We already published the list of best GBC games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GBC platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GBC definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GBC and platform games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Men in Black 2: The Series
- Release Data: David A. Palmer Productions/Crave, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Its mediocrity, despite some enjoyable game control roots and excellent graphic design, is a model for us all.
Overall, this is a very mediocre and bland game, but, if you enjoyed that kind of game, then you will enjoy this one.
#24. Croc
- Release Data: Virtucraft/THQ, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Croc‘s characters are endearing, the level design is good, and the quest is both long and enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the horrible control destroys the game’s playability, making Croc for the Game Boy Color a very average game that is good for little kids.
#23. X-Men: Wolverine’s Rage
- Release Data: Digital Eclipse/Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you love Wolverine, it’s quite likely that you’ll love X-Men: Wolverine’s Rage. If you are not a fan of him, you’ll probably see this as just another platformer.
It’s mindless fun, and easy to pick up for a quick level or two.
But if you’re looking for a deeper game, try out Spider-Man 2 instead.
#22. Turok: Rage Wars
- Release Data: Bit Managers/Acclaim, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
You play as Turok, champion dinosaur hunter, and you trek through five deadly worlds packed to the brim with bipedal lizards, man-eating plants, and lethal death traps, among other hazards.
Overall, the slick visual feel coupled with the tried-and-true gameplay make for a great game to help you waste some time away.
#21. Commander Keen
- Release Data: David A. Palmer Productions/Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Not just an acquired taste, Commander Keen was always better suited to a platform where instant save games could make up for its frantic gameplay and cranked difficulty.
Fans of the original will no doubt love the Game Boy Color version.
However, if you’re the easy-going sort, other games are better for you.
#20. The Smurfs’ Nightmare
- Release Data: Bit Managers/Infogrames, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
In short, The Smurf’s Nightmare is a professional but somewhat dreary platformer clone.
The game does look pretty good with a very clean, effective look that is inarguably colorful, albeit in a restrained, easy-on-the-eye fashion which never interferes with the gameplay.
#19. Spider-Man 2: The Sinister Six
- Release Data: Torus Games/Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The music is nothing special and the story is traditional comic book fare, but the game still manages to be a great platformer on the GBC.
Ultimately, this is a nice closing chapter in Spider-Man’s saga on the Game Boy Color, and a great representation for the Spider-Man offering on the GBA.
#18. Gex 3: Deep Pocket Gecko
- Release Data: David A. Palmer Productions/Eidos Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
While this title doesn’t possess the charm of some of the other GBC platformers, it does stand proudly on its own.
Fans of the genre or those who want to pick up a decent game that will keep them coming back for more won’t be disappointed.
#17. Duke Nukem
- Release Data: Torus Games/GT Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The graphics are bold and colorful, and full of nice little touches – for example, if a zombie takes you by the throat, shooting it in the stomach rips it in half, and its legs walk away a few paces before falling over.
Overall, a great shooter platformer game.
#16. Alice in Wonderland
- Release Data: Digital Eclipse/Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
On the whole, Alice in Wonderland is an amazing game for the Game Boy Color.
It offers some of the best graphics and animation ever for this system and should not be missed.
Overall, the game is a top-notch platform adventure game on the handheld, and it’s made for everyone in mind.
#15. Frogger 2: Swampy’s Revenge
- Release Data: Morning Star Multimedia/Hasbro Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
There’s not much to Frogger 2, but that’s its charm—it’s an easy game to pick up and play, it’s a ton of fun, and you’ll be hooked when you want to go back and get a better score.
Frogger is a true arcade classic, and Frogger 2 doesn’t mess with the classic design—it just adds to it with great success.
#14. The Simpsons: Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror
- Release Data: Software Creations/THQ, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The Simpsons: Night of the Living Tree House of Horror, is a spooky action ripped straight out of a decade’s worth of Halloween specials.
The family’s souls are trapped in Bart’s tree house, and the only way to save them is to guide Bart, Maggie, Lisa, Homer, and Marge safely through each of his or her own uniquely nightmarish scenarios.
#13. Mega Man Xtreme 2
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Though it still follows the basic formula as the first Mega Man Xtreme, Mega Man Xtreme 2 makes a suitable number of improvements and additions to make it worthwhile for Mega Man fans and those just looking for a good overall game.
#12. Croc 2
- Release Data: Natsume/THQ, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
As a sequel, Croc 2 blows away the original effort produced by the development company responsible for giving the little guy life.
Natsume produced a decent adventure for the cute reptile, so don’t let his first outing on the handheld taint your purchase decision—this game is a good one.
#11. Ghosts ‘n Goblins
- Release Data: Digital Eclipse/Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Portable-console players looking for a sidescroller won’t be disappointed with Ghosts ‘n Goblins.
The control is easy to master, but the game manages to throw enough difficult enemies at you to keep you entertained.
Overall, it’s a great version of a real classic.
#10. Blaster Master: Enemy Below
- Release Data: SunSoft, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The mixture of old and new elements give Blaster Master: Enemy Below enough new twists to make it a worthy sequel to the amazing original.
If you haven’t given the Blaster Master series a chance yet, this great Game Boy Color title is as good a reason as any.
#9. Lara Croft – Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This Tomb Raider title is a quality one.
And because the first game trained us in the art of controlling the complex Lara sprite, this one can be picked up and played more easily than the first one.
And the game will last you a good long while, with huge levels and lots of things to shoot.
#8. Mega Man Xtreme
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Fans of the early Mega Man X games on Super Nintendo will absolutely love this throwback spinoff.
Players complete a variety of challenging platforming levels, fighting bosses and acquiring their unique weapons.
This is truly one of the best action platforming games you can own on the Game Boy Color.
#7. Shantae
- Release Data: WayForward/Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a vibrant and fun platforming game, which went on to receive three sequels.
Hunting down the evil Risky Boots, Shantae must find a handful of dungeons and uncover the guardian genies within that allow Shantae to turn into different animal forms, giving you new and exciting abilities.
If you’re a fan of action games like Metroid, you’ll love Shantae.
#6. Rayman
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Even though some things are missing, there’s plenty of Rayman gaming to love here.
If you love the Rayman mechanics in either the sidescrolling original or even the 3D sequel, or if you just love a great looking platformer, Rayman on Game Boy Color has enough character and fun to earn a spot in your pocket.
#5. Bionic Commando: Elite Forces
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Bionic Commando: Elite Forces has some problems; a few dull boss battles, forgettable music and other things.
Luckily it’s an entertaining, challenging title with enough swinging action to keep players busy for some time.
Once cleared it may be a while before you feel the urge to go back to it, but it’s a decent entry in the series.
#4. Wario Land II
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This remake of the classic Game Boy title brings a healthy dose of color and excitement, improving on the original game’s vision.
Unlike Super Mario Brothers, Wario Land II is about solving puzzles and backtracking.
It’s an inventive game that forces players to think in unique ways, and it’s one of the best side-scrolling games on the Game Boy Color.
#3. Wario Land 3
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a great side-scrolling action game that features one of Nintendo’s most beloved villains, Wario.
Like the previous Wario Land games, players control Wario across a number of colorful worlds and levels.
Wario must use the environment and other items to charge up, unlocking new powers.
Overall, it’s a fun and easy-to-learn game with plenty of personality.
#2. Donkey Kong Country
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you played Donkey Kong Country on Super Nintendo, this Game Boy Color port will live up to your expectations.
Players control Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong together as the pair travel across a number of worlds.
This game will definitely put up a challenge, but those who have the skill to prevail will find this port to be valuable.
#1. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a remake of the original Super Mario Bros. game, but with some interesting and beneficial changes.
Players now explore an overworld map, similar to that from Super Mario Bros. 3.
You can also play multiplayer simultaneously, whereas the original game forced players to take turns.
Browse GBC Games By Genre
See also: Best N64 Games & Best GBA Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GBC platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!