Released Yesterday, Classic Tomorrow: Platformers With Staying Power

20 June 2025

Let’s be real—platformers are the peanut butter and jelly of the gaming world. They’re simple, timeless, and always hit the spot. From pixel-chasing in the early arcade days to gravity-defying jumps in cinematic worlds today, platformers have proven they’re more than just a nostalgic genre. Some titles don’t just flash and fade—they stick. They become classics, not overnight, but because they’ve got that magic formula that just works. In this article, we’re diving deep into those modern platformers that were released recently but have the unmistakable vibe of future legends.

So grab your controller, and let’s take a leap into the world of platformers that may have been born yesterday but are destined to be classics tomorrow.

Why Platformers Still Matter

Let’s start with the obvious question—why are people still making platformers in 2024?

Because they’re awesome.

Seriously though, platformers offer something most genres can’t—they’re accessible but challenging, simple to learn but hard to master. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just figured out how to hold the controller the right way, a platformer welcomes you.

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about nailing that perfect jump or discovering a hidden path. It’s pure gameplay distilled—no fluff, just skill and fun. And with indie devs taking over the mantle, platformers have evolved into some of the deepest and most creative titles out there.

What Makes a Platformer Timeless?

Before we go naming names, let’s talk DNA. What makes a platformer timeless?

1. Tight Controls

You can have all the flashy art and epic soundtracks in the world, but if your jump feels like it’s floating through molasses, it’s game over. Great platformers feel responsive. You press jump—it jumps. No delay. No weird physics.

2. Unique Art Style

We’re not talking about photorealism here. We mean style. Something that sets the game apart visually, like Celeste’s pixel-perfect visuals or Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ ethereal glow. A distinctive look makes the difference.

3. Memorable Soundtrack

Ever find yourself humming the Super Mario Bros. theme 30 years later? Yeah, music matters. Great platformers have soundtracks that burrow into your brain and never leave.

4. Level Design That Teaches

The best platformers teach without hand-holding. Each level is a mini masterclass—introduce a mechanic, test it, twist it, then move on. That’s design genius.

5. Emotional Connection

Whether it's through story, music, or just raw gameplay, you feel something when playing it. That’s the secret sauce right there.

New Kids on the Block—Modern Platformers That Feel Like Classics

Let’s talk about the fresh batch of platformers that are already giving us classic vibes. These aren’t just good—they’re practically wearing vintage leather jackets and telling the old-school legends to move over.

1. Celeste (2018)

Okay, we’re cheating a little here. Celeste isn’t "hot off the press," but its staying power is undeniable. You play as Madeline, climbing a mountain both literally and emotionally. It’s brutally hard in that “one more try” kind of way. The pixel art? Beautiful. The soundtrack? A spiritual experience. And the message? Deeply human.

This game doesn’t just challenge your thumbs—it challenges your heart.

2. Hollow Knight (2017) – Metroidvania Magic

Yes, it’s a Metroidvania. But it’s also a platformer at heart. Hollow Knight's movement is buttery smooth and the world is absolutely dripping in atmosphere. Silky dodges, tight jumps, and hauntingly beautiful world design make this one a generational masterpiece.

People will still be talking about Hollow Knight in 2040. Bet on it.

3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)

Oh man, this one’s a tearjerker. Not only is Ori visually arresting (seriously, it looks like a painting in motion), but the platforming is sublime. It’s fast-paced, precise, and packed with fluid movement mechanics that evolve as the story does.

This is art and gameplay dancing together, and it’s glorious.

4. Pizza Tower (2023)

Yeah, Pizza Tower is absolutely bonkers. But hear me out—it’s Wario Land on an espresso shot of creative insanity. It’s pure chaos, and it totally works. Hand-drawn animation, breakneck pacing, and quirky humor make it a standout.

It feels like a 90s cartoon that grew up to be a speedrunner’s dream.

5. The Messenger (2018)

What starts out as an 8-bit throwback suddenly transforms mid-game into a 16-bit epic. Mind. Blown.

The Messenger nails ninja-style platforming while blending humor and a surprisingly deep story. It’s a love letter to the platformers of old while totally carving out its own space.

6. Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

Technically more Metroidvania again, but hey, we’re not here to split hairs. Axiom Verge 2 leans into exploration and mystery with stellar pixel visuals and mind-bending gameplay. It’s got that classic vibe with modern design sensibilities.

A future cult favorite for sure.

7. It Takes Two (2021)

Okay, co-op platforming done right. It Takes Two is one of the most creative, joyful, and outright fun games of the last few years. Every level introduces a totally new concept. It never gets stale.

We’ll be talking about this game in the same sentence as Rayman and Banjo-Kazooie someday.

The Indie Advantage: Why Smaller Studios Are Leading the Charge

Let’s face it—big studios aren’t taking many risks with platformers anymore. Too much focus on battle passes and live-service models, right?

That’s why indie developers are absolutely killing it. They’re not afraid to take bold steps, dig deep into weird ideas, and create something deeply personal. That raw passion leaks onto the screen, and you feel it with every jump.

Games like Celeste and Pizza Tower exist because small teams had big dreams—and the guts to chase them.

The Influence of Classics Still Looms Large

Even the most modern platformers owe a lot to their ancestors. The echoes of Super Mario, Mega Man, Castlevania, and Sonic still linger. You can feel them in the double jumps, wall slides, and boss battles.

But today’s games aren’t just imitating—they’re innovating. They take the foundation and build skyscrapers on it.

What’s Next For Platformers?

If the current trend tells us anything, it’s that the golden age of platformers is far from over. We’re seeing hybrids now—platformers blended with roguelikes, RPGs, and even rhythm mechanics.

Keep an eye out for titles like Silksong, the long-awaited follow-up to Hollow Knight. Or Planet of Lana, a gorgeously melancholic puzzle-platformer with shades of Limbo. The genre isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.

The next “classic” might be loading on someone’s screen for the first time right now.

Why These Games Will Stand the Test of Time

We’ve seen this before—games that come out of nowhere, gather a cult following, and eventually get called “All-Time Greats.” But it’s not luck. It’s quality. These games combine everything we loved about old-school titles with modern polish and emotional depth.

In a world obsessed with big-budget explosions and endless multiplayer loops, platformers are giving us something different. Something honest. They bring the focus back to gameplay, story, and experience.

And that’s why they’ll never go out of style.

Final Jump: Where Do You Go From Here?

If you haven’t played some of these titles, now’s your chance. Dust off that controller or fire up your PC—you’re in for some unforgettable rides.

And who knows? Maybe the next game you try will be the one that sticks with you forever, like that first time you played Super Mario World on your cousin’s SNES.

That’s the magic of platformers. Released yesterday. Classic tomorrow.