Best Of
10 Best Platformers on Xbox Series X|S (2024)
Platformers date way back to the days of arcades. These were mostly single-screen and 2D side-scrolling games. They've since evolved to 3D and include versatile traversal mechanics like climbing, sliding, grappling, and navigating hostile paths. Furthermore, they cover nearly every genre, from action-adventures to Metroidvanias, so there's something for everyone’s taste. Contrary to popular belief, the Xbox Series X|S has an endless sea of platformers. These pack a heavy potential for a good time solo or with friends.
Before diving into this list, if you're interested in what makes a great platformer, be sure to check out this guide on platforming games to learn more about the core mechanics of the genre and what sets these titles apart. Alright, let's dive in for our ten best platformers for Xbox Series X|S!
10. Sonic Frontiers
First up, Sonic Frontiers is a whole new take on the traditional Sonic game, opening it up into this kind of open world for exploration. You play as Sonic to race through quite a bit of space, and there are all these puzzles and challenges that go along with it. And then there's this new combat system where Sonic can do all these combos to fight the enemies. There's also this Cyloop ability wherein you draw light trails, which you can use in interacting with objects and foes. So, players may choose how to approach these challenges, and that makes the gameplay more flexible and fun.
9. Another Crab's Treasure
In Another Crab's Treasure, you play the role of Kril, who is a hermit crab whose shell has been stolen and then tries to take it back in an underwater world. Kril uses trash for his protection to survive against bigger enemies. The combat is pretty difficult in the game because Kril fights while discovering his ocean environment. Kril travels through many places, and learns powerful moves along the way.
8. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
To all SpongeBob fans, this game means a happy return of the golden classic game improved by new features. The control is played by SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy, each of them possessing cool ability that will save Bikini Bottom from Plankton's army of robots. There's also an all-new multiplayer mode that allows two players to defeat waves of enemies together. Along the way, it's familiar faces from the show and new challenges, among which is the restored boss, Robo Squidward, that doesn't appear in the original game.
7. Little Nightmares II
For anyone who is looking for a frightening and action-packed platformer, Little Nightmares II combines puzzles, stealth, and exploration seamlessly. The child you play, Mono, is followed by Six from the first game: as they move through a nasty, danger-ridden world, they are working together to solve puzzles and avoid various enemies hiding in the depths of it. But this time, instead of attacking them and fighting his way out, you sneak past the dangers; it creates an extremely tense atmosphere. Otherwise, teamwork between Mono and Six proves a critical element when there are lots of obstacles to overcome, coupled with multiple puzzles to solve. All these elements make Little Nightmares II an engaging and entertaining game.
6. Contra Run & Gun Bundle
The Contra Run & Gun Bundle is a great classic action game for you if you're indeed a fan of it. And so the two main titles include it. There's Contra: Operation Galuga, a modern version of the original Contra with new levels, enemies, and four-player co-op mode. Fast-paced gameplay kind of keeps it true to the run-and-gun style but adds some new twists to keep things fun. In fact, the bundle also included Contra Anniversary Collection. It just reminds you of those good old Contra games where you grab power-ups and fight through waves of enemies and big bosses.
5. Blasphemous 2
If you enjoyed the narrative of the original Blasphemous, the sequel has difficult combat and deep exploration with some newness. The Penitent One is back to confront a world that is extremely threatening with deadly traps, monstrous enemies, and massive bosses. You will require new knowledge on weapons as well as fighting movements to battle your way through waves of warped foes alongside the stronger creatures. Of course the world is open, so you can explore any of the areas in whatever order you prefer.
4. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a high-energy, fast-paced action platformer in which you play a graffiti artist with a cyberhead battling to gain control over the streets of New Amsterdam. As Red, you're trying to find answers to your past. Riding with the crew known as Bomb Rush, you take charge of taking over this city by tagging graffiti spots and earn REP. You can skate, inline skate, or ride BMX while pulling off tricks to extend combos and move quickly around the city. The more REP you get, the more you can challenge rival crews. However, the cops'll be on your tail if you tag too much, so you have to be fast on your feet.
3. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an action platformer set in a world inspired by Persian mythology. The gameplay revolves around a warrior who has powers in time which allow him to solve puzzles, explore dangerous places, and fight enemies. Combat is really interesting, with lots of combos for slaying time-corrupted monsters and mythological creatures. Platform challenges require timed movements, such as jumping, dashing, and wall-running. Here, you will have to solve puzzles and complete quests in order to learn more about this mysterious world.
2. Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition is a cozy management game where you play as Stella, a Spiritfarer who helps spirits move on to the afterlife. You sail across magical seas, gathering resources and upgrading your boat. Along the way, you care for spirits on your boat by doing tasks like farming, fishing, cooking, and crafting. The game lets you form strong friendships with these spirits before eventually saying goodbye. That said, you can also play in co-op mode, with a second player controlling Stella’s cat, Daffodil.
1. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed allows you to join Mickey Mouse on an adventure through Wasteland, a world of forgotten Disney characters. Mickey is wielding a magical brush with two powers: paint to repair things and thinner to erase them. Everything you do with the brush changes both the look of the world and how Mickey's story plays out. This game subjects players to famous Disney characters, such as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and jump through platforming levels. Mickey also has new moves like dashing and sprinting, which keep the gameplay exciting.