10 Best Platformer Indie Games On The Switch

Platformers have come a long way from the straightforward jump ‘n’ run games they used to be, with the best ones today often highlighting how much the genre has improved throughout the years.

The genre is a popular choice for independent developers who want to make their mark on the industry through platforming titles, particularly through the Nintendo Switch. A few platforming titles manage to be unique and innovative enough to continue to appeal to gamers in the arguably oversaturated niche, while some remain as timeless classics that are must-plays for fans of the genre.

Rogue Legacy

Rogue Legacy is a genre-defining roguelike platformer with an interesting twist. Each character players use in Rogue Legacy is a descendant of the previous one, and will always have a genetic peculiarity that affects gameplay. Players can move faster, see the world in black-and-white, and more, depending on what they get in the genetic lottery.

The 2013 title is also known for being incredibly hard, especially for gamers who are not too familiar with the genre’s typical game mechanics. It’s difficult to progress at first, but as players collect more gold and conquer more dungeons, it becomes impossible to put the console down.

Shovel Knight

It’s not surprising that Shovel Knight has two spin-offs, numerous awards, and a dedicated fanbase. The charming side-scrolling platformer may seem harmless at first, but players know not to let the 8-bit inspired graphics fool them, as it’s famous for being an unforgiving game.

The goal is to guide the eponymous protagonist to the top of a tower where a powerful Enchantress waits. Along the way, players will have to defeat enemies, obtain treasure, and dig to their hearts’ content. It’s an excellent example of a platformer done right and continues to be an influential game.

Cyber Shadow

Cyber Shadow is a grossly underrated indie game released just last year. The NES-inspired platformer tasks players with controlling its protagonist, Shadow, who must find his way through the desolate ruins of Mekacity to understand who or what lead to the deaths of his entire clan.

The game is often compared to the 1988 cult classic, Ninja Gaiden, since it features similar combat mechanics and challenging levels that obviously allude to the older classic. A significant and distinct feature players (particularly beginners) may find helpful is the indie title’s inclusion of checkpoints in numerous areas of the game.

Little Nightmares II

Much like its prequel, Little Nightmares II challenges players to have flawless timing and stealthy movement to live through each terrifying location in the game. Its dark atmosphere and well-designed monsters work to create a genuinely terrifying gaming experience in the best way possible.

The highly-anticipated sequel to Little Nightmares wowed players with its thoughtful improvement of well-received mechanics from the original game. Fans can focus on surviving each level without worrying about faulty controls and rough physics – they only have to think about their next encounter with the long-necked teacher and the Thin Man.

Limbo

Fans of the horror genre are likely familiar with the legendary Limbo, a truly horrifying platformer with a distinctive film noir style. The black and white and often obscured environment adds to the tense atmosphere of the game, which is centered on a young boy’s attempts at getting through each deadly obstacle.

The title intentionally allows players to keep losing, which results in violent scenes that may deter some but motivate others. This trial-and-error gameplay style has become synonymous with the puzzle-platform game, which is still worth revisiting today.

Night In The Woods

Night in the Woods is a story-driven adventure game that follows its anthropomorphic protagonist, Mae, as she goes back home to the sleepy town of Possum Springs. She soon finds out that something is seriously wrong with the townspeople, and it’s up to her to stop whatever is causing it.

Players looking for a more relaxed platformer with a well-written narrative should check out the relatively short game. With its charming visuals and laidback vibe, it’s the perfect title to jump into on a lazy weekend.

Celeste

Celeste is known for being a challenging platformer that depicts Madeline’s brutal trek to the top of a mountain. It has over 700 screens, with each one presenting new platforms and enemies for players to overcome.

The emotional indie game has an impressive focus on both narrative and gameplay, with its difficulty serving as a metaphor for its protagonist’s own struggles with her mental health. It’s a brilliant portrayal of the worst of depression and anxiety, with the climb to the peak creatively weaved into the protagonist’s own inward journey.

Ori And The Blind Forest

Most indie fans are likely familiar with the white guardian spirit Ori and his friend Sein from Ori and the Blind Forest. The Metroidvania-style platformer is known for its tear-jerking narrative, phenomenal music, and striking visuals.

Players likely won’t be able to help but be captivated by the protagonist’s adventure through the forest, where they have to unravel the mysterious cataclysmic event that happened there and understand their part in it. It’s an emotional journey that will have gamers sobbing by the time they get to its touching conclusion.

Hollow Knight

Often considered one of the hardest titles on the Switch, other games have been inspired by Hollow Knight’s brutal boss fights and well-designed caverns. The Metroidvania follows a nameless Knight’s journey through the intricate Hallownest where players will piece together the protagonist’s story and details about the deteriorating world around him.

Hollow Knight’s infamous difficulty is more rewarding than frustrating, as players get to slowly but surely learn more about the lore behind the ancient cities and meet interesting NPCs along the way. It’s worth going through the numerous bugs and tainted insects to get stronger and venture far enough to learn the truth.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a Metroidvania-style roguelite that tasks players with controlling a corpse who must venture through monster-filled dungeons. Each randomly-generated level provides games with more information about the decrepit but vibrant world, which eventually comes together to reveal the overarching story.

The platformer encourages players to be reckless, as its seamless combat mechanics, fluid physics, and combo bonuses make it incredibly easy to speed through the game. With every death comes a new opportunity, as it makes it possible for players to spend the “cells” they collect in every level on upgrades, weapons, and more.

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