The best platforming and Metroidvania games of 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC

We’ve reached the final stages of a new year and it’s time to choose the GOTY among a selection of the best that has appeared during these last twelve months. Video games of all kinds and conditions are competing to win such a distinguished award, which will be the Game of the Year. And in MeriStation we have already started with our own search of which will be the best video game of 2023, through a genre competition from which the chosen ones will emerge, the titles that will fight against each other to become the best video game of this year, which is no small thing.

However, this time we’d like to shed some light on one specific genre of gaming: the year was packed with platform and Metroidvania games, so we’ve chosen to gather a list that includes some of the best releases of this style from just this year. And wow if we don’t have some heavy competitors. Some bet on pure gameplay and high difficulty as their main feature, others would rather take on the genre through amazing visual style and incredible music. But whatever your style may be, we think you’ll find a new favorite amongst these 8 titles:

Blasphemous 2

We begin our list of the best of platforms and Metroidvania with a title that perfectly defines both aspects, a whole retro-style 2D action platforming (its pixel art is a true work of art) with spectacular level design and backtracking. A title that will also be a real challenge thanks to its nods to the subgenre known as Soulslike, from which it takes several mechanics and very high demands on the controls; but not impossible. A total evolution of the first Blasphemous that raises the stakes to unimaginable levels.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

At this point, there is no need to introduce Super Mario Bros. Wonder. For many, one of the best 2D platform video games in history, and the latest from the jolly plumber has it all: gameplay as varied as it is fun, an overwhelming audiovisual commitment and all the charisma that Nintendo gives to its works. The masterpiece of the 2D concept of Super Mario and company. Constant surprises, all kinds of challenges for the whole family, collectibles, and much more. The traditional Super Mario elevated to maximum power.

The Last Faith

We return once again to the classic conception of Metroidvania with a proposal that is closer to the essence of the Castlevanias of yesteryear, which will be a real joy for fans of Koji Igarashi’s golden era. And as it could not be otherwise, its retro personality is demonstrated once again by its visual commitment, with pixel art that seems taken from the 16-bit era. A balanced adventure, challenging in just the right amount and with gameplay that will captivate us from the first to the last level. It may not be as ambitious as other giants of the genre, but it will surely guarantee us a few hours of fun and challenge in equal parts.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Nintendo is once again present in the classic platform genre with Kirby’s return to its essence, 2D, through this update of the original Wii title. And the duo of Kirby and Nintendo guarantees fun and playability in equal parts, all through a two-dimensional action platform that is ideal to be enjoyed by the whole family, including a bomb-proof cooperative. The set is completed with extra modes, a completely new epilogue, mini-games, and much more. Without overlooking the endearing nature of its audiovisual proposal, which will inevitably captivate the little ones in the house. A safe value made in Nintendo.

Worldless

Another title developed in Spain that we cannot ignore. It is another twist to the Metroidvania genre through several revolutionary concepts, such as the fusion of 2D platforms with backtracking and large doses of exploration with the turn-based combat typical of RPGs, but with one more twist that makes it unique in its kind. All this seasoned with a sublime staging both visually and soundly, with a mysterious fantastic world at the level of artistic design and a soundtrack full of nuances. A very peculiar title that we cannot miss if we are fans of traditional two-dimensional adventures with a very dynamic touch of traditional turn-based combat.

Pizza Tower

After five years of completely independent development, finally at the beginning of 2023 one of the most surprising pure 2D platforms of recent times became compatible, a complete tribute to the classic Wario wrapped in a hilarious staging. And despite a retro appearance that may turn more than one-off, this frenetic indie title guarantees hours of fun with all the self-confidence and the most acidic humor that we can imagine. A true gem that fans of the genre cannot miss; pure playability and fun without brakes.

CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story

Riot Forge Games continues with its series of games belonging to League of Legends from the prism of other genres such as Classic RPG or 3D adventures, on this occasion, betting on the 2D metroidvania with platforms and action. And although this proposal does not revolutionize the genre in any sense, it does seem like a fresh proposal, addictive for its peculiar mechanics and attractive for its audiovisual commitment, with the most vivid and electric color palettes. Also, take advantage of the success of the celebrated animated series Arcane for its locations, which makes this two-dimensional proposal a real treat for both fans of the franchise and those who have discovered its vast universe through Netflix.

Sonic Superstars

We close our review of the best of the 2023 platforms with a character who has not always enjoyed the best installments (especially in its three-dimensional aspect) but who with his return to the two-dimensional concept has recovered his best form. Thus, the new thing from Arzest together with Sonic Team brings us back to the best version of Sega’s Blue Hedgehog, a nod to the classic installments through a frenetic journey with a character and personality made in Sonic; but for the better. A nod to Sonic’s time on Mega Drive through the current vision of 2D, capable of making us smile constantly as we go through its many levels at full speed, either alone or through its fun multiplayer mode.