Platformers that still hold up

Knightmare II: The Maze of Galious 1987 i Why it still holds upThe hub is open from the start and items decide where you can go next, so finding the way still takes exploring.

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.

Rick Dangerous 1989 i Why it still holds upTrial and error with hidden traps is still how a player learns it today.

The Legendary Axe 1988 i Why it still holds upThe choice between swinging at once and waiting for a full charge still gives every fight a small decision today.

Viewtiful Joe 2003 i Why it still holds upEven now, a gauge that limits how long you can bend the action makes each fight a decision about when to spend it.

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.

Rayman Fiesta Run 2013 i Why it still holds upA game drawn like the big ones and steered with one thumb still fits a phone today.

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.

Drill Dozer 2005 i Why it still holds upA drill with two directions and gears to find in each level still makes every wall a question.

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.

Metal Slug Advance 2004 i Why it still holds upA life bar and a hundred cards to collect still give each mission a reason to be replayed.

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus 2002 i Why it still holds upA thief with a cane is still a hero worth following today.

Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus 2013 i Why it still holds upA short adventure with gravity to play with still suits one or two evenings today.

Blaster Master 1988 i Why it still holds upExploring in two perspectives keeps its variety up, as it still does for players who try it.

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.

Disney's Lilo & Stitch 2002 i Why it still holds upIt is a tough run and gun, and Stitch's four arms and plasma blasters are still worth playing today.

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams 2001 i Why it still holds upEnemies you can lift and jump off keep every screen a small puzzle today.

Buster Bros. 1989 Also known as Pang i Why it still holds upPopping balloons one landmark at a time is a goal that is still easy to follow.

Shadow of the Beast 1989 i Why it still holds upIt is still a world you travel through, with wide stretches of scenery between the fights.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2004 i Why it still holds upEach level is only a few screens long and asks for a planned route, which still suits a quick puzzle today.

LittleBigPlanet 2008 i Why it still holds upBuilding a level of your own is still the heart of the game.

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction 2007 i Why it still holds upA pair of heroes who share a wrench and an arsenal still make a lively duo today.

Rayman Jungle Run 2012

Shantae 2002 i Why it still holds upAn open world that unlocks as she learns new dances and forms still gives you reasons to return to earlier places.