The 2D platformer genre has been a cornerstone of gaming for decades, delivering some of the most beloved and iconic titles in gaming history. From the early days of arcade machines to modern indie releases, the best 2D platform games continue to captivate audiences with their tight controls, challenging gameplay, and creative level design. Whether you’re a fan of classic platformers or new-age indie hits, there’s no shortage of exciting adventures waiting to be explored in the 2D platforming world.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best 2D platform games across various platforms, from retro classics that defined the genre to modern masterpieces that push the boundaries of what a platformer can be. If you’ve been looking to dive into some nostalgic gaming or discover a hidden gem, this list has something for everyone.
The Golden Age of 2D Platformers: A Look Back
Before we dive into our list of the best 2D platform games, it’s important to understand where it all began. The platformer genre became popular in the 1980s with iconic titles like Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. These early games were characterized by simple but addictive mechanics that made them accessible to all players while offering enough challenge to keep seasoned gamers engaged. The genre saw rapid growth in the following years, with developers experimenting with new mechanics, storylines, and visual styles.
In the 1990s, platforms like the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy brought even more variety to the genre, while new entries like Sonic the Hedgehog and Earthworm Jim expanded the concept of what a 2D platformer could look like. Today, thanks to powerful hardware and the rise of indie game development, the genre continues to evolve, blending old-school charm with modern innovation.
Super Mario World: A Timeless Classic
When it comes to the best 2D platform games, it’s hard to ignore the legacy of Super Mario World. Released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990, Super Mario World remains a benchmark for the genre. The game features Mario’s signature running and jumping mechanics, along with the introduction of new features like Yoshi, Mario’s dinosaur companion who adds a new layer of gameplay to the mix.
Super Mario World is a masterclass in level design, offering players a wide variety of environments, enemies, and challenges that ramp up in difficulty without ever feeling frustrating. The game also boasts a rich world map, allowing players to explore different areas, secret levels, and hidden pathways. Its clean controls, colorful graphics, and memorable soundtrack have cemented it as one of the best 2D platform games of all time.
Celeste: A Modern Platformer With Emotional Depth
While many of the best 2D platform games come from the past, there are still plenty of modern titles that push the genre forward. Celeste, released in 2018, is a perfect example of how the 2D platformer genre can evolve while still maintaining its core appeal. Developed by Maddy Makes Games, Celeste tells the story of Madeline, a young woman on a journey to climb the titular Celeste Mountain. Along the way, she faces numerous obstacles, both physical and emotional, which the player must overcome through precise platforming and puzzle-solving.
What sets Celeste apart from other platformers is its emotional depth. The game’s narrative tackles themes of mental health, self-doubt, and perseverance, resonating with players on a personal level. The gameplay itself is fast-paced and challenging, with tight controls that reward precision and skill. Each level introduces new mechanics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout. Celeste is a shining example of how the best 2D platform games can be both mechanically engaging and emotionally impactful.
Hollow Knight: A Beautiful Metroidvania Adventure
Another standout title in the world of 2D platformers is Hollow Knight. Developed by Team Cherry and released in 2017, Hollow Knight blends the best aspects of the 2D platformer genre with the exploration-heavy elements of Metroidvania games. Set in the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest, players take control of a mysterious knight as they explore a vast interconnected world filled with hidden secrets, challenging enemies, and epic bosses.
Hollow Knight is praised for its fluid combat, intricate level design, and stunning hand-drawn art style. The game’s platforming mechanics are tight and responsive, allowing players to traverse the world with ease while also overcoming challenging obstacles. The sense of discovery is one of Hollow Knight’s greatest strengths, as players uncover new abilities and shortcuts that open up previously inaccessible areas. It’s a game that rewards exploration, making it a must-play for fans of the best 2D platform games.
Rayman Legends: A Vibrant and Whimsical Adventure
When it comes to colorful and visually stunning platformers, Rayman Legends is a standout. Released in 2013 by Ubisoft, Rayman Legends continues the legacy of its predecessor Rayman Origins, offering a vibrant, hand-drawn art style that looks like a living cartoon. The game features tight platforming mechanics, with an emphasis on precision jumping and timing, as well as a wide variety of creative levels that take players through whimsical environments filled with quirky characters.
One of the highlights of Rayman Legends is its cooperative multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up with friends to tackle levels together. The game’s levels are designed with both solo and co-op play in mind, offering a mix of challenging platforming sequences and fun, cooperative puzzles. The game’s stunning art direction, catchy soundtrack, and varied gameplay make it one of the best 2D platform games for both solo players and groups of friends.
Shovel Knight: A Love Letter to Classic Platformers
Released in 2014, Shovel Knight quickly became a fan favorite due to its retro-inspired design and modern twists on classic platforming mechanics. Developed by Yacht Club Games, Shovel Knight takes inspiration from 8-bit and 16-bit platformers of the past while adding new features and depth to the formula. Players control the titular Shovel Knight as he embarks on a quest to rescue his beloved Shield Knight and defeat the evil Order of No Quarter.
The game’s mechanics are based around the use of a shovel to dig, jump, and attack enemies, which feels both familiar and refreshing. Shovel Knight features tight controls, challenging platforming, and a memorable cast of characters, all wrapped in a charming retro aesthetic. The game’s level design is exceptional, with each stage introducing new gameplay mechanics and twists that keep players on their toes. Shovel Knight is a love letter to the golden age of platformers and stands as one of the best 2D platform games of the modern era.
Super Meat Boy: A Punishingly Fun Challenge
For gamers who love a good challenge, Super Meat Boy is a must-play. Released in 2010 and developed by Team Meat, Super Meat Boy is known for its brutal difficulty and fast-paced platforming. Players control Meat Boy, a small cube of meat, as he attempts to rescue his girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from the evil Dr. Fetus. The game features a series of increasingly difficult levels filled with spikes, saw blades, and other deadly obstacles.
What makes Super Meat Boy one of the best 2D platform games is its precise controls and tight gameplay mechanics. The game demands quick reflexes, perfect timing, and a willingness to fail repeatedly. However, the game is incredibly rewarding, as each level becomes a puzzle that requires skill and ingenuity to overcome. The fast respawn times and short levels make Super Meat Boy a highly addictive experience, and its quirky sense of humor and retro visuals add to its charm.
Conclusion
The best 2D platform games continue to captivate players of all ages, offering a combination of challenging gameplay, creative level design, and memorable characters. Whether you’re revisiting the classics like Super Mario World or discovering modern masterpieces like Celeste and Hollow Knight, there’s a platformer for every type of gamer.
These games, with their tight controls and immersive worlds, demonstrate that the 2D platforming genre is far from dead. In fact, it’s alive and thriving, with new and innovative titles constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So, whether you’re looking to relive some nostalgic memories or dive into something new, the best 2D platform games are always waiting to be explored.
