For many, the platformer is an early gateway to the wider world of gaming. Often starring cartoonish heroes like Mario and featuring simplistic stories, the best of the genre often appeals to players young and old. Despite its foundational roots in gaming history, the platformer ebbs and flows in popularity as time goes on. As of now, the genre has reached a high mark due to a nostalgic revival of 3D platformers and the continued production of great 2D options in the indie scene.

2020 was a great year for platformers. Fans of Crash Bandicoot finally saw him return in a full-fledged sequel dubbed Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. PlayStation stalwarts got a big surprise with Astro's Playroom, a nostalgic 3D platformer that was one of the best reasons to own a PS5 at launch. Nintendo, a publisher that has reliably stayed with platformers year after year, even put together a collection of Mario's biggest 3D hits in Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

Related: Every 3D Mario Design, Ranked Worst To Best

In the first quarter of 2021, there have already been a number of critically acclaimed new entries in the genre. While big companies like Nintendo are among those responsible, there are also several indie studios finding their footing with platformers that have impressed players and critics alike. From January through April, here are the best platformers of 2021 that have released so far.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Super Mario 3D World Bowsers Fury Blocks

Nintendo starts off the selection with an enhanced rerelease of a 2013 Mario adventure that initially went pretty under-appreciated on the Wii U. Combining the throwback Mario level design of Super Mario 3D Land with the multiplayer fun of New Super Mario Bros. created an imaginative mashup where no two levels share the same gimmick. From cherries that clone Mario to players jumping between shifting red and blue platforms, this is a quality Nintendo experience, but the remastered version adds even more to love.

Alongside Super Mario 3D World on Switch is Bowser's Fury, an open-world Mario game that feels like a testing ground for future mainline installments in the series. While there are set levels scattered across the island, Mario is free to navigate between them as the player sees fit, collecting cat bells for completing objectives that feel right at home in a Mario game. Add in kaiju-style boss fights with a terrifying new form of Bowser, and this is one short and sweet single-player story that platforming fans shouldn't miss.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: It Takes Two

Cody and May, the two main characters from It Takes Two

The third release from game developer Josef Fares, It Takes Two took many players by surprise thanks to its quality 3D platforming and unique co-op mechanics. Fares has always focused on cooperative play in his games, but the addition of platforming sections and more surreal gameplay elements has seemingly struck a chord with the many players discovering this relatively new title.

Related: Best Co-Op Games To Wreck Your Friendship

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Little Nightmares 2

Little Nightmares 2 Key art

A follow-up to an unexpectedly great horror game by Tarsier Studios, Little Nightmares 2 sends players platforming through a bite-sized 3D world. The addition of a new playable character and even more terrifying horrors for players to outrun make this a worthy successor to the original and a great pick-up for anyone looking to combine their platforming with a creepy aesthetic.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Kaze and the Wild Masks

Kaze and the Wild Masks Key Art

Those wanting to play a brand new traditional 2D platformer should look no further than Kaze and the Wild Masks, a 2021 release developed by PixelHive and published by SOEDESCO. The titular Kaze is a "badass bunny" that can transform into an eagle, a lizard, and a shark across 30 main levels and over 50 bonus levels. While the gameplay looks like something straight from the '90s, the pixel graphics are refined in a modern style, giving players of all ages the best of both worlds.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Cyber Shadow

Cyber Shadow Review Logo

Published by Shovel Knight creators Yacht Club Games, Cyber Shadow shows just as much love for its ninja action predecessors as the blue burrower does for Mega Man. As the last survivor of his clan, protagonist Shadow must leap across mechanical platforms and use his sword to boost through enemies on his way to victory. While the NES-style presentation (and difficulty) may not appeal to everyone, Cyber Shadow is a highly tuned experience straight out of the first golden era of the genre, and fans of retro platformers will probably want to check it out.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Olija

For those looking for a 2D platformer with a more modern approach to gameplay, Devolver Digital and developer Skeleton Crew Studio have just the game. Olija tells a story about a shipwrecked man named Faraday who's trying to escape a hostile land and return home.

Related: Olija Interview: Thomas Olsson

Faraday's only weapon is a harpoon that lets him warp from place to place, allowing players to spear down foes and then use them as a means to leap to new heights. From its minimalist art style to its atmospheric levels, Olija delivers as one of early 2021's best platformers.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Narita Boy

Narita Boy Review Logo

Released at the tail end of March from developer Studio Koba and Team17, Narita Boy is striking at a very specific tone. With its synth music, a weapon called the Tecno-sword, and some very Tron-esque art reveals, it definitely has a nice 1980s feel. Even so, Narita Boy delivers on that nostalgic goodness with colorful neon worlds and fast-paced running, jumping, and slashing that should appeal to platformer fans in 2021 too.

Best 2021 Platformers So Far: Mail Mole

Mail Mole Key Art

Circling back around to the 3D platforming space, Mail Mole provides an alternative to the big names with a cute postal worker protagonist who's just out to deliver the goods. While the game hasn't been a breakout hit with everyone who's tried it, 3D platformers of this type are still relatively rare on the indie scene. Fans of the genre could do much worse than checking out this animal-filled adventure from Talpa Games.

While platformer icons like Mario and Sonic may still hog the spotlight, there are some great platformers being made by smaller indie studios right now. Whether fans are looking for a nostalgic game with an '80s look like Narita Boy or a more modern title with a playful art style like It Takes Two, there's a little something for everyone in 2021.

Next: 10 Hardest Platformer Video Games Of All Time, Ranked