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5 best underrated platformer games
From the iconic Mario franchise to the Game of the Year platformers such as It Takes Two, the platformer genre has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. But beneath the surface of these well-known titles lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
This article features 5 best underrated platformer games that often go unnoticed by the masses. These games offer unique mechanics, captivating level design and a world ready to challenge player’s jumping, sprinting and grappling skills.
Note: The list is subjective and reflects writer’s opinion.
What are some underrated platerformers?
1) Celeste
Celeste is a beautiful pixel style 2D platformer that offers an interesting story about overcoming personal struggles. While the controls are simple, the level design is both creative and challenging that is capable of pushing players to their limits. For those who dare, the game offers a hidden B-side mode to add an extra layer of difficulty.
Beyond the engaging and fast paced gameplay, Celeste shines with its narrative. Players follow Madeline, a woman struggling with anxiety and depression, as she climbs the Celeste Mountain. The story is told in a hopeful yet realistic manner and resonates deeply, making Celeste a rewarding experience not just for platformer enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking a story about overcoming challenges of life.
Originally released in 2018, Celeste is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Playstation 4.
2) Super Meat Boy
Originally released in 2010, Super Meat Boy is a challenging 2D platformer. Players take control of Meat Boy whose goal is to rescue his love interest, Bandage Girl from the hands of the Dr. Fetus.
Controls are simple yet responsive, the game offers just a sprint and jump button. However, simplicity does not mean easy. Super Meat Boy is notorious for its punishing difficulty, demanding precision and perseverance from players.
Levels offer creative boss battles at the end, and there is a hidden dark world counterpart to each level to offer an even steeper challenge. New playable characters can be unlocked by collecting bandages scattered throughout the game.
Super Meat Boy is available on Xbox 360, Steam, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U and Nintendo Switch.
3) A Hat In Time
A Hat in Time is a 3D platformer game that resembles the style of Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64. The story revolves around a little girl who is trying to collect magical hourglasses that power her spaceship. However, the story is not the main focus of the game. The game offers strong platforming sections with imaginative level design, offbeat humor, and fun unlockable abilities.
Players can collect hats to receive new abilities, such as increased speed or the ability to throw bombs. Players can also use the yarn they collect to purchase badges that unlock special abilities.
Overall, A Hat in Time is a fun and enjoyable 3D platformer with a lot to offer.
The game is avilable on macOS, Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
4) Will You Snail?
Will You Snail offers a refreshing and unique experience in the 2D platformer genre. The game features responsive controls, diverse levels, and AI twist to the core platforming.
The game’s unique mechanic lies in its AI companion, Squid. His hilarious commentary and insults add a layer of humour. Squid also adjusts the level to the player’s every move, adjusting difficulty and spawning obstacles based on the player’s location and performance. This personalized and procedurally generative approach creates an engaging experience that challenges the players to think and adjust themselves on the fly.
Will You Snail? is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam and Xbox One.
5) Velocity Noodle
Velocity Noodle is a fast-paced 2D platformer game about a noodle delivery woman. The main focus of the game is on its gameplay rather than storytelling.
The players must navigate through obstacle courses using dashes, jumps, slides, and sword throws. The difficulty increases as players progress, and the game requires precision and planning to succeed. The precision and planning is complimented by the game’s smooth controls.
There is a hard mode to challenge seasoned players. The level design and music is great and pixel style compliments the fast paced nature of the game.
Velocity Noodle is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One.
The platforming genre continues to evolve as more new games are released. The platformers mentioned in this article, provide unique mechanics, great narratives, and a world of charm and challenge. These games offer a diverse playground for players of all skill levels.
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