1990s platformers that still hold up

Demon's Crest 1994 i Why it still holds upA few hours of action that keeps rewarding a return visit makes it an easy pick up now.

Nights Into Dreams... 1996 i Why it still holds upAt about an hour a run, it is short enough to try today, and the ranks give a reason to return.

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 1994 i Why it still holds upA game built on smashing through things stays a fun way to spend a break now.

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse 1991 i Why it still holds upJumping on enemies, and throwing what lies around, still keep every screen simple and playful today.

Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure 1993 i Why it still holds upTwo players on one life bar still make it a game to share.

Legendary Axe II 1990 i Why it still holds upSwapping between a sword, a morning star and an axe, each with its own reach and power, still gives every fight a choice.

Tiny Toon Adventures: Babs' Big Break 1992 i Why it still holds upThree characters with their own throws still give each level a choice of who to send.

Mega Man 1995 i Why it still holds upA mix of stages from several older games, fitted onto a small screen, still makes it a Mega Man worth trying today.

Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! 1999 Also known as Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer i Why it still holds upCollecting talismans and orbs keeps its goals clear, which still helps today.

QuackShot Starring Donald Duck 1991 i Why it still holds upBecause items found in one place open the way in another, working out where to go next still takes some thinking.

Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time 1999 i Why it still holds upEras opened by the clocks you find, crossed with a full set of cartoon moves, still make it easy to follow today.

Ninja Gaiden 1992 i Why it still holds upA short run of eight stages with a new jump to learn still makes it easy to try.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble 1994 i Why it still holds upThe pace is slower than on the 16 bit consoles, which leaves time to look for hidden areas today.

Astérix 1991 i Why it still holds upTwo heroes with their own strengths, and hidden corners to find, still give it room for a second run.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure 1999 i Why it still holds upLayouts built for the handheld and the extra modes still give it things to do.

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos 1990 i Why it still holds upWalls to climb, clones to call and attacks to throw still give each stage a few tools to work with today.

Bonk's Revenge 1991 i Why it still holds upSmileys that decide the bonus at the end of every stage still give the levels a reason to be searched.

Heart of Darkness 1998 i Why it still holds upA fable with a handmade look has a place in any collection today.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! 1996 i Why it still holds upTwo Kongs who can throw each other around still give a level plenty to find.

Donkey Kong Land 2 1996 i Why it still holds upThe quest to rescue Donkey Kong is still there to play today, with levels redesigned for the handheld.

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters 1991 i Why it still holds upLevels that scroll every way and doors hiding shops still give each level places to look today.

Popful Mail: Magical Fantasy Adventure 1991 i Why it still holds upThree heroes to switch between at any time still give each world its own way through.

Donkey Kong Land III 1997 i Why it still holds upTwo Kongs with different abilities and hidden bonuses give each stage reasons to look around today.

Wario Land II 1998 i Why it still holds upWith no way to die and no clock, you can explore and work out what each form does at your own pace, even now.

ActRaiser 1990 i Why it still holds upPopulation growth in the building stages makes the Master stronger for the fighting, a link between the two halves that is still there today.

Kirby's Dream Land 2 1995 i Why it still holds upStolen powers and three friends with their own abilities leave a lot to try in the stages even now.

Vampire: Master of Darkness 1992 i Why it still holds upA gothic mood and a doctor with a cane still give it a flavor of its own.

Pac-Man World 1999 i Why it still holds upA familiar hero in a short run of themed worlds is still easy to get into.

Disney's Aladdin 1994 i Why it still holds upA short run through the film still makes it easy to finish in one sitting.

The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck 1991 i Why it still holds upA hammer, a thrown disc and a choice of level order still give the trip something to do.

Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos 1993 i Why it still holds upLevels built for speed, with two characters who move differently, still give each run its own pace.

Jazz Jackrabbit 2 1998 i Why it still holds upRunning, shooting and stomping through four episodes, alone or with others, still make it an easy side scroller to pick up today.

Ape Escape 1999 i Why it still holds upEvery capture is still a small physical act, with gadgets on the right stick.