We’re in the midst of awards season here at Twinfinite, which is our time to look back at and reflect on all of our favorite games from the previous year. Throughout 2021, there were several platforming games released that showcased the best of what the genre has to offer. Twinfinite’s staff voted, and the results are in: here are the best platforming games of 2021 that stood out from the rest.
Best Platforming Games of 2021
Honorable Mention: Metroid Dread
Staff Writer Rebecca Stone: Nearly every game in the Metroid franchise showcases well-polished controls and brilliant level design, and Metroid Dread is no different. This latest entry in the series expands on many of the gameplay features that make Metroid a model in platforming excellence.
Metroid Dread introduces a new mechanic to the series that helps you navigate the hostile planet: sliding. This allows Samus to seamlessly move through small gaps under walls without stopping and helps the gameplay feel smooth. The melee counter mechanic from Samus Returns is back as well, which allows Samus to stun enemies before shooting them. Every movement feels swift and satisfying.
There is a wide array of abilities and power-ups in addition to sliding and countering that contribute to Metroid Dread’s platforming excellence, such as space jump and grapple beam. These gameplay elements enhance the experience of navigating the world in rich ways that allow the player to feel growth and improvement while playing. Players go from feeling small and helpless in the beginning of the game to grand and powerful by the end.
