As video game technology booms, many groundbreaking video games get left in the dust.
These classic platformers deserve a remake for fans old and new.
Cinematic platformers take a distinctly different approach.
They are slow-paced, often eerie, and intentionally feature cumbersome controls.
Few genres are as daring or evocative as the cinematic platformer.
Each has unique attributes that allow them to access essential areas of each stage.
The stages themselves are beautifully painted,with a color palette reminiscent of anime such as My Neighbor Totoro.
Primarily a mix of stealth and puzzle-solving, the platforming elements are significantly reduced in Planet of Lana.
Limbo, however, takes a different approach.
Its narrative is suggestive, subjective, and relies on evoking emotions rather than presenting a continuous storyline.
The atmosphere in Limbo is cold and isolated.
While its difficult to summarize the plot, death is undeniably a central theme.
What makes Limbo special isnt its gameplay but the experience of theorizing about its story with others.
Inside abandons the abstract story that tugs at your personal emotions in favor of a more straightforward plot.
It isnt about your characters feelings but instead focuses on grander societal issues such as oppression and industrialization.
Inside feels more threatening, as catchers are chasing you from the start.
Nearly everything you see in the game is gorgeous yet menacing in some way.
The beings you encounter range from grotesque blobs of limbs to everyday office workers resembling mindless dronesboth equally disturbing.
7Flashback
One of the most challenging cinematic platformers is also among the most influential.
It epitomizes the “where do I go?”
Flashback paved the way for games like Half-Life, which are renowned for their in-game cutscenes.
Regardless, Flashback remains a flagship title in the cinematic platformer genre.
You’re armed with a gun in Blackthorne and need to tactically use cover before shooting your opponents.
A truly gruesome game, not many SNES games had the mature dark fantasy look that Blackthorne captured.
It almost looks like a mix of Evil Dead with Doom but in 2D form.
5Valiant Hearts
Narratively, Valiant Hearts is one of the most courageous games Ubisoft has ever launched.
It tells the story of four characters thrust into the chaos of World War I. Valiant Hearts features simple gameplay and puzzles, allowing players to focus on its highly stylized aesthetics.
The platformer is one of the oldest and most beloved genres of all time.
If you’re a fan of them, these are the titles you better play.
Heart of Darkness often restricts the use of weapons for extended periods, creating tension akin to survival-horror games.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps breaks this convention by offering both exceptional gameplay and stunning artistry.
Its platforming mechanics are smooth, precise, and among the best in the sub-genre.
The artistic achievements of Ori and the Will of the Wisps are equally impressive.
Despite being launched in the digital age, it features hand-drawn artwork and fluid animations.
The vibrant colors and meticulously designed environments make it one of the most visually striking platformers of its generation.
Ico offers an organic experience.
Learn all about the most cinematic video games.
