Jump, run, leap: the platformer is a founding genre of video games, from pixelated 2D to 3D worlds. RomWize re-ranks the best games in the genre by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"Mario 64 invented 3D adventure gaming. Analog stick, orbital camera, painting-portal worlds full of stars and Mario's movement precision rest jaw-dropping. Thirty years on, the thing remains foundational, joyful, miraculous. Probably the most influential game in all of video-game history, without hyperbole."
"Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc leans into slapstick action and colourful powers. Snappier than Rayman 2, gag-packed and set in a sparkling Glade. A breezy platformer that goes down easy."
"One of Saturn's most original and poetic games. NiGHTS's spiral flight remains exhilarating and unique. Grade for each stage, deep score system despite apparent simplicity. A timeless masterpiece by Yuji Naka."
"Excellent 3D Mario platformer with co-op up to 4 players. Inspired and varied level design in each world, fun costumes. Perhaps the best multiplayer Mario before Odyssey. Slightly too accessible for experienced solo players but a genuine treat."
"The definitive Ubi 3D platformer on Dreamcast. Sublime world, precise controls, cinematic staging and spectacular bosses. A timeless masterpiece of the genre."
"The game that changed everything. Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom, from warp zones to Bowser's castles. Revolutionary level design, immediate and universal fun. The most important video game ever made."
"Naughty Dog masterpiece founding the Jak trilogy. Enchanting world design, flawless platform mechanics and the banter between Jak and Daxter create a joyful and memorable experience. A timeless PS2 platformer classic, still a pleasure to play today."
"Direct Mario 64 sequel, tropical playground to scrub with the FLUDD water pack. Wild idea, vertiginous gameplay and tough secret stages to crack. Not the purity of its forebear but a genuine invention. Nintendo's 3D platform peak on the console."
"A breathtakingly beautiful metroidvania, carried by a moving score and platforming of millimetric precision. The timed escape sequences stay seared in memory, and the Definitive Edition enriches the map without diluting the emotion."
"Rare's swansong on the N64, a 3D platformer for grown-ups with rare audacity. Conker the boozy squirrel chains parodies, profanity and unforgettable set-pieces, carried by cinematic staging and superb voice work. The off-kilter multiplayer is icing on the cake. An undisputed cult classic."
"The level editor is still ridiculously deep, and stage sharing keeps the community buzzing. The solo story mode finally gives a reason to play without building. Tools feel intuitive, but the real magic comes from diving into other people's wild creations."
"An indie metroidvania classic that hasn't lost an ounce of emotional weight. Level design is razor-precise, the chiptune soundtrack stays unforgettable, and the story surprises with real melancholy. The Switch port runs flawlessly and begs a fresh playthrough."
"LittleBigPlanet 2 Extras Edition is the enriched version with extra DLC costumes included. The same LBP2 creative revolution with even more cosmetic content from the start. Ideal for new players."
"Wario Land 3 on GBC is the best of the portable Wario series. Explore a musical world with powers gained from chests. Non-linear structure, humorous tone and abundant secrets. A GBC masterpiece."
"LittleBigPlanet 2 Special Edition is the premium version with exclusive collector bonuses. The same creative and playful LBP2 revolution with extras for collectors wanting the most complete version."
"A cartoon energy bomb in the vein of Wario Land on amphetamines: run, smash, transform the scenery, all at a breakneck pace. The animation bursts everywhere and the scoring pushes you to chain levels without ever easing off."
"A remastered double bill: Sonic Generations alongside a brand-new adventure centered on Shadow. The levels blending 2D and 3D race along at full tilt, and the Shadow segment adds fresh powers that energize an already solid formula."
"Crash Bandicoot 3 Warped is the ultimate Naughty Dog PS1 trilogy entry. The diversity of worlds and movement modes sets it apart from its predecessors. Perfectly calibrated gameplay, excellent bosses and flawless fun factor. A timeless platformer masterpiece."
"The Mega Drive adaptation of Disney's Lion King, gorgeous and demanding. Magical animation, fearsome difficulty, a controversial yet memorable classic."
