Blast from the Past: Top Retro Platformer Games to Play Today

Are you feeling nostalgic for retro games? Do you want to go back in time and experience the fun and excitement of classic platformers? Look no further than this list of the top retro platformer games to play today.

1. Super Mario Bros.

It wouldn’t be a list of retro platformers without the classic Super Mario Bros. game. Released in 1985, this game features your favorite plumber, Mario, as he navigates through levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and coins. With its catchy music and iconic characters, Super Mario Bros. will make you feel like a kid again.

2. Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog was Sega’s answer to Super Mario Bros. This game features the speedy blue hedgehog, Sonic, as he races through levels collecting rings and defeating Dr. Robotnik’s evil minions. With its fast-paced gameplay and catchy music, Sonic the Hedgehog is a must-play for any retro gaming fan.

3. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country was a smash hit when it was released in 1994. This game features Donkey Kong and his nephew, Diddy Kong, as they go on a quest to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from King K. Rool and his Kremling army. With its innovative graphics and challenging gameplay, Donkey Kong Country is a classic retro platformer that still holds up today.

4. Mega Man

Mega Man is a series of platformer games that spanned several console generations. In these games, you play as the titular character, a robot with the ability to absorb the powers of defeated enemies. With its challenging gameplay and memorable bosses, Mega Man is a must-play for any retro gaming fan.

5. Castlevania

Castlevania is a series of action platformer games that take place in a gothic horror setting. In these games, you play as a member of the Belmont family as they fight to rid the world of Dracula and his minions. With its atmospheric music and challenging gameplay, Castlevania is a classic retro platformer that is sure to give you a spooky good time.

6. Contra

Contra is a run and gun platformer game that was released in 1987. In this game, you play as two soldiers as they battle their way through hordes of aliens. With its frenetic and challenging gameplay, Contra is a classic retro platformer that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

7. Prince of Persia

Prince of Persia was released in 1989 and is a classic action platformer game. In this game, you play as the titular prince as he navigates through levels filled with traps and enemies to rescue the princess. With its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging puzzles, Prince of Persia is a classic retro platformer that is still worth playing today.

8. Earthworm Jim

Earthworm Jim was released in 1994 and is a wacky and inventive platformer game. In this game, you play as an earthworm that has been given a super suit that allows him to shoot lasers and swing from hooks. With its off-the-wall humor and challenging gameplay, Earthworm Jim is a classic retro platformer that is sure to give you a good laugh.

9. Super Meat Boy

Super Meat Boy was released in 2010 but is considered a modern retro platformer. In this game, you play as Meat Boy, a cube of meat on a mission to save his girlfriend. With its difficult and addictive gameplay, Super Meat Boy is a retro platformer that is sure to put your skills to the test.

10. Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight was released in 2014 and is a tribute to classic platformer games. In this game, you play as a knight with a shovel as he battles his way through levels filled with enemies and obstacles. With its charming graphics and challenging gameplay, Shovel Knight is a retro platformer that is sure to delight any fan of the genre.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the top retro platformer games to play today. With their challenging gameplay, catchy music, and iconic characters, they are sure to bring back fond memories of your childhood.

FAQ

1. What is a retro platformer game?

A retro platformer game is a type of video game that was popularized in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. These games are characterized by their simple graphics, challenging gameplay, and emphasis on jumping and running mechanics.

2. Why are retro platformer games still popular?

Retro platformer games are still popular today because they offer a nostalgic experience for fans of classic video games. They also often feature challenging gameplay that requires skill and strategy to master.

3. Can I play retro platformer games on modern consoles?

Yes, many retro platformer games have been released on modern consoles. Some games have even been remastered with updated graphics and new features.

4. What makes a good retro platformer game?

A good retro platformer game should have challenging but fair gameplay, catchy music, and memorable characters. The game should also have a unique or innovative mechanic that sets it apart from other games in the genre.

5. Are retro platformer games suitable for all ages?

Retro platformer games are generally suitable for all ages, though some games may contain themes or content that may not be appropriate for young children.

6. Can I play retro platformer games on my PC?

Yes, many retro platformer games are available on PC through digital distribution services such as Steam or GOG.

7. Are retro platformer games still being made today?

Yes, many indie developers continue to create retro platformer games today. These games often incorporate modern gameplay mechanics while still paying homage to classic video games of the past.

References

• “Super Mario Bros.” Nintendo, 1985.
• “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Sega, 1991.
• “Donkey Kong Country.” Rare, 1994.
• “Mega Man.” Capcom, 1987.
• “Castlevania.” Konami, 1986.
• “Contra.” Konami, 1987.
• “Prince of Persia.” Broderbund, 1989.
• “Earthworm Jim.” Shiny Entertainment, 1994.
• “Super Meat Boy.” Team Meat, 2010.
• “Shovel Knight.” Yacht Club Games, 2014.