Best 12 Mobile Platformer Games on Android (Number 3 is hilarious)

Platformer games have been popular for decades. You may know classic platformers like Super Mario Bros., Metroid and 3D platformers like Crash Bandicoot, but the genre is still alive and well. In this article, we’ll cover 12 of the best mobile platformer games on Android.

I especially enjoyed the humor of Dadish (the name is literally a dad joke) and for nostalgia, I loved Super Mario Run and Sonic CD Classic. Downwell is another title I would keep playing because of the concept.

What Is a Platformer Game?

Platformer games are a video game genre that stresses moving from one point to another, whether it’s a 2D game or a 3D title. There may be platforms of varying heights to make the journey more challenging, and the addition of enemies increases the difficulty. Previously, some platformers were single-screen titles, meaning you only stayed on one section. Today, many of them are scrolling games to give an extended sense of progression.

2D platformers tend to stick to the plane, though 2.5D technology can give players the illusion of another dimension. The mainline Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong titles are mostly 2D platformers with some 2.5D magic.

3D platformers include games like Metroid Prime and Super Mario 64, the famous 3D platformer that revolutionized 3D games. In these games, you aren’t confined to two dimensions. You can go anywhere accessible within the three dimensions as long as nothing in the game engine stops you.

Our article will cover both types of platformers. Some are free to play and may have ads. Others are paid games.

If you’re more of a gamer who needs a controller, I have you covered in our Android games with controller support article. These titles all allow the usage of controllers natively.

Limbo

The developers at Playdead released Limbo in 2010, but the game still holds up despite being more than a decade old. It’s a slow-paced platformer horror game that has you playing the role of a boy looking for his sister. His search takes him to a forest near the edge of hell, occupied by a large spider and other boys. These enemies try to kill him.

Limbo is entirely black and white, plus shades of grey. You have to play using your brain more than your reflexes, as there are many puzzles to solve to progress further. The game’s music and sound design help players achieve immersion quickly, even winning awards.

Fans of film noir and horror will enjoy Limbo, but be warned: the giant spider can be terrifying for players with arachnophobia. As befitting of its name, the graphics convey a sense of otherworldliness and resemble silent films. I’m not a horror game fan, but Limbo intrigues me. The game isn’t free to play, but there’s a demo version if you want to try it out first.

I highly recommend using a gaming tablet if you want to enjoy Limbo, as the graphics are spectacular and help with immersion. Try to reach a framerate of at least 60FPS and activate High graphics for the best experience.

Dadish

You’re a radish and a dad. Dadish’s premise is a radish dad who’s looking for his missing children in a world full of enemies designed after fast food. The eponymous character, Dadish, isn’t a silent protagonist, however. You get to see him talk to other characters and laugh at his dialog. As with a retro-style platformer, Dadish the game has secrets to unlock if you want to delve deep.

The game’s simple graphics are charming, while the soundtrack does a good job of enhancing the experience. I noticed some similarities to the older Super Mario titles, such as the option to collect stars.

Dadish has 40 levels to clear, and that also translates to 40 baby radishes who talk back as you save them. It’s a love letter to old platformer titles, and I’m sure fans of the genre will enjoy the game immensely, especially since it’s free. There are two sequels too, and they are also free.

Downwell

When people think of vertical-scrolling games, a downward scroll comes to mind, but Downwell isn’t your typical vertical-scrolling platformer. You’re a person wearing boots with guns dropping down a well seemingly without a bottom. Most of the gameplay is an upward-scrolling vertical platformer.

Think of Downwell as the opposite of Ice Climber for the NES, but much faster. It’s also more violent, as you can get new weapons and upgrades to kill enemies better. Downwell levels are procedurally generated, meaning no levels are ever perfectly identical.

Downwell seems endless, but there’s a final boss to defeat. Doing so unlocks Hard Mode, as if the game wasn’t difficult enough already. This 2015 game costs almost $3, and based on my experience, you’ll definitely come back for more, even after dying.

My experience playing Downwell for a few minutes was positive. It’s almost frantic, but you end up getting hooked. However, if you don’t want to tap the screen five times a second, try out these idle Android games.

Nameless Cat

Nameless Cat is a game where you play as a nameless kitten telling its own story while trying to find its owner. You know nothing about this cat, but as you progress further, its background and secrets become known to you. The game has beautiful pixelated graphics and a wonderful soundtrack to boot. It’s not a Metroidvania as the levels aren’t part of a large map, but it does have elements in common like bosses and various mechanics.

The game focuses on movement and puzzle-solving; combat isn’t always direct. There are bosses to fight, but you don’t always directly damage them with the cat. Instead, you fight using different mechanics and devices in the environment.

Nameless Cat has a rather deep story despite its graphics and silent protagonist. It also has some replay value if you want to gather all the cans, which are like Mario stars. Give it a try and see if it’s fun for you.

Super Mario Run

I can’t have a list of the best platformer games without including a Mario title. You can download Super Mario Run from the Google Play Store right now, though the full game is locked behind a paywall. It’s an autorun side-scrolling platform game, which means you only have to worry about Mario’s jumps to stay alive.

The standard game mode is World Tour, which contains 24 courses. Like most mainline Mario games, your mission is to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s nefarious plans. Courses 1-1 to 1-4 are free to play, but you’ll have to pay to unlock the rest of the content and game modes.

The other game modes similarly have restrictions if you don’t pay. However, I believe it’s worth it if you’re a big Mario fan.

Fireball Wizard

Fireball Wizard places you in the boots of a wizard in the wonderful world of Wizardonia. You aim to become the greatest of the wizards by fighting monsters and upgrading your equipment and skills. There’s not only combat, but for those who love puzzles and secrets, the developers have you covered.

The standard game mode doesn’t have checkpoints, so you must start over after losing your life. However, there’s a casual mode for those not looking for a challenge.

Fireball Wizard has four worlds and more than 40 levels, and you can tell the developers love their game. The game isn’t free to play, but you can download it to play the demo before committing to a purchase. I think if I were more of a mobile gamer, I would get the full game.

Sonic CD Classic

If you’ve seen my retro games article, you’ll notice some SEGA titles, and this time, I’m including Sonic CD Classic. It’s part of the company’s SEGA Forever collection, meaning it’s free to play, but there’s an option to remove ads via an in-game purchase. Otherwise, the gameplay isn’t restricted in any way.

As Sonic, you want to collect the Seven Time Stones and defeat Dr. Eggman, but you can also play as Tails later on. The game combines the American and Japanese/European versions, meaning you can enjoy the different soundtracks as you like.

Sonic CD Classic is the SEGA CD console’s best-selling title. You can now enjoy the complete experience for free on Android. Many other old Sonic games are also free from the Google Play Store.

Bullet League

When I say “platformers,” most gamers don’t think of multiplayer games immediately, but I’m including one called Bullet League. This game is an online multiplayer action platformer that pits players against each other in battle royale format or team deathmatch battles. There’s also a mode called Booty Grab that adds a treasure hunt element.

There are many guns to choose from, including weapons that let you rocket jump. The recoil system also means you must mind your step, as falling from an advantageous spot can lead to death.

Weapons can also be upgraded to hit harder. If you’re one of those gamers who love skins, the game has some too. Bullet League is free, but there are optional in-game purchases if you’re interested.

Dan the Man: Action Platformer

Based on the Studio JOHO web series, Dan the Man: Action Platformer plunges you into the same world. I’ll admit that I haven’t watched the series, but the game looks fleshed out. The developers at Halfbrick Studios, the same company behind Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride and Fruit Ninja 2, didn’t spare effort.

You play as Dan the Man on his many adventures, defeating enemies as you follow the story. You can also play Endless Survival and Adventure Mode, which is more difficult. Due to popular demand, the game now supports co-op multiplayer.

From what I’ve seen, playing this game will teleport you back to an older era of the internet, when Newgrounds was the big thing. I’m sure those who need a hit of nostalgia would love Dan the Man. I’m not as familiar with it, but I appreciate its simplicity and humor.

Super Cat Tales 2

What’s with games and cats? Super Cat Tales 2 is an adventure platformer with more than 100 levels. You play as Alex the Cat and his friends as they try to save their home. This game has a retro pixelated style that’s clean and easy on the eyes.

While the game is free, I noticed some of the reviews calling it grindy. Players are encouraged to watch ads to earn more money for unlocking items.

Otherwise, I think Super Cat Tales 2 is a cute game that anyone can get into. It looks adorable, but the later levels get challenging. There’s even a Perfect run mode if you’re a hardcore gamer. Give it a try if you’re up for a challenge.

Little Nightmares

The mobile port of Little Nightmares is now available to play. The main character, Six, is trapped in a vessel called The Maw. She has to escape while avoiding monstrous creatures that want to kill her. This 2.5D puzzle platformer also has major survival horror elements.

Players are usually forced to hide and avoid enemies, though they can occasionally pick up items to fight back. The Maw is a scary ship, and the dangers lurking around corners make exploration scary.

Little Nightmares can be a violent game with some gruesome scenes. As such, only try it if you can stomach these themes.

Elderand

Finally, we have a true Metroidvania. Elderand’s gameplay takes place in a single map that doesn’t have long transitions, effectively creating a seamless level. Unlike the sci-fi Metroid series, Elderand is a fantasy platformer. However, elements like multiple weapons, upgrades, and crafting are common in this type of platformer.

The developers intend for Elderand to provide hours of entertainment. There are more than 60 enemy types, many different environments and secrets to discover through exploration. You can also customize your character’s appearance, and knowing some of you, that can take hours as well.

Metroidvanias aren’t open-world games, but I do have a list of open-world titles if you’re interested.

Before You Go

Platform games aren’t going away any time soon, as there are unlimited ways to make an entertaining game in this genre. I grew up playing them myself, so they hold a special place in my heart. These titles span from games decades old to newer creations, and I’m sure there’s something for everyone.

Another type of game that I have played since I was young was shooting games. Here are the 10 best shooters that I recommend (honestly, number 3 is the best).