New Platformers are a bit of a rarity these days, with industry leaders focusing on things like open-world adventures and live service games.
Fortunately, there are plenty of bangers if you know where to look. You’re absolutely spoiled for choice if you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, and here’s a selection of games you don’t want to miss.
10Steamworld Dig 2
Another Solid Steamworld Game
SteamWorld Dig 2
Steamworld Dig 2is an addictive 2D adventure game with mining and exploration at its core.
You play as a robot named Dorothy on a quest to find Rusty, the protagonist fromSteamworld Dig. In many ways,Steamworld Dig 2is a Metroidvania, and many parts of the unforgiving underworld map can’t be explored until you obtain upgrades.
You’re always collecting gems to spend on your next piece of gear, so there’s a satisfying gameplay loop where you feel like you’re always getting stronger.Exploring is rewarded, and you must plan ahead as you mine into the unknown.
BothSteamworld Diggames are available on Game Pass, so feel free to start with the original if you prefer.The first game is far more basicand not required to enjoy the sequel, but it technically happens first in the timeline.
9Human Fall Flat
Refreshingly Silly
Human Fall Flat
Human Fall Flatis a hilarious 3D adventure game made when titles with goofy physics were all the rage. Many similar games were a flash in the pan, butHuman Fall Flat provesthe genre has legs, even if they feel like they are made of jelly!
You play as a plasticine-like figure who cantrip over their own feetand face a gauntlet of physics-based puzzles. Controls are purposely unresponsive, resulting in some ridiculous failures, but it’s all part of the fun.
Levels and obstacles are creative, and gameplay is entertaining whether you succeed or not.
Human Fall Flatisn’t for everyone, but it’s arguably the best of this bizarre subgenre and can be enjoyed with friends.
8Ori and the Blind Forest
Damn Those Ninja’s Cutting Onions
Ori and The Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forestis a stunning 2D platformer with incredible visuals and light Metroidvania mechanics.
You play as Ori, an adorable spirit creature on a quest to restore the forest that’s long since withered and died. There aresimple puzzles galore, and platforming sections feel fantastic, as Ori is so nimble.
While there are Metroidvania elements,Ori and the Blind Forestis notably more linear than similar titles likeHollow Knight. I have no issue with this, as it meansyou’re never stuck in the same place for long.
Ori and the Blind Forestis arguably the prettiest game on this list, withjaw-dropping environmentsthat never miss a beat. It’s a beautiful world, and you’ll want to explore all of it.
Word of warning: the intro cutscene toOri and the Blind Forestwill rip your heart out and stamp on it. It’sone of the saddest sequencesI’ve sat through in a video game, and while it’s appropriate for the story, did they really NEED to go there!?
7Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
A Trio Of Incredible Classics
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
TheCrash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogyincludesremastered versionsof the original game,Cortex Strikes Back, andWarped.
You probably know what to expect fromCrash Bandicoot, but each game offers a wonderfulblend of sidescrolling and linear 3D levelsfull of devious traps, enemies, and pitfalls. Crash is agile with his trademark spin attack, double jump, and bellyflop, and these are all perfectly recreated with the remaster.
The best thing about theN. Sane Trilogyis all thebonus features. you may now play as Coco (Crash’s sister) through every game. Time Trials were added to the original, and bonus stages were even added that were deemedtoo harsh for the official releases.
If you thought Slippery Climb was difficult, you will be humbled by the new Stormy Ascent level.
If you’ve never played aCrash Bandicootgame, there’sno better way to experience these classics.
Slick and Stylish
Dead Cells
Dead Cellsoffers some of the tightest, most responsive 2D platforming on the market, complete with a dodge roll that makes you invincible.
WhileDead Cellslooks and feels like a fast-paced 2D platformer, it’s actually aRoguelite, which makes the titleinfinitely replayable.Dead Cellshasprocedurally generated levels, so no two runs are the same.
There’s afantastic selection of biomesto explore and multiple routes through the game. There is also a greatrisk vs. rewardsystem, as tougher levels usually yield greater prizes if you’re brave enough to enter them.
On that note, there’s anoverwhelming number of weapons and skillsto try out. Your arsenal ranges from giant scythes to twin daggers, each with pros and cons forcing you to adjust on the fly.
Dead Cellsis one tough cookie, and it will take you many runs to grab your first win. That said, a skilled player can mitigate most damage with well-timed rolls, and it’s so satisfying when you enter that flow state.
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So Good They Forgot To Color It In
Limbois an exceptional 2D platformer with creative puzzles, stunning backdrops, andone of the creepiest spider sectionsI’ve ever played.
The beauty ofLimbois you never know what to expect or what’s coming next. You go everywhere, from industrial rooftops to infested caves where thecreatures control your brain.
There’sno HUD or combat, and every area tests your intuition and reflexes.Limbois pretty short at roughly 3 hours long and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The title isperfect for those with a tight schedule, and if you enjoy it, you’ll likely enjoyInsideas well. Inside is made by the same developers, Playdead, and is also available on Game Pass.
4Banjo Kazooie
An N64 Classic
The N64 was home to some of the best 3D games of the era, includingSuper Mario 64and severalLegend of Zeldagames.
It’s even more impressive, then, thatBanjo Kazooieis good enough to stand alongside these juggernauts, and it’saged like a fine wine.
Banjo Kazooieis a fantastic 3D adventure full of gorgeous locales, challenging platforming, and ahearty dose of humor. Each area offers a grand collectathon on your quest to save Banjo’s sister from the evil witch, Gruntilda.
While the Game Pass version is technically from the Xbox 360, the game is almost identical to the original on the N64. Besides a fewmodern tweaks to the controls,Banjo Kazooieis mostly unchanged, making it arguably the best way to enjoy the title.
3Psychonauts
You’ve Never Played Anything Like It
Psychonauts
Psychonautsis a beloved 3D platformer from the PlayStation 2 era. It’s fast-paced, chaotic, and hard to put down once you’ve started.
You play as Raz, a gifted young boy withtelekinetic powers, and use that ability to explore the minds ofPsychonauts' colorful cast. It’s a unique concept, and characters are brought to life with stellar voice-acting and vivid worlds depicting their thoughts.
As you may expect from a retro platformer,Psychonautsis pretty difficultand sometimes frustrating. Combat feels a little stiff, but the platforming is fun.
Psychonautshas earned quitethe cult followingsince its release in 2005, so much so that fans finally got a sequel in 2021. If you enjoy the original, you’ll be thrilled to learn thatPsychonauts 2isn’t just fantastic; it’s also included in your Game Pass subscription.
A Creative, Wholesome Adventure
Unravelis a gorgeous 2D platformer set in a world that’s so pretty you won’t want to leave. It’s also one of the easiest games on the list that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
Unraveloffers aunique approach to platformingthanks to the quirky abilities of the main character. You play as a Yarny, who isliterally made out of string. you’re able to use yarn to lower yourself down cliffs, swing across chasms, and even fashion trampolines to jump higher.
The trail of string you leave as you traverse the world is a lovely touch, and you may often use it to recover from a misjudged jump.
Puzzles are creative but a little unintuitive for my taste. Still,Unravelis an absolute joy to play and is a satisfying “feel-good” platformer.Unravel 2is also available on Game Pass and has the massive addition of local co-op.
1Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
A Haunting Metroidvania
Hollow Knight (Dupe)
Hollow Knightis a beautiful, if bleak, 2D platformer that rewards exploration and a keen eye for puzzle-solving.
Oddly enough, many Platformers on Game Pass lean into Metroidvania territory, andHollow Knightisarguably the best at it. You play as “the Knight” and explore the world of Hallownest that’s long fallen into ruin.
The gameplay offers asolid mix of combat and puzzles, and you’ll need your wits about you if you don’t want to get lost.Hollow Knightalso boasts many well-designed boss battles against outlandish foes that will test your reflexes and pattern memorization.
The difficulty is firm but fair, and your time at Hallownest feels rewarding as you’re constantly earning new abilities and getting stronger.
Hollow Knighthas a massive fanbase eagerly awaiting the sequel,Silksong. As this legendary game is free on Game Pass, why not join them?
The title even hasmod support, and a robust community working to expand theHollow Knightworld.
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