Cinematic platformers are a subgenre of the platformer genre that predominantly keeps the gameplay style of evading enemies and leaping over obstacles but presents the characters and stages in a more realistic way.
For example, whereas traditional platforming games like Super Mario 64 see Mario doing ridiculously high jumps, jumping on enemies to kill them, and even flying through the air – cinematic platformers usually feature true-to-life mechanics and physics, with no special powers or inhumanly fast movements. The genre is also known for featuring games that stand out visually, with the intent of making players feel like they’re playing an interactive film.
Unfortunately, new cinematic platforming releases are few and far between today. In fact, the cinematic platformer genre as a whole is not one that is packed with great games, which is no surprise considering how tough realistic platforming is to get right and make enjoyable. Thankfully, however, there have been a few gems released over the years that are still well worth playing decades after they first hit stores.
5 Blackthorne
Blackthorne was first released on the SNES in September 1994 before coming to a wide range of systems in the years that followed, including PC and Game Boy Advance. The game was developed by Blizzard Entertainment and was included in the Blizzard Arcade Collection pack that was released to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary.
The game’s seventeen levels require players to complete numerous platforming challenges, find keys, and defeat enemies in intense gunfights. Blackthorne is best remembered for its visuals and atmosphere, which do an excellent job of sucking players into the sci-fi world.
4 Heart Of Darkness
Heart of Darkness was developed by the French development team Amazing Studio and was released on PC and PlayStation 1 in 1998. Éric Chahi, who is best known for his work on Another World (more on that game later), supervised the game’s development.
Heart of Darkness puts players in the shoes of a young boy named Andy, who is desperately trying to find and save his dog after it was taken by the game’s frightening, shadow-like enemies.
Although Heart of Darkness’ gameplay is excellent, it’s the game’s cutscenes that stood out the most. Heart of Darkness features around 30 minutes of wonderfully well-animated cutscenes, which was a highly uncommon length of time for a platformer in the 90s.
3 Prince Of Persia
This list wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the first entry in the now-iconic Prince of Persia series, as the game is credited as being the first-ever cinematic platformer. The game turned heads upon release for its visuals and animations, which were far ahead of their time in 1989. At a time when almost every platformer was trying to emulate the success and quality of 1985’s Super Mario Bros by offering a very similar style of game, developers Broderbund opted instead to go their own route. Although the game’s story is a quintessential Mario tale of a protagonist trying to save an imprisoned princess, the game is far more grounded in reality with its medieval Persia setting.
Another thing that Prince of Persia is remembered for is its infamous difficulty. Along with the tricky sword fights, players will often find themselves without a clue where to go, despite the game taking place in contained levels. In fact, the game was so tough for some players that people who used to own the game fill YouTube comment sections of walkthroughs saying it’s the first time they’re even seen past the first couple of levels.
Those wanting to play the game today may want to check out Prince of Persia Classic, which was released in 2007 and is a remake of the 1989 game using Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time-style graphics.
2 Another World
Another World (also known as Out of This World and Outer World) was first released on Amiga and Atari ST in 1991 before coming to a plethora of systems since, including iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and many, many more.
Another World is one of the best-known cinematic platformers, particularly thanks to its unique visuals, memorable main characters Lester and Buddy, and difficulty level that will often see players hitting a brick wall, particularly because the main characters can’t take any damage whatsoever.
Another World has had a multitude of ports and re-releases over the years, including 2011’s 20th Anniversary edition, which featured HD graphics, three difficulty levels, and remastered sound effects.
1 Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus
Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus was released in November 1998 on PlayStation 1 before coming to PC and eventually Game Boy Color in the months and years that followed.
The game is the second entry in the Oddworld series, though it is considered to be a spin-off to the franchise and not part of the Oddworld Quintology. Abe’s Exoddus again sees players taking control of Abe, who is trying to save Mudokons from being enslaved and used to make a drink called SoulStorm Brew.
The game was a hit with fans and critics, exemplified by its 88 critic score and 8.5 user score on review aggregator Metacritic.