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.

Cooperative projects have always held a special place in the industry. From classics like Portal 2 to the pioneering It Takes Two, studios have been constantly striving to redefine the cooperative gaming experience. Split Fiction takes this concept to the next level, offering an original approach to co-op gameplay, unconventional mechanics, and a powerful story that combines elements of both an immersive film and a dynamic session. The game was developed by Yousef Fares, who has already proven his love for cooperative gaming through A Way Out and It Takes Two.

Split Fiction Gameplay: Synchronization and Variety

Unlike many cooperative games that offer standard cooperative missions, Split Fiction is based on the absolute synchronization of two players’ actions. Each level presents original mechanics that require close cooperation:

1. One player solves a real-time puzzle while the other is in a platforming challenge.
2. One hero controls a character in a science fiction world, while the other acts in a fantasy dimension.
3. Some missions require asymmetric gameplay, where one character can change the other player’s environment.

The plot of the game Split Fiction: A Journey Between Genres

The story revolves around two writers, Zoe and Mio, who work in different genres: fantasy and science fiction. Due to a mysterious event, they find themselves trapped in their own worlds, forced to work together to find a way out. This is not just a story-driven game; the idea of combining different game styles directly influences the gameplay. One player controls magical creatures and explores ancient cities, while the other pilots a spaceship and battles robots. The project utilizes the concept of a multiverse, where the decisions of the players can alter reality. By breaking one element of the fantasy world, you can open a path to a future high-tech dimension.

Split Fiction Game Mechanics: Two Realities in One Adventure

An important element of the process is the various worlds and the interaction between them. The mechanics are based on the transition between parallel universes and the need to coordinate actions in different dimensions.

For example:

1. In one scene, users can work together in the same world.
2. In other missions, they are separated between different dimensions, but they can influence each other’s surroundings.

This approach not only makes the puzzles more challenging, but also forces the participants to think strategically, creating a genuine sense of unity between the partners.

Visual uniqueness and aesthetics

Each chapter of Split Fiction is a new game world, visually and mechanically different from the previous one.

Types:

1. The fantasy world is filled with magical creatures, floating islands, and ancient temples.
2. The cyberpunk biome offers neon cities, androids, and virtual simulations.
3. The dystopian future shows a collapsing Earth where technology has gone out of control.

The developers paid special attention to the variety of environments, making each episode a separate work of art.

Characters from the game Split Fiction: Two Views on the Same Story

The main characters of Split Fiction, Zoe and Mio, are not just partners in the story, but two completely opposite personalities who find themselves in the same adventure. Their characters, perspectives on the world, and problem-solving methods contribute to the unique style of storytelling and gameplay.

Zoe is a writer who creates epic fantasy worlds. Her stories feature ancient dragons, mysterious mages, and worlds filled with magic. She is emotional, prone to impulsive decisions, and always acts on a whim, following her intuition. This approach is reflected in her gameplay style, where she relies on magical abilities, unconventional solutions, and sudden attacks.

Mio, on the other hand, is the author of science fiction works that prioritize strict logic, rational analysis, and technological breakthroughs. His methodical and consistent approach extends not only to the plot but also to the gameplay. The character uses gadgets, analyzes the world around them, and solves problems in a strategic way.

The game is based on the constant interaction between two characters. Their opposing views on the world not only drive the plot, but also directly influence the gameplay. Sometimes, players must compromise to overcome obstacles, while in other moments, each character’s decisions can lead to alternative outcomes.

The developers intentionally created mechanics that rely on cooperation. If Zoe follows her whimsical ideas and breaks through a magical barrier, Mio must devise a logical strategy to avoid the traps that arise from her partner’s chaotic actions.

Split Fiction Graphics: A Technological Breakthrough in the Cooperative Game Genre

The graphical component of Split Fiction has become one of the key aspects that create immersion in the game. The developers have used the power of Unreal Engine 5 to achieve not only high-detail environments, but also to create the effect of a living world that reacts to the actions of players.

One of the key achievements has been the implementation of dynamic lighting and global lighting, which allow to change the perception of space depending on the light sources. If a hero enters a dark cave, soft rays of light from a torch reflect off the walls, creating a realistic shadow, and the sky above the futuristic city shimmers with moving holographic projections.

The animation of characters and NPCs plays an important role. Enemies and allies have their own behavioral response system, which makes the world feel alive. Unlike traditional games where NPCs follow scripted algorithms, in Split Fiction, they can adapt to the player’s behavior. For example, enemies analyze the player’s combat style, while allies respond to the player’s emotions.

Conclusion

If you like cooperative games, Split Fiction is the perfect choice. It’s not just a project where two players work together on a common task; it’s a game where collective interaction is the core concept. With its challenging puzzles, diverse mechanics, emotional storyline, and innovative approach, Split Fiction stands out as one of the best cooperative games in history.