20. Celeste-2018 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
Celeste focuses on a humble yet energized protagonist in Madeline and her journey to conquer Celeste Mountain. This 2D precision platformer provides a compelling challenge for all gamers everywhere while offering beautiful pixel-based visuals and a soundtrack to compliment the strong emotions and central themes of the story. I implore every gamer to give this past game of the year contender a try!
Choose Celeste If You Like:
- A Story Driven, Single Player Adventure: In true indie fashion, this game offers a narrative driven plot that matches the amazing quality in gameplay that it offers. You’ll come to love Madeline and the colorful cast of characters she encounters on her grand quest
- A Masterclass in Video Game Music: The Celeste soundtrack is especially enchanting, adding to the harrowing yet mystical experience of scaling a mountain as a lone traveler. The strings and bytes of sound composed for this game will surely tug at your heartstrings as you play
- Platforming Galore! Over 700 levels of unique and perplexing platforming challenges for gamers to engage with. As you scale this mighty fortress of nature, your reflexes and overall timing will be put to the ultimate test!
(One of those 700+ levels I was talking about. Yeah, it gets real up there !)
Fun Factor Score: 90/100
19. Ultimate Chicken Horse-2018(PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)
If you’re one of those individuals that wants to normalize being a real rascal, well, do I have a game for you. Ultimate Chicken Horse is a chaotic multiplayer platformer that only rewards the victors, and the villains. Players choose the animal of their choice and are given a short amount of time to reach the goal at the end of the stage while trying to dodge the traps and other obstructions laid out by competing players. After going through a series of stages, the player with the most points is crowned the winner of that round, but be warned- there’s more than one way to win this game of Ultimate Chicken Horse!
Choose Ultimate Chicken Horse if you like:
- Play with all the Chicken Horses you know! The developers were gracious enough to implement cross play into all versions of the game, allowing you to link up with your friends across all consoles and give them more reasons to hate your guts
- A Slew of Game Modes: Just like how there’s more than one way to win the beautiful game of Ultimate Chicken Horse, there’s also several ways in which it can be played. Try out all the crazy game modes that this platformer has to offer and up the level of chaos and rascalness!
- Become the Ultimate Stinka’: Global leaderboards are plenty and present as well, showcasing some of the fastest and talented rascals of our time. Where will you rank amongst the best of the best?
(As you can see, these guys completely understood the assignment at hand)
Fun score: 98/100
18. OlliOlli World-2022 (PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC)
This one’s for all my skater dudes and dudettes. OlliOlli World is a 2D skater/open world platformer in the totally sick land of Radlandia. Rack up style points as you shred across this vibrant world as you string together tricks to form combos. Complete side quests by encountering a diverse cast of folks that also inhabit this land and want to share in your radness. If you love a fulfilling game experience tied to the sport of skating, this is a title for you!
Choose Olli Olli World if you like:
- Unique Art Style: As you can probably already tell, OlliOlli World isn’t your typical skater game. An open world teeming with side quests, missions, and distinct locals in which to rip and shred and such is all there for the gamer to discover. As you skate across the lands of Radlandia, you’ll come to form a soft spot for the people in it as well
- Customization Galore: OlliOlli World offers a robust customization system for all types of cosmetics. From your skater’s overall look to the board he rides on and the tricks he performs, over time you’ll be able to sculpt your ideal skater
- Online Community: Share your radness across the globe with other skaters and challenge them to one vs one missions to see who can shred it the best. You can also build parks that other players can enjoy and share clips of cool tricks.
(Across the vast lands of Radlandia, you must become one with board, brah)
Fun score:89/100
17.Super Meat Boy-2010 (Xbox 360, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PC)
We’re throwing it back a little bit for this next title, but make no mistake, this platformer is all guts and no breaks. The iconic Super Meat Boy was released in 2010 as the successor to its previous flash game installment, Meat Boy. The developers had given this small yet brave meat filled protagonist a slew of new levels to conquer along with an overall console level upgrade in graphics, soundtrack and content. This game is the granddaddy of all precision based platformers (it's also old enough to be a grandaddy of gaming itself)
Choose Super Meat Boy if you like:- A Twisted Landscape for a Not so Twisted Story: It's simple, really. Meat Boy is on a quest to save his girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from the evil Dr. Fetus. What’s not simple is the levels Meat Boy must embark on. Enter the hellish scenes that Meat Boy, much like the player, must get accustomed to like bloody spikes, bloody terrain, bloody body party and imagery of the sorts. Y’know, tame stuff.
- Plenty of Challenges Await: Meat Boy is a cube of meat on a mission, with over 300 levels spanning 5 narrative chapters, the quest to get his girl back will ramp up in intensity as he glides across the blood filled levels of horror
- Share The Bloodshed(?): Utilize the level creator to create some of the most insane courses known to man and torture your friends with your twisted visions.
(There he goes. As Meaty as a Boy can be)
Fun Score: 85/100
16. Bots are Stupid-2022(PC)
The Robot Revolution will not be televised! It’ll actually be streamed. Bots are Stupid is a unique 2D precision platformer where the player is given an infinite amount of bots to traverse a level with unique commands that can be “coded” for the bot. With over 40 levels to traverse, several features for the bots to utilize, and a robust level editor, these bots have a hell of a challenge in front of them.
Choose Bots Are Stupid if you like:- #GamersInTech: Unlike most platformers, Bots are Stupid utilizes simple commands that players can “program” the bots to perform as opposed to directional keys. Most levels require more than one command to complete, so (unfortunately) these bots will endure a lot of trial and error before reaching the goal
- Level Creation: Create complex levels for your bots to struggle in with the game’s developed and extensive level creator and share them with others
- Mechanics Mayhem!: Maximize the mechanics that the game offers whether it's the pulleys and levers , or the assorted collection of tools available to the bots themselves
(Take me to your leader(boards))
Fun score: 79/100
15. Will you Snail?-2022 (Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
What do you and a snail have in common? Nothing, but after playing this game you should both be scared of what AI’s can do. Enter Will You Snail, a precision platformer with pretty neon lights, a snail, and a menacing AI that’s rooting for your downfall and predicting your moves. As you scale the all these challenging levels, your motivation will only increase the more trash the AI talks to you
Choose Will You Snail? If you like:- A Rather Unique Relationship: There’s no need to punch down on a snail, I mean, it's already a snail y'know? But this AI is not trying to hear it. With each and every predicted move, the AI comes at the player with the most snarky and biting remark it can think of to make mockery of your struggles. To add injury to insult (literally) the AI can also lay out traps itself to further obstruct the player.
- Vibrant Environments: Though there’s nothing that can be done to the AI, but the neon lights present in every level of this game is a nice compensation for your troubles. The snail in this predicament must traverse these neon lighted levels in hopes of outsmarting the AI
- Secrets Abound: The pretty lights in this game are more than what they seem. Each level has its own secrets to discover to further complete the narrative of how this AI came to be and why it’s deciding to bully this virtual snail
(I’m struggling enough dude, I don’t need your neon pink gaze in the corner judging me for my decisions)
Fun Score:80/100
14. Lapin-2020 (Xbox Series X and S, PC)
An endearing story about bunny rabbits finding their way, what more can you ask for? Lapin is a 2D platformer that centers around a white rabbit named Liebe and her group of rabbit friends. After their initial home is destroyed because of corporate greed, Liebe and her friends are on a quest to find a new home that will shelter them from all outside influences. Aside from being the cutest game in history, this visually pleasing platformer comes with a moving narrative on the relationship between man and nature
Choose Lapin if you like:- Hop in with the Gang!: As Liebe hops about to find her new home, the player will get acquainted with all of Liebe’s friends Jose, Montblanc, Captain and Bianca. Each rabbit adds a layer of plot and gameplay for the player to enjoy
- Collectibles abound: This game is keen on exploration, and to foster this sensation of adventure there are multiple collectible items for the player to scavenge. Whether it’s Liebe’s notes for new locations or tools or seeds that have complex narratives behind them, it’ll be in your best interest search all areas with care
- A Breathing, Living World: There are plenty of things to do within the land of Alfa, the never ending burrows that Liebe explores. The spirit of adventure is imbued in each new area that the player discovers
(A new home is just a hop, hop, and another hop away)
Fun score:89/100
13. Super Meat Boy Forever -2021 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
That’s right. He’s back. Back on this list and back into our meaty hearts. Due to the monster success of the previous games, the same developers made the highly anticipated sequel in Super Meat Boy Forever. This time, he’s a lot faster and he’s got a slew of new moves to conquer the obstacles before him.
Choose Super Meat Boy Forever if you like:- Its Super-er, and Meatier than ever before: Meat Boy is back, and this time he’s got no time to waste. The auto-running style of this platformer only serves to increase the difficulty of traverse these brand new levels
- How many levels?!: Yeah, I had a double take myself. Over 6000 (that’s three zeros!!) levels are present in this installment, all teeming with traps and complex level designs waiting for the player to engage with. This installment will not only test your reflexes and photographic memory, but just how much you love this series in general
- Meat Boy gets Sturdy??: Meat Boy can do more than just jump in this installment, he can punch, kick, and slide his way through the traps and obstructions set before him. The player will have to use these new moves wisely to traverse the ever dangerous levels before them
(Look at the meaty lad. Absolute unit)
Fun Score:92/100
12.This is Hell-2022 (PC)
http://store.steampowered.com/app/2157130/This_is_Hell/
I know a game titled “This is Hell” doesn’t sound like the most fun. That’s because it’s also really hard. If anything it’s the most frustrating platformer on this list. This is Hell is a game for those looking for a real punishing 2D platformer. If you’ve somehow conquered games like Super Meat Boy Forever, this will be your next mountain, gamer. As you scale the hellish landscapes of this game you’ll come to find that your reflexes aren’t the only thing being tested.
Choose This is Hell if you like:- Like climbing a Hill with Rollerblades: While there are rewarding moments from this game, they only come from the excruciatingly challenging levels in this game. Your big fisted and small minded protagonist will find themselves going through many trials and abundant errors before tasting bitter sweet victory
- At least you’re Not Alone!: As you traverse hell, there’s a complimentary radio station to keep you company, how thoughtful! The witty ads and jingles made by the developers will make your journey all the more sweeter
- Its not as bad with a Friend!: Play with up to 4 friends in co-op mode to see who’s the most desperate guy of the bunch!
(No one told me how cozy hell could be)
Fun Score: 75/100
11.Circa Infinity-2015 (PC, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One)
One of the more unique 2D platformers on this list, Circa Infinity challenges the player to think on their toes and outside the box- into a circle. The player must run around circles while dodging enemies and obstacles, only for the circle to get deeper and the music to get faster. If you want a real live example of what it's like to go crazy, this is the experience for you.
Choose Circa Infinity if you like:- Circa Loco!: As you run from one level of circle into another, you’ll begin to find your mind going into a similar descent. The visuals of circles in this game help to further push the player into mayhem while keeping up with the pace of the game
- Hypnotic Jams: The soundtrack composed for this game is just as intense as the game itself. Players will find themselves energized and motivated to get to deeper levels in this game and tap into the chaotic nature of this game’s music.
- Hamster Wheelin’ Action: With enemies that literally laugh at you throughout your level runs and the overall structure obstacle placement, players will be challenged in all types of ways beyond their reflexes if they’re to conquer this circular conundrum of a puzzle platformer
(Insanity incarnate)
Fun Score: 95/100
10.Super Cable Boy-2020 (Nintendo Switch, PC)
This retro inspired 2D platformer stars a little gameboy-color like boy with his trusty power cable. As you travel across these pixelated landscapes and collect game cartridges, you’ll come to know the dark force that haunts this world- The Glitch. Being the good boy that Cable Boy is, his goal is to collect enough cartridges to defeat this unknown being.
Choose Super Cable Boy if you like:- A Boy and his Cable : Cable Boy may just have a cable in his arsenal, but don’t be fooled- that’s all he needs to get the job done. Each level presents obstacles and special areas in which Cable Boy can use his faithful tool to assist him on his journey
- They don’t just make em like they used to: This retro game has a retro soundtrack to match. The 8-bit music composed for this adventures is an excellent compliment to the overall aesthetic of the game
- Trippy Visuals: The combination of modern technology to recreate retro aesthetics combine for a unique and entrancing experience within this game
(I would protect him with my life)
Fun Score:90/100)
9. Lumione-2021 (NIntendo Switch, PC)
The ocean is as mysterious as space itself, each day researchers are finding new discoveries down there. Apparently, there was a fun 2D platformer down there as well. Lumione focuses on the sea fairy named Glimmer and her grand quest to conquer the dark depths of the sea that lies before her. With visuals akin to to the critically acclaimed platformer Ori and the Blind Forest and intuitive game mechanics, Lumione is a game filled enchanting experiences and tight platforming action
Choose Lumione if you like:- How Deep does it Go?: This game features over 170 levels of magical oceanic scenery for Glimmer to swim, hop, and swing through.
- Transcendental Visuals: With the powerful game engine of Unity, Lumione presents to the player a world of life within the blue Deep that captivates all those looking for a beautiful adventure.
- What will you find at the Bottom?: Glimmer is a protagonist that everyone can easily root for. She’s on a mission to the bottom of the ocean to make her dreams a reality, will you help her on the way?
(literally and figuratively, breathtaking stuff)
Fun Score:88/100
8.Quickly Quackley-2021 (PC)
Seems like finding a job is hard for everybody these days, even for ducks. Enter Quickly, Quackley, the game about a duck in the United Kingdom circa 1984 trying his best to get to his interview as quickly as possible. This chaotic platformer will put your reflexes under incredible stress with a timer going in the corner tracking your best times. As you wall jump, dash, and avoid obstacles you’ll soon find the addictive spirit of time attack trials coming over you!
Choose Quickly Quackly if you like:
- Keepin’ it Groovy: Since Quackley resides in the 80’s, so do the visuals for this game. Be amazed by how the developers have masterfully invoked the aesthetic of 80’s video games while programming tight and fast paced gameplay with modern technology
- Keepin’ Groovy x2: On top of these endearingly crunchy aesthetics, the soundtrack composed for this game also coincides with this era of gaming, providing synth-y jams to go with duck escapades
- Hone your Quickliness, Quackley!: This game also features a practice mode and a time trial mode to further hone your reflexes and crank out your best times. Rent’s due, so what the duck are you gonna do?
(Sorry i’m late, traffic was crazy-also I had to dodge, like, a million spikes)
Fun Score:90/100
7.Super Magbot-2021 (Nintendo Switch, PC)
I’ll be frank: The only thing cooler than magnets is a 2D platformer built around them. Get ready to push and pull yourself all over the place in Super Magbot, a 16-bit platformer with tight mechanics and visually stunning levels. Magnetia is in grave danger of shutting down, and it’s up to Magbot to save his world with his trusty magnetic arm tool. Enjoy playing with magnetic mechanics as you blast your way through level after level.
Choose Super Magbot if you like:- Attractive Gameplay: Use Magbot’s magnetic arm tool to traverse the magnetic filled world of Magnetia. As you go through each level you’ll find that the puzzles presented by this game will test your gamer instincts.
- Get your Collectin On: There are star fragments scattered all over each level in Super Magbot for the gamer to discover, but only by mastering the game’s mechanics can these items be claimed
- These Bits are Boomin: The soundtrack composed for this game compliments the setting of a 16-bit sci-fi adventure excellently, providing sounds to further motivate the player to rescue Magnetia from annihilation.
(Man, I wish magnets were real)
Fun Score: 89/1006.Below The Ocean-2021 (PC)
Well would ya’ look at that- they found another fun 2D platformer at the bottom of the sea. Below the Ocean is a simplistic 2D platformer about a boy and his oxygen tank looking for booty n’ glory at the bottom of the sea. The cute pixelated aesthetic combined with intuitive level design combine for a swell time in the Unknown Deep.
Choose Below the Ocean if you like:- Just keep Breathing: As you traverse these underwater levels, your oxygen tank will act as more than just a source of life. Use the tank to strategically make your way to the treasure at the end of the stage
- It’s Dangerous to go alone, Bring a Friend!: Challenge your friends with timed trials to see who’s the best underwater explorer!
- As Vintage as it gets: Reminisce on the earliest eras of gaming with a unique 1-bit art style presented in each and every level
(they claim it’s only a video game but I bet this is really what it looks like down there)
Fun Score:89/100
5.RunBean Galactic-2022 (PC)
Space, the final frontier. Who is more capable of conquering the deadly unknown than the man they call… RunBean. Yeah, RunBean. RunBean Galactic is a simplistic 2D platformer that features the fearless astronaut RunBean running around a planet that has it out for him. The longer you can survive the treacherous planet he’s arrived on, the higher your score and the more intense the challenge gets.
Choose RunBean Galactic if you like:- Which way, humble Astronaut?: The mechanics are simple yet addictive. Running back and forth on this small unnamed planet can get chaotic quickly if one isn’t careful.
- Stay Alert: Each level is randomly generated, so one run will almost never look like the last
- Keep Running!: Levels are designed to be short n’ sweet so players can clock in as many attempts as their hearts can take
(Sad day for flat earth conspiracists)
Fun Score: 87/100
4. OCO-2021 (PC., Mobile)
Sometimes, a great platformer doesn’t need all those bells and whistles. Just a block and a platform to run on. OCO is a perfect example of a minimalistic 2D platformer done right. As you take the control over a single white block, the world around you comes alive with vibrant colors and captivating sounds
Choose OCO if you like:- You can talk the talk, but can you Block the Block?: Although this white block seems simplistic in nature, as the player climbs from level to level they’ll find themselves unlocking several abilities that reinvents the options for traversal
- Find Your Path: Enjoy infinite possibilities in level structure with an advanced level editor and over 7000 player created levels already in the game
- Infinite Tunes: Procedurally generated soundtracks to perfectly compliment your block-like adventure
(You’ve heard of Yoko Ono, well get ready for Oco Uno)
Fun Score:96/100
3.Rotund Zero-2021 (PC, Nintendo Switch)
Ah, the Gameboy Color days. That green tint over some of our earliest gaming experiences still has some nostalgic charm to it. And Rotund Zero is chock full of said charm. Play as a rather large boned bunny rabbit as it traverses through platform levels reminiscent of days now in the past. This precision platformer is another sweet collaboration of technology both old and new
Choose Rotund Zero if you like:
- Keep Hoppin: Levels are short yet require tight reflexes and intuitive thinking in order to get the best time possible
- How Fast Can You Go?: Medals are awarded for hungry gamers looking to test their ability in the time attack mode
- A New Experience to Jump Into: Levels are shuffled during each completion of a run so no one experience feels the same
(This guy looks perpetually pissed off meanwhile i’m having the time of my life over here)
Fun Score:89/100
2. Thrill Penguin-2022 (PC)
This next platformer likes to cut to the chase. You’re a penguin, looking for experiences in the area of thrillingness, what’s not to get? This chaotic 2D platformer utilizes simple controls and momentum mechanics to deliver a rich parkour experience featuring the most badass penguin you’ve never heard of.
Choose Thrill Penguin if you like:
- Enter the Thrill Zone: With 6 Zones featuring 9 levels each and unique bosses to boot, there’s a lot for this little penguin to be thrilled about
- Easy Mechanics: Your two buttons are meant to jump and dive, but as you go through each Zone within the game you’ll find the timing and use case for each mechanic to be intuitive and rewarding
- Unique Artstyle: With a Saturday Morning approach to the art style, this game stand to be an overall visual joy to experience
(I can see why this guy doesn’t roll with the pack-too much thrill, not enough chill)
Fun Score: 98/100
1. Axolotl is Dry-2022 (PC)
Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The 2D platformer where you can play as an Axolotl. Every (my) gamer’s dream. Axolotl is Dry is a classic 2D platformer that stars a little sea lizard who’s on the quest for hydration. Help this little guy get back to where he belongs so he doesn’t have to scavenge for drops.
Choose Axolotl is Dry if you like:- Cute Visuals: As if axolotls couldn’t get any more adorable, the 8-bit art style chosen for this games compliments the level of cuteness and overall feel of gameplay
- Don’t let Him Dry Up: Each level is a race against time for the Axolotl to reach an oasis at the goal line to replenish himself before the next stage
- Crafty Platforming: Use the special abilities that the Axolotl has to strategically navigate the barren wastelands he was abducted to
(I know I said I would protect Cable Boy, but i’m just gonna have to step up as a single father of 2)
Fun Score: 98/100
