Ranked 2D Platformer Recommendations
All the 2D platformers that I've played that I rated 3.5* or over, ranked.
14 Games
So creative, with such varied levels and themes, but somehow they all manage to be exceptional. The musical levels are sheer euphoria and the fact Rayman Origins is included in this package is a nice bonus.
1
From the offset Inside manages to establish an incredibly dark tone that it carries throughout. You are a boy trying to survive in a bleak world that’s completely unknown to you. Playdead manages to convey so much atmosphere and mystery in the design of this hauntingly beautiful environment as progression gradually unveils more layers to this incredibly twisted world that seems to draw parallels with our own humanity. The story of Inside leaves much open to interpretation and although some might not like so many unanswered questions, I appreciate the developers letting you put together your own picture of what’s going on. There are a myriad of clever puzzles and platforming section throughout, with only a few not quite hitting the mark. The boy you control feels very grounded, with impeccable animations and sound effects really immersing you into his character. Inside is a chilling, unforgettable experience that will leave you thinking about it long after its conclusion.
2
A phenomenal platformer that has aged incredibly well. Its packed full of really varied and creative levels that keep the experience fresh throughout.
3
Outstanding variety, level design and power-ups make this an absolute joy to playthrough.
4
Aged like fine cheese...parmesan to be exact.
5
Packed fully of variety and creativity, with the mech gameplay being the cherry on the cake.
6
Whether it be through the poetic storytelling, the hand drawn aesthetic or the stellar soundtrack Child of Light is an experience packed full of charm. The battle system is a tonne of fun, albeit a bit easy and the environments are a joy to explore. This is the perfect escape from the world and one of the reason why I love videogames.
7
Affordable Space Adventures is undoubtedly the Wii U’s best exclusive eShop game. The premise of the game is that you have bought a package with a company called UExplore which enables you to explore an undiscovered planet’s surface surface in your own personal vehicle. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when you crash land on the planet. As a result, the game has you completing puzzles and traversing through various environments to try and work out how to get off the planet. The game does a great job at immersing you via its environmental storytelling and the occasional video from UExplore providing more context about how you ended up in this situation. The gameplay itself is fantastic, utilising the Wii U’s gamepad as the control system for your ship. As you progress through the game you unlock new control system abilities that allow you to tackle increasingly challenging puzzles. The puzzle design is exceptional, really challenging your problem solving skills and forcing to use all the abilities at your disposal in clever ways to proceed. However, there is a bit too much repetition in certain puzzle types and there is a drop in quality in the final few levels where the gameplay gets a bit gimmicky.
If you are one of the few people on the planet who own a Wii U, you owe it to yourself to play this game before the eShop closes. Exceptional world building, puzzle design and use of the Wii U gamepad make this a joy to play.
If you are one of the few people on the planet who own a Wii U, you owe it to yourself to play this game before the eShop closes. Exceptional world building, puzzle design and use of the Wii U gamepad make this a joy to play.
8
Limbo is dark, harrowing experience that’s aged surprisingly well. The storytelling is driven by the atmosphere alone and Playdead has done a fantastic job of creating this eerie tone through the sounds and animations of the world with puzzles that are both challenging and fun. Limbo’s a short but sweet game that leaves a lasting impression.
9
Has some really top notch level design and tight gameplay. Adore the art style, but just wish there was more variety with the environments and some of the more frustrating elements were ironed out.
10
Great use of depth, level variety and lots of extras make this a great package. Its a shame its slightly marred by some weaker levels and repeated bosses.
11
Steamworld Dig is a charming platformer with a delightful art style. It has a unique gameplay loop where you dig to create your own path between areas. As you progress, you are constantly given more mechanics to not only make traversal easier but enable you to access new regions. The pacing takes a dip towards the middle and the stellar final boss highlighted how the game could’ve done with more bosses throughout, but this is still an innovative platformer well worth a look.
12
The excpetional audio design combines with the gameplay to make this a blissful sensory experience. Improved level design and tighter gameplay would've been the icing on the cake.
13
A platformer where learning the mechanics inside out is critical to making it through this incredibly punishing but rewarding experience.
14