The Best Hand-Drawn Platformers for Lovers of Unique Art Styles

25 May 2025

Video games are more than just pixels and polygons—they're an art form. And for those of us who adore eye-popping visuals with a personal, hand-crafted touch, hand-drawn platformers are where it’s at. These games go beyond the usual and transport us into worlds that feel like interactive masterpieces. Whether it’s brushstrokes of paint, pencil sketches, or animations straight out of a dream, these games deliver unforgettable experiences.

If you’re someone who loves staring at stunning art as much as you love stomping on enemies and leaping over chasms, then hand-drawn platformers are absolutely your jam. So, grab a comfy chair, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into some of the best hand-drawn platformers out there.

What Makes Hand-Drawn Platformers So Special?

Before we talk about specific games, let’s address the elephant in the room: what separates hand-drawn platformers from everything else? It's all about artistic vision. These games create immersive environments where every tiny detail feels alive. Unlike 3D models that sometimes feel too polished, hand-drawn art is raw. You can feel the love, effort, and passion that went into their creation.

Think of it like comparing a digital photo to an oil painting. Both have their charm, but one feels undeniably personal, right? That’s the magic of hand-drawn platformers. They feel like the gaming equivalent of flipping through a gorgeous art book.

And let’s not forget the emotional connection. These games aren’t just pretty to look at; their unique art styles often add a layer of atmosphere that enhances the story and gameplay. So, yeah, it’s more than just eye candy—it’s the whole experience.

Must-Play Hand-Drawn Platformers

1. Hollow Knight

If platformers had a popularity contest, Hollow Knight would be the cool kid everyone wants to hang with. The art style? Pure 2D hand-drawn brilliance. Picture a gothic, bug-filled world sketched like it belongs in a Tim Burton movie, and you've got the vibe.

What makes Hollow Knight stand out isn't just its beautiful visuals; it's also the way the art blends seamlessly with the gameplay. The game hits you with haunting atmospheres and intricate details, making every new area feel like a page out of a dark fairy tale. Plus, with its Metroidvania structure, there's plenty of room to explore and admire the handiwork.

If you’re looking for moody, mysterious, and mesmerizing art, this one’s a no-brainer.

2. Cuphead

Can we even talk about hand-drawn games without mentioning Cuphead? This game is nothing short of a masterpiece. Inspired by 1930s cartoons, it’s all jazz music, rubber hose animations, and jaw-dropping art. Honestly, playing Cuphead feels like stepping into a vintage animated film.

Every enemy, boss, and level is hand-drawn frame by frame, and you can feel the painstaking effort that went into it. But don’t be fooled by the game’s cutesy appearance—it’s tough as nails. The mix of challenging gameplay and stunning visuals makes this one of the most iconic hand-drawn platformers ever made.

3. Ori and the Blind Forest

What sets Ori and the Blind Forest apart is its ethereal beauty. It’s like someone took a watercolor painting and breathed life into it. The vibrant colors, fluid animations, and glowing landscapes create a magical world that feels alive.

But here’s the kicker: while the art grabs your attention, the emotional story and gameplay hold you tight. From the smallest animations of Ori’s movements to the sprawling backdrops of forests and caves, everything in this game looks like it was plucked straight out of a dream.

Bonus points? The sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, continues the visual feast, so you’ve got two games to immerse yourself in.

4. Rayman Legends

If you’re a fan of quirky humor and colorful designs, Rayman Legends is perfect for you. The game is packed with personality, thanks to its hand-drawn characters and vibrant cartoonish environments. Ubisoft knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s easy on the eyes and ridiculously fun to play.

The levels feel like they were drawn by a playful artist with a flair for the whimsical. And the animations? Smooth as butter. From bouncing on drums to dodging spiky vines, every moment feels fluid and dynamic. Plus, the music-based levels are an absolute treat.

5. Wuppo

Let’s talk about the underdog here. Wuppo might not be as famous as the other titles on this list, but it’s got charm for days. Imagine if a child’s whimsical doodle book came to life—yep, that’s Wuppo for you.

The game’s sketchy, carefree art style perfectly complements its quirky worldbuilding and story. It’s one of those games where you can tell the developers had fun designing every little detail. And while it may not be as polished as Ori or Hollow Knight, it’s brimming with soul.

6. Child of Light

Part fairytale, part platformer, Child of Light is a visual poem in game form. The game’s hand-drawn aesthetic feels like an illuminated manuscript from times long past. Soft pastel shades, watercolor-like effects, and flowing animations make every frame a work of art.

Add in some clever rhyming dialogue and a lovely soundtrack, and this game is an example of how storytelling and aesthetics can go hand in hand. If you’re into games that feel like interactive storybooks, this one’s for you.

7. GRIS

GRIS isn’t just a game—it’s an emotional journey. The art style is, for lack of a better word, breathtaking. Every frame looks like it could hang in an art gallery. It’s all delicate brushstrokes, muted colors, and smooth animations. The game’s transitions between different emotions are visually represented, making it a deeply immersive experience.

The lack of dialogue means the visuals do all the heavy lifting, and trust me, they deliver. It’s impossible to play GRIS without feeling something.

8. Hollow Knight: Silksong (Upcoming)

Okay, this one isn’t out yet, but it’s worth mentioning. As the follow-up to Hollow Knight, Silksong promises to expand on the stunning hand-drawn world of its predecessor. From what we’ve seen so far, the visuals are just as hauntingly beautiful, and I don’t know about you, but I’m counting down the days until it’s in my hands.

Why Hand-Drawn Art Elevates Platformers

So why do hand-drawn visuals make such a difference in platformers specifically? It’s all about immersion. Platformers require you to navigate through diverse environments, and when those environments are lovingly drawn by hand, they feel… well, magical.

Hand-drawn platformers pull you in, enveloping you in one-of-a-kind worlds that feel crafted just for you. No two games look the same because the art styles are as unique as the artists behind them. Plus, they stand the test of time in ways 3D-rendered games sometimes fail to.

How to Dive Into These Gems

Ready to give these hand-drawn wonders a shot? Most of these titles are available across multiple platforms—PC, consoles, and even Switch. And the best part? You don’t need the latest hardware since 2D games don’t demand heavy graphics power.

If you’re new to hand-drawn platformers, start with Ori and the Blind Forest or Rayman Legends. They’re approachable and downright stunning. For a challenge, tackle Cuphead or Hollow Knight. And for something deeply emotional, GRIS or Child of Light won’t disappoint.

Final Thoughts

Hand-drawn platformers remind us what makes gaming so special: creativity and passion. These games are more than entertainment—they’re works of art that you can run, jump, and explore through. Whether you’re in it for the challenge or just want to feast your eyes on stunning visuals, hand-drawn platformers offer something truly unique.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a controller and dive into these masterpieces. Art class has never been this fun.