Do you love a good platform game but are tired of playing the same Super Mario games over and over? While the classics are certainly amazing and will always be a great source of entertainment, sometimes we need to venture out into unknown territory to find hidden gems that are worthy of being added to our video game collection. But to make things easier for you so you can save time researching and just get straight to gaming, below is a list of five amazing platform games that won’t be a waste of your time.
1. Hollow Knight
Set in a grim but compelling world, Hollow Knight is a game that’s as gorgeous as it is haunting. This Metroidvania-style platformer will have you excited to explore the intricate underworld, battle strange creatures, and discover ancient secrets. Every part of this game, from its stunning hand-drawn art style to its exciting gameplay, is painstakingly polished to perfection. The game never holds your hand, making it a fun challenge as you reveal new areas and defeat hard bosses. It’s certainly no walk in the park, but the sense of achievement you’ll feel when you successfully complete the game is unreal. And thanks to a beautifully eerie soundtrack that perfectly fits the tone of the storyline, the game’s lore will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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2. It Takes Two
With the great motto of “Together or not at all,” It Takes Two is the ultimate co-op platformer that will take you on a mind-blowing journey. This game isn’t just about navigating the physical world around you, it’s also about learning how you navigate relationships. You and your partner get to play as a pair of dolls created by a child representing her constantly arguing parents, and your goal is to help mend their relationship. Of course, it’s not as simple as it sounds! The game has a unique and innovative set of mechanics that keep each level super engaging. You’ll definitely see the world with a new pair of eyes after playing this amazing platformer!
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3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Somehow surpassing its predecessor, Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an astonishing feat, providing players with a feast for the senses. Visually stunning, musically mesmerizing, and emotionally investing, this challenging platformer will put your skills to the ultimate test. You get to control Ori, a small spirit, that’s on a quest to reunite with a lost friend. While it seems sweet and all, the struggle lies in making your way through a forest plagued by dark and evil forces. Each new area you unlock is more enchanting than the last, filled with intricate environmental puzzles and terrifying bosses. Thanks to its fluid combat system, diverse skill tree, and the power to customize Ori’s abilities, every playthrough feels refreshing and different.
4. Celeste
Celeste is one of those rare games that is really something special - using the mechanics and design of platform games, Celeste is able to tell a deeply moving story. As you guide Madeline through her inner demons, you’ll climb the treacherous slopes of Mount Celeste, a challenge that is both physical and metaphorical. The controls are pretty simple and easy to learn, and the difficulty ramps up at a steady pace that seems fair. This game is about pushing your limits and helping Madeline get up every time she falls back down. With cute pixelated graphics, take your time and hone your skills as you carefully travel up the mountain.
5. Inside
If cute and cuddly isn’t really your vibe, how about something more atmospheric and haunting? Inside is a creepy puzzle platformer, created by Playdead who developed Limbo, and is a perfect example of masterful environmental storytelling. You play as a nameless boy navigating a dangerous world filled with harrowing obstacles and chilling secrets. Inside’s visual design looks very simple, but it’s actually incredibly detailed and is complemented perfectly by excellent sound design. The game’s difficult puzzles will challenge you, but it’s the eerie atmosphere of the game that makes it truly memorable. As you move from one creepy scene to the next, you’ll find yourself caught in a web of mystery that you’ll be eager to unravel.
Photo by Fazly Shah on Unsplash
If you find yourself bored of playing the same old games again and again, try something different and give these five fantastic platformers a solid try. Each game is incredibly engaging and is filled with unique storylines and characters. You definitely won’t regret putting one of these games in your shopping cart!
