Platforming games tend to make great go-to options for instant thrills, satisfying gameplay, and solid mechanics; offering a broad appeal to gamers of all kinds. Though the formula can be a tad "played out" with such straightforward gameplay, there are plenty of fine examples of titles that push boundaries and add a cool new twist on the genre, while still maintaining a classic feel.
2019, in particular, has been a solid year when it comes to both retro platforming homages and experimental, innovative romps. Throughout the course of the year, we've seen an excellent blend of familiar gameplay that's easy to get into and edgier content that keeps you enthralled - particularly on the indie front.
Let's take a look at the best, most creative, and most fun platformers 2019 has had to offer, according to Metacritic.com scores.
10 Katana ZERO - 83
Taking its cue from grueling, action-packed retro games and mixing in some Hotline Miami-style insanity, Katana ZERO is a super-intense beat-em-up platformer that relies on speed and toughness for its excitement. The game's mechanic of one-hit kills keeps you on an edge as sharp as the blade you wield as you slice and dice your way through tons of baddies.
Moreover, the game's use of time-manipulation like rewinding and glimpsing into future actions with a clever VHS motif really adds an amusing, unique element to the gameplay. The game is dressed in a charming aesthetic that blends retro-80s flair with 16-bit pixel art. The end result is a highly imaginative, enthralling experience.
9 OlliOlli: Switch Stance - 83
What if you took the skateboarding style and flow of a Tony Hawk experience and boiled it down to a simpler, but nonetheless exhilarating sidescroller? OlliOlli just might be your result - and what an enjoyable one it is!
Part platformer and part extreme-sports ride, this game cleverly pits our hero on a skateboard to justify its rapidly scrolling screen, making for an exciting, free-flowing experience throughout. While the visuals are about as simple as it gets, the thrilling gameplay, elaborate combo system, and fast-reaction times required produce a compelling virtual trip that draws you in. This is one of those deceptively basic-looking titles that's tough to put down.
8 Timespinner - 83
Although this may appear to be just another basic indie project, developer Chucklefish has fast built quite the reputation of well-crafted and appealing software by developing hits like Starbound and Wargroove. Timespinner can be counted among their lengthy list of solid published titles, which grows each year.
While the original game was released in 2018, this Switch port might be the strongest iteration yet, given the handheld capabilities fitting the pick-up-and-play action like a glove. The use of satisfying powers, colorful baddies, and lavish environments makes for a delightfully majestic Metroidvania platformer.
7 Duck Game - 83
You might compare this to another, much more popular platformer that's been released this year, Super Mario Maker 2, for its retro sensibilities and surprisingly in-depth stage creation toolkit. Yet, that's pretty much where the similarities end with Duck Game. In fact, it's tough to draw a comparison with just about any other title, considering this game's amusingly weird premise.
Basically - you play as a gun-wielding duck, who can engage in heated platform-based battles with up to 3 other duck friends (or foes?) as you hop around scrambling to nab weapons, fire at opponents, and evade enemy attacks. You're also tossed a pretty simple, yet enjoyable series of solo stages, which play out like sidescrolling tutorials that are more similar to traditional platformers. Basically, this is a party game, an action-shooter, and platformer all in one quack-tastic romp.
6 Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night - 84
When it comes to Metroidvanias, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night really adheres to classic Castlevania in terms of its quality and authenticity. It certainly helps that Koji Igarashi, programmer and assistant director of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, played a prominent role in this spiritual successor.
Still, while this action-sidescroller shares many of that beloved gothic series' mechanics and themes, Bloodstained manages to feel distinct with some majestic, imaginative settings, tons of depth, and unique monsters to slay. There's also an impressive plethora of enjoyable new abilities and weapons to play around with during the dozen-plus hour campaign.
5 Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair - 84
Much like Bloodstained acts as a spiritual successor to Castlevania, you could say the original Yooka-Laylee served as a representation of '90s 3D platformers; particularly games like Banjo-Kazooie. It makes sense, given developer Playtonic Games is comprised of various former employees from Rareware.
This spinoff follow-up, however, runs with the colorful themes the 2017 hit pulled off so well while dialing things back to a more accessible sidescrolling formula. The result is a game that's more simple on the one hand, while thriving with a visually rich 2.5D look you might find in Giana Sisters or Donkey Kong Country. Don't be fooled though - there's plenty of intense, tough gameplay and depth to be had, thanks to the lack of checkpoints, action-packed stages, and a myriad of powerups.
4 Guacamelee! 2 - 85
Hitting you with some teeth-grindingly-tough gameplay, Guacamelee! 2 runs with a style that's deceptively basic, while keeping you on your toes with rapid movement, much like the similarly excellent Celeste or Super Meat Boy.
At the same time, this game feeds you with a narrative rife with dialogue that's actually pretty gripping and cleverly funny with cheeky indie references. The gameplay feels both retro and modern with its well-crafted platforming mechanics, innovative concepts, and super tough gameplay. Guacamelee! 2 is off-the-charts stylish, while never sacrificing solid, satisfying gameplay.
3 Valfaris - 85
One of the best action-platformers of the year comes in the form of the high-intensity Contra-inspired Valfaris, which released less than two months ago as of this writing. You get plenty "bang" for your buck with adrenaline-fueled platforming shooter, as the game cuts the narrative fluff and puts you right in the heart of the action while rarely letting up.
Valfaris simply rocks - not just with its solid mechanics and satisfying weapons, but also thanks to its crunching heavy-metal soundtrack that keeps the intensity going throughout.
2 Super Mario Maker 2 - 88
If you thought the first Super Mario Maker on Wii U was brimming with fun and enjoyment, this solid follow-up on the Switch somehow manages to dwarf that platformer by comparison. Not only do you have the smoother, crisper aesthetics offered by the Switch compared to the rather "aged" Wii U screen, you've also got lots more assets to play around within your virtual Mario toybox.
This includes a new Super Mario 3D World theme, new course objectives and mechanics, co-op creation, a more fleshed-out story mode, and even local or online multiplayer.
Add this to what's essentially unlimited content with amusing, creative new courses being cranked out by users, and you've got a definitive Mario platformer, especially for those who appreciate deep user-generated games.
1 Downwell - 88
Some of the most seemingly stripped-down gaming experiences can also be some of the most appealing and addictive. Enter Downwell, a vertically scrolling platformer that truly keeps you engaged throughout your action-packed plummet into a bottomless well. While the game's quite simple in terms of its visuals and gameplay, the procedurally-generated levels, unlockable conditions, and enjoyable mechanics will keep you coming back over and over again.
This is really old-school-style platforming action at its most undiluted fun, making it a tad ironic - but no less deserving - that Downwell is the best-scored platformer on Metacritic thus far in 2019.