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.
The team faced many difficulties during the process. Funding was one of the main problems – McMillen and Refenes worked without the support of large publishers, relying only on their own strength and enthusiasm. The development took about 18 months, during which the creators experienced both financial and emotional difficulties. Thanks to perseverance and the support of the Indie movement, the project was finally completed. The game was released as part of the Xbox Live Arcade program.
Super Meat Boy is a unique game that combines high difficulty, creative level design and incredible pleasure from passing. With more than 300 levels made in a variety of styles and themes, this is a real challenge for anyone who considers himself a master of platformers.
Sonic the Hedgehog is not just a game, but a real storm. Sega released its hero with phenomenal speed and dynamics. Due to the fast movement of the character, ingenious levels and unique music, the concept won a huge number of fans around the world. Unlike Super Mario, where the main emphasis was on the size of the levels and their difficulty, Sonic became a symbol of speed.
2D platformers on PC are not just old arcades, they are a living and developing genre that continues to delight players around the world. From Super Mario and Sonic to Celeste and Hollow Knight, the projects continue to prove that despite technological progress, simplicity and fun gameplay remain the most important components of the game.