2D platformer Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

I usually skip souslikes not made by FromSoftware, but one Steam demo just won me over

Prison of Husks is a new game available for exploration through its demo on Steam, featuring Soulslike mechanics with a camera and control scheme reminiscent of FromSoftware's titles. It showcases a retro PS1 aesthetic, evoking nostalgia while maintaining originality. The game balances homage to classic games with innovative elements, distinguishing itself in the crowded genre.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Derelict Star review

A momentum-based 2D platformer titled "Derelict Star" will be released on April 3, 2026. It is developed by gate and published by Luminous Tree Games. The game emphasizes exploration and skillful navigation over traditional power-ups, encouraging players to master movement mechanics. It features a jetpack mechanic with a speed meter, and the environment consists of various rooms with unique challenges. Checkpoints and fast travel options enhance the exploration experience. The game is verified for Steam Deck and was reviewed on an RTX 3060 laptop with a Ryzen 5 5600H and 16GB RAM.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Steam Makes 4 PC Games Free for Limited Time

Steam is offering four full PC games for free, available for permanent ownership until specific dates. The titles include: - Gravity Circuit: A 2D platformer released in 2023 by Domesticated Ant Games, rated “Overwhelmingly Positive” with 95% approval from over 2,100 reviews. Available for free until June 14. - Tell Me Why: A narrative adventure game developed by Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, typically an Xbox exclusive, with an 80% approval rating from nearly 8,000 reviews. Available for free until July 1. - Linebound: An asymmetric local co-op puzzle platformer released on May 31, allowing one player to draw platforms while another controls a character. Available for free until July 1. - PICO Park: Classic Edition: A co-op action puzzle game for 2 to 10 players, transitioning from a premium title to free, but set to be delisted soon.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

The new Bubsy is better than I expected, but its hackneyed ’90s nostalgia is exhausting

Atari announced Bubsy 4D, which has generated skepticism and amusement in the gaming community. The first trailer did not impress, and Bubsy games are known for their poor reception, particularly Bubsy 3D, which is considered one of the worst games ever. The revival of the Bubsy franchise is driven by nostalgia, despite its notorious reputation. The game is being developed by Fabraz, a studio recognized for successful platformers like Demon Tides and Slime-san. The 3D platformer genre is evolving with innovative titles, and there is uncertainty about the necessity of another Bubsy game.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

I didn’t think a 2D platformer could be scary, but oh boy did this game about a forsaken nun in a dead world of demon cockroaches prove me wrong

Metamorphosis is an upcoming game with a demo available on Steam, featuring a unique pixel art style and engaging gameplay. The game includes an innovative inventory system that uses a command line reminiscent of MS-DOS and incorporates interactive eerie paintings. Players face a blend of horror and action, encountering grotesque creatures and save points designed as confessionals that deepen the narrative. The combat system is accessible yet challenging, allowing advanced maneuvers from the start. The release date is currently "To be announced."

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Super Meat Boy 3D has no vibe

Shaun Prescott, an Australian editor, discusses his experiences with the action platformer genre, focusing on Super Meat Boy 3D and its predecessors. He recalls how Super Meat Boy reignited his passion for the genre in 2010 after purchasing a secondhand Xbox 360. While Super Meat Boy remains a beloved title, it has become less central to his gaming thoughts, and he found Super Meat Boy Forever disappointing due to its autorunner format. Super Meat Boy 3D features themed levels but lacks a cohesive narrative and has an unappealing color palette. Despite these visual shortcomings, the gameplay mechanics are well-translated from the original game, although some levels are frustrating due to trial-and-error gameplay. Prescott's interest in Super Meat Boy 3D wanes as he progresses, feeling detached from the game's world, though it remains a competent entry for completionists in the action platformer genre.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

This week in PC games: Crimson Desert and Death Stranding 2 plus frogs, cubes and one amazingly menacing chicken

The Maw consumed the narrator but they have returned to the waking world. The narrator successfully escaped through one of the Maw's mouths. New PC games highlighted include: - Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime: A strategy game with grid-based battles alongside frogs. - Deadline Delivery: A fast-paced adventure involving errant apes and exploding mail trucks. - Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War: Players embody bugs to understand and combat foes. - The Ratline: A game about tracking Nazi fugitives in the 1970s. - Everwind: An early access first-person survival RPG set in a world of floating islands. - Opus Magnum DLC: A new addition to an engineering sim with fresh content. - Crawling Angels: A game where players navigate a carnival to satisfy a character's whims. - The Cube, Save Us: An early access melee extraction game focused on loot in a sky cube. - In Their Shoes: A slice-of-life game reimagining visual novel mechanics. - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach: Now available on PC. - Crimson Desert: An action-RPG from the creators of Black Desert Online. - Briar Flame: A 2D dark fantasy action-platformer. The team is currently engaged with Crimson Desert and reflecting on classic games, while also dealing with cooking and food-related thoughts.

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2025

Atmospheric Diver Game SILT Coming to iOS & Android Devices

- SILT is a 2D platformer game with a creepy horror theme and excellent graphics. - The game features hand-drawn eerie visuals and immersive sound design. - The core gameplay feature is the "Possession Mechanic" which allows players to solve puzzles using sea creatures. - SILT is perfect for mobile devices due to its short length and pick-up-and-play nature. - The game can be played using touchscreen controls or mobile gamepads, such as the Backbone Pro controller. - SILT will be available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, with a full game unlock available for .99.