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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Replaced’s gameplay offers a unique combination of platformers and combat games, with deep mechanics that challenge participants. The use of combo attacks and interaction with the environment allow you to create a special style of play. This is not just an indie platformer, but a product with the highest level of development, in which attention to detail makes each fight unpredictable.
In 2025, users will see many interesting releases that will continue to develop the platformer genre. The projects offer not only new mechanics and technologies, but also incredible stories that will take your breath away. The games will definitely leave a mark on the hearts of players and will become important events of the year. From dark nightmares to magical worlds, everyone will find something to their taste.