The best platformers on PC: the most exciting games for jump lovers

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It would seem that the platform genre grew up together with those who sat with a joystick in front of the TV at the end of the 90s. But the best platformers on PC prove that the theme is not just alive, but flourishing, giving the world unforgettable virtual worlds full of open spaces and incredible adventures. From exciting graphics to complex levels, they have proven that they can attract the attention of even the most demanding gamer.

This material is a detailed and lively review of the best of the best, revealing not only the projects, but also the reasons why the direction continues to arouse admiration. Let’s consider what makes this genre so popular in the world of PC gaming.

The best platformers on PC: a compass for a gamer

The projects included in the TOP deserve their popularity not only because of nostalgia, but also due to an innovative approach to the gameplay.

Classic games:

Celeste is a story about conquering a mountain, where each obstacle symbolizes the heroine’s personal challenges.
Hollow Knight — a dive into a dark underground kingdom with an incredible atmosphere and a well-thought-out plot, stands out not only for the level of difficulty, but also for its unique atmosphere, deep plots, excellent graphics and bright musical accompaniment.

The best platformers offer a serious challenge and often require not only good reactions, but also a thoughtful approach to passing. They have become true favorites due to their ability to combine high complexity and emotional involvement, creating a unique gaming experience.

New platformers: fresh faces of the genre

The appearance of new products on the market is always an event. Newcomers give the genre special depth and a new visual appearance, surprising users with a combination of plot and graphics. Below are examples that have become iconic in their segment:

Ori and the Will of the Wisps — a visually magnificent journey that offers stunning graphics and a gripping story about love and sacrifice. The concept is filled with tender emotions and unique mechanics that make the player constantly return to this world. Supports Russian language in the form of subtitles and interface.
Unravel is the story of a small ball of yarn named Yarny, who travels through beautiful natural landscapes. The project combines a touching plot with innovative puzzles, creating an atmosphere of sincerity and depth that is rarely found in modern realities. The game is available in Russian with subtitles, which helps to immerse yourself even more deeply in the story and understand it on an emotional level.

These new products not only delight with stunning graphics, but also offer a deep plot that can touch even the most experienced gamer. They have become iconic in the segment due to the unique combination of aesthetics and gameplay. The best platformers continue to amaze with their ability to tell emotionally rich stories through visual and game design, offering PC users new horizons for exploration.

The best 2D and 3D platformers on PC: a choice for lovers of classics and innovations

2D titles like Dead Cells or Cuphead continue to win the hearts of gamers thanks to their dynamism and retro feel. They embody that nostalgic atmosphere that recalls the early days of the gaming world, but at the same time use all the modern technologies to create great graphics and controls. The projects continue to hook with the simplicity of controls and the high complexity of the levels.

On the other hand, 3D titles like Ratchet & Clank or Yooka-Laylee represent the true art of universe design. They offer three-dimensional spaces, exploration, jumping and action, combining this with stunning animation and intriguing stories. The scenarios are often more varied in terms of gameplay, allowing you to dive deeper into the story and enjoy detailed locations.

Which platformers are the most interesting?

The most interesting projects are those that can surprise:

Hollow Knight — the depth of the almost metaphysical plot and the gloomy atmosphere of the underground kingdom create a unique feeling of mystery and loneliness. The concept impresses with its thoughtfulness and atmosphere, immersing you in a fascinating world full of secrets and challenges.
Little Nightmares — an unusual, blood-curdling world that invites you to experience deep emotions and fears. Each scene is permeated with anxiety, and the visual style makes the session especially memorable. Immersion in this reality becomes a real test of nerves. The game is also available in Russian with subtitles, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and understand all the nuances of the story.

The best representatives of platformers on PC offer a unique experience with each new launch, making you think and feel like a part of something bigger. They stand out with their well-thought-out space and unique mechanics that make you come back to them again and again.

Open-world platformers with graphics: immersion in virtual reality

Visuals and freedom of action are what distinguish open-world platformers from their more traditional counterparts. Ori and the Blind Forest and Rayman Legends delight with stunning animation and carefully crafted level design. Open worlds add even more freedom, making the gameplay deeper and more exciting. Users can explore them at their own pace, finding hidden secrets and enjoying every element of the visual design.

Challenging levels and beautiful animation: a challenge for true masters

Challenging projects like Super Meat Boy require maximum concentration and dexterity. The scenarios often resemble a “survival school” for gamers, where each level brings new challenges. And if you add to this one of the best platformers on PC with beautiful animation, like Ori, then the session turns into a feast for the eyes.

They combine beauty and complexity, creating the perfect balance for those looking for a real challenge. They attract players not only with their complexity, but also with the aesthetic component, which makes every moment visually memorable.

Eternal charm

The best platformers on PC continue to inspire and entertain gamers around the world. Whether it’s nostalgia for the retro graphics of 2D versions or immersion in open worlds with colourful animations, the genre remains in demand and surprisingly versatile. Try your hand at one of them and experience why the projects haven’t lost their charm over the years.

Concentrated Nostalgia. What platformer games are and why they are still popular today

Platformer games have become an indispensable element of gaming culture that many remember from childhood. The evolution of the genre, closely linked to the history of video games, makes it relevant today. Adventures were initially attractive for their simplicity and excitement, offering players to plunge into adventures filled with jumps, obstacles and collecting bonuses. They continue to remain trendy due to their unique mixture of complexity and accessibility.

What are platformer games?

This genre involves jumping on platforms, avoiding obstacles and collecting bonuses. Many computer games have become cult due to their platform gameplay. The user’s task is to control a character who moves around the level, overcoming obstacles and avoiding enemies. Jumping arcades are distinguished by dynamic gameplay and bright visual aesthetics that attract both children and adults.

History of platformer games

It all started with the cult hit Donkey Kong in 1981. This is where the main element first appeared – jumping over obstacles. The next landmark stage was Super Mario. Mario became a symbol of the genre and a real revolution in the world of video games, raising the bar for arcades to a new level and adding elements of exploration and gameplay variability. In the 90s, there was a significant change in the genre, when adventures moved into the 3D dimension. Pioneers like Crash Bandicoot and Rayman demonstrated how new technology could make the genre even more exciting. 3D levels added depth and complexity, which attracted even more users.

Classic platformers: why are they still popular?

Traditional versions remain popular due to their unique combination of simplicity and challenge. The pixel graphics used in early jumping arcades evoke a sense of nostalgia and give a sense of coziness in many players. Even modern titles like Shovel Knight intentionally use retro styles to give players that 80s and 90s vibe.

Dynamic journeys with pixel art help to preserve nostalgia and attract recruits who are looking for something soulful and simple in the world of modern technology. This style of gameplay offers a challenge, but at the same time leaves room for fun and relaxation.

The main reasons for the popularity of pixel art:

Nostalgia. The pixel art style takes players back to an era when games were simple but fun.
Atmosphere. This style helps to convey the special atmosphere of the 80s and 90s.
Artistic device. The use of pixel art allows you to create unique and expressive game worlds.
Entertaining mechanics. The main thing in these games is exciting gameplay and interesting stories, not technical details.

The pixelated aesthetic allows players to remember an era when graphics weren’t the main factor, but rather fun

Best Platformer Games: Review and Recommendations

Among the top representatives of the industry, it is worth highlighting such legends as Super Mario Bros and Rayman Legends. Super Mario Bros set the standard for the genre, thanks to which platformers received worldwide recognition. Rayman Legends attracts with its bright graphics, memorable levels and a great musical atmosphere.

Modern arcades, such as Celeste, offer users not only complex platforming elements, but also a deep emotional story. 2D platformer games remain relevant due to their minimalism and complexity, and 3D adds a new dimension, making the gameplay even more exciting and intense.

Modern 3D platformers: a new round of evolution

Three-dimensional adventures represent a new level in the development of the genre. Hits like Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot brought depth and complexity to the gameplay, which made platformers even more attractive to a wider audience. They offer fans new mechanics, open world exploration and the ability to interact with the environment on a deeper level.

3D platformer games are evolving thanks to technological advances that allow for more detailed and multi-layered game worlds. They provide freedom of choice and allow users to explore levels at their own pace, which adds an extra layer of interactivity and makes the experience more personal and engaging.

Platformer Games for Kids: Why Are They Beneficial?

Jumping journeys have a positive effect on the development of coordination, logical thinking, and reaction. Sonic the Hedgehog, Kirby, and others offer bright and friendly graphics, as well as simple gameplay that is ideal for children. They help develop fine motor skills, the ability to make decisions in a limited time, and teach how to overcome difficulties.

Platformer games develop patience and perseverance, which is especially important in childhood. They also help improve cognitive abilities, as the child learns to anticipate actions, remember routes, and find solutions in stressful situations.

The Impact of Platformers on the Gaming Industry

Arcades have had a huge impact on the development of the industry. They were the first games to attract a mass audience and set the standard for other genres. Elements such as levels, passages, hidden bonuses and bosses were originally developed specifically for jumping versions and then migrated to other genres.

Video games inspired by platformers continue to use their elements to create deep and immersive gameplay. The influence is visible in games of various genres, be it action, puzzle or even RPG. This demonstrates that jumping adventures remain an important part of the history and future of video games.

Why will platformers live forever?

Platformer games continue to evolve, finding new forms and approaches, but still retain their essence – jumping, obstacles and the joy of completing levels. Nostalgia keeps the genre interesting, and modern technology helps them stay relevant and interesting.

Try one of the mentioned games to feel the same spirit of adventure that platformers have been giving players for years. In addition, dynamic journeys teach important life skills – perseverance, patience and the ability to cope with challenges. These qualities make them popular not only among children, but also among adults who want to remember their first gaming experiences and experience the joy of overcoming obstacles.

March 26, 2025

Platformers: why this genre will never die?

What games can make users feel like kids again, return to that very atmosphere of 8-bit battles and running from enemies? The platformer genre will always hold a special place in the hearts of gamers due to its unique combination of simplicity and fascination. Today, the genre is experiencing not only a comeback but also a real evolution. Therefore, questions arise as to whether platformers will remain relevant in 5-10 years, as well as how they continue to defy time and remain at the top of popularity.

Platformer games are a whole way of life.

The platformer genre is a philosophy and movement that inspires a new generation of developers. For example, Celeste is living proof of this influence. The developers started with the idea of a simple arcade game, which they developed with such love and attention to detail that it quickly won the hearts of gamers. Indie games are often based on the platformer genre due to its obvious simplicity and at the same time incredible depth that can be achieved if you mix interesting mechanics and good platform action. In the indie genre, developers experiment with visual style, character creation, and bright levels that evoke emotions.

More about Celeste

A true masterpiece of the indie genre, created with soul and attention to detail. The developers, led by Matt Thorson, sought to create a game that would be both a challenge and an inspiration for users:

Genre: platformer with puzzle elements.
Developer: Maddy Makes Games.
Year of release: 2018.
Graphic style: pixel graphics, bright and saturated colors that perfectly convey the atmosphere and emotions of the characters.
Gameplay: the main emphasis is on jumping and overcoming difficult obstacles. The user controls the heroine named Madeline, who strives to climb to the top of the mountain. Each level requires precision of movements and reaction speed.
Plot: The story tells about personal fears and overcoming difficulties. Madeline must cope not only with physical challenges but also with inner demons.
Levels: Multiple chapters, each representing a different stage of the climb up the mountain. Each level is filled with unique mechanics and elements, such as winds, moving platforms, and mirror reflections.
Music: The soundtrack, created by Lina Raine, has become one of the most memorable moments of the game. The music perfectly complements the atmosphere and helps to fully immerse yourself in the process.
Features: High difficulty, but at the same time there is a help system for those who are experiencing difficulties.

Themes: overcoming, self-development, fighting internal fears and anxieties.

The example of Celeste is just one of many. The platformer genre in the indie environment has become a symbol of creativity and self-expression. The direction makes it possible to convey the story, visual style, and complex mechanics that resonate with the audience. In such projects, developers often lay down a deep metaphor for overcoming difficulties: each obstacle is a personal struggle of the player, reflected in the jumps and falls of the character.

Why platformers are so popular: the secrets of the genre’s eternity

The answer lies in the combination of simplicity and fun. The gameplay is based on basic actions: running, jumping, and dodging. It is so intuitive that users instantly immerse themselves in the process, without thinking about complex rules. People love to jump, avoid obstacles, and collect bonuses – it is deeply embedded in our psychology, almost like an instinct.

Platformers evoke a feeling of achievement, even if it is just about completing a level. Simplicity turns them into an “ideal place to escape” from stress and worries – an opportunity to plunge into childhood, where everything seems understandable and fair.

Retro and its influence on new platformers: classic heroes and eternal popularity

When it comes to retro games, the first names that come to mind are, of course, Mario and Sonic. The characters have become icons not only of their time, but of the entire industry. Mario, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, is a classic example of a hero who strives to save, overcome obstacles, and challenge all sorts of opponents. First appearing in 1985, he became a symbol of the platformer genre.

Sonic from the creator Sega offered a completely different approach – speed. He embodied aggressive dynamics in contrast to the measured methodicalness of Mario. Together, they created the foundations for platformers that remain relevant to this day.

The classic games set the tone for the era of platform action games. The world created for Mario and Sonic became an endless testing ground for the player’s abilities. The developers understood that complexity based on simple rules makes the project exciting. The world included a variety of elements that set it apart from other games:

Locations: A huge selection of different levels, from rolling green hills and tropical forests to underwater worlds and lava castles. Each location had its own theme and unique obstacles.
Obstacles and enemies: The world of Mario and Sonic had a variety of enemies and traps, each adding a different level of difficulty. For example, Goombas and Koopas in Mario, and various robots and traps in Sonic. Obstacles were often moving platforms, spikes, pits, and secret passages that made progress more difficult.
Collectibles: Coins in Mario and rings in Sonic. Not only did they add a collectible element, they often served as protection from enemies or a way to get extra lives.
Bosses that had to be defeated to progress. Bosses had their own unique abilities. The user had to understand their patterns to win.
Platforming and speed: The main focus in the world of Mario was on the accuracy of jumps, while Sonic emphasized speed.

Each level was a challenge, each new mission required more and more skill and reactions, and at the same time brought an unforgettable feeling of satisfaction. The diversity and complexity of the world, filled with different elements, such as enemies, bosses, and unique locations, allowed players to return again and again to overcome the next difficulty.

Conclusion

The platformer genre will never die because it is able to adapt and inspire while maintaining its essence. Versatility allows you to incorporate modern trends and technologies without losing the very magic that attracted you in childhood. The direction continues to grow, finding new heroes, locations, and stories that will inspire users of all ages for a long time.

April 16, 2025