Platformers are a favorite amongst many gamers of all ages. The fast-paced, straightforward nature of hits like Mario, Sonic, and Crash Bandicoot proves fun and accessible to many. At the same time, they can also be a solid foundation for deeper, more complex journeys that explore a vast expanse of unique concepts.
The quality of platforming games can vary wildly, too. Frustrating gameplay, wonky mechanics, and uninspiring experiences can be commonplace within the genre. Level design can make or break a platformer, and this can fluctuate quite a bit even within a game. In fact, there are plenty of cases where an otherwise mediocre platformer can have a diamond in the rough when it comes to stages.
8 New Super Mario Bros. 2 – World Star 3
Nintendo delighted longtime fans when the classic 2D rendition of their mustached mascot returned in 2006, with DS' New Super Mario Bros. The game brought that warm-and-fuzzy nostalgia of 90'sSuper Mario, while tossing in some new elements. Six years later came this sequel, which brought an adrenaline-fueled Coin Rush to the fold. But with its straightforward approach and similar presentation, the NSMB follow-up felt lukewarm for many, despite a prominent reward system of showering players with coins.
While much of the level design and environments felt uninspired, fans point to the colorful World Star biome, which mixes things up quite a bit. The best of the best has to be the world's third stage; an atmospheric, intense ghost beach, rife with things that go bump – and "whomp" – in the night.
7 Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures – LJN
This heart-pumping platforming shooter comes chock-full of laughs, along with controller-throwing frustration. The game is based on a gaming-centric YouTuber who blends deep analysis with humor and over-the-top rage fits, whilst powering through poor, often tricky retro games. AVGN Adventures fittingly embodies that retro vibe, and – ironically – crude, anger-inducing bouts that embody the themes of the show.
This wild, unforgiving ride through old game references and AVGN staples culminates with a stage that's truly tough and frantic. It's a barrage of all things LJN, a now-defunct gaming publisher whose spotty software earned them the title of the Nerd's "greatest rival." With its appealing, vibrant visuals, funny LJN references, and gameplay that's absurdly hard – one can't help but enjoy it, even after dying a few dozen times.
6 The Ren And Stimpy Show: Veediots! – The Boy Who Cried Rat! (Part Two)
Based on the hit '90s Nickelodeon cartoon for kids – though some raunchier material catered to an older audience – this SNES offshoot was a bit less memorable. Though aesthetically pleasing and full of amusing references, the actual gameplay fell relatively flat. Fans and critics pointed to some relentless gameplay and stiff, spotty mechanics.
Still, this wacky Ren and Stimpy trip through TV Land has its moments in the spotlight. Right off the bat, fans are treated to a platforming stage that's creative, memorable, and challenging without being overwhelming. Specifically, the second part of level one, "The Boy Who Cried Rat!" pits Ren in an exciting, fast-paced scramble inside Stimpy's mouth. In this goofy romp, players must avoid leaping critters, falling teeth, and nerve endings – which promptly causes Stimpy to chomp Ren into a pancake.
5 Donkey Kong Country 3 – Lightning Look-Out
Rareware enthralled SNES fans with a rich, satisfying alternative to Super Mario, ironically featuring the ape villain that debuted the famous plumber. However, while the first two Donkey Kong Country games proved timeless classics, the third rendition from '96 had a more mixed reception. The gameplay was harder, the gimmicks and collectibles more abundant, and for many, Dixie's clunky new sidekick proved a poor replacement to the nimble Diddy.
But at least in some cases, Donkey Kong Country 3 continued the series' tradition of dazzling in terms of presentation and clever level design. A shining example is the electrified "Lightning Look-Out"; a late-game thriller to be sure. Players must scramble to safety, avoiding baddies while also battling the elements. Specifically, they must take the visual cues of small lightning flashes in order to avoid a lethal hit from larger strikes that follow. Of course, water must also be avoided during this time.
The jungle setting and straightforward layout feel very classic on the one hand, but the added (literal) element of deadly lightning ups the ante. It adds depth to the gameplay while enticing on the visual front.
4 Zool – Level 2-1
Originally meant to be an answer to the similarly speedy, edgy Sonic, this ninja-themed platformer failed to really make an impact when it hit the scene in '92, even after finding a home on SNES and Genesis. It's hard not to enjoy the vibrant visuals and appealing, upbeat soundtrack – but the stiff, sensitive mechanics make Zool needlessly tough. This, and absurd amounts of baddies at times, bogged down an otherwise cool platformer.
Yet, the game has its share of fans, and for good reason. Great presentation aside, Zool also has some killer level design and environmental themes to back it up. The most notable is this rocking music-themed stage, which bombards players with stereos, musical instruments, webs of wires, and other musical gadgetry. This is complemented by a fast-paced techno-rock jam to set the tone and further liven things up. With a clever element that adds to the level design and soundtrack, players can bounce on drums to inject some extra rhythm to the tunes.
3 Sonic Forces – Egg Gate
Sega's iconic blue hedgehog has been through a wild rollercoaster ride of timeless hits and forgettable flops. Sonic Team has not been shy in trying new things to shake up the formula, which has brought mixed results, to say the least. 2017's Sonic Forces is emblematic of this, with a hodgepodge of different concepts – like customizable characters – that mostly miss the mark. The game tends to thrive when stressing the tighter, simpler 2D gameplay, but there are rare moments where everything else comes together nicely.
Case in point? The sixth main stage known as "Egg Gate." The stage has Sonic zipping, dashing, and gliding through a slew of cool sci-fi and celestial locales. The experience manages to be varied and frantic without being overwhelming. The 2D-to-3D transitions are tastefully executed, and the environments are epic and visually dazzling.
2 Earthworm Jim 2 – Totally Forked
This cult-hit was representative of '90s 16-bit gaming, with its charming sprite-based art, awesome sound design, intense gameplay, as well as edgy and zany themes. Earthworm Jim wowed players with all these traits and then some, serving as a wild, off-the-wall alternative for Mario and Sonic fans.
However, for many, the formula lost some of its edge when it came to the '95 sequel. All the solid, run-and-gun platforming flair was still there, but Earthworm Jim 2 didn't leap to the lengths of its groundbreaking predecessor and felt a tad dated at a time when 3D was taking off. Then there was the difficulty, which was even more punishing than the frantic original.
There are a few bouts, though, that demonstrate what makes this franchise so amusing. The most notable is the fan-favorite secret level, "Totally Forked." The stage pits the worm hero on a strange trip wrought with tantalizing food items and deadly forks.
1 Yoshi's Story – Jelly Pipe
Nintendo's Yoshi's Island had already proved a bit divisive, with its overly cute aesthetic and gameplay that was somewhat of a departure from the classic Mario formula. But its N64 successor ventured still deeper into obscure territory, with a quasi-non-linear structure and highly simple, passive gameplay. Unlike its predecessor, many loved the visual charm of this storybook platformer, as well as Yoshi's satisfying ability to gobble foes and fire eggs.
Even some Yoshi's Story critics, however, point to the unique, appealing experience that is level 2-3, "Jelly Pipe" as a standout. It has Yoshi traverse a vast series of tunnels plastered with newspaper, fighting through slugs, ghosts, and gelatinous obstacles. This is topped off by a catchy – and somehow fitting – jam that can only be described as a fusion of rap, jazz, and scat.