2020 is here and while the current-generation console platforms are coming to an end to make room for the next-generation releases, there are still plenty of great games coming out this year. If you’re looking to get some ideas on what may be worth picking up this year when it comes to platforming games then check out our list down below. Make sure to give this page a bookmark as well, because we will be updating the list throughout the year when new exciting games are announced for 2020.
#5 Super Mario 3D All-Stars
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: NS
- Release: September 18, 2020
- Co-op: Local
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
After several rumors circulated online that we would get a 3D Mario collection on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has made the announcement official today. There will be a release called Super Mario 3D All-Stars and it will feature three classic Super Mario 3D video games. This should be a big hit on the Nintendo Switch as there are fans eagerly awaiting for the next Mario game release after the success of Super Mario Odyssey. Now both veteran and newcomers can get a chance to enjoy some of these classics on Nintendo’s latest console hybrid.
Those of you who were hoping for a more enhanced Nintendo 64 copy of Super Mario 64 may be out of luck, but the gameplay will likely hold up just as well today. Alongside Super Mario 64, fans can also expect the bundle to feature Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. This announcement is to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Mario and for fans that know they’ll want to enjoy this game, you will want to make sure to be ready for when the game launches. Unfortunately, this is going to be a limited-time release physically and possibly digitally.
#4 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Platforms: PC, XBO
- Release: March 11, 2020
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive: N/A
In 2015 we got the popular platforming adventure title, Ori and the Blind Forest and now in 2020, we’re going to get its sequel. Ori and the Will of the Wisps will have the same overall gameplay mechanics such as platforming and solving puzzles. However, the title will be taking place after the events of The Blind Forest where Ori is exploring what lays beyond the forest of Nibel and with it the meaning behind the lost ones.
#3 Dead Cells – The Bad Seed
- Developer: Motion Twin
- Publisher: Motion Twin
- Platforms: PC, PS4, NS. XBO
- Release: 2020
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
Dead Cells originally released back in 2018 as a roguelike platformer with Metroidvania style levels. Players are stuck in a dungeon and must fight their way back out to freedom. However, with so many hostile creatures and hazardous environments, getting out is easier said than done. As mentioned, the game featured Metroidvania style levels where certain areas are blocked off or unattainable until you track down a necessary power-up. This game was a massive hit and soon we will have not necessarily a sequel, but a new DLC.
The Bad Seed is DLC that will be releasing this year where two new biomes will be added into the game. Furthermore, you can expect a new boss along with different weapons, enemies and unique game mechanics. Needless to say, you will need a copy of Dead Cells for the DLC, but if you haven’t played the game yet, it’s well worth checking out.
#2 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
- Developer: Toys for Bob
- Publisher: Activision
- Platforms: PS4, XBO
- Release: October 2, 2020
- Co-op: TBA
- Competitive Multiplayer: TBA
- Gameranx Before You Buy
Crash Bandicoot is back with Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Developed under Toys for Bob, players will get a new mainline installment that will take place after the events of Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. In this game, a few years after Dr. Neo Cortext, N. Tropy, and Uka Uka were sent to the end of time and space, the three managed to find an escape. However, doing so has also unleashed other villains to flood out into the world once again. Now Crash Bandicoot and Coco must once again restore order and capture these villains again. If you played the previous installments of the Crash Bandicoot franchise then you will find that this is still very much a classic platformer experience.
Players will be battling various villains, exploring bigger levels, and also getting to use a few new power-ups along the way. It’s also worth pointing out that this classic platformer franchise will also see players getting tossed into other character roles. We know that there will be a portion of the game where players can take the role of Dr. Neo Cortex and that may give a slightly different perception of the world as he sees it. In any case, Crash Bandicoot fans can restore order to the multiverse this October.
#1 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- Developer: Sumo Digital
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Platforms: PS4, PS5
- Release: November 12, 2020
- Co-op: Online/Local
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
The LittleBigPlanet franchise was a popular 2.5D platformer but it looks like we are going to see a spin-off launch into the market called Sackboy: A Big Adventure. So far we know that four players can join together and go through a fully 3D platformer filled with unique levels much like the series is known far. What we don’t know at this point is if there is a level creation tool set. If you’re recall in the previous main franchise installments, players were able to create levels for players to enjoy so this time around we may have a defined game filled with levels only provided by the development team. Despite this, there is still quite a bit of charm still there and it’s going to be available for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation players so you won’t have to move onto the next-generation platform to enjoy this game.
