Who says platformer games are irrelevant? 2023 saw the launch of massive hits like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Sonic Superstars, proving that even though the platform genre is old, it’s still just as fun as ever. And that’s just a taste of the incredible platformer lineup from 2023.
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The platformer is one of the oldest and most beloved genres of all time. If you’re a fan of them, these are the titles you NEED to play.
On top of a few excellent triple-A titles, the indie community thrived with an outstanding catalog of creative 2D and 3D platform games. Almost every sub-genre of platformer saw some kind of representation, meaning there’s something to play for everyone. If you want the best platformer games of 2023, the following titles will scratch that itch.
For the sake of variety, only one game per platformer sub-genre is included on this list. However, some categories have honorable mentions.
8 Gunbrella
Best Action-Platformer Of 2023
Set in a gritty Steampunk world, Gunbrella is a neo-noir action-platformer with Metroidvania-esque exploration. You play as a vengeful woodsman who gets tangled in a web of ghouls, gangsters, and cults while searching for his wife’s killer.
The gameplay centers around the titular Gunbrella, which acts as both a shotgun and parasol. With it, you can shoot enemies, dash, glide in the air, reflect bullets, and more. Between levels, you explore towns, talk to NPCs, and try to unravel the thrilling mystery. With tight controls and gorgeous pixel art, Gunbrella is a must-play platformer game.
7 Humanity
Best Puzzle-Platformer Of 2023
Humanity
- Platform(s)
- PS5 , PS4 , PSVR 2 , PSVR (original) , PC
- Publisher(s)
- Enhance
In Humanity, you run and jump through puzzle-box levels as a Shiba Inu to guide a crowd of mindlessly walking humans to the goal. To do this, you must place command pads on the ground that make the people do things like turn, jump, and float.
The challenge comes from figuring out how to make the crowds avoid obstacles, hit switches, and collect objects before reaching the end. You can even create and share custom-made puzzles in the level editor. Every stage offers a unique twist to keep the gameplay fresh, making Humanity the perfect 3D platform game for puzzle fans.
Honorable Mention – Puzzle-Platformer
6 Smushi Come Home
Best Cozy Platformer Of 2023
|
Platforms |
Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS |
|---|---|
|
Developer |
SomeHumbleOnion |
If you want a cozy 3D platformer game, nothing beats Smushi Come Home. You play as an adorable little mushroom who explores a vast forest while looking for a way home. The game has you run, jump, and glide through sandbox areas to collect items, solve puzzles, and meet charming forest creatures.
With no life system, combat, or time limits, you’re free to explore at your own pace, take in the lovely environments, and find every collectible and secret without the risk of a game over. You can even ride a capybara down a river like a boat. If that doesn’t warm your heart, then nothing will.
Honorable Mentions – Cozy Platformer
- Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara
- Mail Time
5 Have A Nice Death
Best Roguelike Platformer Of 2023
Have a Nice Death is a side-scrolling roguelike platformer where you hack-and-slash your way through the afterlife as the Grim Reaper. When Death suffers from workplace burnout due to unruly subordinates, he develops the perfect plan to kill everyone who works for him.
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Don’t let the silly premise fool you; this game offers a hefty challenge. Death has a series of devastating spells and his trusty scythe to use against hoards of enemies and tough bosses. Everything is presented with beautiful hand-drawn animation, an eerie Gothic art style, and plenty of cheesy office humor.
4 Disney Illusion Island
Best Metroidvania Of 2023
Get ready for the most wholesome Metroidvania you’ve ever seen. In Disney Illusion Island, Mickey and his friends are lured to the mysterious Monoth island, where they must explore a vast, expanding world in search of three magical books. With tons of collectibles and new abilities to find, there’s something to discover around every corner.
The world is breathtaking, thanks to the stunning hand-drawn art style reminiscent of classic Disney cartoons. You can even play the entire game in a four-player co-op mode where you heal your friends by hugging them. Overall, Disney Illusion Island is a relaxing 2D platform game with tight controls and a fantastic world to explore.
Honorable Mentions – Metroidvania
- Afterimage
- 9 Years of Shadows
3 Gravity Circuit
Best Retro Throwback Platformer Of 2023
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Platforms |
Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, macOS, Linux |
|---|---|
|
Developer |
Domesticated Ant Games |
Gravity Circuit is a beautiful love letter to the Mega Man series with new twists to give it a modern edge. Set in a futuristic world inhabited by robots, you must dash, wall-jump, and grappling hook across eight action-packed stages, which can be played in any order.
The game’s robotic hero, Kai, relies on close combat to take out enemies, allowing you to rack up devastating combos. The levels are more exploration-based than Mega Man, with several civilians hidden in each stage who grant you a new ability if you rescue them all. With satisfying combat and outstanding level design, Gravity Circuit is a treat for fans of retro platformers.
Honorable Mention – Retro Throwback Platformer
2 Pizza Tower
Best Single-Player Platformer Of 2023
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Platforms |
PC |
|---|---|
|
Developer |
Tour De Pizza |
Inspired by the Wario Land series, Pizza Tower is a fast-paced 2D platformer with pixel art inspired by 90s cartoons. The gameplay is a mix of speed-based platforming akin to Sonic the Hedgehog and combat that has you pummel enemies to rack up combos.
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Pizza Tower emphasizes exploration and score attack elements, with each stage having hidden collectibles and giving you a rank based on how many points you received. Not to mention, you play as a chef named Peppino Spaghetti who tries to stop a sentient pizza from firing a laser beam at his restaurant. If you like that silly type of humor, you’ll love this game.
Honorable Mention – Single-Player Platformer
1 Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Best Multiplayer Platformer Of 2023
After years of the same New Super Mario Bros. formula, Super Mario Bros. Wonder brought much-needed creativity and fresh ideas to the 2D Mario format. Up to four people can run and jump through the series’ most imaginative levels, each filled with quirky enemies, secrets, and three incredible new power-ups.
The best new addition is the Wonder Flower, which adds a delightfully bizarre twist to each stage. Suddenly, you’ll be flying through Outer Space while dodging giant hippos or running away from King Boo as he sings opera. You never know what to expect, making Super Mario Bros. Wonder a must-play platformer for Nintendo Switch.
Honorable Mentions – Multiplayer Platformer
- Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe
- Sonic Superstars
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