2D Platformers Ranked

This genre is not one of my favorites, and yet, some of my favorite games are 2D platformers. I can't quite explain it, but I think that one of these has gotta do something really spectacular in order to resonate with me, and most don't. Still trying to figure out exactly what works and does work for my personal tastes, and thought this would be a fun list. Or upset people with my hot takes.

Going exclusively with 2D platformers, no 3D, metroidvanias, stealth platformers, puzzle platformers, or anything else where the main emphasis is outside of platforming. But I will include action platformers. Feel free to tell me how wrong I am.

This one kinda cheats, since it's more of a side-scrolling action-puzzle game, with very little platforming being done. It's enough to count, I think, but the platforming is definitely only a very small piece of why I love this game.
I've never been entirely fair to Mega Man X. I only played a few levels, which is very rare for me, as I almost always finish each game I play regardless of how much I like or dislike it. But the X formula didn't resonate with me, especially given how much I love classic Mega Man. Of everything on this list, this is the one that most deserves another shot.
Should this count? It's an arcady-action game, not a platformer per se. But platforming is a huge part of its gameplay loop, just in an unconventional way. I'll count it.

1 Comment


1 year ago

No, this list is not accurate with my star rankings, and yes, I know


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