If you love jumping, running, and exploring colorful worlds full of challenges and surprises, you might be a fan of platformer games. Platformers are one of the oldest and most popular genres in video games, dating back to the days of Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog.
In this blog post, we will look at what platformer games are, why they are so fun, and what some of the best platformer games are available on Xbox Series X, the latest and most powerful console from Microsoft.
What are platformer games?
Platformer games involve moving a character across platforms, usually by jumping, climbing, or flying. The goal is often to reach the end of a level, collect items, or defeat enemies along the way. Platformer games can be 2D or 3D and have different subgenres, such as action, puzzle, or adventure. Some platformer games also have elements of other genres, such as shooting, racing, or role-playing.
Why are platformer games so fun?
Platformer games are fun because they test your skills, reflexes, and creativity. They require you to master the game’s controls and mechanics and overcome various obstacles and hazards. They also reward you with satisfying feedback, such as sound effects, animations, and scores.
Platformer games can also offer much variety and replay value, as they often have different levels, modes, characters, and secrets to discover. Platformer games can also appeal to different tastes and moods, as they can be relaxing, challenging, humorous, or dramatic.
What are some of the best platformer games on Xbox Series X?
Xbox Series X is a great console for platformer fans, as it offers an extensive library of platformer games from different generations and developers. Whether you prefer classic 2D platformers or modern 3D platformers, you will find something to enjoy on Xbox Series X. Here are some of the best platformer games on Xbox Series X that you should check out:
Celeste
Celeste is a 2D-pixel art platformer that combines tight and responsive gameplay with a touching and emotional story. You play as Madeline, a young girl who decides to climb the mysterious Celeste Mountain, where she faces her inner demons and meets other quirky characters along the way.
Celeste is not an easy game, as it requires precise jumps and dashes to overcome the increasingly difficult levels. However, the game also encourages you to keep trying, rewarding you with satisfying progress and secrets to discover.
Sonic Mania Plus
Sonic Mania Plus is a 2D platformer that pays homage to the classic Sonic games of the Sega Genesis era. Developed by fans for fans, Sonic Mania Plus features fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, catchy music, and nostalgic levels from previous Sonic games.
You can play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or two new characters: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. You can also enjoy a co-op mode with friends or a competitive mode with up to four players. Sonic Mania Plus is a blast from the past that will make you feel like a kid again.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a 3D platformer that takes you on an epic adventure in a beautiful and magical world. You play as Ori, a spirit guardian who must save his friend Ku from a dark fate. Along the way, you will explore stunning environments, encounter friendly and hostile creatures, solve puzzles, and acquire new skills and abilities. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game that will awe you with its visuals, music, and gameplay. It is also a game that will tug at your heartstrings with its story of friendship, courage, and sacrifice.
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 is a 3D platformer that takes you inside the minds of various characters with hilarious and bizarre results. You play as Razputin Aquato, a young psychic who joins the Psychonauts, a secret organization of agents who use their powers to fight evil.
As Razputin, you will use your abilities, such as telekinesis, pyrokinesis, levitation, and more, to explore different mental worlds, collect figments of imagination, fight enemies, and unravel a sinister conspiracy. Psychonauts 2 is a game that will make you laugh, think, and marvel at its creativity.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a 3D platformer that continues the adventures of Crash Bandicoot and his friends after escaping Dr. Neo Cortex’s prison. However, they soon discover that Cortex has opened rifts in time and space that threaten to destroy the multiverse. Crash and his allies must travel through different dimensions and periods to stop Cortex and his allies from achieving their evil plans. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a game that will test your skills with its challenging levels, diverse gameplay mechanics, and hidden secrets.
It Takes Two
A co-op platformer tells the story of a couple turned into dolls by their daughter’s magic book. You and a friend must work together to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and rekindle your relationship. It Takes Two is a charming and inventive game with diverse gameplay mechanics and genres at each level.
Rayman Legends
A colorful and whimsical platformer that follows Rayman and his friends as they travel through various worlds inspired by legends and myths. Rayman Legends is a gorgeous and joy-filled game that features smooth animations, catchy music, and creative level design.
KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series
A collection of two remastered platformers that follow Klonoa, a dream traveler who uses his magical ring to manipulate his surroundings. KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is an excellent game for fans of 2D platformers, as it features pixel graphics, challenging gameplay, and nostalgic charm.
Rayman Legends
A gorgeous, joy-filled, characterful platformer that features Rayman and his friends in a quest to save the Glade of Dreams from the nightmares. The game offers over 120 levels, including musical ones, and a co-op mode for up to four players. Rayman Legends is a game that will delight you with its art style, humor, and gameplay.
Portal 2
A clever, witty, and innovative puzzle platformer that puts you in the shoes of Chell, a test subject who must use a portal gun to solve various challenges in the Aperture Science facility. The game also features a co-op mode where you play as two robots, Atlas and P-Body, who must cooperate to complete more puzzles. Portal 2 is a game that will challenge, entertain, and surprise you with its story and characters.
Banjo-Kazooie
A classic 3D platformer with charming characters and humor that follows the bear Banjo and his bird friend Kazooie as they try to stop the witch Gruntilda from stealing Banjo’s sister’s beauty. The game features nine worlds to explore, each with its theme, puzzles, enemies, and collectibles. Banjo-Kazooie is a game that will make you smile, wonder, and have fun.
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
A retro-inspired 2D platformer with a grappling hook mechanic that lets you swing across gaps and obstacles. You play as Nathan Spencer, a bionic soldier who must stop the dictator General Sabio from launching a missile attack. The game features 28 levels, boss fights, upgrades, secrets, and a co-op mode for up to four players. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is a game that will make you feel like a badass.
Kao the Kangaroo
This is a 3D platformer that follows the adventures of a boxing kangaroo who must rescue his animal friends from an evil hunter. The game features colorful graphics, varied environments, enemies, bosses, mini-games, and power-ups. Kao the Kangaroo is a game that will make you feel like a hero.
What are some other Game genres You Can Play in Xbox Series X?
Platformer games are not the only genre of video games that you can enjoy on Xbox Series X. Many other genres offer different types of gameplay and experiences. Here are some examples of other genres:
- Sandbox: Sandbox games allow players to explore and interact with an open world without predefined goals or objectives. The player can create their own stories and adventures using the tools and mechanics provided by the game. Examples of sandbox games are Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto V, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Real-time strategy (RTS): RTS games involve managing resources, building bases, and commanding units in real-time combat against other players or computer-controlled enemies. The player must plan their strategies and tactics carefully while reacting to changing situations on the battlefield. Examples of RTS games are StarCraft II, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, and Halo Wars 2.
- Shooter (FPS and TPS): Shooter games involve using ranged weapons to shoot enemies or targets from a first-person perspective (FPS) or a third-person perspective (TPS). The player must aim accurately and dodge incoming fire while completing various objectives or missions. Examples of shooter games are Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Gears 5, and Doom Eternal.
- Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA): MOBA games involve two teams of players competing against each other on an arena-like map. Each player controls a unique character with different abilities and roles. The teams must work together to destroy the enemy’s base or core while defending their own. MOBA games include League of Legends, Dota 2, and Smite.
- Role-playing games (RPG): RPG games involve creating and developing a character or party of characters through various choices, actions, and interactions in a fictional world. The player can customize their character’s appearance, skills, equipment, and personality. The player can also engage in combat, dialogue, exploration, quests, and other activities that affect the story and gameplay. RPGs include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Fallout 4, and Final Fantasy XV.
- Simulation and sports: Simulation and sports games simulate or recreate real-life activities or scenarios with realistic graphics, physics, rules, and gameplay. The player can experience various aspects of life, such as driving, flying, farming, cooking, dating, or playing sports. Examples of simulation and sports games are Forza Horizon 4, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Farming Simulator 19, Cooking Simulator, FIFA 21, and NBA 2.
Conclusion
Platformer games are a great way to have fun, challenge yourself, and immerse yourself in different worlds and stories. Xbox Series X offers a variety of platformer games that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for something new or something old, something easy or something hard, something serious or something silly, there is a platformer game for you on Xbox Series X. So what are you waiting for? Grab your controller and start jumping!
