With technological advancements allowing ground-breaking graphics and gameplay mechanics in video games, 2D platformers have almost become an afterthought for many.

However, some modern games offer a true homage to the 2D platformer category, sometimes adding their own spin and polish to make it more enjoyable for a new audience.

Let's check which new-age 2D platformers have taken users' fancy.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (2024)

Ubisoft took the long-running Prince of Persia franchise in a very different direction with this side-scrolling adventure. Fast movement, tight sword combat, and the ability to save screenshots for puzzle locations gave The Lost Crown its own identity within the series.

Nine Sols (2024)

Nine Sols blends Asian mythology with futuristic sci-fi themes as Yi sets out to defeat the rulers known as the Nine Sols. The game places a heavy focus on timing during combat, while its hand-drawn art style gives it a distinct look.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)

This installment reinvented the platformer playstyle by introducing Wonder Seeds and Wonder Flowers. These mechanics added a level of unpredictability and weirdness to the Super Mario universe, making this game a modern-day classic.

Hollow Knight (2017)

The benchmark for modern-day platformers, Hollow Knight involves a silent warrior traversing the ruins of Hallownest. The game's intricate combat and lore add more depth to the entire experience.

The scale of the entire plot and the ambience of your surroundings as you go through different areas in Hallownest is a delectable sight.

The 2025 release, Hollow Knight: Silksong, takes the difficulty up a notch, which takes away from the entire experience and makes it more gameplay-focused.

Celeste (2018)

If any game can compete with Hollow Knight in terms of engaging users while also offering a true platforming experience, it's the critically acclaimed Celeste.

Players become the protagonist Madeline, who will have to overcome personal challenges through some incredibly tough and precise gameplay.

A good nod to Freud about how your thoughts manifest and shape your reality.

Neva (2024)

While Neva might be a puzzle-platformer, the storyline follows Alba, a young woman, and her wolf companion's journey through the four seasons across a world decaying because of the darkness that is slowly consuming it.

Neva is a visual treat, and the engaging storyline is a must-try for platformer enthusiasts.

Animal Well (2024)

Another puzzle-platformer that involves a vast world and its exploration, Animal Well's mystifying atmosphere and challenging puzzles make the game an interesting playthrough.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (2025)

The legendary Sega franchise returned with this 2025 action-platformer. Like the title, protagonist Joe Musashi is out for vengeance against the ENE Corporation.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance focuses heavily on fast combat and classic side-scrolling action, featuring traditional Eastern weapons and fighting style.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025)

One of the few hack-and-slash platformers on this list, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound takes clear inspiration from the old NES Ninja Gaiden titles while making them feel smoother and more replayable for modern players.

Quite like The Messenger, Ragebound offers a more direct revival of the classics and is a better treat for action purists.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (2014)

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a compilation of five games from the Shovel Knight collection and brings back the 8-bit classic in its full glory.

The checkpoint system and the multiplayer battle system are modernized, adding a bit more complex feel to this 8-bit series.

Rayman Legends (2013)

Perhaps the only platformer on this list that enhances your experience when played locally between friends or multiple people.

Driven by musical elements, the hand-drawn art and the synchronization of in-game action sequences with the soundtrack's beats are a rare phenomenon in the platforming world.

Sonic Mania (2017)

Developed by a group of people who are genuine fans of the Sonic franchise, Sonic Mania is a throwback to the 2D Sonic era games, featuring classic Sonic gameplay with new levels and remastered zones that are a bit more polished.

Dead Cells (2018)

You are a blob-like creature who must collect cells by eliminating enemies as you look to escape a diseased island. Dead Cells, like all modern-day action-platformers, features high-octane combat while having some elements of survival in its gameplay.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014)

Any Donkey Kong game with David Wise's music is an enjoyable journey. But Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a momentum-heavy platformer featuring a wide array of playable Donkey Kong characters. A must-try for Donkey Kong series lovers.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)

Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on almost everything from the first game, especially its visuals and soundtrack, with Gareth Coker once again handling the music.

Movement and combat feel far more refined this time around, while the "shard" system gives players more options when choosing abilities.

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Written by

Abhisek Bajaj

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav