Platformers

New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.

✦ Best for classic mario fans

Donkey Kong drops you into a timeless side‑scroll adventure where Mario must climb ladders, dodge rolling barrels, and outsmart the iconic ape. The game blends simple puzzle elements with fast‑paced action, delivering a nostalgic experience that still feels fresh today. Originally released in the mid‑90s, this title retains its retro charm while offering smooth controls and crisp pixel art, making it perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking a quick, engaging challenge.

✦ Best for retro arcade lovers craving classic platform challenges

Donkey Kong Junior is a retro platform arcade game where players control Junior as he navigates ladders, platforms, and enemies to save his captured father. The game retains the tight controls and challenging level design that defined early 80s Nintendo titles. Originally released in 1982, the title has been re‑released on modern hardware, allowing a new generation of players to experience its timeless difficulty and charm while enjoying the nostalgic pixel art and chiptune soundtrack.

✦ Best for retro arcade enthusiasts

South Park: Tenorman's Revenge is a quirky action-platformer that blends music-driven levels with the show's signature comedy. Players control Cartman, Kyle, Stan, and Kenny as they chase down the villainous Tenorman across bizarre stages filled with rhythm challenges and over-the-top humor. The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, letting friends team up or compete in rhythm-based platforming chaos. Developed by Other Ocean Interactive and published by Microsoft Studios, it launched on Xbox 360 in March 2012.

✦ Best for south park fans

Sparkster is a classic side‑scrolling platformer where you control the titular opossum knight, wielding a powerful rocket pack and a trusty lance. The game blends tight platforming with frantic shooter elements, delivering challenging levels and memorable boss fights. Originally released in 1994 by Konami, Sparkster remains a beloved title for fans of retro action games, offering precise controls and a distinctive retro aesthetic.

✦ Best for retro gaming fans

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly is the fourth installment in the beloved Spyro the Dragon series and the first to grace the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube. Players control Spyro as he journeys through the Dragon Realms to recover the newly arrived dragonfly guardians after Ripto's spell scatters them across the world. Featuring classic platforming gameplay alongside vehicle sections like the tank and Spitfire attack plane, the game presents a continuation of the franchise's formula. Despite its development hurdles and infamous technical issues upon release, it remains a notable piece of gaming history for fans of the purple dragon.

✦ Best for platformer fans and retro collectors wanting a classic spyro formula.

Cat in the Box is a puzzle game developed by Well Game Studio. The game follows the story of a curious cat trapped in a mysterious box. With the help of the player, the cat must find a way out of the box by solving various puzzles and challenges.

✦ Best for casual puzzle enthusiasts seeking relaxation.

Spyro: A Hero's Tail is the fifth console game in the original Spyro series, developed by Eurocom and published by Vivendi Universal Games. The title follows Spyro the Dragon as he attempts to defeat Red, a banished former Dragon Elder, with the help of allies including Sparx, Hunter, Sgt. Byrd, and Blink. Released in November 2004, the game is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, marking the first time the series appeared on Xbox and the first game in the franchise to be completely produced in Europe. Players experience classic platforming action across multiple playable characters while exploring the Dragon Realms.

✦ Best for platformer fans and retro gamers wanting classic single-player action.

Crash Bandicoot is a classic platformer that follows the titular marsupial as he battles the evil Dr. Neo Cortex across vibrant, hazard-filled levels. The game combines fast-paced action with clever level design, offering a nostalgic experience for both new and veteran players. Originally released in 1996, Crash Bandicoot has become a beloved franchise known for its challenging jumps, iconic spin attack, and whimsical humor. It remains a staple of the platform genre, delivering timeless fun on modern platforms.

✦ Best for retro platform game fans

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back expands the classic platforming formula with new moves, diverse environments, and a memorable soundtrack. Players guide Crash through vibrant worlds, dodging traps and battling the nefarious Dr. Neo Cortex in a race to save the world.

✦ Best for retro platformer fans

Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus is the critically acclaimed sequel to Abe's Oddysee, delivering a richly detailed 2D world where players guide Abe through hazardous factories, alien landscapes, and secret tunnels. The game blends tight platforming with inventive puzzle mechanics, all wrapped in a darkly humorous sci‑fi narrative. Originally released in 1998, the title has been re‑released for modern platforms, preserving its classic charm while offering updated controls and optional widescreen support. Fans of challenging puzzles and atmospheric storytelling will find a timeless experience that still feels fresh today.

✦ Best for fans of classic 2d platformers who love puzzles and quirky humor

Donkey Kong is the iconic 1981 arcade platformer where players control Jumpman (later known as Mario) as he climbs ladders and avoids obstacles to rescue Pauline from the clumsy ape. The game introduced timeless mechanics like barrel rolling, fireball dodging, and multi-level progression that defined early video gaming. Its simple yet challenging design has made Donkey Kong a staple in retro collections, inspiring countless platformers and remaining a beloved test of timing and skill for gamers of all ages.

✦ Best for retro gamers seeking classic arcade fun