Platforming games have clearly withstood the test of time, with great new titles and sequels to beloved franchises continuing to be churned out.
We continue our "Best of the Decade" coverage with TheGamer News Team's Platformers of the Decade!
Sam Watanuki - Trover Saves The Universe
Trover Saves The Universe may be one of the more recent platformers, but it’s also one of the best I have played in years. Controls and combat are incredibly fluid, even when not playing in VR. Add in the ridiculously hilarious comedy stylings of Rick & Morty’s Justin Roiland, and you have yourself one hell of a "crumbelievable" platforming adventure.
Scott Baird - Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy is easily the game I’ve purchased the most over the past ten years. There is something so utterly addictive about its exploration and combat elements. The ever-shifting nature of the castle keeps things fresh with each run, while taking gold from enemies to buy upgrades makes the player feel like they are getting a little closer to the goal each time. Rogue Legacy is infinity replayable and every run through the dungeon is as fun as the last.
Bella Blondeau - Super Mario 3D World
While I'm almost tempted to give this one to Super Mario Odyssey, here's the thing: 3D World is a practically flawless game that you can also play with friends. It offers an outstanding set of levels that celebrate every possible decade of Mario's life, then allows you to play with up to three other people and ruin each other's lives for hours on end. We call that a winner!
Eric Switzer - Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori has a kinetic energy that makes the classic Nintendo platformers look positively archaic. It's also visually stunning in a way we don't typically expect from indie 2D games. It's light on story, but is never-the-less touching with its themes of isolation, duty, and family. The music is incredible, the gameplay is thrilling. Ori really has it all.
Jamie Latour - Rayman Legends
Rayman was always kind of a dumb character, but his games in the 2010s embraced his sheer stupidity for some hilarious and incredibly fun games. Rayman Origins was good on its own, but Rayman Legends takes everything from that game and improves upon it (heck, it even has a ton of levels from Origins, too). You get levels that require you to stomp on baddies to the tune of Black Betty, you can play soccer, you can even team up for the insanity of four-player co-op. Considering the crazy amount of stuff to do, this is not only the best Rayman game, but also the best platformer of this decade.
Andrew Penney - Katana Zero
Playing Katana Zero is badass, plain and simple. You cruise through a story laced with intense, melee-centric combat with a time-bending twist. Intriguing mechanics, engrossing storytelling, beautiful music, subtle humor, and vibin' aesthetics put another point on the board for Devolver Digital.