Top Platform Games of 2012

• 14.

  
  7

  New Super Mario Bros. 2

  There's plenty of unmemorable fun to be had here, but it's shocking how it only took three goes for Nintendo to make New Super Mario Bros. feel old. In New Super Mario Bros. 2, capitalism has zipped out of a warp pipe and... more

  Reviewed on: 6 Aug 2012   Platforms: 3DS

• 13.

  
  7

  Sound Shapes

  For all the game's ambition, and for all the whimsy and mirth it is so capable of providing, it falls into the same trap as LittleBigPlanet - excruciating platforming. The Vita is an extraordinarily frustrating console. The... more

  Reviewed on: 7 Aug 2012   Platforms: PS3, PS Vita

• 12.

  
  8

  Q.U.B.E.

  A very satisfying puzzle game, one that manages to stay surprising throughout by keeping things incredibly tight. Q.U.B.E. understands that the best incentive to complete a puzzle is having the solution in sight, more so... more

  Reviewed on: 13 Jan 2012   Platforms: PC

• 11.

  
  8

  Dustforce

  Dustforce comes into its own after you've invested some time, transforming into a frantic and occasionally frustrating experience that manages to eke out repeat play. The rock-hard platformer has enjoyed something of a renaissance... more

  Reviewed on: 19 Jan 2012   Platforms: PC

• 10.

  
  8

  Rayman Origins

  A passionate tribute to the days when platform games ruled the Earth, but beyond that, it's also one of the best examples of the genre we've had in recent memory. This review was originally published for the Xbox 360 and... more

  Reviewed on: 17 Feb 2012   Platforms: PS Vita

• 9.

  
  8

  Lumines Electronic Symphony

  While it's clear Q Entertainment perfected the game's formula on their very first try, this iteration of the neon-lit puzzler is so charming and elegantly formed you'd be a fool to say no. "Haemorrhoids?" I ask Andy, VideoGamer.com... more

  Reviewed on: 22 Feb 2012   Platforms: PS Vita

• 8.

  
  8

  Tobe & Friends: Hookshot Escape

  It's an endless runner with all the addiction of a Doodle Jump, but it has a sharp, decidedly retro twist that makes it more than just a fluffy, throwaway time-waster. The hookshot - the mythical do-all superweapon from Zelda... more

  Reviewed on: 29 Feb 2012   Platforms: iPhone

• 7.

  
  8

  LittleBigPlanet Vita

  At four games in the LittleBigPlanet series feels less fresh than it once did, and new touch mechanics don't add as much to the experience as you might think. LittleBigPlanet Vita is a lovely game. It's the kind of game that... more

  Reviewed on: 12 Sep 2012   Platforms: PS Vita

• 6.

  
  8

  Rayman Jungle Run

  Jungle Run works so well because it remembers that the core joy of platform games comes from the kinetic thrill of movement. Rayman Jungle Run isn't a game that dawdles, so neither will I: it's excellent. Ubisoft's latest... more

  Reviewed on: 20 Sep 2012   Platforms: iPhone

• 5.

  
  8

  Skylanders: Giants

  Despite the occasional glimpse of dollar signs in its publisher's eyes, Skylanders Giants is that rarest of beasts: a kids' game that's very, very easy for adults to like. The greatest trick Activision ever pulled was convincing... more

  Reviewed on: 23 Oct 2012   Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

• 4.

  
  8

  New Super Mario Bros. U

  New Super Mario Bros. U is a fantastic game hindered by a disappointing opening act. Bad news: New Super Mario Bros. U opens with all the issues that have hindered previous entries in the series. Uninspired level design,... more

  Reviewed on: 16 Nov 2012   Platforms: Wii U

• 3.

  
  8

  LEGO The Lord of the Rings

  Lego Lord of the Rings is still a huge success that's wonderfully adorable and an absolute delight to play. You should never toss a dwarf, not unless you're very brave. Dwarves hate it. It's thoroughly rude. It'd take a braver... more

  Reviewed on: 20 Nov 2012   Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

• 2.

  
  8

  Stealth Bastard Deluxe

  By the end of the game you'll be gleefully convinced that the only espionage arsehole is whichever masochistic sod invented some of these bloody levels. This year has seen a bit of a stealth renaissance, with games like Dishonored... more

  Reviewed on: 4 Dec 2012   Platforms: PC

• 1.

  
  9

  Beat Sneak Bandit

  Even if you're a bit rubbish at Beat Sneak Bandit, it's impossible not to fall in love with this funky little number. The hardest thing about Simogo's new game is that every movement must be made to the tick-tock beat of... more

  Reviewed on: 16 Feb 2012   Platforms: iPhone