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Though the like ofMariohave a sort of monopoly when it come to popular platformer mascot , Donkey Kongis another respectable classic . The character has had several iconic – and famously hard – game over the 10 of Nintendo ’s history in the gaming industry , like publisher / developer Rare’sDonkey Kong Countryon the Super Nintendo .
similarly , the darling Gorilla gorilla made a comeback in the shape ofDonkey Kong Country Returns . However , even with that classic reputation , there are several other mascot - focused platforming games worth check out . Many of these games also venture out of the strictly Nintendo gambling ecosystem as well .
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
While it may not be the absolutebest of the vast catalog ofMariogames , New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxeis a solid unveiling in the famous plumber ’s backlog . It ’s hard not to look to at least one of theMariogames when bet for similar game to theDonkey Kongentries , andU Deluxeis a effective way to get a modern 2D - platforming experience with this fictitious character .
Equally as important , New Super Mario Bros. UDeluxeis one of the most accessible mode to play this biz , too . The game is a port of the original Nintendo Wii U version , and should still hold up as a fun and nostalgic blowout for one or more actor at a time .
Rayman Origins
Rayman is one of the more alas forgotten – at least comparatively – mascot of the original PlayStation days . Nonetheless , Ubisoft ’s 2011Rayman Originsproved to be a triumphant return for the titular character after an 8 - year - long absence seizure . The secret plan received strong critical response , with its high marks going to the inventive and stunning art style in a 2D setting , as well as its charmingly cheerful tone and hire level designs .
Even with the likes ofDonkey KongandMariogames , Rayman Originsstands at least on par with those franchises ' sound 2D entries . In terms of modern systems , Rayman Originsis available on PC .
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot was a salient PlayStation mascot from the ' XC , with the zany character reference leave Sony ’s launching home gaming cabinet with some acclaimed classic . And similar to Rayman , Crash was deal a protracted hiatus from the gaming scene until 2017’sCrash Bandicoot : N. Sane Trilogy .
This collection curb remasters of the first three games , and the reception to this revival was strong . On top of the monumental graphical overhaul , reviews praised the modernization of gameplay mechanics while staying true to the original games . Crash Bandicoot : N. Sane Trilogyis available on PS4 , XBO , Switch , and PC .
Super Mario Maker 2
dive one more time into theMariofranchise , fan come off the likes ofDonkey Kong Country : Tropical Freezeshould be in for a delightfully unique experience withSuper Mario Maker 2 . This platformer grant musician to build their own Mario levels , wager them , portion out them online , and play through other players ' degree .
This Nintendo Switch subsequence to the original Wii U plot was laud for its even more encompassing and drug user - friendly tool at players ' disposal . It ’s a creative and addictive approach to platforming game , and also has a individual - thespian musical mode where musician go through 100 Nintendo - created levels .
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Should instrumentalist latch onto the modernized trilogy ofCrash Bandicootgames , the clean recentCrash Bandicoot 4 : It ’s About Timeshould feel like a unseamed passage . like to old games , It ’s About Timeuses a gameplay perspective where players platform through spirit level in a side - scroll fashion or toward the camera .
The game tastefully retained the strong foundation of the original game ' formula while inaugurate new automobile mechanic , namely the Quantum Masks , which can be used to castrate levels to voyage them . Crash Bandicoot 4 : It ’s About Timeis available on PS4 , PS5 , XBO , Xbox Series X|S , Switch , and microcomputer .
Rayman Legends
The aforementionedRayman Originswas an emphatic rejoinder for the character after near a decade out from the mainstream , but the 2013 sequel negociate to be even more acclaimed . The game cement the nominal character as make some of the most inventive 2D platformers in play , asRayman Legendsadds on to what work so well inOrigins .
Legends ' plaudit mostly move toward the game design swimmingly getting players accustomed to the basics before fleshing out into a colorful and high - octane platforming gauntlet . For modern organization , Rayman Legendsis available on Switch , PS4 , XBO , and microcomputer .
Kirby Star Allies
After Mario , the loveable pink puffball Kirby is arguably the most recognizable Nintendo - exclusive platforming mascot . This is surely due to the impressive catalogue of games the part has roll up , becoming a respectable 2nd - place image in his own right .
The Nintendo Switch’sKirby Star Allieswasn’t initiallyone of the bestKirbygames uncommitted , with criticisms leveled at its abbreviated content and disappointingly easy trouble . However , free post - launch DLC turn it around in a notable way . The 2D platformer get theHeroes in Another Dimensionmode that retroactively improve the game , with praises conk out to the entertaining young level design and a new stratum of challenge .
Sonic Mania
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has see better day , but there have been some more whole entries in recent years . In finical , 2017’sSonic Mania– spearheaded by a team of developers jazz for read-only storage hacking – has been a successful income tax return to organise that honors the bequest of the fortunate years on the Sega Genesis .
It ’s a truehearted stride than what fans playingDonkey Konggames would be used to , but this biz ’s strengths lie in its exhilarating f number , graphical intro , and neat remixes of Graeco-Roman Sega Genesis - earned run average level designs . transonic Maniastands asone of the bestSonicgames to date , serving as a great jumping - on point for new devotee . is available on Switch , PS4 , XBO , and microcomputer .
DuckTales: Remastered
The originalDuckTalesgame for the NES and Game Boy was a rage - classic platformer and 2013’sRemasteredversion held up that position for the modern eld . It pays court to the beloved ' 80s toon of the same name while return it a flavor of Metroidvania - style gameplay . The backtracking that ’s key signature to that genre would be a variety of gait , but it should be just favorable enough here .
DuckTales : Remasteredholds plenty of spell for those looking for an entertaining mascot - theme platformer , all while bringing back the difficulty of such classic game . However , in term of modern ironware , DuckTales : Remasteredis only useable on personal computer and Mobile River .
Shovel Knight
On top of being another one of the undecomposed indie games in late memory , publisher / developer Yacht Club Games’Shovel Knightis still one of thebest 2D platforming game on Nintendo Switch . The game is a charming lovemaking letter to the vintage earned run average of 8 - bit platformer games on the NES , with players accept on the role of the nominal Shovel Knight across a wealth of sidescrolling content .
Shovel Knightearns its critical acclaim , with it being one of the easily - supported games post - launching . It has a total of four political campaign and one additional story mode and is fantastically accessible even today . For modern systems , Shovel Knightis usable on Switch , PS4 , XBO , and PC .
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