabling players to exploit the vertical potential offered by 2D platformers. For instance, the Tanooki Suit allows Mario to glide over certain areas of the stage.

In “Super Mario Bros. 3”, the Koopalings are introduced as final bosses for each World, and they’ve brought along numerous powers that have since become iconic within the series. This game presents a straightforward play experience, with scenes reminiscent of a theater opening curtain and modular sets. The overall design sets it apart as the finest title in its series.

2. Kirby Super Star

Variety Pack Of Fluffy Platformers

In simpler terms, “Kirby Super Star” is a collection of seven mini-games and additional smaller ones, offering an engaging experience for players. It includes a revamped version of the original game, new narratives, a competitive racing mode, a large-scale treasure hunt, and even a challenging boss battle sequence.

In this fresh rendition, Kirby’s signature powers such as copying abilities, floaty jumps, and summoning helpers are all present. What sets this game apart is the new feature where another player can command the helper, transforming a single-player platformer into a thrilling two-player adventure for those who appreciate its adorable visual style. Originally hard to find on the DS, Kirby Super Star stands as an extraordinary artifact that few modern games can match in terms of quality.

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2025-05-26 10:37