Nintendo has basically built its name on their addictive platformer.
So why don't we return to the foundations of the Switch's and take a look at the cream
of their newest crop?
This is Claire from whatoplay and these are the Top 10 Switch Platformers arranged by
their Playscores.
The playscore is an average of gamer and critic ratings.
Starting off our list is...
10.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
After showing off their classic revival skills with the hybrid metroidvania shooter, Blast
Master Zero, Inti Creates still has a few more tricks up their sleeves in this original
title that looks straight out of a NES.
A love letter to Castlevania fans, dive into another metroidvania adventure as you take
on the shoes of demon slayer Zangetsu who's on a mission for vengeance.
Meet new characters along the way, and watch the story unfold in each of their perspectives,
unlocking new paths, abilities, and endings.
While it stays true to the retro aesthetics, the game still looks gorgeously detailed on
the HD resolutions of the Switch.
One of the latest platforming hits, it has a PlayScore of 8.22
9.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Ultimate Edition
Shantae may have gone through a lot of changes through the years, but she's still one of
the most successful platformers on Nintendo consoles and out.
With her move to the Switch, the purple haired belly dancing queen is back to her old antics,
made even better by her brand new facelift.
Follow her as she struts her style against otherworldly foes, especially her buccaneering
rival, Risky Boots.
In this ultimate edition, your adventure with the half-genie hero is made complete with
all the previously released DLCS and game modes.
Put on their Risky and Shantae's cool new outfits, and unleash the highflying power
of her Tinkerbat transformation.
It has a PlayScore of 8.39
Coming in at number 8.
Cave Story+
Indie development may be on the rage now, but Nicalis' Daisuke Amano was way ahead of
the curve when he developed this iconic metroidvania platformer.
Working on it on his freetime, Pixel's hardwork has ultimately paid off, becoming a popular
title on the PC, PSP, and Nintendo consoles.
Cave story has since been universally praised for its charming pixel universe, effective
platforming, and moving storyline.
With the land of mimigas under threat of one villainous mad scientist, it's up to players
to nip evil in the bud using their platforming skills.
While it's stood the test of time, the Switch has given it a fresher look with upgraded
graphics, remastered music, modes, levels, and an all-new co-op mode.
A quintessential indie platformer, it has a PlayScore of 8.47
For our 7th spot we have SteamWorld Dig 2
Digging deeper into their SteamWorld series, it looks like Image & Form struck a goldmine
with their second installment's move to the Switch.
Earning ten times more on the console compared to their Steam release, the steampowered spelunkers
have dug themselves deep into the hearts of their fans.
Following the adventures of Rusty, the sequel introduces a new character in Dorothy who
explores the cavernous underbelly in a bid to rescue her old friend.
Filled with treasures and secrets, there's plenty of puzzles solve and objectives to
complete.
A vast improvement on the flaws of the original, despite its length, it has a PlayScore of
8.48
6.
Sonic Mania Plus
The release of Sonic Mania was already an exciting day for fans of the blue hedghog.
Not only did it spice up the graphics of Sonic's 2D universe, but it also rekindled that classics
by breathing new life to the familiar stages with new bosses and secrets to discover.
However, in this Plus version, SEGA goes one step further by adding new characters to the
mix, as well as a spanking new game mode.
Adding to their ratpack is Mighty, the mighty armadillo, and Ray the Flying Squirrel, who
have no qualms strutting about in Encore and the improved Competition mode.
Only the best for true blue fans, it has a PlayScore of 8.48
5.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
One of the best things to come out of crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, Yacht Club games' shovel-wielding
pixel adventurer has conquered everything from the PC to the Switch.
Not only is it a winning game because of its quirky premise, the developers themselves
have als gained renown for giving away their DLCs to their loyal patrons.
With the treasure trove forming the series’ most complete, there’s plenty of platforming
to be had along with their quartet of brave adventurers.
Dig it out with Shovel Knight, create cool concoctions with Plague Knight, take Specter’s
scythe for a spin, or get a royal ass-kicking from their King Knight.
It has a PlayScore of 8.24
4.
Celeste
A mix of metroidvania and platformer.
Don’t be fooled by its quirky design and lovable pixel art visuals.
Celeste will murder your fingers, and drain your patience.
Follow Madeline in her quest to reach the top of Celeste Mountain.
With each passing level, the game gets continuously difficult.
Work on your reflexes as you jump, slide, and glide from various obstacles with grace.
Be careful when dealing with the game’s massive amount of literal difficulty spikes.
Though it may not be a horror game, this game is not for the faint of heart.
It has a PlayScore of 8.65
3.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
A king on the Wii U, Donkey Kong's bananarrific misadventures returns to the spotlight with
their move to Nintendo's latest console.
Set in a tropical island under threat of an icey age, help DK and his gang to bring back
the heat to their beloved home.
Largely similar to the Wii U title, this Switch version marks some new features to make it
a friendlier platforming experience.
Get the barrel rolling on the iconic bananafest that comes with new game modes and difficulty
toggles.
A better casual experience for first-time players, it has a PlayScore of 8.72
2.
Hollow Knight
Setting the standard for style, Team Cherry's indie metroidvania platformer is the one to
beat.
An indie title buzzing with energy and charm, Hollow Knight puts you in the shoes of a skull-headed
adventurer as he wades into an underground city to lift a malevolent curse.
Deep beneath their dark caverns are a collection of fantastic set pieces and punishingly beautiful
boss battles.
Exceeding expectations in terms of style, set designs, and storytelling, Hollow Knight
is a modern masterpiece for the platforming genre.
It has a PlayScore of 8.72
1.
And the best platformer on the Nintendo Switch is Super Mario Odyssey
Despite the many changes that Nintendo's retired plumber posterboy has gone through in their
latest Super Mario iteration, Odyssey is planted firmly on their platforming roots.
Venturing beyond the limits of their home in Mushroom Kingdom, the red mario brother
expands his horizons as he explores primitive locales, fantastic environments, and even
the Big Apple.
It's also a haven for creative delights with plenty of puzzles to solve his newfound friends
and powers.
Journey along with his sentient cap and take on the sizes and powers of whoever wields
it.
A mario game that encompasses the creativity and imagination of Nintendo itself, it's the
best platformer on the Switch with a PlayScore of 9.47
Intermission spiel:
Before we continue, 15 games were competing for this Top 10 ranking.
You can check the complete list on whatoplay.com by clicking the first link below.
What do you think of the list?
Any questions?
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