Choosing a new game to buy is no easy task. There's nothing more frustrating than having your wallet ready, yet you have no idea what game to get. Well, that's where we come in. We're here to help you make your decision a little easier as we take a look at some of the best games platform games on the Xbox One.
If you don't know what a platformer is here is a short definition from Wikipedia:
"A platform game (or platformer) is a video game that involves guiding an avatar to jump between suspended platforms, over obstacles, or both to advance the game. These challenges are known as jumping puzzles or freerunning. The player controls the jumps to avoid letting the avatar fall from platforms or miss necessary jumps. The most common unifying element of games of this genre is the jump button."
Whether you know it or not, some of your favorite games are quite possibly platformers. Games like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, or Sonic the Hedgehog are some of the most famous platformers of all time, and they are prime examples of how timeless and challenging the genre truly is.
Today, the genre comes in different shapes and sizes such as puzzle-platformer, run-and-gun platformer, and even the newly-prized endless runner. One thing is for sure, platformers are for everyone, and they are awesome. So let's take a look at the best platformers available today for the Xbox One.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Let's start with what is arguably the best platformer currently available on the console with a score of 88 on Metacritic. Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform adventure game that is also referred to as a Metroidvania game.
The game tells the story of Ori, whose mother is taken away from him when a dark presence takes over the forest. Ori must then explore the forest on his own until he meets Sein, who ultimately becomes Ori's protector.
As you make your way through the game, you will unlock new skills and abilities that will help you consistently survive. One thing you learn early in Ori and the Blind Forest is that the game is equally difficult as it is beautiful. I've played through about 60% percent of the game, and I have already seen a little over 300 deaths.
So if you're looking for an ace platformer to throw your money at, this is where you should do so. The game's controls are tight, and the atmosphere is simply gorgeous. This is easily one of my top recommended games. Still not sold? Well then check out our review of Ori and the Blind Forest.
Ori and the Blind Forest - Xbox Store $19.99
Shovel Knight
Since its launch last year, Shovel Knight has become an experience that all gamers should endure. The game first launched on PC, 3DS, and Wii U during the summer of 2014 and it was considered special by so many gaming outlets that gamers on other platforms demanded that the game should be ported to consoles.
In Shovel Knight you play as a knight who is on a mission to save his dear Shield Knight, who mysteriously disappears when a cursed amulet releases a terror spell. Shovel Knight then goes into isolation allowing The Enchantress to take over the land until one day he realizes that he must avenge his lover.
The Shovel Knight can use his weapon to jump around on, dig up treasure, or most importantly attack enemies. But don't think that his weapon is your one true savior because Shovel Knight requires some quick reflexes and some masterful platforming. I mean the game can become so complicated that people call the Shovel Knight the 2D Dark Souls.
But if you're a fan of games that challenge you like platformers of the past as well then this game is definitely for you. The game is a nostalgic experience due to its music and the fact that it actually does look retro and not pixelated. So what are you waiting for? You can grab Shovel Knight from the link below.
Shovel Knight - Xbox Store - $14.99
Rogue Legacy
Yes, this is another challenging platformer in which you play as a knight, but this is something truly different from the one we mentioned above. Rogue Legacy takes place in a procedurally generated dungeon (the game creates a new and unique dungeon for every gaming session) in which it is your objective to find the four bosses so that you can take out the final boss.
Your character is armed with a sword that has a simple attack and can also wield magic that can be used against enemies. However, if you die, you lose you lose your character and are then forced to choose one out of three randomly-generated successors. The problem is, each heir comes with their own unique characteristics as well as genetic mutations.
For Example, if your heir is born with color-blindness, the game will be played in black and white. If they're born with dwarfism, you'll be able to fit into smaller places that you weren't able to fit into before.
Paul reviewed Rogue Legacy earlier this year and proclaimed it as his favorite downloadable title of the year. If you were on the fence, maybe that will convince you finally to give it a try.
Rogue Legacy - Xbox Store - $14.99
Odd World: New 'n' Tasty
Odd World: New 'n' Tasty is a ground-up remake of the 1997 hit Odd World: Abe's Oddysee, which is considered to be one of the best platformers of all time. In it, you play as a Mudoken named Abe who has set out to save other the other Mudokens on Oddworld before they become new 'n' tasty food. But it won't be easy.
Abe doesn't have the ability to attack or defend for that matter. To rid of enemies, Abe must use chants to possess things called Sligs which have the ability to wield weapons. However, when Sligs aren't around you must depend on your wit to outrun enemies. When you're not taking down the opposition, you're more than likely solving a puzzle or two.
If you're still not sold on the game, go and check out Jez's review to see if it'll sway you to make a purchase.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty - Xbox Store - $19.99
1001 Spikes
1001 Spikes comes from Nicalis, the developer behind other acclaimed titles such as The Binding of Isaac, and Cave Story. 1001 Spikes is known for its agonizing difficulty that will give veterans of other hard platformers a run for their money.
Despite its difficulty, 1001 Spikes' appeal begins with the fact that it feels as if you're playing a game that was made 20 years ago. From the 8-bit sprites, down to the level design, the game holds true to what defined the most influential period of gaming as we know it. The nostalgic factor is there, yet the trial-and-error aspect of the game is what draws you back time and time again.
So if you're a game that enjoy a challenge as well as a nostalgic experience, then I have no doubt that 1001 Spikes is the game for you. Check it out, and let us know whether or not you enjoy your purchase.
1001 Spikes - Xbox Store - $14.99
Thomas Was Alone
Thomas Was Alone is one of those games that look stupidly simple but once you play through it, you'd be glad you did so. In the game, you start off as a simple polygon who awakens in this strange place and begins to question his existence and why he's there. Along his journey, he meets some friends of different shapes and sizes who all have different personalities and abilities that come into play as you progress.
Although the gameplay is pretty straightforward with you using each character's ability to solve puzzles, the real magic of Thomas Was Alone lies within its narrative. The game somehow makes you feel attached to each quadrilateral through narration and makes them feel more like people rather than objects. So if you're a sucker for a great narrative as well as good gameplay, make sure to pick up Thomas Was Alone ASAP.
Thomas Was Alone - Xbox Store - $10.99
Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is a colorful platformer from the guys over at Ubisoft that features everyone's favorite platforming hero. The game follows Rayman Origins' style as you have to try to complete levels and obtain as many Lums as you can. Rayman Legends features 120 levels as well as 40 remastered from Origins that can be unlocked along the way.
Rayman Legends is easily the most fun I've had with a platformer on the Xbox One. It features musical levels that have you platforming to some classic titles such as, "Eye of the Tiger" and "Black Betty".
So if you're looking for a fun platformer without all the story and difficulty, then Rayman Legends is easily for you!
Rayman Legends - Xbox Store - $39.99
Child of Light
Child of Light is another platformer from Ubisoft that once again looks beautiful thanks to the UbiArt Framework engine. However, this one is what they call a platforming RPG as the game features a lot of crafting and leveling up over time.
In Child of Light, you play as Aurora, who has been kidnaped along with the light her world possess such as the moon, the sun, and the stars. When she awakens in the new world, she realizes she must escape and bring light back into the world. She then befriends a firefly named Igniculus, who gives her flight as well as lights dark paths for her.
Child of Light has been given high praise for its somber yet beautiful atmosphere. That being said, the most refreshing thing about Child of Light was its simplified yet satisfying turn-based combat.
If you are looking for an engaging platforming game but don't feel like shelling out $20 for Ori and the Blind Forest at the moment, perhaps grab this while you can for FREE during April and May for Games with Gold.
Child of Light - Xbox Store - $14.99
LIMBO
LIMBO. Usually, when you say that word to a fellow gamer they know exactly what you're talking about. LIMBO is a puzzle platformer in which the controls are only jumping or pulling objects. At the beginning of the game, you wake up in the middle of a forest. Your sister has gone missing and it up to you to find and save her.
The game originally met with acclaim for its graphical and audio presentation along with its simple controls. Since then we have seen many platforming games take inspiration from LIMBO.
If you have yet to play LIMBO, I suggest you get to it now. It is easily one of my most memorable games of the last generation, and although it's a few years old, it still holds up to many other platforming games out there today.
Wrap-up
While there are many platformers available today on Xbox one, these are the ones that stand out from the rest of the pack. That said, we expect this list will continue to evolve as anticipated games like Unravel, OXENFREE, and Mighty No. 9 are released. But until then, these are the best platformers for your Xbox One — so check them out if you need something to cure that platforming itch.
If you have a notable platformer that you think deserved to be added to the list, let us know in the comments!