The end of 2020 means light in the tunnel for a frustrating and anxiety-inducing year. Thankfully, not every moment was riddled with darkness. There were plenty of fantastic moments in our favorite platformers, which made for bright spots. From roguelikes that find you delving into ever-changing caves to the return of a platforming icon, we’ve rounded up our favorite games of 2020.

Previously in Wccftech’s Best Games of 2020: Action, Adventure, Horror, Shooters, Strategy & Simulation

Spelunky 2 (9.5)

It isn’t every day that you get to spend time in a platformer with roguelike elements as addictive as Spelunky 2. In this sequel, you take control of Ana, the daughter of the explorer you met in the original game, as she delves into a variety of caves seeking treasures and staving off enemies. From lava-filled caverns to dank, moss-filled surfaces, Spelunky 2 is a challenge that’ll have you working hard from start to finish.

Creaks (9.5)

Amanita Design’s Creaks subverted expectations by not being a point and click title. It delivered in droves, a platformer inspired by the phenomenon of pareidolia, where items take on human face-like properties. You take on the role of a man who finds a secret passageway behind his wallpaper as he explores a cavern within. We won’t ruin some of the bizarre sights within, but you’ll be up against a massive creature by the end of the game.

Ori and the Will of Wisps Review (8.7)

Ori and the Will of the Wisps may very well be one of the most beautiful platformers on the market. As guardian spirit Ori, players jump, glide, climb, and swim throughout a variety of platforms to rescue a baby owl. But it’s much than that. It’s a gorgeous, emotional trek through some stellar gameplay decisions as well as some of the most arresting visuals we’ve seen this entire year. Here’s hoping a third game is in the works.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (8.7)

 

Crash Bandicoot returns for an official fourth entry in the mascot’s series, right after the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Crash returns alongside an alternate version of his ex-girlfriend Tawna and they work together to, once again, stop Doctor Neo Cortex and Doctor Nefarious Trophy from enacting their evil plans. This time, it’s enslaving the entire multiverse. This outing adds several new mechanics but keeps the classic platforming tight and familiar.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars (8.5)

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a fantastic buy, bringing three iconic Mario games together in one package. It includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Now that these games are available on the Switch, you won’t have to go back to using your Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii, to enjoy them when the hankering hits. You’ll have hours of classic gaming on the go.

Shady Part of Me (6.5)

Shady Part of Me is a striking platformer that looks unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s a challenge in that you’ll have to use your noodle to make decent progress. But it’ll be a pleasure to do so since it looks like a painting come to life. It’s a work of art that you just happen to be able to play, and you’ll want to come back to it over and over.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Sackboy: A Big Adventure
  • Astro’s Playroom

There were platformers aplenty in 2020, and we’re grateful for it. Next year, perhaps we’ll see some new entries from some of the familiar faces we know and love, and we can’t wait to see what’s coming up. Did I miss any of your favorite platforming games this year? Hit up the comments section to tell us all about it. Then, look forward to more Wccftech GOTY lists as we jump, double-jump, and turbo run into 2021.