The Best Platform Games for Nintendo 3DS

Update : Seedlings added at rank #8.
1

Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope (2020)

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96
Review score
Logo of Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope Screenshot of Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope Screenshot of Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope Screenshot of Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope

wii u vita Playstation 4 Playstation 3 Linux Mac OS Nintendo Switch Nintendo 3DS PC Windows amazon fire tv

Embark on an epic quest in this 8-bit retro-style game as the eponymous Shovel Knight. Defeat villainous knights and earn riches to upgrade your armor and weapons as you uncover all the game's secrets. Shovel Knight bridges the gap between yesterday and today with modern touches, including engaging RPG elements and fun and engaging storyline. With co-op and challenge modes, Shovel Knight is a warm welcome to newcomers and veterans alike.


What we like:
  • Great gameplay with retro-style graphics
  • Challenging levels provide a sense of accomplishment
  • Engaging storyline
  • Good value for the price
  • Enjoyable RPG elements
What could be improved:
  • Controllers take some time to get used to
  • Difficulty level can be frustrating at times
  • No Plague of Shadows bundled with the game

  • platform
  • retro
  • boss
  • boss-fight

2

Shovel Knight Showdown (2019)

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74
Review score
Logo of Shovel Knight Showdown Screenshot of Shovel Knight Showdown Screenshot of Shovel Knight Showdown Screenshot of Shovel Knight Showdown

vita Nintendo 3DS amazon fire tv Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows Linux Mac OS Playstation 3 wii u

Shovel Knight is a 2D side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Yacht Club Games. Following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign,[6] the game was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U in June 2014. The game was ported to OS X and Linux in September 2014, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and Xbox One in April 2015, Amazon Fire TV in September 2015, and Nintendo Switch in March 2017.[3][7]Shovel Knight is inspired by gameplay and graphics of platformer games developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System.[8]


  • platform
  • boss
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • fight
  • battle
  • multiplayer
  • adventure

3

Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX (2019)

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83
Review score
Logo of Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX Screenshot of Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX Screenshot of Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX Screenshot of Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX

PC Windows Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Nintendo 3DS

A spin-off game, Mighty Gunvolt, was released on the same day as Azure Striker Gunvolt. It was followed by a sequel, Mighty Gunvolt Burst, in 2017. Two sequels, Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 and Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX, were released in 2016 and 2019, respectively. One further sequel, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3, has also been announced, which is set to be released for the Nintendo Switch in 2022.[3]


  • boss
  • platform
  • action
  • 2d
  • side-scrolling
  • anime
  • pixel
  • spin-off
  • futuristic
  • crafting
  • rock-solid
  • combo
  • scroller
  • retro

4

Butterfly (2021)

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71
Review score
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Xbox One ps2 Nintendo 3DS wii wii u xbox PC Windows

Platformer-puzzlu game with interesting gimmick. You can't jump, so you need to bounce off your enemies or use tubes to your advantage. Both platformer skills AND logic are required to complete 40 challenging levels!

Buy

  • platform
  • romantic
  • puzzle
  • cute
  • goat
  • 2d
  • romance
  • no-frills
  • survival-horror
  • visual-novel
  • endings
  • single-player
  • full-blown
  • mystery
  • gothic

5

Cursed Castilla (2019)

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84
Review score
Logo of Cursed Castilla

Linux ouya Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo 3DS Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Cursed Castilla (Maldita Castilla EX) is an arcade action platformer full of creatures from medieval myths from Spain and the rest of Europe, as well as from chivalric romances. This game is an extended version of the renowned classic arcade Maldita Castilla, originally created by the indie Locomalito.


  • classic
  • arcade
  • platform
  • 2d
  • retro
  • medieval
  • old-school
  • mythology
  • pixel
  • chiptune
  • action
  • mazelike
  • sprite
  • boomerang
  • dungeon

6

Azure Striker Gunvolt (2014)

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78
Review score
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Nintendo 3DS Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows

A 2D action game featuring a young man with the power of lightning who stands for freedom against the evil ambitions of a massive organization. When lightning strikes, a new legend is born.


  • platform
  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • 2d
  • action
  • anime
  • side-scrolling
  • hardcore-platform
  • man

7

Gunman Clive 2 (2015)

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95
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows game boy wii u Nintendo 3DS

Gunman Clive returns in an all new adventure. Now in Color!

Buy

  • platform
  • western
  • boss-fight
  • dinosaurs
  • not-so-difficult

8

Seedlings (2023)

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ND
Review score
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m Nintendo 3DS PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Immerse yourself in nature as a sentient seed in this relaxing award-winning 2.5D puzzle platformer. Possess different plant creatures with unique abilities and find your way through the New Zealand native forest, made using real photos and videos.


  • nature
  • platform
  • ambient
  • 2.5d
  • atmospheric
  • 2d
  • puzzle
  • relaxing
  • action-adventure
  • realistic
  • linear
  • town
  • controller-support
  • casual
  • rpg

9

Miles & Kilo (2017)

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82
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo 3DS Playstation 4 vita Xbox One Nintendo Switch Mac OS

Embark on a retro rescue mission with Miles & Kilo, a dynamic duo determined to reclaim their plane parts from a haunted isle. Dive into 36 levels of high-octane platforming, master pixel-perfect jumps, and tackle 5 unique bosses. This game's blend of nostalgia and innovation offers a fresh take on a classic genre!


What we like:
  • Seamless blend of new and retro gameplay
  • Precise and responsive controls
  • Instant level restarts reduce frustration
  • Variety in levels and boss fights
  • Engaging score-based achievement system
What could be improved:
  • Short overall game length
  • Some levels may require repetitive memorization

  • platform
  • pixel
  • retro
  • runner
  • runner-type

10

140 (2013)

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85
Review score
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atari 2600 Linux Mac OS PC Windows Nintendo 3DS wii u Xbox One vita Playstation 4

140 is an indie 2D rhythm puzzle-platformer. The game features high interactivity between the soundtrack and the environment around the player, and how the player must traverse this unwieldy environment.

Buy

  • platform
  • rhythm
  • minimalistic
  • minimalist
  • music

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