Platforming Perfection: The Best Jumping Adventures Out Now

4 June 2025

Alright, gamers, let’s face it—there’s something undeniably magical about platforming games. They’re like the comfort food of gaming, serving up just the right mix of challenge, fun, and nostalgia. Whether you’re leaping through 8-bit pixel worlds or bounding across sprawling 3D landscapes, platformers have a special place in all our hearts.

So, grab your favorite snack (and maybe some band-aids for your thumbs), because we’re diving into the vibrant world of platformers. I’m about to share some of the best jumping adventures you can play right now. Trust me, these games bring the wow factor, whether you're a veteran gamer or just dipping your toes into the genre.

Why Platformers Are Timeless

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s pause and ask: why do we love platformers so much?

Well, they’re kind of like puzzles...but with extra bounce. You’ve got to time your jumps perfectly, outsmart traps, and sometimes even defy the laws of physics. And don’t get me started on the adrenaline rush of nailing that near-impossible jump after your hundredth try—it’s pure gaming euphoria.

Platformers tap into something primal: the joy of movement. Who wouldn’t want to feel like a gravity-defying acrobat instead of a regular human stuck in traffic?

A Modern Revival of Platforming Greatness

Platformers have been around forever (shoutout to the OG Super Mario Bros.), but boy, are they thriving in today’s gaming landscape. Developers are taking old-school mechanics and injecting them with modern twists: better graphics, innovative gameplay, and stories that actually make you care.

From indie gems to blockbuster hits, 2023 is shaping up to be a golden era for platformer fans. So, without further ado, let’s jump (pun 100% intended) into the best jumping adventures you can play right now.

1. Celeste – A Heartfelt Mountain Climb

If you haven’t played Celeste yet, what are you even doing with your gaming life? This indie masterpiece shines in every way possible. You play as Madeline, a spunky character climbing a massive, treacherous mountain. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Wrong. This game is as much about mental health and inner demons as it is about precision-platforming.

The controls? Chef’s kiss. Tight, responsive, and satisfying. Every level feels like a puzzle, and every death (you’ll rack up hundreds, trust me) teaches you something new. Oh, and the soundtrack? Absolute banger.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like yoga for your thumbs and therapy for your soul.

2. Hollow Knight – Into the Void

Where do I even start with Hollow Knight? It’s part platformer, part action-adventure, and 100% gorgeous. Imagine a game that feels like a mix of Dark Souls and Super Metroid, wrapped in stunning hand-drawn art.

You’ll explore the sprawling, interconnected world of Hallownest, uncovering secrets, battling creepy-cool enemies, and upgrading your knight’s abilities. Oh, and jumping? Let’s just say you’ll master everything from double-jumps to wall-climbing as you navigate its maze-like caverns.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like a gothic fairy tale come to life, but with extra wall-jumping.

3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps – A Visual Symphony

Have you ever wanted to play a game that feels like a living, breathing painting? That’s exactly what you get with Ori and the Will of the Wisps. This sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest is an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in some of the smoothest platforming you’ll find.

The jumps and dashes feel so fluid, it’s almost hypnotic. Every leap feels earned, every glide feels magical, and every level is a feast for the eyes. Be warned, though: this game doesn’t pull punches. You’ll need quick reflexes and sharp puzzle skills to survive.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like running through a dream, but with more lasers and heartstrings getting tugged.

4. Cuphead – A Retro Challenge

Here’s a hot take: Cuphead might be one of the hardest games you’ll ever play, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. This game’s 1930s cartoon aesthetic is so on point, you’ll half-expect Mickey Mouse to show up and start throwing punches.

But don’t let the cutesy visuals fool you. The bosses are brutal, the platforming is no joke, and the timing required? Let’s just say it’ll test your patience and your sanity. Still, there’s something addictive about the challenge. Every time you die (and you will die, a lot), you’ll immediately hit retry for “just one more go.”

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like an art exhibit and a boot camp rolled into one.

5. It Takes Two – Co-op Chaos

Platformers are often solo experiences, but It Takes Two flips the script. This co-op adventure is perfect for playing with your favorite person (or someone you want to drag into the world of gaming).

You and your partner control a quirky duo navigating imaginative, ever-changing levels. One moment, you’re shrinking down to explore a toolbox; the next, you’re bouncing on mushrooms. The creativity on display is off the charts, and the platforming mechanics are spot-on.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like couples therapy, but with fewer tears and more jumping.

6. Super Mario Odyssey – The King Reigns Supreme

What kind of platformer list would this be if Mario didn’t make the cut? Super Mario Odyssey is peak Mario, offering a mix of nostalgia and innovation. This time around, Mario’s got a magical hat (named Cappy) that lets him possess enemies and objects. Yep, you heard that right. Possess.

The level design is masterful, the controls are buttery smooth, and the game oozes charm from every pixel. Whether you’re running across the sands of the Sand Kingdom or jumping through the streets of New Donk City, it’s impossible not to smile.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet of platforming goodness.

7. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time – Nostalgia Meets Modernity

If you grew up spinning crates as Crash Bandicoot, this one’s for you. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time takes everything we loved about the original games and cranks it up to eleven.

The platforming is as tight as ever, but now you’ve got new mechanics, stunning visuals, and more ridiculous outfits. (Seriously, you can make Crash look like a total goofball, and I’m here for it.) The game is tough but fair, giving you that old-school thrill of “just one more try.”

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like putting on your favorite pair of jeans, but they somehow got cooler.

8. A Hat in Time – Whimsical and Wacky

Let’s wrap up with a burst of pure joy. A Hat in Time is a love letter to classic 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie. You play as a small girl with a big hat, exploring colorful worlds and solving quirky challenges.

This game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of the charm. Levels are packed with creativity, humor, and just enough difficulty to keep things interesting. Oh, and the hats? They’re not just for looks. Each one gives you unique abilities to help you on your quest.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s like a Saturday morning cartoon...but you’re in it.

Final Thoughts

Platformers aren’t just about jumping—they’re about freedom, creativity, and a healthy dose of trial-and-error. Each game on this list offers something special, whether it’s nail-biting difficulty, heartwarming stories, or jaw-dropping visuals.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your console, grab your controller, and start hopping into these incredible jumping adventures. Just remember to stretch those thumbs—they’re in for a workout.