Blast from the Past: The Most Popular Retro Platformer Games of All Time

Platformer games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers. Whether it’s the joy of timing a perfect jump, the thrill of defeating a tricky boss, or simply the nostalgia of pixelated adventures, platformers have shaped the gaming landscape since their inception. As we journey through the golden age of gaming, let’s take a look at some of the most popular retro platformer games that continue to inspire and entertain generations of players.

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985) – The King of Platformers

When it comes to platformers, the conversation almost always starts with Super Mario Bros. Released in 1985 by Nintendo for the NES, this game not only defined the genre but also set the standard for what a platformer should be. Players took control of Mario, the now-iconic plumber, on his quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of Bowser.

What made Super Mario Bros. revolutionary was its precise control, inventive level design, and the introduction of power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower. The game’s intuitive mechanics and catchy tunes made it an instant hit, and it remains one of the best-selling games of all time. From the moment Mario takes his first step in the Mushroom Kingdom, players were hooked, making Super Mario Bros. a timeless classic.

2. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) – Gotta Go Fast!

When Sega needed a mascot to compete with Mario, they created Sonic the Hedgehog, a blue blur that quickly became a symbol of speed and attitude in gaming. Released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis, Sonic the Hedgehog offered something new to the platformer genre: speed. The game’s fast-paced action, combined with colorful graphics and a killer soundtrack, made it a massive success.

Sonic’s loop-de-loops, springs, and ramps created a sense of momentum that was unmatched at the time. The game’s design encouraged players to keep moving, contrasting with the slower, more methodical pace of Mario. Sonic’s quest to stop Dr. Robotnik and save his animal friends became a beloved staple of the platformer genre, solidifying his place in gaming history.

3. Donkey Kong Country (1994) – A New Era of Visuals

Donkey Kong Country, released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994, was a groundbreaking game in many ways. Developed by Rare, the game used pre-rendered 3D graphics to create a stunning visual experience that was unlike anything gamers had seen before.

The game starred Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong as they journeyed through various environments to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the villainous King K. Rool. Donkey Kong Country was known for its challenging gameplay, tight controls, and memorable soundtrack. The game’s unique visual style and engaging level design made it a standout title on the SNES and helped establish Donkey Kong as a major Nintendo character.

4. Mega Man 2 (1988) – The Blue Bomber’s Finest Hour

Mega Man 2, released for the NES in 1988, is often regarded as one of the greatest platformers of all time. The game took everything that was great about the original Mega Man and refined it to near perfection. Players once again took control of Mega Man as he battled through eight Robot Masters created by the evil Dr. Wily.

What set Mega Man 2 apart was its non-linear gameplay, allowing players to choose the order in which they tackled the levels. Each Robot Master had a unique weapon that Mega Man could acquire after defeating them, and these weapons often played a crucial role in overcoming other bosses. The game’s challenging difficulty, iconic music, and satisfying gameplay loop made it a favorite among fans and cemented Mega Man’s legacy as the Blue Bomber.

5. Castlevania (1986) – Whips, Vampires, and Gothic Horror

Castlevania, released for the NES in 1986, introduced players to the Belmont family and their eternal battle against Dracula. The game combined challenging platforming with a gothic horror aesthetic that was relatively rare at the time. Players controlled Simon Belmont as he navigated Dracula’s castle, armed with his trusty whip and a variety of sub-weapons.

Castlevania was known for its punishing difficulty and atmospheric soundtrack, which set the tone for the series. The game’s meticulous level design required precision and patience, making it a rewarding experience for those who persevered. Castlevania laid the foundation for a franchise that would evolve over the years, giving rise to the “Metroidvania” subgenre, which blended platforming with exploration.

6. Metroid (1986) – Exploration Meets Action

Released in the same year as Castlevania, Metroid for the NES introduced players to Samus Aran, one of gaming’s first female protagonists. Metroid combined platforming with exploration, creating a vast, interconnected world that encouraged players to backtrack and uncover hidden areas.

The game’s non-linear design and atmosphere of isolation set it apart from other platformers of the time. As Samus acquired new abilities, such as the Morph Ball and Ice Beam, players could access previously unreachable areas, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay. Metroid was a pioneering title that helped shape the “Metroidvania” genre, which continues to influence games today.

7. Kirby’s Adventure (1993) – The Pink Puffball’s Grand Debut

While Kirby technically made his debut in Kirby’s Dream Land on the Game Boy, it was Kirby’s Adventure on the NES in 1993 that truly introduced players to the character’s full potential. The game’s most notable feature was Kirby’s ability to inhale enemies and absorb their powers, a mechanic that added a unique twist to the platformer formula.

Kirby’s Adventure was praised for its colorful graphics, imaginative level design, and accessible gameplay. The game was designed to be easier than other platformers, making it appealing to a younger audience. Despite its lower difficulty, Kirby’s Adventure offered plenty of secrets and challenges for more experienced players, making it a beloved title in the NES library.

8. Earthworm Jim (1994) – A Quirky Classic

Earthworm Jim was a platformer that didn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely why it became such a hit. Released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis and SNES, the game featured a protagonist who was literally an earthworm in a super suit. The game’s offbeat humor, quirky characters, and unique level design made it stand out in a crowded market.

Earthworm Jim was known for its fluid animation and creative stages, which ranged from navigating asteroid fields to bungee jumping with a giant booger (yes, really). The game’s challenging gameplay and humorous tone earned it a dedicated fanbase and several sequels.

9. Prince of Persia (1989) – Precision Platforming

Prince of Persia, released in 1989 for the Apple II and later ported to numerous other platforms, was a pioneer in the cinematic platformer subgenre. The game was known for its realistic character animations, inspired by the technique of rotoscoping, where live-action footage is traced to create lifelike movement.

Players controlled the titular Prince as he navigated a labyrinthine palace filled with deadly traps, puzzles, and enemies. The game’s tight time limit and demanding platforming sequences required precision and patience, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. Prince of Persia influenced many games that followed, including the later entries in the series, which evolved into action-adventure titles.

10. Rayman (1995) – A Limbless Hero’s Colorful Quest

Rayman, released in 1995 for the PlayStation, Atari Jaguar, and Sega Saturn, introduced players to a limbless hero with a knack for adventure. The game was praised for its vibrant graphics, whimsical art style, and smooth gameplay.

Unlike many other platformers of the time, Rayman focused on exploration and puzzle-solving in addition to traditional platforming. The game’s creative level design, memorable characters, and challenging difficulty made it a standout title, particularly in the early days of the PlayStation.

Game Over

Retro platformers represent more than just a collection of games; they’re a window into the history of gaming, showcasing the creativity and innovation that defined the early days of the medium. These titles laid the groundwork for the platformers we know and love today, and their influence can still be seen in modern games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to revisit the classics or a newcomer curious about the roots of the genre, these retro platformers are essential plays that continue to capture the imagination of players around the world.