Exceptional video games often pay homage to their origins. While we cherish classic titles, creating a game influenced by these timeless experiences goes beyond simple replication. It demands an understanding of what made those earlier games noteworthy, discerning what elements succeeded or fell short, all while weaving in modern conveniences to craft something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Platformers, especially in 2D and 3D formats, frequently draw inspiration from their predecessors. As one of the oldest genres in gaming, platformers have cultivated a diverse fanbase across the industry. The sight of a new platformer echoing a beloved classic immediately piques my interest; however, it is the games that elevate those foundational concepts with innovative stories, unique gameplay mechanics, and expansive worlds that truly captivate players.
9 Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon
The Blood Of A Vampire Slayer
While Castlevania is widely recognized as a key contributor to the Metroidvania genre, its origins lie in straightforward linear platforming. During the development of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, creator IGA intended to provide fans with a classic-inspired experience through Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon.
Upon initial inspection, the game exhibits unmistakable nods to NES-era Castlevania titles, including the distinct character sprite designs and the quick-character switching mechanic borrowed from Castlevania III. Although it doesn’t possess the same punishing difficulty, players still need to master their jumps and attacks to prevent a fall into the abyss.
What sets Curse of the Moon apart is its subtle narrative progression, allowing players to affect the story’s direction based on their interactions with potential allies. While it may not fully embrace the Metroidvania style, it offers a glimpse of depth that makes it an enjoyable precursor to Ritual of the Night.
8 A Hat In Time
Like Mario Sunshine, But Cuter
3D collect-a-thon platformers, exemplified by titles like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, often feature distinctive level designs characterized by instanced environments centered around specific objectives.A Hat in Time employs a similar structure, integrating elements from these classic titles.
Drawing primarily from Super Mario Sunshine, this charming game places a significant focus on movement-enhancing mechanics, such as scooters and grappling hooks, while also including platforming challenges interspersed throughout its objectives.
Unlike Sunshine, A Hat in Time skillfully builds its challenges around your available abilities instead of stripping them away, leading to a more engaging gaming experience filled with diverse goals and activities.
7 Shovel Knight
Pogo Like Scrooge
Excellent games can emerge from the most unlikely origins. While licensed games generally struggle to meet quality standards, DuckTales for the NES is often celebrated as one of the finest Disney adaptations. This cherished classic undoubtedly influenced my excitement for Shovel Knight, as the titular hero shares Uncle Scrooge’s iconic pogo jump.
Shovel Knight borrows elements from various classic platformers, including DuckTales and Mega Man, providing a diverse lineup of stages and bosses to conquer. Players gain new abilities throughout, while starting with a robust toolkit, including the standout pogo bounce mechanic.
This unique feature, often overlooked in platformers, contributes significantly to Shovel Knight’s appeal, successfully marrying modern design with retro aesthetics. With no traditional life system, players can retry levels without the anxiety of losing progress, easing the tension during challenging gameplay.
6 Freedom Planet
Lilac Used To Be A Hedgehog
Let’s be honest: many gamers have created their own Sonic the Hedgehog original characters, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. However, not everyone successfully channels that inspiration into something unique. For those who do, like the makers of Freedom Planet, it can lead to an engaging and creative platforming experience.
Initially conceived as a Sonic fangame, the character Sash Lilac morphed from a hedgehog OC into a dragon, symbolizing a transformation that resulted in a unique gaming identity. I was immediately struck by how Freedom Planet captured the essence of Sonic’s exhilarating speed, ensuring that its gameplay and combat feel fluid and dynamic.
The consistent high-speed action made me realize how long it had been since I had experienced such a seamless blend of platforming and exhilaration. This title truly understands the thrill of classic Sonic gameplay and executes it with finesse.
5 Pizza Tower
Less Treasure, More Pepperoni
While many games have drawn inspiration from Super Mario Bros., titles from the Wario Land series often seem to be overlooked. My affection for Wario Land 4 stems from its exciting combination of puzzle platforming and fast-paced racing to the finish. Thus, the announcement of Pizza Tower quickly captured my interest.
Unlike Wario Land 4, Pizza Tower places a stronger emphasis on speed and agility rather than intricate puzzles, while still featuring environmental challenges. As players traverse levels, they can utilize Peppino’s considerable movement skills to reach astonishing heights.
A standout feature of each level is the escape segment, where players must sprint back to the starting point against the clock. Watching Peppino dash through his world resonates with the exhilarating experience of Wario, showcasing a blend of frantic energy and platforming excitement.
4 The Messenger
A Little Gaiden, A Little Vania
The original Ninja Gaiden deserves more recognition for its iconic gameplay mechanics. Despite its notorious difficulty, it established a memorable experience. This is where The Messenger shines: it adapts the best elements of classic gameplay into a contemporary context.
This game begins as a linear action platformer akin to Ninja Gaiden, allowing players to engage in wall-running and grappling hook mechanics without the stringent difficulty curve of lives systems. However, as players progress, The Messenger unfolds into a hybrid experience, incorporating Metroidvania elements.
Describing the unique ambiance of The Messenger can be challenging, but it masterfully blends linearity with exploration opportunities, encouraging players to retrace their steps to uncover hidden areas.
3 Gravity Circuit
Instant-Death Spikes Included
While the original Mega Man titles involved plenty of jumping, Mega Man X on the SNES revolutionized the genre with new mechanics like wall jumping. Many run-and-gun platformers capture part of that essence, but few, like Gravity Circuit, successfully invoke the nostalgia and excitement of early Mega Man experiences.
Gravity Circuit emphasizes close-range melee combat while maintaining a swift flow of gameplay through its diverse movement mechanics. With wall jumps, ledge grips, and grappling hooks, the game offers dynamic gameplay, though players must be prepared for the ever-present instant-death spikes.
Furthermore, Gravity Circuit incorporates an essential mechanic from the Mega Man series—the opportunity to acquire new abilities from defeated bosses, impacting your progression based on the order in which you tackle levels.
2 Corn Kidz 64
Like Conker Without The Drinking Problem
The Nintendo 64 era was home to not only iconic titles like Super Mario 64 but also quirky platformers such as Chameleon Twist and Conker’s Bad Fur Day. It’s no surprise that indie developers aim to recapture this unique blend of eccentricity and enjoyment, exemplified by Corn Kidz 64.
With nods to its N64 heritage, this game is characterized by its contrasting graphics, angular aesthetics, and a CRT filter to replicate vintage hardware experiences. The platforming and exploration mechanics mirror the precision jumping found in Conker, demanding skillful navigation and clever gameplay mechanics.
Corn Kidz 64 stands out for its offbeat humor and distinctive atmosphere. The quirky tone evokes feelings reminiscent of an Invader Zim-inspired N64 experience, bringing a uniquely charming quality to its gameplay.
1 Antonblast
One More Wario-Like
While Pizza Tower isn’t the sole title inspired by Wario Land 4, its announcement alongside Antonblast sparked friendly competition among fans of both projects. I believe there is ample room for multiple Wario-inspired adventures in the gaming landscape.
Antonblast naturally incorporates design elements akin to Pizza Tower, emphasizing intense platforming and the urgency of returning to the starting point post-level completion. However, the game distinguishes itself through its intricate level design and mechanics; players will find its labyrinthine layouts urge exploration in addition to speedy traversal.
Boss encounters in Antonblast also require strategic thinking to uncover vulnerabilities, featuring formidable creatures that offer challenges distinct from those in its counterparts. The boss battle against the opera character exemplifies this, proving to be a true test of ingenuity.
Source&Images
