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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Maelle from Clair Obscur with final boss

GTA 6 characters with some imagery

Oblivion Lelles shopkeeper with the docks of Anvil behind him

Split image of Donkey Kong with Diddy Kong and cover art for Rayman Legends

Promo art featuring the characters of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Globox and the titular Rayman fighting the vast cast of enemies in Origins promo art

Crash in promo art for the N. Sane Trilogy

Mario and Luigi in construction uniforms building levels in Super Mario Maker 2 promo art

Crash and his sister surfing through time in Crash 4 promo art

Rayman fighting a dragon in Rayman Legends promo art

Kirby and some of the character’s allies/power-ups in Star Allies promo art

Sonic Mania promo art featuring Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles

Scrooge McDuck and the game’s foes in DuckTales: Remastered promo art

Promo art for Shovel Knight featuring the titular hero and other characters and enemies

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