The best platformers on PC: the most exciting games for jump lovers

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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:

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

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.
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:

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.
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.

Super Mario Bros: an in-depth look at the adventure that captured the hearts of millions

Iconic moments remain in the hearts of millions of gamers around the world. Super Mario Bros is a symbol of an entire era. From the very first turn on, each player goes on a unique adventure full of joy, fun and nostalgia. Super Mario Bros review gives you the opportunity to see all the aspects that made this game so important. We will analyze the history of creation, characters, levels, impact on the industry and much more.

How Super Mario Bros became an icon: history of creation and impact on the industry

Super Mario Bros appeared in 1985 and quickly became the most recognizable platformer. The Nintendo company was headed by the talented Shigeru Miyamoto, who inspired the creation of the game. At that time, gaming was in its infancy, and Super Mario Bros literally “blew up” the industry, changing the idea of what a video game could be.

The formula for success was a combination of simple controls, interesting levels and fascinating characters. During the development process, the Nintendo team faced challenges: memory limitations, the need to create high-quality graphics and exciting gameplay. However, they managed to create a product that will forever go down in history. Super Mario Bros became the benchmark for quality that other developers were guided by.

Impact on the gaming industry

Super Mario Bros set a new standard for all platformers. Other game developers took note of the innovative level design, unique mechanics and charismatic characters. The game inspired many subsequent projects, including The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, and other popular franchises. The impact of this game on the industry cannot be overstated. Nintendo demonstrated how to make a game accessible, but at the same time deep enough to satisfy different types of players. A look at the impact of Super Mario Bros on the industry clearly shows that even after all these years, the principles laid down in this game remain relevant.

Main Characters and Their Role: Super Mario Bros Character Overview

The main characters, such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, have become an integral part of pop culture. Mario is a simple but brave plumber who is not afraid of any challenge to save the princess. His brother, Luigi, adds even more humor and versatility to the story. Princess Peach, although often captured, symbolizes innocence and light that is worth fighting for. Bowser is the main antagonist, powerful and cunning, who always tries to hinder the heroes.

Character Overview: Impact on the Gameplay of Super Mario Bros

Each character brings their own unique contribution to the gameplay. Mario became the embodiment of the classic platformer hero who jumps, collects coins, and defeats enemies. Luigi, with slightly different stats (he is taller and jumps a little differently), adds a challenge for players accustomed to Mario. This makes the game more varied and interesting. The heroes are not just “template figures”, but part of a huge world where every element matters.

Game design and its role: an overview of the Super Mario Bros levels

The levels in Super Mario Bros are designed to the smallest detail. The first one, the famous world 1-1, is an ideal tutorial that explains the basic mechanics of the game without a single word. The user understands that he needs to jump, collect coins, avoid enemies and use pipes. Each subsequent level becomes more difficult, presenting new obstacles and challenges. The key point is a gradual increase in difficulty.

Balance of difficulty and pleasure

Participants are always in a balance between challenge and pleasure. For example, if the first world helps to get used to it and feel confident, then levels like World 8-3 pose a real challenge even to experienced players. Enemies appear unexpectedly, hidden blocks require attention, and jumps become more precise. This approach to difficulty allowed the game to be interesting for both beginners and “veterans” of games.

Step by Step Guide: How to Play Super Mario Bros and Where to Download

The game controls are intuitive, making it accessible to beginners. Only a few buttons are used: run, jump, and move. Behind the simplicity of the controls lies great depth. The player must master jumping and be able to avoid enemies. Holding down the run button allows Mario to jump further, which is critical in some levels.

Tips for passing:

Study the levels: do not try to pass the first time, carefully study the location of enemies and obstacles.
Use pipes: many pipes lead to bonus levels, where you can collect additional coins or complete part of the level faster.
Pay attention to hidden blocks: they often contain useful items, such as mushrooms and stars.

Where to download the game

Super Mario Bros is available on many modern platforms. On the Nintendo eShop, you can buy the game for Nintendo Switch. In addition, there are classic versions for Wii U and 3DS. The game has become part of various retro game collections, which makes it accessible to new generations.

What to do in Super Mario Bros:

The main actions in the game: jumping, collecting coins, fighting enemies.
Tips for passing the first levels: study the enemy placement, use bonuses.

Why Super Mario Bros remains a legend: an overview of the impact on the industry

Super Mario Bros has had a significant influence on other games. Inspired by its success, developers around the world began to experiment with the platformer genre. Sonic the Hedgehog from SEGA, Rayman from Ubisoft – all of them owe their existence to Mario to one degree or another. The mechanics of jumping, finding bonuses, enemies and gameplay elements became the standard for subsequent platformers.

Pop-cultural significance

Mario is a recognizable image anywhere in the world. He became a symbol of an entire era and inspired a variety of media: from cartoons to films and comics. The success of the game led to the emergence of many themed attractions, including Super Nintendo World in Japan.

Conclusion

A journey into a world where everyone can become a hero, where simplicity meets depth, and every obstacle is a step towards victory. This Super Mario Bros review has shown that the game’s success lies not only in its addictive gameplay, but also in its unique atmosphere and characters that have become friends with millions of people around the world. Try to dive into this world to feel the magic of the classics and discover something more.

April 2, 2025

Concentrated Nostalgia. What platformer games are and why they are still popular today

Platformer games have become an indispensable element of gaming culture that many remember from childhood. The evolution of the genre, closely linked to the history of video games, makes it relevant today. Adventures were initially attractive for their simplicity and excitement, offering players to plunge into adventures filled with jumps, obstacles and collecting bonuses. They continue to remain trendy due to their unique mixture of complexity and accessibility.

What are platformer games?

This genre involves jumping on platforms, avoiding obstacles and collecting bonuses. Many computer games have become cult due to their platform gameplay. The user’s task is to control a character who moves around the level, overcoming obstacles and avoiding enemies. Jumping arcades are distinguished by dynamic gameplay and bright visual aesthetics that attract both children and adults.

History of platformer games

It all started with the cult hit Donkey Kong in 1981. This is where the main element first appeared – jumping over obstacles. The next landmark stage was Super Mario. Mario became a symbol of the genre and a real revolution in the world of video games, raising the bar for arcades to a new level and adding elements of exploration and gameplay variability. In the 90s, there was a significant change in the genre, when adventures moved into the 3D dimension. Pioneers like Crash Bandicoot and Rayman demonstrated how new technology could make the genre even more exciting. 3D levels added depth and complexity, which attracted even more users.

Classic platformers: why are they still popular?

Traditional versions remain popular due to their unique combination of simplicity and challenge. The pixel graphics used in early jumping arcades evoke a sense of nostalgia and give a sense of coziness in many players. Even modern titles like Shovel Knight intentionally use retro styles to give players that 80s and 90s vibe.

Dynamic journeys with pixel art help to preserve nostalgia and attract recruits who are looking for something soulful and simple in the world of modern technology. This style of gameplay offers a challenge, but at the same time leaves room for fun and relaxation.

The main reasons for the popularity of pixel art:

Nostalgia. The pixel art style takes players back to an era when games were simple but fun.
Atmosphere. This style helps to convey the special atmosphere of the 80s and 90s.
Artistic device. The use of pixel art allows you to create unique and expressive game worlds.
Entertaining mechanics. The main thing in these games is exciting gameplay and interesting stories, not technical details.

The pixelated aesthetic allows players to remember an era when graphics weren’t the main factor, but rather fun

Best Platformer Games: Review and Recommendations

Among the top representatives of the industry, it is worth highlighting such legends as Super Mario Bros and Rayman Legends. Super Mario Bros set the standard for the genre, thanks to which platformers received worldwide recognition. Rayman Legends attracts with its bright graphics, memorable levels and a great musical atmosphere.

Modern arcades, such as Celeste, offer users not only complex platforming elements, but also a deep emotional story. 2D platformer games remain relevant due to their minimalism and complexity, and 3D adds a new dimension, making the gameplay even more exciting and intense.

Modern 3D platformers: a new round of evolution

Three-dimensional adventures represent a new level in the development of the genre. Hits like Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot brought depth and complexity to the gameplay, which made platformers even more attractive to a wider audience. They offer fans new mechanics, open world exploration and the ability to interact with the environment on a deeper level.

3D platformer games are evolving thanks to technological advances that allow for more detailed and multi-layered game worlds. They provide freedom of choice and allow users to explore levels at their own pace, which adds an extra layer of interactivity and makes the experience more personal and engaging.

Platformer Games for Kids: Why Are They Beneficial?

Jumping journeys have a positive effect on the development of coordination, logical thinking, and reaction. Sonic the Hedgehog, Kirby, and others offer bright and friendly graphics, as well as simple gameplay that is ideal for children. They help develop fine motor skills, the ability to make decisions in a limited time, and teach how to overcome difficulties.

Platformer games develop patience and perseverance, which is especially important in childhood. They also help improve cognitive abilities, as the child learns to anticipate actions, remember routes, and find solutions in stressful situations.

The Impact of Platformers on the Gaming Industry

Arcades have had a huge impact on the development of the industry. They were the first games to attract a mass audience and set the standard for other genres. Elements such as levels, passages, hidden bonuses and bosses were originally developed specifically for jumping versions and then migrated to other genres.

Video games inspired by platformers continue to use their elements to create deep and immersive gameplay. The influence is visible in games of various genres, be it action, puzzle or even RPG. This demonstrates that jumping adventures remain an important part of the history and future of video games.

Why will platformers live forever?

Platformer games continue to evolve, finding new forms and approaches, but still retain their essence – jumping, obstacles and the joy of completing levels. Nostalgia keeps the genre interesting, and modern technology helps them stay relevant and interesting.

Try one of the mentioned games to feel the same spirit of adventure that platformers have been giving players for years. In addition, dynamic journeys teach important life skills – perseverance, patience and the ability to cope with challenges. These qualities make them popular not only among children, but also among adults who want to remember their first gaming experiences and experience the joy of overcoming obstacles.

March 26, 2025