Platformers are a tried-and-true genre of gaming. The appeal of jumping over obstacles is practically universal. It's not surprising that so many series have emerged from a simple concept. Like with any trend, though, not all of them have been of the highest quality. Even established IPs have dipped to truly abysmal levels with no inspiration. Thankfully, some franchises buck that trend.
Several platforming properties maintain a high standard, never producing a bad entry in their lifespan. It might shock people that most of these are underground hits or forgotten gems rather than heavy hitters like Mario or Sonic. More cynical minds might see that as an indicator of the AAA market's creative bankruptcy. At end of the day, though, these are just fun titles which burst with creativity and innovate the age-old platforming formula along the way. To qualify for this list, the IP must have at least three mainline entries. That doesn't include spin-offs, as those could spawn their own series. Further, all entries must score at least 75 points on Metacritic. Thankfully, with capable hands consistently at the helm, this stipulation shouldn't be an issue.
6 Sly Cooper
The Sly Cooper games aren't the typical platformers, either in concept or execution. Players control a rascally raccoon as he gracefully sneaks into the lairs of hardened criminals. Sly and his hang then make off with their loot in daring heists, solidifying their status as master thieves.
The mastery translates to platforming unlike any other. The suave robber deftly jumps on rails, cables, spires, and other narrow points. He displays catlike balance which blends beautifully into the stealth mechanics. Using these moves, players feel every bit as slick as Sly himself. This makes the heist and its payoff all the more rewarding.
5 Rayman
Coming from the wacky mind of Michel Ancel, Rayman revolves around a limbless hero as he navigates a fantasy realm as weird as it is whimsical. Mischievous maniacs often threaten that world, so Rayman uses his flying fists and helicopter hair to thwart these villains. The resulting adventures are as random as they sound.
How fitting that the games' releases match that bizarre trajectory. The platforming antics have gone from 2D to 3D and back again, and each iteration is instantly appealing. That's not just due to the solid jump-and-glide gameplay, but from seeing what oddball sight is around the next corner. Even Rayman: Raving Rabbids (the first in the Rabbids spin-off series) is a decent collection of minigames. That said, separating from the annoying abominations was best, as it allowed Rayman to reach new heights in his platforming roots.
4 Uncharted
Acting as the modern Indiana Jones, Uncharted takes daring treasure hunter Nathan Drake all over the globe in search of mystical artifacts and lost cities. His quest for worthiness and passion fo history drive him relentlessly, but they bring him into conflict with warlords and other unscrupulous individuals, all of whom want the treasures for their own nefarious purposes. This leads to some of the most thrilling adventures in gaming.
Players make their way through countless blockbuster set pieces and striking locales. The platforming may be on the simpler side--jumping and climbing on preset handholds--but it's undeniably effective at showcasing the exotic environments. In addition, the developers mix it in with gunplay, chases, and puzzles so that no element has a chance to get tired. Uncharted leaves fans on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
3 Shantae
The animal kingdom houses a vast array of abilities adapted to numerous environments. The Shantae series recognized that in designing its half-genie hero. With her magical belly dances, she transforms into various animals and uses them to navigate multi-leveled platform areas. Along the way, she contends with pirates, monsters, and even other genies. The potential here is plain to see.
Shantae's transformations lead to tremendous variety. Her mobility is never the same for too long, and that novelty extends to the levels. Completing them calls for all of her skills. She must climb towers, break down doors, squeeze into tunnels, and perform countless other feats with her animal forms. The series always finds fresh ways of exploration, and that inspiration is more than enough to keep it going.
2 Donkey Kong Country
Like Mario, Donkey Konghas had his ups and downs. That said, his reboot series remains his proudest moment. Donkey Kong Country sees the eponymous ape barrel (pun intended) his way through a veritable jungle gym of platforming action. On the surface, it's no different from its genre peers. Players still run and jump on a 2D plane, but that's just the foundation.
It's the personality that sets Donkey Kong Country apart. Rolling into enemies is undeniably exciting and a nice change of pace from jumping on them. The same goes for the team-based traversal. Switching between Donkey Kong and his friends sounds simple and superfluous, but their various strengths and weaknesses encourage experimentation. Mastering a level means mastering each of these apes. This mixes up the gameplay enough to feel unique without compromising the core appeal. Never has monkey business boomed so much.
1 LittleBigPlanet
The developers at Media Molecule have always prized player creativity, and the LittleBigPlanet trilogy is a testament to that. As the cutesy Sackboy, players trek through a selection of exotic settings--savannahs, cities, temples, and more. In itself, this isn't new for platformers. The twist is that these locales consist of cloth, stickers, and various other artistic materials. In the process, audiences see these places in a whole new light. Moreover, it paves the way for the real selling point.
Players can use these materials to their advantage. The series includes countless customization options for its protagonist and the world around him, and progression often depends on how gamers manipulate these elements. In that sense, LittleBigPlanet is as much a puzzle game as a platformer. Fans can even craft their own levels to challenge themselves or share with friends. These titles are a truly massive toolbox of possibility, one which gets bigger with every entry.