30 Must-Tlay Platforming Masterpieces Across Gaming History
Dive into our curated selection of gaming's finest platformers spanning decades of innovation. This collection celebrates both groundbreaking classics that defined the genre and modern marvels pushing creative boundaries - each delivering that perfect blend of challenge, creativity and pure platforming joy. Hungry for more? Explore our other genre deep dives:
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Table of Content
- Super Mario Bros.
- Ninja Gaiden
- Disney's Aladdin
- Contra
- Earthworm Jim 2
- Gex
- Donkey Kong Country Returns
- Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy
- Rayman Legends
- Super Meat Boy
- Sonic Mania
- Psychonauts
- Metal Slug Anthology
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Celeste
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Cuphead
- Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
- GRIS
- Katana ZERO
- DuckTales Remastered
- Pizza Tower
- Mega Man 11
- Astro Bot
- Owlboy
- The Messenger
- Huntdown
- Little Nightmares
- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Legends That Started It All
Every gaming genre has its foundations, and these trailblazers built the platforming landscape we know today.
Super Mario Bros.
Release date: September 13, 1985
Developer: Nintendo R&4
The grandfather of all platformers still holds up decades later. This Nintendo masterpiece didn't just save the gaming industry after the 1983 crash - it created the blueprint every modern platformer still follows with its precise controls, perfectly paced difficulty curve, and iconic power-up system.
Contra
Release date: February 20, 1987
Developer: Konami
Konami's run-and-gun legend added militarized action to the platforming formula, creating the perfect co-op experience. The "Contra-tough" difficulty became legendary, forcing players to master every enemy pattern and terrain obstacle - all while dodging an endless hail of bullets.
90s Nostalgia Trip
The golden age of 16-bit platformers delivered some of gaming's most vibrant and creative experiences.
Earthworm Jim 2
Release date: September 18, 1995
Developer: Shiny Entertainment
Pure 90s madness in gaming form. This sequel doubled down on the absurd humor with levels where you float through intestines, race puppies, and even compete in a literal "Level That Never Ends." The tight controls and imaginative power-ups (like using your worm body as a whip) make it more than just a novelty act.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Release date: November 21, 2010
Developer: Retro Studios
Reviving Rare's SNES classics could have been disastrous, but Retro Studios knocked it out of the jungle. The Switch HD remaster makes this the definitive way to experience DK's barrel-blasting, minecart-riding revival, with visuals that pop and co-op play that actually enhances the experience rather than creating chaos.
