We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 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. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is a fantastically fun update to an aging formula.
Aside from a few control quirks and frame-rate issues, Nuts & Bolts is a joy from beginning to end, providing a constant string of new parts and objectives to keep you entertained for a long time.
#24. Cloning Clyde
- Release Data: NinjaBee, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
There’s a lot to like about Cloning Clyde.
It offers a good deal of content, and it looks and sounds nice, too.
So, if you’re looking for some simple, lighthearted Xbox 360 platformer game, Cloning Clyde is precisely what you’re looking for.
#23. Marble Blast Ultra
- Release Data: GarageGames, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Marble Blast Ultra is probably best described as Super Monkey Ball without the personality.
You’re given 60 levels and your main goal is to roll your marble to the exit as quickly as possible.
So, if you like games that require a steady hand and some occasional puzzle-solving skills, Marble Blast Ultra does both of these things.
#22. Banjo-Kazooie
- Release Data: 4J Studios/Microsoft Game Studios, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Banjo-Kazooie is a great game for a kid to play around with, something that the Xbox 360 library is often lacking, but many people will find this style of gameplay outdated by modern standards.
However, if you played this one in the past, enjoy a well-made trip down memory lane.
#21. Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure
- Release Data: Toys for Bob/Activision, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
All in all, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure unquestionably accomplishes what it sets out to do: Provide an exceptional amount of ongoing gaming fun for children, with engaging peripheral devices and toys that seamlessly interact with both the video game and the Xbox 360 console.
#20. Skylanders Giants
- Release Data: Toys for Bob/Activision, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Skylanders Giants improves the formula set out by the first game in a number of small but meaningful ways.
The package, as a whole, doesn’t push the genre or the Skylanders universe in radical ways, but the additions are welcome and ultimately great fun.
#19. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Release Data: Sega, 2007
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Assuming you haven’t already had your fill of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on other systems, you won’t do yourself wrong by getting this.
The addition of achievements injects an extra layer of purpose into the already superb single-player mode, while the ability to compete against other people in the multiplayer mode offers a lot of replay value.
#18. Mega Man 9
- Release Data: Inti Creates/Capcom, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Mega Man 9 is a fun and exciting adventure that rewards those willing to persevere with some of the most satisfying victories they will have claimed.
If you want something that reminds you of the old days, you should give Mega Man 9 a shot.
It won’t leave you feeling blue.
#17. N+
- Release Data: Slick Entertainment/Microsoft Game Studios, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
N+ utilizes the Pokemon strategy of gaming, which requires the player to collect things while they are playing.
In spite of the premise being so simple, the game is really quite challenging, particularly on the higher levels.
Not only that, the ambient music and simple sound effects also add to the otherwise engaging atmosphere.
#16. Trine 2
- Release Data: Frozenbyte, Inc./Atlus, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Trine 2 throws players into a dazzling fantasy world and gives them three fun characters with which to save it.
It’s delightfully open-ended, from how you solve problems to whether or not you do it alone.
In the end, fans of puzzle platformer games will not be disappointed.
#15. Sonic CD
- Release Data: Sega, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Despite a few minor issues, Sonic CD is among the more impressive retro ports seen on the Xbox 360.
Not only is the game faithful to the original, but it’s also just plain better in many ways.
And if you never played it before, this is a superlative way to experience a beloved classic for the very first time.
#14. Skylanders Swap Force
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2013
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Skylanders Swap Force adds lots of things that are sure to please fans.
The swappable Skylanders and new challenges are smart, and the story is as funny and charming as ever.
Whether you’re a Skylanders fan or a gamer who’s looking for a charming and unique family-friendly game series to get into, Skylanders Swap Force comes highly recommended.
#13. Ms. ‘Splosion Man
- Release Data: Twisted Pixel Games, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The graphics are a little on the simple side, but they pack a punch in every place that counts.
The sound is fantastic, and Ms. ‘Splosion Man’s outbursts are all well-done.
Overall, Ms. ‘Splosion Man is a great game that fans of the original and newcomers alike will really enjoy.
#12. BattleBlock Theater
- Release Data: The Behemoth/Microsoft Game Studios, 2013
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Even if you find BattleBlock Theater too challenging after the initial stages, you’ll want to keep playing just so you can see where the story goes next.
There’s no shortage of ways to play, whether that be alone, cooperatively, or competitively, and the capable level editor is the icing on the cake.
#11. ‘Splosion Man
- Release Data: Twisted Pixel Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
As with all the best platformers, the concept is simple.
In short, you are ‘Splosion Man, a goofy lab experiment gone wrong who can blow himself up on demand.
And not only the concept is simple, this title is bursting with humor, personality, and classic platforming challenges.
The developer clearly had fun creating this insane game, and you’ll have fun playing it.
#10. Spelunky
- Release Data: Mossmouth/Microsoft Game Studios, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a superb 2D platformer that’s as easy to hate as it is to love, and your patience for punishment will be the determining factor.
Players who live to overcome abusive challenges and obsess over discovering new things will hunger for Spelunky‘s deeply rewarding exploration.
#9. Outland
- Release Data: Housemarque/Ubisoft, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Outland is a meticulously crafted game in which every element is used to further the overall experience.
This is a game that truly understands what makes a platformer great, and it adds enough unique elements to separate it from its peers.
From the pacing and difficulty curve to the controls and combat, everything comes together to form an amazing adventure.
#8. Bionic Commando Rearmed
- Release Data: GRIN/Capcom, 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Despite some questionable design decisions, the overwhelming amount of content should satisfy action fans hungry for a punishing, old-school gameplay.
Anyone eager to set aside years of design evolution will find a game that still retains the same clever levels and novel swinging mechanics that made the original’s charm endure through generations.
#7. Rayman Origins
- Release Data: UBIart Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Whether you choose to approach this adventure alone or with three friends, the fact remains that this is a charming, gorgeous, and thoroughly entertaining 2D platforming experience.
Rayman Origins draws a lot from the past, but it does so while managing to feel fresh and full of life.
#6. Rayman Legends
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2013
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Rayman Legends is a delightful platformer.
Thanks to clever level design that toys with genre conventions, it gets incredible mileage out of four basic moves.
And with great local co-op and dozens of unlockables, there’s a lot to do.
The difficulty is so smoothly balanced that it can be played with kids or adults and you would still have a great time.
#5. Fez
- Release Data: Polytron Corp., 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Fez goes far deeper than the simple platformer it initially appears as, and figuring out the solutions to the many puzzles is an experience that harks back to a time when games weren’t scared of being different.
Invest time in Fez‘s colorful world, and enjoy the wealth of incredible ideas buried within.
#4. Mark of the Ninja
- Release Data: Klei Entertainment/Microsoft Game Studios, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Mark of the Ninja is that rare game that gets all the hallmarks of a platformer right while distinguishing itself as a unique and fulfilling adventure.
With its tense pacing, its shadowy ambiance, and the satisfying act of doing stealth action, Mark of the Ninja is an excellent adventure that will leave its mark on you for months to come.
#3. Super Meat Boy
- Release Data: Team Meat, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
It’s impossible to point to just one element that makes Super Meat Boy such an extraordinary game.
From the intense difficulty and the inspired level design, to the pinpoint controls and catchy soundtrack, all of the different aspects converge into something that is truly outstanding.
#2. LIMBO
- Release Data: PLAYDEAD, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Although this is a game without clear-cut answers, the lack of concrete explanations doesn’t detract one bit from the overall experience.
This is a delicately crafted adventure whose elements tie seamlessly together.
The journey may be over too quickly, but you will be entertained every minute.
#1. Braid
- Release Data: Number None Inc., 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Braid is worth every penny.
The captivating ending sequence, which makes use of your rewind ability in a jaw-dropping way, provides the exclamation point on this remarkable game, but the adventure is consistently engaging throughout the entire ride.
Braid‘s deep and mesmerizing tale is evergreen: it is outside of and beyond time. It will never get old.
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See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
