Best 2D Platformers

Developers mastered 3D engines back in the 90s. However, some games feel great in two dimensions. These include platformers. If you are interested in this genre, we recommend that you take a look at our thematic selection.

Games with time control are released often. As a rule, we are offered to slow down enemies to gain an advantage over them, as in F.E.A.R. or rewind events and try to jump over the abyss again, as in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. But in Braid, time manipulation is the only way to move forward, because local puzzles are based on it. At the same time, the game remains a high-quality 2D platformer at its core. Note that Braid also has a full-fledged plot with a hidden meaning, which is rare for representatives of this genre.

If Braid gives you the ability to change the flow of time, then VVVVVV allows you to control gravity. You will constantly swap the floor and ceiling to overcome various obstacles on the levels. In total, four hundred different rooms await you, from simple to incredibly complex. Note that the graphics here are stylized to resemble games that came out in the early 80s on the Atari 2600.

Hardcore platformer fans can check out Super Meat Boy. In it, you control the Meat Boy, who must overcome many obstacles to meet his girlfriend. At the same time, any contact with saws, stakes and other life-threatening objects immediately leads to the death of the hero and the need to start the level over again. The unique skills of the game's protagonist include the ability to slide along walls.

If you've completed all the tests and it still seems not enough, check out the second part of the series.

A stylish black and white platformer with a gloomy atmosphere in the spirit of mid-20th century horror films. We play as a nameless boy who found himself in an unknown place. During the passage of Limbo you will have to solve puzzles based on the laws of physics, as well as escape from creepy monsters. According to one of the fan theories, we are in the afterlife, and the main character committed a crime during his life, so he ended up in limbo.

Although Inside and Limbo were developed by the same studio, they are essentially completely different games. The 2016 project raises the topic of control over people. We will control dozens of weak-willed characters to advance through the story, and pretend to be one of them. We strongly recommend collecting special spheres to open the secret ending — it sheds light on the events taking place.

A colorful platformer, the action of which takes place in a mysterious forest. The main character Ori can make double and triple jumps, push objects, float in the air and climb steep walls. If you liked the gameplay and completed the game, check out the sequel, which received the subtitle Will of the Wisps.

An action platformer set in a zombie apocalypse. In addition to acrobatic moves and solving simple puzzles, in Deadlight you will have to fight the living dead. You will use cold and firearms, as well as various traps. For example, you can lure enemies under high voltage with a scream. The game can also be praised for its beautiful picture, attention to detail and dense atmosphere.

Despite the colorful graphics and 3D backdrops, this game belongs to the 2D platformer genre. More precisely, to metroidvanias, because as you progress you will unlock special abilities that will allow you to penetrate previously inaccessible locations. Not all enemies can be killed with a firearm or with melee attacks. You will have to hide from some, and also use camouflage, which reduces noise during movement.

Another metroidvania, which unexpectedly evokes associations with Dark Souls. It's not just about the high difficulty with the need to memorize bosses' movements. For example, the plot here is presented through item descriptions. And if you die, you lose all the money you've accumulated, but you can get it back if you return to the place where you died and defeat your own shadow. Over time, you'll be able to upgrade your melee weapons and unlock new moves.

The latest part of the Rayman series pleases with colorful graphics and varied gameplay. You are offered air and underwater levels, speed tests, as well as a cooperative mode. If the basic gameplay of Legends seemed too simple to you, try to find all the collectibles. In this case, you will have to show miracles of dexterity and incredible precision in controlling Rayman.

Do you like platformers? Or do you prefer to spend time on games of other genres? Share your opinion in the comments!