Top 20 Best Retro Platformer Games

Super Mario World is considered without question the best platformer on the SNES and was the first game released for the console. It featured 96 unique levels, the most of any platformer on the system. Mario's leap from 8-bit to 16-bit meant prettier graphics, better controls, and more experimental level design. The introduction of Yoshi added a new layer of gameplay that would influence platformers for decades to come. It's consistently regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time.

Taking everything learned from the original Super Mario Bros. and 5 years of learning the NES capabilities, Nintendo brought the franchise to whole new heights. Given a radically expanded art style and pixel usage, Super Mario Bros. 3 was favorably compared to Super Mario World on the SNES, with some commentators preferring it. The game sold 17 million copies worldwide and introduced iconic power-ups like the Tanooki Suit. This Mushroom Kingdom adventure is consistently regarded as one of the best video games of all time.

Yoshi's Island exceeded all expectations, putting Yoshi at the forefront of a platformer that included mini-games, evasion, puzzle-solving, item collection, and "the most timeless color palette in gaming history." While not as famous as Super Mario World, its daring creativity has inspired many to argue it is the better game in retrospect. The hand-drawn visual style was revolutionary for its time and still looks beautiful today.

Described as "a landmark feat of platforming gameplay" that's seriously addictive even today. Through 40 challenging levels, it puts a beautiful art style, creative levels, and the different benefits of both characters on display. The pre-rendered 3D graphics were groundbreaking for the era and the David Wise soundtrack remains one of the most beloved in gaming history. Donkey Kong Country proved that Rare could compete with Nintendo's own first-party offerings.

As the unofficial mascot of the PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot became famous for its high-quality platforming across 3D into-the-screen sections as well as more traditional 2.5D areas. Despite its tank-like controls and demanding level design, Crash Bandicoot remains tightly constructed and surprisingly addictive. It's pure platforming DNA - challenging, stylish, and foundational not just for PlayStation, but for 3D platformers as a whole. The entire original trilogy is considered essential PlayStation gaming.

Mega Man 2 is considered to be the best title in the "Classic" Mega Man series, which includes 11 games. The game is innovative, fun to play, and while not as punishingly difficult as its predecessor, it's still challenging. It introduced the password system, perfected the boss weapon formula, and features one of the most memorable 8-bit soundtracks ever composed. When you talk platformers and side-scrolling games, it's impossible not to bring up Mega Man 2.

Selling 2.5 million copies, Sonic Adventure wholeheartedly deserves its position as a top Dreamcast game. It was the first fully 3D Sonic adventure that got the formula right. Contrary to what many believe, there were 3D Sonic games before this, but the Dreamcast launch title finally nailed the formula. Its unique approach to storytelling through multiple playable characters and cinematic presentation was revolutionary, and the Chao Garden became a beloved feature.

Developed by Nintendo R&D1 and released in 2002, Metroid Fusion is considered one of the best GBA platformers ever made. The game follows Samus Aran and introduced a gripping narrative that was rare for the platforming genre at the time. The SA-X encounters created genuine tension and horror, and the gameplay refined the Metroidvania formula to near perfection on handheld hardware.

While technically an action-RPG platformer, Symphony of the Night revolutionized the genre and helped define "Metroidvania" as a subgenre. The game features incredible pixel art, a haunting soundtrack by Michiru Yamane, and the famous inverted castle twist that doubled the game's content. Alucard's journey through Dracula's castle remains one of gaming's most memorable experiences and influenced countless indie games.

Metal Slug 3 is considered one of the best arcade games of all time, and the Metal Slug series is practically synonymous with the Neo Geo. It represents SNK at the height of its powers, with incredible hand-drawn animation, over-the-top action, and memorable vehicle sections. The branching paths and length of the final mission are legendary among run-and-gun fans. It's perhaps the best starting point for newcomers to the series.

Arguably the best bona-fide Mario title on the Game Boy, Super Mario Land 2 brought more depth to graphics with simple additions to depth of field and shading that made for more immersive gameplay. It introduced Wario as Mario's nemesis and featured diverse themed worlds. The game pushed the original GameBoy hardware to its limits while maintaining tight, responsive controls.

Visually, Aria of Sorrow is one of the best-looking titles on the GBA. Its gothic art style is beautifully rendered in 2D, with detailed sprites and atmospheric environments. The Soul system, which allows protagonist Soma Cruz to absorb enemy abilities, added incredible depth to the gameplay. The game's music is equally impressive, featuring a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the action.

It was the beginning of a new chapter for the Italian plumber. It took inspiration from the original Super Mario Bros. series but modernized it for the new millennium. Better graphics, new power-ups like the Mega Mushroom, but the same tight gameplay: a recipe for success that became the best-selling game on one of Nintendo's best-selling platforms. It revitalized 2D Mario after years of 3D-focused releases.

Spyro The Dragon was the emphatic answer to whether PlayStation could do a proper 3D platform game with big open stages. Not only could it, but it could do one very well indeed. It's not the hardest PlayStation game, but the locations are wonderful to explore, and controlling Spyro feels great. The trilogy served as a benchmark for 3D platforming during the 32-bit era, with vibrant worlds and a charming dragon protagonist.

Mega Man X shines through as an all-time fan favorite, up there with greats like Mega Man 2. It retains the eight bosses and weapon upgrades structure while adding new gameplay experiences like wall-jumping and defensive upgrades. The darker tone, improved graphics, and tighter controls made this feel like a true evolution of the series. The introduction of hidden upgrades and armor pieces added replay value and exploration incentives.

Rated 9/10 by Time Extension, LittleBigPlanet PSP "earns its stripes for being one of the PSP's most memorable releases for its delightful spin on the platforming genre." Both the campaign and level creator are translated really well onto the PSP, making for a practically endless supply of platforming fun on the go. The ability to play and create user-generated content made it a unique portable experience.

While the Game Gear's notoriously blurry screen was not always appropriate for fast-moving games, Sonic Triple Trouble was designed specifically for the Game Gear and was able to negate the system's weaknesses. The ability to select either Sonic or Tails makes the game feel even more varied. Triple Trouble was the last traditional Sonic game released for the Game Gear, but fans couldn't have asked for a more beautiful swan song.

With 101 stages, Donkey Kong for the Game Boy is far more than just a simple sequel to the arcade game. It may not be part of the 'main' Mario series, but this is easily one of the best Mario games ever made. Starting as a recreation of the original arcade levels before expanding into something entirely new, it cleverly combines puzzle-solving with platforming in ways that feel fresh even today.

Wario Land 4 was the last game in the Wario Land series for a long time, and it's probably the best entry in the franchise to date. The game takes advantage of the GBA's 32-bit hardware to deliver some of the best visuals the series has ever seen, and every stage is vibrant with life and color. The countdown timer escape sequences added tension, and Wario's transformations provided creative puzzle-solving opportunities.

Donkey Kong, the legendary game that introduced the world to Mario and set the standard for platformers. Its challenging levels and memorable characters kept players coming back for more, making it a cornerstone of arcade history. While not paid as much tribute as Super Mario Bros., it's arguably Nintendo's most important game. The construction-site-themed hit inspired the platformer genre, perhaps the most iconic video game genre ever created.