The Best Games That Blend Platforming And Exploration

Key Takeaways

• Platformers blend 2D & 3D perspectives, emphasizing exploration to create engaging gameplay experiences.
• Some games prioritize exploration over platforming, include
  Starbound
  ,
  GRIS, FEZ,
  and
  Ori And The Will Of The Wisps.
• Games like
  Hollow Knight, A Hat In Time,
  &
  Terraria
  focus on exploration while incorporating platforming elements.

Platformers have been one of the most storied genres in video games, with aged history and numerous titles taking a shot at being the best. Of course, being an older genre, the vast array of games allows for unique takes and innovations to sprout up, doing more than just following the same gameplay loop that it started out with.

While there have been different ways to mix up the gameplay of platformers, exploration is one such avenue that can make for a highly engaging game. Nowadays, the worlds of video games and the exploration that comes with them can create fulfilling experiences, but don’t always mean success. Small or large worlds to explore can develop such experiences and can help platformers continue to see the success the genre has witnessed, be it in 2D or 3D games.

7 Starbound

A Game With Extensive Exploration But Limited Platforming

Some platformer games that feature exploration focuses more on one of these aspects than the other. Starbound is an example of this. It’s a game that allows players to openly explore but with less refined gameplay on the platforming side.

However, it is still a beloved game that fans of platformers should try out. With procedural generation being at the crux of the worlds that players can explore, there are numerous planets to visit, with many differences between them. There is also a big modding scene that can further increase the enjoyment of exploring. The platforming might not be as fluid as some other games, but the exploration makes up for it.

6 GRIS

Uses Exploration To Immerse Players In Its Beauty

Platformer games don’t always push exploration as a core concept for gameplay reasons. GRIS relates its exploration to gameplay, as players will travel to different stages and complete various puzzles.

However, the game’s highlight is the beauty of the world’s visuals that are present when exploring. It leads players to continue making their way through the platforming sections just to witness the jaw-dropping art on display throughout the landscapes. The visuals also play into the platforming at times, such as through symmetry.

5 FEZ

A Twist On Platformers That Emphasizes Exploration And Discovery

Platformer games are usually thought of as being 2D thanks to the Mario series. FEZ is a game that plays on this, being a 2D game that allows the player to rotate the world between four 2D views, essentially making it also 3D.

The ability to rotate the world allows the player to complete puzzles and explore the different sections in a unique way. The exploration aspect might not be as grandiose as some platformers, but FEZ heavily emphasizes discovery, with the core element of rotating the world allowing endless discoveries. The rotation creates a unique gameplay element that is simple, but surprisingly, changes how players journey through a 2D platformer.

4 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps

Provides Players With Open-World Exploration In An Already Acclaimed Series

Metroidvania games and platformers go hand in hand due to the similar nature of their gameplay; moving around a level with platforms at different altitudes in a (usually) 2D style. One such game, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, is a title for not just platformer fans to experience, but for everyone given its high praise.

Players will journey through an open world with a focus on exploration. Numerous items and upgrades can be found throughout the world, with the player able to unlock abilities that grant access to prior areas that they otherwise couldn’t reach. The game’s colorful art style also helps to encourage exploring the world.

3 Hollow Knight

A Title That Focuses On Its Platforming And Exploration In Equal Measure

Hollow Knight is one of the most acclaimed games ever made, and its world is one of the reasons behind that success. As a platformer, its difficulty is often commented on, as it is unique for the genre, but the game also places an emphasis on exploration.

There are numerous areas to explore that are connected to each other but are not all requireed to journey through. Players can venture into almost any area they so desire; if they have the means to traverse such locations, at least. Some are blocked by obstacles that the player can get past via abilities or items. All the exploration is done through platforming gameplay, with aspects of a Soulslike in the combat and progression mechanics, making for a unique experience when traveling through the world.

2 A Hat In Time

A No-Brainer For Those Wanting A Platformer Focused On Exploration

A Hat In Time originally began as a Kickstarter game, and flowered into an instant classic when it was released in 2017, becoming a must-play for fans of platformers. It is played in a 3D style, with players controlling the Hat Kid across various worlds through platforming gameplay that harkens back to Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.

With this platforming style, players are able to explore different areas, from traditional linear levels to large open-world locales. Within the worlds, players embark on a collect-a-thon, obtaining Time Pieces as the main goal of the game. Created with a cute aesthetic, A Hat In Time’s platforming exploration gameplay is a whimsical experience for anyone looking for a simple but fun game of any kind.

1 Terraria

A Renowned Platformer Focused Heavily On Exploration

Terraria seemingly needs no introduction, as it is now one of the most popular games ever created. The gameplay of Terraria focuses on exploring a randomly generated world of three different sizes; small, medium, or large, and fighting numerous enemies whilst collecting materials to help with progression.

Platforming is another accent of the gameplay, with the game set in a 2D view. There are times when platforming is more present than others, such as in the Underworld, or when creating arenas to fight different bosses. However, when paired with the worlds, exploring via platforming gameplay makes for an incredible experience that shows why it is such a beloved game.