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The Guide to 360/PS3/Wii/DS/PSP Platformers
- Thread starter AniHawk
- Start date
leroy hacker
Member
This game has gotten substantial attention on GAF, but I want to put it in this thread since it's really really good. 2d platformer fans shouldn't miss it.
Eversion
Platform: PC (Download here)
The Official NeoGAF thread
Eversion
Platform: PC (Download here)
The Official NeoGAF thread
leroy hacker
Member
I think hijacking this thread is the best way to spread the word about these games on GAF.upandaway said:
In that spirit, here is Runman presented in the format of this thread:
RunMan: Race Around the World
Platform: PC (Download here)
The Official NeoGAF Thread
leroy hacker
Member
Aether
Platform: Browser (play here) | PC (download here)
Features spherical worlds and grapple-aided platforming. Have you ever wanted to swing through space? My only complaint is that it isn't longer. I look forward to the supposed future Wii version.
Platform: Browser (play here) | PC (download here)
Features spherical worlds and grapple-aided platforming. Have you ever wanted to swing through space? My only complaint is that it isn't longer. I look forward to the supposed future Wii version.
Fuck yeah platformers!
Loving the great stuff on XBLA and WiiWare.
Here's my recent faves:
Braid
Wario Ware Shake Dimension
'Splosion Man
Giana Sisters DS
Lost Winds
Nyxquest
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Love NSMB and NSMBWii is a day one for me. Currently playing Legendary Starfy and am somewhat underwhelmed.
Loving the great stuff on XBLA and WiiWare.
Here's my recent faves:
Braid
Wario Ware Shake Dimension
'Splosion Man
Giana Sisters DS
Lost Winds
Nyxquest
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Love NSMB and NSMBWii is a day one for me. Currently playing Legendary Starfy and am somewhat underwhelmed.
Thunder Monkey
Banned
I get chills seeing the resurgence of this awesome (but at one time overexposed) genre.
I'm kind of shocked at how few good DS platformers there are. I scanned my collection to rebut, but then I was like, "Hm, yeah, I guess that really is all of them."
I don't think some of the Xbox Indie Games mentioned here are quite at a bar that warrants inclusion, but the happy exception is Arkedo's JUMP! Professional level stuff there.
I don't think some of the Xbox Indie Games mentioned here are quite at a bar that warrants inclusion, but the happy exception is Arkedo's JUMP! Professional level stuff there.
I don't disagree, but they have about 1000% more focus on platforming than Ratchet & Clank games, and you included those, so...AniHawk said:
rollingstart
Banned
AniHawk said:
You have Sonic and the Secret Rings and Ratchet games up there. Don't act like there was some standard that had to be met. The Tomb Raider games should be up there too.
pizzapizza64
Member
I haven't heard about that yet. PS3 or PSP?batbeg said:Don't forget about the upcoming LocoRoco Midnight CarnivalComes out in 12 days in the states for $15; not sure about other territories yet
Blackbird|
Banned
Sohter.Nura
Member
abstract alien said:
Mirror's Edge 2D
Im sorry, but this has to go on the list. I mean, its literally better than the actual retail version. It needs to come to all three download services immediately.
Funny, I've played this before. This is what I thought the new 2D Sonic games should be like.
Needs more blast processing.
DarthButcher
Member
Honestly, this is why I love the Wii so much. It's the resurgence of 2D platforming.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
freitax said:
I liked inFamous as well, but it's not even the best platforming in an open world sandbox crime fighting game this generation, let alone best anything ever.
Sohter.Nura
Member
DarthButcher said:
Honestly, this is why I love the Wii so much. It's the resurgence of 2D platforming.
Ya!!
I'm playing this right now! I wish they made a strider game along the lines of oboro muramasa!
DarthButcher
Member
beelzebozo said:oh, hell, does this count?
CAVE STORY
Release Date: 2009
Platform: Wii
choose a different picture if you like, i just picked that because it emphasized the graphical changes (maybe worth noting in here that the graphical and sound updates are OPTIONAL)
No, it doesn't. Because it still isn't out yet. :'(
Segata Sanshiro
Member
I respectfully submit N+ for DS and PSP, as well as the platformers in the Game Center CX games, particularly Super Demon Returns from GC CX2.
A little more discussion on the actual games and a little less bickering over what is or is not a platformer might be nice.
Anyway...
As someone who has never managed to find 3D platformers very fun or compelling (outside of a few isolated exceptions, like Mario Galaxy) but who has always loved 2D platforming, I agree that this has been a pretty nice generation. I had some fun times last gen, but it was mainly concentrated in a very small number of games, specifically: Klonoa 2; the two GBA Klonoas; and Drill Dozer. Now, all of those were excellent, but it wasn't really enough diversity to be really satisfying.
I've been much happier this time around. A lot more games, a lot more variety, a lot more quality, a lot more creativity.
I think the biggest surprise for me, though, has been Canvas Curse. Now, I've never been a fan of Kirby. Never liked the character or the games and so I've been completely avoiding the series for years due to disinterest. I'd seen all the praise of Canvas Curse since it came out, but mostly ignored that, too, since I just don't care about or like Kirby. But a few people said it was the Kirby game for people who don't like Kirby, and so a few months ago at one of Gamestop's Buy 2 Games Get 1 Free sales, I snagged a copy on a whim for want of a third game.
I got around to playing it last monthish, and was amazed. Brilliant game, and honestly one of my favorite 2D platformers of all time. Setting aside the wonderful visuals and how pretty and creatively unique they were, the game's level design and central platforming mechanic were just so, so fun. I kind of doubt they'll ever make a game like this again, which is unfortunate, but I'm just glad they made the first one and glad I finally got around to giving it a try, because I never would've expected a new game to pop up on a list for me that includes stuff like Ristar, Klonoa, and Sonic 2.
Hardly.
Man, I've been so crazily excited over Super Demon Returns ever since I saw the first video of it. I'm annoyed it's never going to be localized, but I'm sure glad my import copy is on its way so I can play it soon.
Anyway...
As someone who has never managed to find 3D platformers very fun or compelling (outside of a few isolated exceptions, like Mario Galaxy) but who has always loved 2D platforming, I agree that this has been a pretty nice generation. I had some fun times last gen, but it was mainly concentrated in a very small number of games, specifically: Klonoa 2; the two GBA Klonoas; and Drill Dozer. Now, all of those were excellent, but it wasn't really enough diversity to be really satisfying.
I've been much happier this time around. A lot more games, a lot more variety, a lot more quality, a lot more creativity.
I think the biggest surprise for me, though, has been Canvas Curse. Now, I've never been a fan of Kirby. Never liked the character or the games and so I've been completely avoiding the series for years due to disinterest. I'd seen all the praise of Canvas Curse since it came out, but mostly ignored that, too, since I just don't care about or like Kirby. But a few people said it was the Kirby game for people who don't like Kirby, and so a few months ago at one of Gamestop's Buy 2 Games Get 1 Free sales, I snagged a copy on a whim for want of a third game.
I got around to playing it last monthish, and was amazed. Brilliant game, and honestly one of my favorite 2D platformers of all time. Setting aside the wonderful visuals and how pretty and creatively unique they were, the game's level design and central platforming mechanic were just so, so fun. I kind of doubt they'll ever make a game like this again, which is unfortunate, but I'm just glad they made the first one and glad I finally got around to giving it a try, because I never would've expected a new game to pop up on a list for me that includes stuff like Ristar, Klonoa, and Sonic 2.
DarthButcher said:Honestly, this is why I love the Wii so much. It's the resurgence of 2D platforming.
Hardly.
Segata Sanshiro said:
Man, I've been so crazily excited over Super Demon Returns ever since I saw the first video of it. I'm annoyed it's never going to be localized, but I'm sure glad my import copy is on its way so I can play it soon.
MAtgS
Member
Missing games that I can think of (quality debatable)
Sonic Rivals
Super Smash Bros. Brawls's Adventure Mode
Recent Spyro games
Recent Crash games
Countless movie license games like Kung Fu Panda & Ice Age.
The Behemoth's Game #3
Crush? (not sure it counts)
Obstacle Course mini-game in Wii Fit Plus
Rayman DS
Death Jr.
Sonic Rivals
Super Smash Bros. Brawls's Adventure Mode
Recent Spyro games
Recent Crash games
Countless movie license games like Kung Fu Panda & Ice Age.
The Behemoth's Game #3
Crush? (not sure it counts)
Obstacle Course mini-game in Wii Fit Plus
Rayman DS
Death Jr.
gregor7777
Banned
Stumpokapow said:
Agreed, I like it, but from my short time with it so far Crackdown pretty much owns it in the platforming category.
reggieandTFE
Member
de Blob is definitely a platformer and also a criminally underrated game. Little Big Planet having that high of a score says a lot about the sheep mentality within the video game review industry.
abstract alien said:
Mirror's Edge 2D
Im sorry, but this has to go on the list. I mean, its literally better than the actual retail version. It needs to come to all three download services immediately.
Fantastic game. I had a lot more fun playing it than the actual game.
Linkzg said:
SATSR and Ratchet are clearly more of a platformer than Crackdown, Simpsons, or the Tomb Raider games, man. I fail to see how they don't meet a platforming standard.
bearcatjosh said:
PSP, downloadable only. Much more of an arcade experience, including leaderboards and a faster style.
beelzebozo
Jealous Bastard
reggieandTFE said:
can't fault other games for failing to live up to CRACKDOWN.
it's like seeing a dude with big muscles and saying, "yeah, but, have you seen hercules?"
cooljeanius
Member
I love platformers! Here are the platformers I have for this gen:
DS:
Super Mario 64 DS
New Super Mario Bros
Wii:
Super Mario Galaxy
de Blob
Adventure mode in Super Smash Bros Brawl
LostWinds
Mac:
And Yet it Moves (demo)
Archibald's Adventures (demo)
Cave Story
SuperTux 0.1.3
SuperTux 0.3.1
Through MacGamesArcade:
And Yet it Moves (demo) (yes, I downloaded 2 different demos)
Braid (demo)
iPod Touch:
Bob's Dream Lite
Star Ride Free
Star Ride Lite
:Shift Lite:
iDroids Mania Lite
Globs Lite
Blade of Betrayal Free
Avoid Hitting Piano
Castle of Magic Free
Brave Dwarves Lite
DizzyBeeFree
Sway Lite
Toy Bot Diaries Free
Gomi Lite
Trace
Rick Rocketson Free (NEW)
Edge by Mobigame Lite
Ignite Lite
Rolando Lite
Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid - Chapter 1
Mr.AahH!! Lite
Archibald's Adventures Lite
Jump on the building
PapiJump
PapiJump Land Lite
HoppleLite
DS:
Super Mario 64 DS
New Super Mario Bros
Wii:
Super Mario Galaxy
de Blob
Adventure mode in Super Smash Bros Brawl
LostWinds
Mac:
And Yet it Moves (demo)
Archibald's Adventures (demo)
Cave Story
SuperTux 0.1.3
SuperTux 0.3.1
Through MacGamesArcade:
And Yet it Moves (demo) (yes, I downloaded 2 different demos)
Braid (demo)
iPod Touch:
Bob's Dream Lite
Star Ride Free
Star Ride Lite
:Shift Lite:
iDroids Mania Lite
Globs Lite
Blade of Betrayal Free
Avoid Hitting Piano
Castle of Magic Free
Brave Dwarves Lite
DizzyBeeFree
Sway Lite
Toy Bot Diaries Free
Gomi Lite
Trace
Rick Rocketson Free (NEW)
Edge by Mobigame Lite
Ignite Lite
Rolando Lite
Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid - Chapter 1
Mr.AahH!! Lite
Archibald's Adventures Lite
Jump on the building
PapiJump
PapiJump Land Lite
HoppleLite
Echoes said:
Yeah, I think it should make the cut. There's more of a focus on the platforming here than the later series.
N+ definitely is going up, and I swear I'll get around to it but I have a magazine to work on soon, so maybe Monday.
Anyway, I've always loved the platformer genre. I was 3 years old when I played my first video game, and it was Super Mario Bros. When my uncle gave me his Atari, Pitfall was one of my favorite games (alongside Adventure and a few others). Although that game is probably only very basically a platformer, like Adventure is only very basically an action-adventure game.
I don't remember the first time I played SMB 3, but I remember it became my favorite game. In fact, it was my favorite game until Ocarina of Time. By the time OoT was released, I had finally had an NES and SMB/SMB3 for a total of 11 months.
I consider the platformer genre to be the sort of embodiment of gaming. I'm not sure how to articulate it, but it's something about solving lots of problems in a row, whether it be defeating enemies, solving a small puzzle, or making an impossible jump that feels so rewarding.
And now it's time for an unnecessary list:
Favorite platformers this gen:
1. Mirror's Edge
2. Super Mario Galaxy
3. Braid
4. Portal
5. NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits
6. Kirby Canvas Curse
7. Klonoa
8. Yoshi's Island DS
9. Sonic Rush
10. Yoshi Touch & Go
Thunder Monkey
Banned
That was beautiful in a completely platonic and wholly geeky way.ethelred said:
You better watch out. Your diamond skin seems to be cracking.
MAtgS said:
Lots of those games don't make the grade. I started to list the DS Wario game, the other Sonic games, and thought that it was kinda diluting the basic idea behind the thread, that we're seeing a resurgence in good, great, and excellent games in the genre when it had been dormant for the better half of this decade.
But this thread is a discussion for those games if you couldn't discuss them anywhere else. I'll lok into Sonic Rivals and Crush, because I simply forgot about them. I looked up Rayman Raving Rabbids DS, which was actually the last 2D Rayman platformer, but it had pretty poor reviews.
Other stuff like the obstacle course in Wii Fit Plus and the adventure mode in SSBB (which I don't consider to be a platformer, really more of a brawler) aren't full games, so they don't make the list either. Although again, you're free to talk about them (the obstacle course was the only reason I went for Wii Fit Plus although the price tag was a big deciding factor too. I want a full WiiWare game like that).
Awesome thread, I was wondering what great platformers I've missed out on.
Wii is really going strong with classic 2D platforming and great art (Wario, Blob, Muramasa).
Don't the castlevania games on DS/PSP also count as "platformers"?
I wouldn't call Mirror's Edge platforming so...
Wii is really going strong with classic 2D platforming and great art (Wario, Blob, Muramasa).
Don't the castlevania games on DS/PSP also count as "platformers"?
I wouldn't call Mirror's Edge platforming so...
cornontheCoD
Neo Member
Braid is great, but why does everyone consider it a platformer? It is all about the puzzles, and you can't even die, platforming-wise
Awesome thread is awesome. Platformers are still my most loved genre, and has always been since I started gaming nearly 30 years ago now.
I hate to be that guy who says 'needs more', but this thread needs more Ultimate Ghosts 'n' Goblins:
It is the best platformer of this generation. Yes Anihawk, better than Mirror's Edge. And you know how much I love that game.
Another one I'd have to add is Bubble Bobble Neo on XBLA. Now, hear me out on this one. I've been a massive fan of Bubble Bobble since the very first arcade release. I have played pretty much every version of the game ever made and all their ports to various platforms. And you know what? Neo could be the best version... The graphics are redone and while they look horrible in screenshots, they look incredible in motion. The gameplay has also been ever so slightly tweaked and somehow they've made the classic even better. It's faster, it's harder to link bubbles and make ladders and all of that. But it's just so damn awesome. Combine that with the achievements that make you seek out every damn item in the game, and it's just a Bubble Bobble dream. A platform genre fan's dream. Bubble Bobble as most people know is one of the greatest in the genre.
I'm not sure this thread will actually work though Anihawk. There are a billion and one platform games even in this generation. You'll be taking recommendations from people and linking games for days on end.
I hate to be that guy who says 'needs more', but this thread needs more Ultimate Ghosts 'n' Goblins:
It is the best platformer of this generation. Yes Anihawk, better than Mirror's Edge. And you know how much I love that game.
Another one I'd have to add is Bubble Bobble Neo on XBLA. Now, hear me out on this one. I've been a massive fan of Bubble Bobble since the very first arcade release. I have played pretty much every version of the game ever made and all their ports to various platforms. And you know what? Neo could be the best version... The graphics are redone and while they look horrible in screenshots, they look incredible in motion. The gameplay has also been ever so slightly tweaked and somehow they've made the classic even better. It's faster, it's harder to link bubbles and make ladders and all of that. But it's just so damn awesome. Combine that with the achievements that make you seek out every damn item in the game, and it's just a Bubble Bobble dream. A platform genre fan's dream. Bubble Bobble as most people know is one of the greatest in the genre.
I'm not sure this thread will actually work though Anihawk. There are a billion and one platform games even in this generation. You'll be taking recommendations from people and linking games for days on end.
Jefklak said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo2NAQ7-DFc
Of course it is.
The setting for the main game just happens to be in a realistic environment. That's part of what makes it so unique.
Mar_ said:
This isn't as work-intensive as some of the other threads I've done in the last year or so. I'm not going to link every single game recommended.
Prinny and UGNG will be added though. I've played enough of Prinny in particular to know it can be a pretty fucking difficult platformer, especially its DLC.
beelzebozo
Jealous Bastard
been playing HENRY HATSWORTH.
i think expectations will be a big factor going into this for you. if you expect a platformer first and a puzzle game second, then i have to think you'll be somewhat disappointed, as to me at least the platforming seems supplementary to the puzzle-solving and not the other way around. they did a great job of tying together the two portions of the game--whacking dudes with your sword or shooting them with your gun, then eliminating them on the puzzle screen--but by its nature the puzzle portion needs less work to feel "fleshed out." making a platformer that feels refined and special is a different task altogether. the game does have tons of style, though, and if you go in with the attitude that the platforming is a unique way to approach the artifice of playing a puzzle game, i think you'll love it. i definitely do.
also, A BOY AND HIS BLOB.
i often say that i lament the ultimate fate of the RYGAR series, which had such a strong entry on nes and languished for so long before returning on ps2. i contend that typically for those old nes games to grow strong and maintain their identity through the 3d transition, the 16-bit entry is vital toward building on the core concepts of the more raw nes game and establishing what exactly defines the series. look at something like that METROID: nes game was, as noted, raw and unforgiving, but had wonderful ideas; snes game refined and considered one of the best games of all time; thus, when it came time to transition to 3d, it was clear what METROID meant, and PRIME came out great. RYGAR didn't have that luxury.
that's just a long way to come to the point that BOY AND HIS BLOB wii seems like the 16-bit follow-up to the nes game that it never got. it's not exponentially more complex than the original, but it takes that wonderful core idea of having a little blob buddy who is cute, friendly, and most importantly with any friend, useful (i kid), and made it simultaneously more accessible, more complex, and--again, most importantly--more enjoyable.
this all leads me to conclude in the spirit of this thread that we're in a wonderful place as far as the game development climate that a game like BOY AND HIS BLOB wii is made, and can take that step for a series and be absolutely wonderful at the same time, and not have to churn out some awful 3d entry that lets you shoot jellybeans from a jellybean gun and the blob turns into a hammer you can beat people with and wtf at the camera?!
ten years ago, BOY AND HIS BLOB wii would not have been made. look at what happened to the TOE JAM & EARL series. if that xbox game had been held until the 360, and was in fact a highly visually stylized 2d isometric game in the spirit of the first, it would be hailed as a new classic.
it's heartbreaking if you think too much about it, really.
i think expectations will be a big factor going into this for you. if you expect a platformer first and a puzzle game second, then i have to think you'll be somewhat disappointed, as to me at least the platforming seems supplementary to the puzzle-solving and not the other way around. they did a great job of tying together the two portions of the game--whacking dudes with your sword or shooting them with your gun, then eliminating them on the puzzle screen--but by its nature the puzzle portion needs less work to feel "fleshed out." making a platformer that feels refined and special is a different task altogether. the game does have tons of style, though, and if you go in with the attitude that the platforming is a unique way to approach the artifice of playing a puzzle game, i think you'll love it. i definitely do.
also, A BOY AND HIS BLOB.
i often say that i lament the ultimate fate of the RYGAR series, which had such a strong entry on nes and languished for so long before returning on ps2. i contend that typically for those old nes games to grow strong and maintain their identity through the 3d transition, the 16-bit entry is vital toward building on the core concepts of the more raw nes game and establishing what exactly defines the series. look at something like that METROID: nes game was, as noted, raw and unforgiving, but had wonderful ideas; snes game refined and considered one of the best games of all time; thus, when it came time to transition to 3d, it was clear what METROID meant, and PRIME came out great. RYGAR didn't have that luxury.
that's just a long way to come to the point that BOY AND HIS BLOB wii seems like the 16-bit follow-up to the nes game that it never got. it's not exponentially more complex than the original, but it takes that wonderful core idea of having a little blob buddy who is cute, friendly, and most importantly with any friend, useful (i kid), and made it simultaneously more accessible, more complex, and--again, most importantly--more enjoyable.
this all leads me to conclude in the spirit of this thread that we're in a wonderful place as far as the game development climate that a game like BOY AND HIS BLOB wii is made, and can take that step for a series and be absolutely wonderful at the same time, and not have to churn out some awful 3d entry that lets you shoot jellybeans from a jellybean gun and the blob turns into a hammer you can beat people with and wtf at the camera?!
ten years ago, BOY AND HIS BLOB wii would not have been made. look at what happened to the TOE JAM & EARL series. if that xbox game had been held until the 360, and was in fact a highly visually stylized 2d isometric game in the spirit of the first, it would be hailed as a new classic.
it's heartbreaking if you think too much about it, really.
so many amazing platformers this gen
avoid loco roco 1 though, it's proper shit. so is new super mario ds except for the 2 player mode which is class
im most looking forward to the new 4 player mario on wii and little big planet on psp as i never played it when i had my PS3. it looks fantastic
avoid loco roco 1 though, it's proper shit. so is new super mario ds except for the 2 player mode which is class
im most looking forward to the new 4 player mario on wii and little big planet on psp as i never played it when i had my PS3. it looks fantastic
SecretBonusPoint
Banned
Infernal Monkey said:
Glad to see this get mentioned! It deserves a shitload more attention which it won't get due to people having to import it from Germany or Australia :lol Best platformer on DS in my opinion.
beelzebozo
Jealous Bastard
i still think CAVE STORY needs to be added to the yet-released list, unless we want to consider it something besides a platformer, or exclude it because you can get it for free on p.c.