Get Ready for Some Action In These Awesome Platformer Games
Whether you’re looking for something fast paced with guts and gore, or something challenging with ever changing maps and frustrating traps, platform games have a little something for everyone to enjoy.
15. Rogue Legacy
On a mission to find a cure to save his father (your ancestor) the King, Johannes enters the dangerous shapeshifting Castle Hamson. Unfortunately, Johannes never returns from his quest. Now, year after year, ancestors travel to Castle Hamson, to try to restore the family honor and wealth.
The cycle is never-ending; will it ever be broken? Choose your heir and begin your quest.
Traits: Choosing the lesser of two evils.
Enter the castle. Hack through enemies to gain levels. Jump, run, and dodge.
Find gold and loot to pay for upgrades to help your next adventure be (hopefully) more successful.
Rogue Legacy isn’t about completing in one life. The fact that you WILL die, MANY times, is part of the game.
Leap! Strike! Dodge!
With each death, you are given the choice of three new heirs to choose from. Each heir will have his or her own special ability, plus traits. This is what makes the game fun and unique.
Some traits can be helpful, such as ADHD which allows you to move faster or dwarfism, which can allow you access to other (and sometimes secret) areas not accessible to typical sized heirs.
Other traits will leave you begging for the end, such as vertigo, which creates a vertically mirrored screen that’s quite painful to look at and quite nauseating. You could also suffer from Alzheimer’s, where your mini-map functions normally, but when using the large map, you can’t remember where anything is.
There are currently 37 traits that will be randomized to your heir.
Nausea inducing vertigo trait.
True to a rogue-like game, each time you enter the castle, you will find that it is different from the last time you entered with your previous heir, though upon unlocking the architect, you can pay the price of receiving less gold in return for keeping the castle the same way it was when your last heir ventured through.
Sometimes, your adventure will give you amazing rewards. Other times, you’ll come up empty handed. The game is fun and frustrating all at the same time.
Just when you think you’re getting somewhere, you die. Then your journey begins again.
14. Mark of the Ninja
A peek into the world of Mark of the Ninja
After receiving an irezumi tattoo, an unnamed ninja in the Hisomu clan is awakened to find that his dojo is under attack. He is able to defeat several of the attackers and rescue many of his clan members.
Soon he learns that his tattoo is more than a tattoo. It was created with the ink of a special flower that gives the ninja sharpened senses and reflexes. These new abilities also come at a great cost.
Now the ninja with the help of another ninja named Ora must take revenge on those who attacked the dojo and unravel the motive behind the attacks.
The unnamed ninja and Ora seek justice for their dojo.
Take control of the unnamed protagonist and enter a true stealth experience like no other. Choose the path of a ghost and only kill those who deserve it. Or choose to be a ruthless assassin and kill them all, leaving no one to tell the tale.
Make it quick and silent.
There are five levels in this game. Each level has its own challenges. Dodge traps, evade enemies, and reach objectives.
Each step you take gets you closer to your goal of avenging your clan and uncovering the truth. You’ll feel like a real ninja when playing Mark of the Ninja.
13. METAL SLUG 3
Gameplay of Metal Slug 3
Years ago, evil General Morden made an alliance with aliens that ended with him being captured and presumed dead. Those who defeated Morden were part of an Intelligence Agency Squad S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S.. Need a better “overview”.
As they tried to wipe out the rest of Morden’s followers, they realized that the enemy is too strong and very well organized. Now, they must regroup and defeat this new threat.
This is not from our world.
Metal Slug 3 is much like its predecessors; a fast paced run and gun side scroller in which you must constantly shoot as enemies swarm you. Keep moving and shooting as you push through each level, confront a boss at the end of each level.
The game is more than just running, gunning, and blowing up things. Within each level you can find weapon upgrades that will considerable raise your ability to fight your enemies. Each level also contains Metal Slug tanks that increase your offense and defense.
As with previous games there are several new vehicles that are added into the game. Some of these include the Slug Driller, Elephant Slug, and Ostrich Slug.
The Elephant Slug is a strong addition to your arsenal.
A new feature that was introduced in to Metal Slug 3 was a branching path system that allows the player to choose between different paths. All lead to the same boss but each path has its own obstacles, length, and difficulty.
12. Ori and the Blind Forest
Forlorn Ruins Gravity Gameplay
A cataclysmic event causes the forest of Nibel to begin to wither. With the help of Sein, Ori must adventure to recover the light of three main elements of Waters, Winds, and Warmth and bring balance to Nibel.
Ori and Sein must acquire the three elements.
Don’t be fooled by the beauty of this game. It is challenging and will keep you on your toes. Together Sein and Ori must navigate through each beautifully created level, solving difficult puzzles and defeating enemies.
Otherwise, the game has very few limitations. When you encounter an area you cannot reach, it simply means you haven’t found the skill required to continue.
As you gain these new abilities, the game also doesn’t let you forget them. Instead it ensures that you use them on a regular basis along with the other skills you have learned, adding another challenging element to the game.
Between it’s beautiful craft, incredible gameplay, and mesmerizing soundtrack, Ori and the Blind Forest is a platformer worth checking out.
11. Apotheon
A platforming action-rpg that takes place in a time during Greek Mythology.
Humans have always been arrogant and defiant. The Gods are sick of it and have begun to punish them by taking away the things they need to survive, driving the world into chaos. In another part of the world a warrior is becoming a hero.
Can he fight against and defeat the angry Gods and save humanity?
Fight for humanity!
In Apotheon, you play as Nikandreos, a warrior from the Village of Dion. In the beginning he fights to help his village from invaders. Hera, Zeus’s wife, see this and realizes she may have a hero in him.
She asks him to slay Zeus and his children, otherwise, humanity faces a devastating blow.
As Nikandreos, you must battle your way to Olympus and defeat the Gods in a world that resembles ancient Greek art. At your disposal will be weapons from the ancient world such as swords, spears, knives, and bows. You can jump, run, and climb your way through the worlds.
Will you defeat the Gods and save humanity?
Defeating Zeus is the only way to save humanity.
10. Guns, Gore & Cannoli
Guns, Gore, & Cannoli Gameplay and Launch Trailer
Vinnie Cannoli has come to Thugtown to find his missing goodfella. Equipped with his Tommy gun and double barreled shotgun, he plans to persuade the gangsters to tell him where his friend has gone. There’s just one problem… they’re all zombies.
Behind you!
If the Godfather, Metal Slug and Night of the Living Dead had a baby, it would be Guns, Gore, & Cannoli. It’s fast-paced, outrageous, hilarious, and even have hand drawn graphics which makes it a unique work of art.
Just as with many platforming games, you must be prepared to run, jump, kick, shoot, and fight your way through enemies. It’s also best to keep moving, because the enemies keep coming and if you wait too long, one or two will soon become a horde.
No tip for you.
9. Platformines
Platformines trailer
In order to escape a hostile world, a group of explorers must rebuild their spaceship. To do so, they must embark on a journey into a giant complex of mines.
A bizarre world to explore.
Venture into the giant complex of mines and search for parts to rebuild your spaceship. There are deadly enemies to slay, traps to disarm, and treasures to collect. The world isn’t safe and it wants you dead.
Platformines has limitless gameplay with an infinite number of random worlds to explore with its own traps and enemies. There are three difficulty levels to master.
There are customization options for your character, including in-game fancy items! You can also climb the leaderboards by showing your impressive platforming hack and slash skills.
Sweet loot!
8. Terraria
In Terraria, the world is your oyster. Build, destroy, explore, and fight your way through the world. Travel deep into the earth and battle terrifying creatures that lurk in the dark.
A pretty sweet abode.
Terraria is a sandbox 2D platform that is a ton of fun. Similar to other building type games like Minecraft or Craft the World, Terraria is one of those that is worth having.
There’s never a lack of anything to do in Terraria. It supports multiplayer, so your friends can play too.
Build massive fortresses or small dwellings. Create machinery to protect your home.
Dig deep within the earth or explore other biomes to gather materials. Use them to create new weapons, armor, furniture, or even magic spells!
Finally, with your arsenal in place and your fortress fortified you’re ready to battle the guys. At night, you’ll encounter dangerous foes and deep within the earth, creatures that nightmares are made of.
So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t played Terraria, pick it up today!
A giant flying eyeball with teeth!
7. Salt and Sanctuary
Salt and Sanctuary launch trailer
Shipwrecked on an unknown island, a sailor explores the long forgotten landscape. Beneath the overgrown landscape he will uncover passageways that lead to an evil that has been forgotten.
With the power of lightning, shock your enemies.
Salt and Sanctuary is a fast and brutal 2D platformer with RPG mechanics. In it, you control a doomed sailor who is shipwrecked on a long forgotten island. This is another beautiful hand-drawn game that shares a similar feel to the Dark Souls Series and Bloodbourne.
With over 600 weapons, armor pieces, spells, and items to discover, craft, and upgrade you’ll be ready to take on the cursed realm that lies around you.
Blastin’ away enemies.
6. LIMBO
A glance at LIMBO.
A nameless boy wakes up on the edge of a crumbling world. He must venture through to find his lost sister. He soon realizes that this place is full of dark and evil things.
Will he defeat the evil and find his sister? Or will he forever be stuck in LIMBO?
Watch out behind you!
LIMBO is called by its developers a “trial and death” game. As the boy navigates this unfamiliar and dangerous landscape, he encounters traps and enemies. Death is quite common as you become accustomed to the world around you.
Just with many platformers, players can move left, right, jump, and climb onto things. There are no weapons in LIMBO, but only puzzles you must solve and traps you must avoid. The game is pretty challenging in this aspect.
Perhaps the most notable feature of this game is its overall feel. Dark, greyscale graphics combined with ambient sounds that are surprisingly minimalist give this game an eerie feel.
Are you my friend?
5. Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight Gameplay Trailer
After losing his beloved, Shovel Knight had given up on being a hero. When the evil enchantress returns however, he realizes that he must defeat her and hopefully find his love.
However, there is never an easy path to victory. To defeat the enchantress, Shovel Knight must first battle through The Order of No Quarter, a group of terrible foes that stands between him and his goal.
Battling bubble blowing dragons.
Polish and perfect your platforming skills in Shovel Knight. With your handy dandy upgradeable multi-function shovel, leap over obstacles, duel enemies, and dig up treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Take down the Order of No Quarter to defeat the enchantress!
Shovel Knight is the perfect blend of challenge and fun, with memorable characters and crazy bosses.
Hurry! We need a water hose!
4. Spelunky
Spelunky Trailer and Gameplay
An unnamed adventurer has heard of the multitude of treasures that are held within the caves of the mysterious temple. Armed only with a rope and some bombs, his adventure begins… and ends… and begins… and ends…
Our hero meets a family of Yetis.
Spelunky is a frustrating but very fun rogue-like platformer that is very challenging. The fact that it is a rogue-like game is challenging in itself. When you die, you never know exactly what your next map will look like.
There are distinct levels of the temple and when you descend into a new area, you can expect to find harder creatures, boss monsters, and deadlier traps.
Another interesting feature is the shop. When you are spelunking, you will come across shops. If you’ve collected enough treasure, you can afford to buy some new gear that will help you on your adventures.
You may have the option to buy weapons to help you defeat foes or gear to help you climb walls or jump higher.
Players can also rescue damsels in distress which upon success will return health to the player.
Spelunky is a great game if you enjoy platformers that are challenging. When playing on PC, I would suggest a controller, which seems to help with maneuvering the maps, but is not required.
BOOM! Where’s my damsel?
3. Trine 3
Trine 3 Launch Trailer
When three heroes are no longer pleased with their powers, they choose to return to Trine and give up their powers. However, a mistake unleashes an ancient sorcerer. Now they must undo the damage and save their world.
These foes must be dealt with swiftly!
Trine 3 is a 3D action role-playing platform game with beautiful graphics. It is the third game in the Trine series with returning heroes Pontius, Amadeus, and Zoya. Each of these three characters has their own set of skills and abilities that makes them important in completing the game.
Players are able to switch between the three players freely which makes this game unique. As you need a certain characters’ skill, you just switch to them and use them as needed. It is very handy for certain levels and obstacles you may encounter.
The game also allows three-play co-operative multiplayer. You can edit levels in the level editor and even participate in the special challenge levels.
Will this battle be our last?
2. STRIDER
Strider gameplay trailer.
No one knows how, but one day, Grandmaster Meio just appeared. Within a few years, he had risen to power. A cruel and heartless villain, his mission was to destroy the old world to create a new one.
Before Hiryu, there were 11 assassins sent to kill Meio. All failed. Now, he is the 12th to accept the task, and the Strider Organization’s best hope for succeeding. Will he succeed?
Waiting for the right moment.
STRIDER is a retelling of the original game. In it you take on Hiryu and complete his quest to defeat the Grandmaster Meio, who is an evil overlord that has come to rule very quickly. He has an evil army to back him and even has a research facility where he creates new species to rule under him. why must he defeat Meio?.
The game boasts lightning fast combat with an arsenal of moves and weapons that you can use while slicing and dicing your way through enemies. You can also travel seamlessly through the world, jumping, climbing, and running with the speed and agility of a ninja.
You’ll feel like a real ninja in Strider and if you’ve ever played the older game, get ready to relive the fun you had then!
Speed and agility will get you far.
1. Shoot Many Robots
Shoot Many Robots Gameplay
P. Walter Tugnut has been storing guns, ammo, and beer in his RV for years, just waiting for the robots to rise up and take over. When the day arrives and the robot apocalypse comes into full swing, survivors who once laughed, are now thankful for that Walter kept all these precious items in stock. rephrase for clarity.
There is no “I” in team!
Shoot Many Robots is chock full of action. You and three friends can fight together to take down the robot hordes. You also make it a little more fun by competing to see who can take down the most robots.
This game also gives you a leveling up system. Kill robots, gain experience, level up, kill stronger robots. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Equip yourself with new guns and gear (like tutus) to make your attributes stronger and give you special abilities. As you kill robots, they’ll drop nuts. Gather these to buy new guns, gear, and upgrades.
If you’re ready to defeat the robot apocalypse, get on board and buy Shoot Many Zombies.
A giant, human eating robot.
