A platform game (often simplified as platformer and sometimes called a jump 'n' run game) is a sub-genre of action video games in which the core objective is to move the player character between points in an environment.
It used to be one of the most popular genres back in the day, with most games being only 2D. In the modern era it is not as popular but still loved by a lot of players around the world. In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 5 best platformer games to play on PC in 2022.
1. It takes Two
It's been a long time since I've played a game like It Takes Two. Very few games are able to truly understand the meaning of a cooperative experience. A lot of games tout "co-op" as a major feature of the game, but it never expands past the fact that you can play the game with your friends. Games like It Takes Two and Portal 2 aren't like that. This game is not functional without a friend and it takes full advantage of that fact. I highly recommend picking this game up, especially since your friend can hitch a ride with you for free with the Friend's Pass or Steam Remote Play.
Gameplay has always been the biggest selling point of any video game and It Takes Two does not disappoint. It's a cooperative puzzle platformer at its core, but don't let that brief description fool you. It Takes Two is constantly throwing gameplay elements from every possible genre to keep things fresh for the whole experience. One moment you're playing a third-person shooter with an extremely deadly combo attack and the next moment you're playing a top-down RPG with magic spells. Every chapter of the game gives you a new toy to play with and each mechanic is flushed out to its fullest potential.
2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps hit a home run and is a more than worthy sequel to the already fantastic Ori and the Blind Forest. This sublime experience combines the best of storytelling with delightful action-platforming to create my favorite gaming experience ever.
As you progress and obtain more abilities (even more than the first game), Ori gradually becomes more monkey-like in their movements, opening up the world for more exploration. The whole map essentially becomes a delightful playground with hidden nuggets/collectibles in every nook and cranny. Thanks to the responsive controls, the different mechanics can easily be combined with one another to result in fast, agile, and fluid movement - which happens to be the perfect accompaniment for the exciting escape sequences and the thrilling boss fights.
The incredible writing and direction, supported by the beautiful art and the divine OST make the whole experience feel like a fairytale brought to life. I wouldn’t dare to deprive you from such a wonderful story by spoiling it here, so do yourself a favor and get the game. I will openly admit that I cried like a baby multiple times.
3. Cuphead
Been playing platformers since Apogee era games in the early 90's and have to say that this is among one of my favorite games out of the entire genre. Cuphead isn't just a masterpiece in terms of its artistic, audio and visual work, the games design and gameplay shine just as much as those do.
The games art style is a tribute to 1930's cartoons and the gameplay mechanics are a mish-mash of 90's shoot-em-up side scrollers such as Contra, Metal Slug and Gunstar Heros (more so the latter) and though there are a few 'Run and Gun' levels which involve platforming, collecting coins, shooting/avoiding enemies until you reach the end of the level, the games main focus is on boss fights, each being very unique from the last.
The game itself is not easy either although I wouldn't say it's as hard as a lot of people make it out to be, it is very forgiving seeing as you're able to retry bosses/levels at your own leisure rather than getting slapped with a game over screen after your continues are depleted. The fights are completely fair too, although punishing should you lose concentration and mistime a dodge or not memorize the way certain attacks work and repeat the same mistakes over and over again until even the announcer begins to sound bored of announcing the start of battles.
4. Hollow Knight
It is the ultimate Metroidvania with a rich setting, extremely satisfying combat, responsive controls, and last but not least, a unique world to explore that feels like a real adventure.
The fantastic bug world of Hollow Knight grips you right away. You arrive at the fabled kingdom of Hallownest in its decline, without any memory of who you are or where you are heading; an empty vessel. At first, you have no clue of your purpose; there is no map in your inventory – you have to acquire it later. You proceed blindly into an unknown and strangely hostile environment because you feel some weird connection to this place. Something is not right; you see it clearly with your black holes of eyes, and you try to solve the mystery. With each step you take, with each new character you interact with, the beautiful story slowly unfolds before your voiceless hero. You don’t speak at all; the only thing you possess to cast your will is your sharp needle and fossilized bug shells called Geo that serve as a local currency.
The combat is tight, diverse, and highly customizable with different spells and charms. Do you remember those classic games where you have to play with a slow, clumsy character that is efficient only when your timing is precise to the automation? Forget them! Hollow Knight gives you the pleasure of fighting how you want and how you enjoy. Of course, you still have to time your movements right, but it all comes with more versatility and a lot more satisfaction. It is so addicting that even fighting mobs in the same zones, again and again, is not a chore.
5. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a 2D sidescrolling action platformer. And it's a good one at that.
It draws heavy inspiration from titles such as the Dark Souls series or BloodBorne, and during your gameplay you'll notice mechanics such as the Estus flask, the Bloodborne combat heals, or a roll with invincibility frames shaping up combat.
The controls feel good and are fully rebindable, attacks are satisfying to land and the enemies have tells that stand out enough that taking damage doesn't feel cheap. There's a lot of platforming involved, and the map is full of secrets and loot. The jumping and climbing around itself feel generous, less challenging than it seems to be at first glance, as in you will make jumps you think you wouldn't be able to.
>>>Read more: Top 5 Best JRPGs To Play On PC In 2022