Top 20 2D platformers

[EZ Racer]

[img width=480 height=360]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/223564-super-mario-bros-nes-screenshot-starting-a-new-game.png[/img]

By now, our top 20 lists have extinguished most of the mainstream systems from the Atari era to XBox/GameCube/PS2. If anyone has suggestions for retro systems that were missed in that time frame, let me know and I'll look into it. For now, I thought it might be fun to look at specific genres, and rank some of the best all-time games of each genre.

Hopefully, this can both verify the genre defining games, but also bring attention to overlooked gems of certain game types.

For the rest of July, into early August, we're looking 2D platformers. Chances are, if you ever played an NES, you've played a 2D platformer. The game type consists mainly of running and jumping to avoid on screen obstacles and enemies. While some platformers involve a moving screen, such as Super Mario Bros., others involve a single screen to clear before moving onto the next, i.e. Bubble Bobble.

There are a LOT of options to choose from, and if takes us into part of August that's o.k., but I'm hoping that a list like this will get some attention to great games. I should also add I'm not expecting it to only cover older titles. Modern games made to fit the genre will still count.

Also, if you're unsure if a game fits the genre, it likely does. The 2D platformer is a wider genre for sure, and there are games that fit both it and other genres.

I know the month is half over, but I also know with this topic, there's plenty of time for people to participate. One of the keys to the lists working is getting a variety of opinions, so we welcome all the participation we can get.

Participants:

EZ Racer
Crabmaster
Disposed Hero
Normatron
MetalFro
Mr_Stubbes

A reminder on how to participate-

1. Make an ordered list of whatever games are your favorites for the genre being covered that month.

-Make your list about what games you think are the best examples of that particular genre, NOT necessarily the most important. (For example, Super Mario Bros. is one of the most influential games in VG history, but not many would call it a better game than SMB3)

-Also, your list needs to be limited to games you have personally played. Don't include a game just because you've heard it's good, include a game because you know it's good.

-For as many games as you'd like, try to include a few thoughts on why that particular game made your list. That way, those not as familiar with the game can see why it's one they should put on their radar.

2. Personal Message EZ Racer with your ordered list.

Just put "Top 20 games (whatever genre we're covering that month)" in the subject line. Throughout the month, I will be compiling the results, and release a full list based on votes sent in. I will be putting extra weight on games voted for the top of the lists, so please make sure that your games are listed in numeric order. The reasoning behind a private vote is so that each member's vote can be their own, not influenced by what they think others would want.

The voting cutoff each month will be the last day of the month at 11:59 EST. Because we're getting a late start on this one, don't be shy about sending in lists in early August.

Hopefully we get some fun thoughts!

[Crabmaster2000]

Very cool! Do we consider something very action heavy as a 2D platformer, like Contra? How about something odd-ball like Bionic Commando?

Only older platforms that I don't think we've done lists for yet that could still be reasonably done are probably Arcade and PC.

[MetalFRO]

Wow, I think it might be hard narrowing down a list of just 20, though the top 5-10 will probably be fairly easy. But after the obvious choices, some of the 2nd tier games may end up being harder to sift through.

[EZ Racer]

I know there was a late start to this, but would love to get a bunch of participants in on this list. Even if it means bleeding it to the beginning of August.

As far as what belongs on the list, to me if the main mechanic involved is platforming, via jumping or other means, to me it counts.

[Mr_Stubbes]

I think I can come up with a list. Just to make sure this list can include both retro and modern titles correct?

[Disposed Hero]

Totally forgot about this. I'll try to come up with something over the next week or so

[Crabmaster2000]

I'll be back home from camping in a few days and will finalize my list

[MetalFRO]

I know there was a late start to this, but would love to get a bunch of participants in on this list. Even if it means bleeding it to the beginning of August.

As far as what belongs on the list, to me if the main mechanic involved is platforming, via jumping or other means, to me it counts.

I think you may need to do this. This is a difficult task

[EZ Racer]

I think I can come up with a list. Just to make sure this list can include both retro and modern titles correct?

Yep, just so long as it's 2D platforming.

[Fmoldtimer]

Mario is one of the coolest one, but did you ever play a really old game from Blizzard called Blackthorne? Awesome at least 25 years ago :-)

[Crabmaster2000]

Mario is one of the coolest one, but did you ever play a really old game from Blizzard called Blackthorne? Awesome at least 25 years ago :-)

I played through Blackthorne about 2 years ago. It's still pretty cool.

I'm back home so I'll try and have my list in for you tomorrow

[Crabmaster2000]

List submitted

[Disposed Hero]

Just submitted my list. I have the nagging feeling that I'm forgetting something, but I'm just gonna let it ride as is.

[Crabmaster2000]

Just submitted my list. I have the nagging feeling that I'm forgetting something, but I'm just gonna let it ride as is.

I have the same bad feeling

[MetalFRO]

I submitted yesterday. This was tough! There are a lot of solid platformers out there, but how many of them are top-tier enough to be considered among the 20 best? Was harder to come up with the list than I imagined it would be.