Sonic Mania is the game that brought back the golden era of platformers

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:

1. Celeste is a story about conquering a mountain, where each obstacle symbolizes the heroine’s personal challenges.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Platformers have always been more than just a type of PC game. They are a dance on the edge, where every jump is a decision of fate. Mistake? Goodbye, level. Precision? Welcome to a new world. Here they create universes where the balance between challenge and reward makes every step unforgettable. From old favorites to the latest hits, this genre continues to amaze.

Dive into the classics: old PC platformers

In an era when pixels became a symbol of hardcore, old PC platformers remain the benchmark for many. Games that challenged, did not forgive mistakes and made you sweat from tension. Their influence is felt to this day.

Take Prince of Persia, for example – the same “Prince” that stunned with its realism and precision of movements. There were no quick victories here. Every action was thought out, every battle was a real battle with your own nerves. Traps, blades and pits turned into nightmares for gamers, but victory in these trials became a real triumph.

Or Commander Keen – a game that gave the opportunity to feel like an alien explorer, jumping on incredible planets and collecting strange artifacts. It combined a fun atmosphere with serious challenges, which made it a cult among those who were looking for fun and a challenge in one bottle.

And what about Jazz Jackrabbit? This green rabbit did not just run through the levels, but arranged real high-speed marathons, where enemies flew in different directions, and the music literally made the heart beat faster. Jazz is the perfect combination of speed, aggression and a colorful world that is impossible to forget. Old platformers for PC have preserved the magic: they still remain masters of the genre, inspiring new generations of developers.

2D or 3D: where are the jumps breathtaking?

It seems that the difference between 2D and 3D platformers on PC is obvious: some are flat, others are three-dimensional. But in fact, the difference is deeper. 2D is the perfect arena for those who value precision and strategy. Here, every move seems to be calculated to the millimeter, and the slightest mistake can cost you victory.

Take Super Meat Boy, a game that made pain an art. It throws the player into a brutal environment where each level is a test of will. There is no mercy here, but there is incredible satisfaction from overcoming difficulties. Its simple, but incredibly precise level design has become synonymous with hardcore, and for good reason!

Now let’s move on to 3D. Spyro the Dragon is one of the most recognizable 3D platformers on PC, turning the three-dimensional world into a colorful sandbox for jumping, flying and breathing fire. Players explore open locations, encounter puzzles and enemies, studying every corner of detailed spaces. The projects allow you not only to jump, but also to explore, feel the space and freedom. Here, open locations and multi-layered levels give a sense of volume and perspective, which makes each jump more significant.

But if you want even more dynamics and destruction, pay attention to Crash Bandicoot – it will deliver adrenaline in full. Its unique mechanics, where the player rushes through tunnels, collecting fruits and dodging all sorts of traps, turns each session into a race for survival. Crash Bandicoot is pure adrenaline and a test of strength for your nerves.

The best platformers for PC with RPG elements: the perfect combination of genres

Combining genres is a new level of evolution. RPG platformers on PC immerse players in dimensions where not only jumping is important, but also character development, skill selection and plot twists.

Take Hollow Knight. The game showed how to combine intense platforming with deep RPG elements. The player is immersed in an underground world filled with secrets, enemies and mysteries. Each acquired skill not only opens new paths, but also gives a sense of progress. The battles in the game become more complex, and the plot is dark and multi-layered. A real journey into a gothic environment with a unique atmosphere.

But Salt and Sanctuary relied on a dark atmosphere and hardcore mechanics, where every encounter with enemies becomes a real test. Here, a hybrid of RPG and platforming is presented through a unique combat system and RPG elements of pumping up, which change the usual view of PC platformers. Gamers can choose how to develop their character, who to form alliances with. Each new level becomes more and more confusing and difficult.

Free and paid platformers on PC: is it worth spending money?

There is no simple answer. After all, you can find real gems among free games that are in no way inferior to paid counterparts. Let’s figure out which ones are worth trying.

Best free projects:

1. Brawlhalla is a real multiplayer arena where characters from all over the world fight. Simple controls and dynamic gameplay make it an excellent choice for those who like fast and fun fights.
2. N++ – minimalist design, but endless depth of gameplay. This option challenges the reflexes and logical thinking of the player. Here, each level is a new puzzle, and the number of levels tends to infinity.

Paid:

1. Ori and the Blind Forest. Immediately impresses with its visual design, which combines stunning 2D locations with an unforgettable story. Each level is not only beautiful, but also challenges gamers with complex puzzles and acrobatic stunts.
2. Celeste. If anyone says that platformers are just games for kids, Celeste will refute this statement. A deep story about overcoming difficulties, told through complex but incredibly exciting levels.

New platformers on PC: what did 2024 bring?

Every year brings something new to the video game industry, and 2024 is no exception. Fresh projects delight players not only with original ideas, but also with visual beauty, a deep plot, and innovative mechanics.

Top new releases of 2024:

1. Planet of Lana is a game about interplanetary travel that amazes with its visual style and clever puzzles. The player controls the girl Lana and her alien companion in the fight to save the planet. Each new location is a unique environment full of dangers and mysteries.
2. The Last Night is a cyberpunk platformer on PC that combines a dark future aesthetic with incredibly stylish combat and immersive storytelling. The player will explore the city of the future, solving quests and fighting enemies in a world where every choice affects the outcome.

Conclusion: platformers on PC remain relevant

PC platformers are timeless classics that never lose their relevance. Their unique ability to bring joy and excitement makes them popular among gamers of all ages. The constant development of technology and the emergence of new game mechanics ensure a long future for the genre, promising players even more exciting adventures.