THE BEST Platformers

Currrently available on Steam Early Access for Windows and Mac, Darklight is an intense 2D-scrolling action platformer with impressive lighting and cool cyberpunk aesthetics. As you move through its dimly-lit industrial levels, you’ll encounter dangerous creatures who only appear under the light of your companion drone.

This upcoming action game drops players into a vivid digital world. Much like the plot of TRON, players find themselves inside of a mainframe computer, and must traverse their environment through a series of platforming, hacking, and intense combat sequences. Coming to Xbox Series X, PS5, and PC.

Crash Bandicoot is back, and not with a remaster of an old title, but a whole new game. With modern graphics, massive new worlds, new skills, and challenging new boss battles, the new Crash looks every bit as good as Ratchet & Clank now. Coming to PS4 on 10.2.20.

This platform puzzler puts players in the character of a rolling skull. Transform into three different shapes, each possessing different skills needed to navigate through its 18 levels and seven environments. You can even throw your own head when changing forms. Coming to Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC 8.4.20.

This quirky platform puzzle game has two interesting constructs: 1) you can only jump twice in each level; and 2) you break one leg each time you jump. Azaan Lambkin’s submission to itch.io’s Finally Finish Something 2020 contest ironically has a bug that keeps some players from seeing the game’s ending.

Garrick Campsey’s cyberpunk-inspired 2D platformer Lazr introduces the use of simulated cloth into its environments, adding a unique design and gameplay element. The flexible materials are used to create swinging ladders, ropes, and nets for the game’s protagonist to climb on. Demo available here.

Blasphemous is an upcoming side-scrolling action platformer that promises epic boss battles, grisly yet gorgeous pixel art, non-linear levels, and a highly customizable character. It will be released for Windows, Xbox One, PS4 and Switch.

After switching to 3D in Trine 3, Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince returns to the tried and tested 2.5D action platforming design. The game has a new combat system, new skills and local and online multiplayer. Coming to Windows, Xbox, PS4 and Switch for $30.

The young and adventurous purple dragon is back, and he’s all scaled up. Spyro Reignited Trilogy for PS4 and Xbox One includes Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, all with new 1080p graphics and improved controls. Drops 11/13/18.

YouTuber t.p. took animator Guy Collins‘ amazing Kaizo Trap video, and reworked it with a fresh electronica soundtrack that fits perfectly with the protagonist’s challenging journey into a platform video game world. Even if you’ve seen the original already, it’s worth a rewatch.

A fun and offbeat mobile platformer in which you’re propelled through the universe via an endless stream of puke, set off by your allergy to eggs. It’s packed with quirky characters and environments, and offers challenging gameplay. Out now on iOS and Android.

(PG-13: Language) A frenetic platformer that amps up the challenge to 11, as you take on wave after wave of killer soldiers, monsters, fireballs, and lightning bolts, all while dealing with moving cylindrical platforms beneath your feet. Supports local co-op for multiplayer fun.

Fans of 3D platformers have a new game to get excited about, with this game from members of the creative team behind Banjo Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. The cartoony characters look the part, and there’s plenty of variety in gameplay and level design.