The Golden Age of 2D Platformers Returns in 2025

The year 2025 has unfolded as a remarkable period for devotees of 2D platforming adventures, echoing the golden age of the Super NES era. While contemporary gaming giants like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Monster Hunter Wilds command attention, a consistent stream of retro-inspired titles has delighted both players and reviewers. This recent surge, particularly over the past few weeks, has seen three prominent games eclipse the buzz of larger releases. Even with several months remaining in the year, it is evident that 2025 stands as the most vibrant year for 2D platformers since the transition from the Super NES era to the 3D gaming landscape.

This argument is anchored by a trio of games that launched in quick succession, each making a significant impact. The first was Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a pixel-art homage that garnered critical acclaim in late July. A month later, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance surpassed expectations, revitalizing a classic franchise with striking visuals, fluid combat, and a novel Metroidvania design that harmonizes classic and contemporary elements. This esteemed trilogy recently concluded with Hollow Knight: Silksong. Team Cherry's latest Metroidvania has already earned widespread praise from critics and players, solidifying its status as a potential timeless classic. It is the only title released this year that truly challenges Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for the coveted Game of the Year award. Should it achieve this feat at The Game Awards in December, it would be a landmark moment, marking the first time a 2D game has claimed the top honor.

These three titles alone build a compelling case for 2025 as the definitive year for 2D platformers, yet they are merely a fraction of the genre's successes. Amidst these blockbusters, Öoo, a compact platformer centered on a bomb-dropping caterpillar, stood out. Its ingenious design pushes the boundaries of how a single mechanic can be leveraged to create surprisingly intricate puzzles, leading to its recent recognition as a Game of the Year dark horse.

Even prior to the summer, the gaming world was rich with exceptional 2D experiences. The Metroidvania genre, in particular, thrived long before Silksong's arrival, thanks to the contributions of Blade Chimera and Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. Blade Chimera, an outstanding action game from Team Ladybug and WSS Playground, emerged in January, preempting both Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi in the retro ninja game niche. Ender Magnolia, on the other hand, emulates Hollow Knight's atmospheric depth, delivering a Metroidvania adorned with captivating artistry and challenging boss encounters. Furthermore, Shadow Labyrinth, Bandai Namco's unconventional Pac-Man spin-off, despite its minor imperfections, ingeniously utilizes the iconic yellow puck to craft some truly surreal and memorable gaming experiences.

For fans of the roguelike genre, The Rogue Prince of Persia offers a fresh take on a classic series, drawing inspiration from Dead Cells to deliver an action-packed experience emphasizing fluid movement. And for those seeking a true hidden gem, Bionic Bay might just be 2025's most underrated release. This Limbo-inspired platformer is replete with brilliant physics puzzles, reminiscent of Portal's innovative design. From manipulating gravity to swapping positions with objects, it presents a continuous stream of mind-bending challenges within some of the year's most visually striking 2D environments.

These examples represent merely a fraction of the exceptional 2D platformers released this year, prompting reflection on when such an abundance of high-quality titles last graced the gaming landscape. While each year typically yields a few notable 2D games—like the memorable Super Mario Bros. Wonder or Animal Well—the standard has demonstrably elevated in recent months. This evolution is welcomed, as it underscores the enduring capacity of 2D games to remain as innovative and captivating as their 3D counterparts. Given the current dominance of Silksong on Steam charts, it is highly probable that major studios will soon recognize this trend, suggesting that this burgeoning enthusiasm for 2D gaming may swiftly blossom into a full-fledged renaissance.