The best 2D-3D platformers in 2026 (Part 2)

For several decades, platform games have played a central role in the history of video games. Whether in 2D or 3D, this genre relies on precise movements, a sense of rhythm, and creative level design. From poetic adventures to the most demanding technical challenges, platform games have evolved while retaining their essence: the pleasure of jumping, exploring, and progressing. Following our first article on the subject, we now present our second selection of the best platform games, illustrating the richness and diversity of this essential genre.

Let’s start our list with 2D games, such as Celeste, a challenging pixel-style platform game in which you help Madeline climb a mountain symbolizing her fears and doubts. It offers extremely precise controls, intelligent level design, and progressive difficulty that rewards perseverance and learning. Ori and the Blind Forest is a poetic adventure in a fairy-tale world threatened by corruption. It combines fluid platforming, dynamic movement, rewarding exploration, and a strong emotional dimension thanks to its storytelling and music.

In a completely different universe, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown revisits the series in a fast-paced and dynamic Metroidvania style. It offers fluid movement, fast-paced combat, excellent level design, and time powers that enrich the platforming. Unravel tells the touching story of Yarny, a small character made of yarn. It combines platforming and physics-based puzzles with calm, thoughtful progression, supported by a strong emotional atmosphere.

Now let’s move on to 3D platformers such as Rayman Legends, a dynamic and colorful game that stands out for its variety of levels, fast pace, and original musical sequences that renew the gameplay. Spyro, from the Reignited Trilogy, offers well-designed open levels, enjoyable exploration, and simple but effective mechanics, ideal for all audiences.

Let’s continue with other mascots who also have their own platform games, such as Mario, who finds himself in space in Super Mario Galaxy 2, a game that shines with its creativity, innovative gravity mechanics, and exceptional level design. The famous blue hedgehog Sonic is featured in Sonic X Shadow Generations, which offers a unique sense of speed, spectacular courses, and highly dynamic hybrid 2D/3D gameplay that emphasizes reflexes and fluidity.

There are other options for those who prefer more cooperative or even multiplayer experiences. Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is a cooperative platformer and puzzle game featuring three heroes with different powers and creative puzzles. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout modernizes the genre by adding competition and chaos, while remaining accessible to the general public. Finally, SpeedRunners is a competitive multiplayer platform game focused on racing. It emphasizes precision, speed, and mastery of mechanics, with fast-paced, intense, and highly technical gameplay.

Ultimately, whether they are 2D or 3D, platform games continue to appeal to more and more generations of players thanks to their accessibility, inventiveness, and ability to reinvent themselves. Each title in this selection brings its own vision to the genre, whether through its universe, gameplay mechanics, or artistic approach. Together, they show that platform games remain a pillar of video gaming, capable of offering both fun and lighthearted experiences as well as deep and memorable adventures.