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These games can be both engaging enough to keep a child’s attention, and simple enough that they doesn’t throw kids into a state of confusion or frustration. A ton of great platformers have won over the hearts of older gamers are also perfect for kids to try, especially if they can play alongside a parent or friend.
10 Mail Mole
Mail Mole is an indie game that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention upon release, but it is perfect for a younger demographic to enjoy. Gamers play as Molty, a mole on vacation from his job delivering mail. He gets a call one day to help Carrotland restore some of the power they’ve lost throughout multiple worlds.
The game features some great platform challenges throughout, but is overall rather forgiving in nature. The bright cheeriness of the game’s atmosphere is also sure to engage kids as they dig their way to success.
9 Super Lucky’s Tale
Specifically targeting all ages, Super Lucky’s Tale is an ode to classic 3D platformers with both its level design and its charm. The game stars Lucky the Fox as he looks to rescue the Book of Ages from Jinx, a villain looking to change the world as they know it.
Lucky will need to take on the Kitty Litter, Jinx’s kids, and work his way through various puzzles and obstacle courses across the colorful world to reach Jinx. Lucky has the ability to dig, which allows him to explore new worlds and discover side-scrolling levels to challenge the player.
8 Rayman Legends
Rayman has long been one of the more famous platforming mascots out there, with many adventures being released over the course of two and a half decades. The most recent mainline game received just as much adoration as many of the previous entries: Rayman Legends.
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The story revolves around Rayman and his friends as they explore new worlds based on paintings. The 2D sidescroller is perfect for kids that enjoy compelling worlds and goofy characters. This title also has a four-player co-op for those who would like to play with others.
7 Yoshi’s Crafted World
Mario’s sidekick Yoshi has had plenty of great games with himself in the center. While most platforming fans are fond of the classic Yoshi’s Island games, recent games have put this green dinosaur in a softer setting.
One of these games is Yoshi’s Crafted World, a game that puts Yoshi in a world made of crafted materials. The game revolves around finding all the gems to the Sundream Stone, which can be used to grant wishes. The game is primarily a sidescroller that uses 3D graphics, and has the player move along a 2.5D plane.
6 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The Playstation 5 launch saw two wholesome platformers come immediately to the console. One of these games was a full-scale 3D platforming adventure starring Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet. In Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Sackboy is looking to stop the villain Vex from creating a machine that would destroy the world.
The game is loaded with linear 3D levels filled with various collectibles, which can add to the player’s wardrobe or help them advance further in the game. All levels can be played in co-op, though some optional levels require co-op to complete.
5 Spongebob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
After two decades on the air, Spongebob Squarepants continues to entertain kids both on television and in other media. Spongebob has also had plenty of different experiences in the video game world, including the 3D-platforming cult classic remake Spongebob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated.
The reimagining of this 2003 hit has Spongebob, Patrick, and Sandy set off on an adventure to stop an army of robots Plankton has unleashed. Players can explore different areas of Bikini Bottom while beating up robots and collecting Golden Spatulas.
4 New Super Marios Bros. U Deluxe
Mario is the quintessential platforming superstar, and his his games have always been catered to people of all ages. One of the big hits on the Nintendo Switch is a Wii U port, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. The game features dozens of 2D platforming levels that can be played alone or with up to four friends locally.
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Co-0p may be the best way to play for kids If they fall behind, they can be put into a bubble and brought back safely to the leading player. That said, the platforming isn’t terribly hard, and is a nice ode to Mario games of old.
3 Super Mario 3D World
Speaking of Mario games, the best 3D Mario experience that parents can introduce to their kids is Super Mario 3D World. Available on both Nintendo Switch and Wii U, the adventure uses a similar level-by-level format as most classic 2D Mario games but allows players to move around and use a 3D space.
Similar to New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, any player that falls behind can use a bubble to return to the leading player. Additionally, kids that are struggling will be provided with a Tanooki power-up eventually that makes them immune from enemy attacks.
2 Astro’s Playroom
The other platformer-style launch game for the Playstation 5 was essentially a tech demo. However, Astro’s Playroom is a thrilling enough experience that can leave anyone feeling they beat a full-length game. Players take on the role of an Astro Bot who travels to different dimensions themed after parts of the Playstation 5.
While the game is great for learning how to play with the console, it also has many references and items that help tell the storied history of Sony’s Playstation. The game’s colorful worlds, great soundtrack, and short length are perfect for kids.
1 Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Though it was a strange shift in the series at first, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is now regarded among the best Kirby games to date. A game that inspired other Nintendo series to apply the craft-material art styles, Epic Yarn takes place in Patch Land as Kirby sets off to help Prince Fluff stitch the world back together.
The 2D platformer is extremely forgiving, as players can’t die in the game. Instead, any damage they take will result in losing any beads collected in the levels. Parents can have their kids play the Wii version, or the 3DS port called Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn.
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