10 Best Platform Games 2026 in the United States

Mario Party Superstars for the Nintendo Switch brings a nostalgic yet fresh experience by featuring 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games and 100 minigames from throughout the series. The gameplay mechanics are straightforward and engaging, making it accessible to both new and seasoned players. One of its major strengths is the variety of minigames, which keeps the gameplay exciting and diverse.

The graphics and art style retain the charm of the Mario franchise with vibrant and colorful visuals. The difficulty level is quite balanced, catering to a wide range of players, from children to adults. Although the game emphasizes fun and competition, there is no deep story or character development, which might be a drawback for those looking for a more narrative-driven experience. The level design is well-crafted, offering a nostalgic trip for long-time fans while being intuitive for newcomers.

Replayability is a significant highlight due to the numerous minigames and the ability to play online with friends or family, ensuring that no two game sessions are the same. However, it is worth noting that the game might lack depth and complexity for hardcore gamers seeking a more challenging platform game. Mario Party Superstars excels as a party game that is perfect for social gatherings, offering hours of fun and friendly competition.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection for the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic package that brings together thirteen classic TMNT games from Konami, perfect for fans of retro platformers and those who enjoy a bit of nostalgia. The gameplay mechanics are true to the original arcade and console experiences, offering solid side-scrolling action with simple controls that are easy to pick up. The collection adds modern conveniences like save-anytime, rewind features, and button mapping, which help reduce frustration especially with some of the tougher levels.

Graphically, the collection sticks to the pixel-art style of the original games, which might feel dated to some but holds a charming, authentic appeal for fans of classic 8- and 16-bit visuals. The difficulty level varies across the different titles, often leaning towards challenging, which is typical for older platformers but can be softened thanks to the rewind and save features. Story and characters remain faithful to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, providing plenty of nostalgia through familiar heroes and villains, even though story depth is limited as these games focus mostly on action and level progression. Level design is classic and straightforward, with a mix of action and platforming sections that keep the gameplay engaging.

Replayability is strong thanks to the variety of games included and the option for both online and local couch co-op play, making it a great pick for group gaming sessions. Players new to these older style platformers might find some games less forgiving despite the added modern aids. Fans of TMNT or retro platformers will find this collection offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience that respects its roots while adding quality-of-life improvements.

PAC-MAN World Re-PAC for the Nintendo Switch is a revamped version of the classic platform game, designed to leverage the capabilities of current-generation hardware. The gameplay mechanics are intuitive, featuring a mix of classic PAC-MAN actions like chomping and new moves such as butt-bouncing and rev-rolling. This adds a layer of complexity and fun to the traditional gameplay. The graphics and art style have been significantly updated, offering a shiny new look for PAC-MAN and the Ghosts and fine-tuned environmental details, making it visually appealing for both new and returning players.

The difficulty level caters to a broad audience with a rating of 'Everyone,' ensuring it is accessible yet challenging enough to keep players engaged without being overly frustrating. The story and characters are simple but effective, with PAC-MAN rescuing his friends from Ghost Island, adding a touch of narrative depth that wasn't present in older games. Each of the six areas - Pirate Area, Ruins Area, Space Area, Funhouse Area, Factory Area, and Mansion Area - offers unique level designs and boss battles, keeping the gameplay fresh and varied.

Replayability is enhanced through different modes like QUEST MODE, MAZE MODE, and ORIGINAL MODE, where players can unlock the original PAC-MAN game by completing the campaign. Additionally, the game includes collectibles and hidden keys to rescue various characters, providing incentives for multiple playthroughs. Its appeal might be more nostalgic, attracting those who enjoyed the original PAC-MAN games or looking for a family-friendly platformer.