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.
"A masterclass in mandatory co-op: every chapter reinvents its two-player mechanics and overflows with ideas rarely reused. The writing is uneven, but the design inventiveness and shared joy are simply irresistible."
"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."
"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."
"A Ubisoft 3D platforming adventure that hits the mark from start to finish. The Dream Forest brims with varied, inventive levels, Rayman's animation is delicious and the writing radiates poetry. A game-design demonstration that pairs accessibility and depth. One of the N64's great platformers."
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"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."
"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."
"Crash Bandicoot Warped, the third Naughty Dog trilogy entry, is often considered the finest. Exceptional level variety with motorcycles, planes and submarines, refined gameplay and memorable bosses. A 3D platformer masterpiece and PS1 pinnacle."
"The perfection of arcade co-op on NES. Bub and Bob blow bubbles, trap enemies, collect bonuses. Inexhaustible, charming, perfect for two. A monument."
"A darker and far more ambitious follow-up to Banjo-Kazooie. The ten interconnected worlds, the split abilities and the depth of its puzzles place it among the N64's true high points. Denser and at times labyrinthine, but generous and intelligent in ways the platform rarely matched."
