A selection of interesting pixel platformers: the best of the best

In a world where modern projects increasingly rely on realism and complex mechanics, Cuphead has emerged as a breath of fresh air. This vintage platformer instantly captured the hearts of millions, taking users back to the era of classic cartoons. A visual style inspired by 1930s animation, unique hand-drawn graphics and genuine difficulty – an unforgettable adventure for anyone who was thirsty for something new and original.

Why is Cuphead a cult retro platformer?

Cuphead is a true art form, enclosed in a video game form. Each level and character is carefully drawn by hand, which gives the project a unique individuality. Like old cartoons, Cuphead evokes a sense of nostalgia. Fighting bosses, the player finds himself in a bright world filled with a frantic rhythm and incredible challenges. The concept has become an integral part of modern culture: it is discussed, it is copied, it is used as a reference. This is a return to the roots, when every victory required skill and concentration, and losses were an important part of the gameplay.

Cuphead characters – who are they?

The scenario is filled with colorful characters, each of whom brings their own special atmosphere to the process:

1. Cuphea is the main character and the face of the game. He likes to take risks and often gets into trouble because of his thirst for adventure. Cuphead has the ability to shoot magic charges from his fingers and dodge enemy attacks. His optimism and fearlessness make him a strong ally and a reliable hero.
2. Mugman is Cuphead’s loyal brother and his partner in adventures. In co-op mode, the player can take control of Mugman to help Cuphead. Unlike his brother, Mugman is more cautious and prudent, but this does not prevent him from actively fighting enemies. He also uses magical attacks and has a similar fighting style to Cuphead, but his character brings more humor and comedy to the story.
3. King Dice is the Devil’s main assistant and the main antagonist of the game. He runs the casino and acts as a mediator between the heroes and their debts to the Devil. King Dice is extremely cunning and deceitful. His abilities include manipulating various dice and cards, making him a formidable opponent in the final levels of the game.
4. The Devil is the main villain of Cuphead. He owns the casino and makes contracts with the characters, promising them wealth in exchange for their souls. When Cuphead and Mugman lose to him, they begin a great adventure to regain their freedom. The Devil has many forms and attacks, which makes the final battle with him especially challenging and exciting.
5. Elder Kettle is an elder who acts as a mentor to Cuphead and Mugman. He teaches the brothers the basics of management and combat skills at the beginning of the game. Kettle has wisdom and experience that helps the heroes cope with their tasks. He also provides players with useful advice and reminds them to be careful. Cala
6. Maria is one of the most memorable bosses. She is a mermaid inspired by classic cartoon characters who attacks Cuphead and Mugman in a sea location. She can turn into stone, summon electric eels, and use a variety of magical attacks. Cala Maria is a symbol of the difficulty and epicness that sets Cuphead apart from other platformers.
7. Baroness Von Bon Bon is the ruler of the Candy Kingdom. Her battle takes place against the backdrop of a huge candy castle, and she uses various sweets in battle that attack the player. She is incredibly emotional and easily upset, which makes the fight with her very chaotic and unpredictable.
8. Grim Matchstick is a fire-breathing dragon who lives in the clouds. His attacks include shooting fireballs and summoning small fire creatures. Grim is a reference to the classic dragons from old cartoons, and his fight is one of the most difficult in the game, requiring the player to react quickly and move precisely.

The History of Cuphead — From Idea to Cultural Phenomenon

The creation of Cuphead began with the dream of two brothers, Chad and Jared Moldenauer. They wanted to create a project that would look and feel like a classic 1930s cartoon. To realize this dream, the developers decided to take radical measures: they mortgaged their houses to get enough funds for work. This desire for perfection paid off — hand-drawn graphics became the hallmark of the concept, attracting both gamers and animation lovers. Each character and background was created by hand, frame by frame, which became a real challenge for a small team.

Boss fights and gameplay: a test of nerves

Boss battles are a test of endurance. Each boss fight in Cuphead is a unique test, requiring knowledge of patterns and reaction speed. There is no place for chance: every move and attack must be carefully calculated. The rune and gun format adds dynamics: users must not only attack, but also avoid numerous threats. Boss fights like the Devil, Captain Brinjbord, and more offer a variety of mechanics and force you to adapt to the enemy’s individual style.

Incredible Soundtrack: Sound that Brings You to Life

One of the most impressive aspects of Cuphead is its incredible soundtrack, composed by Christopher Maddigan. During the battle with each boss, rhythmic beats and energetic melodies accompany every step, pushing you forward.

Co-op mode – is it easier together?

Co-op in Cuphead is not only an opportunity to share the joy of victory, but also a test of friendship. In the game, two participants can take control of brothers Cuphead and Mugman and go through levels and boss fights together. But don’t think that it becomes easier in co-op! Often, the partner’s actions can lead to chaos on the screen, and instead of help, additional difficulties arise. This adds fun moments and unexpected turns, making the process even more exciting.

Challenges and rewards: why Cuphead’s difficulty is so appealing

The high difficulty is what makes Cuphead unique. Every mistake is punished instantly, and the player is forced to start the level from the very beginning. It reminds us of the golden age of retro games, when every victory really meant something. Using the PADS methodology, we can say that Cuphead constantly keeps the hero on the edge: the problem is difficult bosses, the agitation is the frustration of numerous failures, the solution is honing skills and learning patterns, and the reward is an indescribable feeling of triumph. Success here does not come for free, it requires effort, but this is what makes victories so sweet and memorable.

From retro to modern culture

Cuphead has become a phenomenon that combines the best of platformers of the past with modern technology. It has proven that work, passion and a unique approach can create a product that will not only become popular, but also influence the entire industry. Experience for yourself what it means to be a part of this amazing world and feel the atmosphere of cartoons of the last century, plunging into a sea of ​​crazy adventures and uncompromising battles.

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.