By: Max Cannon
Odds are high that most people have played a platforming game at some point in their life. Oxford dictionary describes a platform game as "a type of video game featuring two-dimensional graphics where the player controls a character jumping or climbing between solid platforms at different positions on the screen." This means classic games like Super Mario Bros or Sonic the Hedgehog are prime examples of this genre. Read on to see Kidzworld's top 3 best platformers.kwlink]are prime examples of this genre. Read on to see Kidzworld's top 3 best platformers.
Super Mario Bros.
Let's get the biggest and best platformer out of the way. Super Mario Bros isn't just a great game but one of the most important releases in video game history. An awesome art style, memorable music, and (most importantly to a platformer) fantastic controls made for this to be a title that was just as fun then as it is over 30 years later in 2017. And even on Nintendo's newest console, the Nintendo Switch, an entry in the Super Mario series is one of the most anticipated games of the holiday season.
Super Mario Bros on the NES is undoubtedly one of the most important games ever.
What really stands out in Mario that carried on to future platformers is the inclusion of momentum. Holding down a button to run and build up speed was a novel idea way back in 1985 and was an idea included in future entries in the series like Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario World. While there have been bigger games, with more power-ups, and longer levels, the original Super Mario Bros set such a high bar for games that its importance cannot be understated.
Super Mario Run's New Update - Kidzworld Weekly News
Ori and the Blind Forest
We loved Ori when it first released back in 2015, here's what we had to say back then:
"Jaw-dropping gorgeous visuals with silky smooth, pixel-perfect gameplay and a story that pulls at the heartstrings, all wrapped in a beautiful musical score. Ori and the Blind Forest is a masterpiece of the genre. Every fan of exploratory platformers that offer a challenge owe it to themselves to play this game. You can find it in the digital stores for only $19.99."
Ori and the Blind Forest Gameplay Clip
Everything said back then is still true of Ori, the game's emotional open paves the way for a stellar story and is accompanied by some of the best platforming controls outside of Nintendo. On top of being an impressive platformer, it is one of the best console exclusives available on the Xbox One.
Rayman Legends
Rayman games have gone through a lot different genres, the series started out as a slow, but challenging, 2D platformer, then an atmospheric 3D entry on the PS1 and N64. However, most people know Rayman from his mini-game collection Rayman Raving Rabbids, which spun off their characters into a Mario RPG earlier this year but not before returning to his platforming roots in a faster 2D platformer in Rayman Origins.
Rayman Legends is a highlight in Ubisoft's roster.
But the most recent entry in the franchise, Rayman Legends, took the gameplay (and even some of the levels) from Rayman Origins and put it into a bigger package. One of the greatest co-op games around, Rayman keeps up this lists style, gameplay, and stands out with its speed and impressive level design.
Have Your Say!
Which platformers are your favorites? Do you enjoy the classics like Mario or more modern games like Ori? Comment below!
