Nintendo is nearly synonymous with classic video game titles, and their legacy of bringing gamers beloved adventures through titles like Breath of the Wild and the ever-growing Pokémon franchise has only continued and expanded exponentially. With that in mind, there's also something to be said for their collection of vintage titles.
Since platform games are some of the easiest to pick up and play, it makes sense that Nintendo would have more than enough to satisfy that classic gaming itch. Having created and distributed many of the industry's best and brightest, there is a wealth of vintage platformers available for Switch owners everywhere.
Rygar
One of the many games offered through Nintendo Online's NES collection is Rygar, and fans of the platforming genre will definitely appreciate its simple-yet-effective gameplay and classic "Nintendo Hard" difficulty. The game can best be described as a fantasy adventure that combines elements from He-Man with dinosaurs, and that's not an inaccurate statement.
In the game, players will have to slay monsters with their frisbee-like shield and get their warrior from A to B in order to fight the classic Nintendo bosses and save the world. It's pretty cut-and-dry as far as platformers go, but it maintains all the classic elements a gamer can expect.
Ghosts N' Goblins
The Ghosts N' Goblins games are titles players will either love or hate with a fiery vengeance, as they were some of the original games that became notorious for their difficulty. When two damage means death and everything in this monster-infested world wants the player dead, there's no room for any sort of foul-ups.
The plot is simple, Arthur's beloved bride is kidnapped by the devil and it's up to him to plunge into the realms of darkness to save her. That's all well and good, but his armor might as well be made out of construction paper with how easy it is for the zombies, demons, and ghosts to put him in the ground. It will take some truly dedicated gamers to get through these titles.
Ice Climbers
Yet another NES classic, Ice Climbers takes more of an arcade-style approach to its method of platforming. Similar to games like Donkey Kong, players have to make a long ascension up an 8-bit environment to reach the top of a mountain, avoiding various enemies and hazards all along the way.
By shifting the direction vertically instead of horizontally, players are introduced to an alternative formula to the traditional side-scroller. Pair that with the adorable nature of Popo and Nana in their frozen world and it's a fine diversion from the regular fare of the genre.
Kirby’s Adventure
Speaking of adorable characters, gamers can't go wrong with Kirby. With his newest title already grabbing a lot of attention, there's no better time to revisit Kirby's first NES title. Although the game is ideal for those with little gaming experience, players of any level and age can enjoy this Nintendo classic.
Kirby's Adventure not only brought the little puffball onto the home console, but introduced his iconic copy ability as well. What it lacks in difficulty and depth, it more than makes up for in approachability and intoxicating cuteness.
Donkey Kong Country Series
DK might have got his start on the construction site, but his time spent on the SNES is what helped him establish a name for himself in the modern gaming realms. Donkey Kong Country was a game-changer for the character, his games, and the franchise.
The side-scrolling platformers starring Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong featured 3D graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and a balance of challenge and fluidity that helped the series establish its identity. Before taking on the Tropical Freeze, fans should give his original titles a whirl.
The Mega Man Collections
Mega Man represents classic platforming at its sharpest. Its mix of run and gun action with acrobatic exploration is what earns it a spot in the gaming hall of fame. The Blue Bomber has seen more than his fair share of adventures in recent years, especially with over 11 different entries in his core series.
The original games helped shape the genre as a whole by incorporating different routes of play, and a colorful assortment of bosses to keep things interesting. Each consecutive title only perfects and expands on the established formula, paving the way for more and more challenges.
The Castlevania Collection
If there was one series that reinvented what platforming games could be like in the '80s, it was Castlevania. The dark and gothic corridors of Dracula's Castle gave gamers a large and expanding realm to explore, along with almost every classic monster imaginable. It's a vampire hunter's field day.
Simon Belmont and his never-ending quest to rid the world of Count Dracula and his forces of darkness have given players a collection of brilliant and challenging platformers that are still as enjoyable now as they were then. Although some mechanics have aged better than others, fans of the genre won't be disappointed.
Super Metroid
Super Metroid was where the Metroid series and Samus Aran found their place in the universe while simultaneously creating a whole new genre in the process. The Metroidvania genre is one of the most expansive and beloved sects of gaming, largely in part to this '90s gem on the SNES. Samus walked so Hollow Knight could run.
It redefined what an action-platformer could do, and it gave a genre normally saturated by bright colors and cartoony characters much more of an edge. With its atmospheric alien world and arsenal of deadly weapons, it's not exactly a jaunt through the Mushroom Kingdom.
Sonic The Hedgehog
Sega does what Ninten-don't, as the saying went. Sonic the Hedgehog was heavily designed to be Mario's biggest competition, and it can be said that's a factor that still goes into consideration even today. With the success of his most recent trip to the box office, it might be time to give his original games another run-through.
There are more than a few ways to experience the original Sonic titles, including the upcoming Sonic Origins. But if gamers are looking to grab the hedgehog by the quills, they wouldn't be wrong for picking up the Sega Genesis Collection to get some of Sega's other platforming heroes in their library as well.
The Mario Bros. Games
Mario is a name that's practically a symbol of the platforming genre as a whole and with very good reason. Nintendo's break-out hit for the NES launched a landmark franchise that has delighted gamers for decades. If it's got "Mario" in the title, it's going to be on the Nintendo Switch.
While most might be quick to hop on the Odyssey bandwagon, Nintendo hasn't forgotten about their plumber's 8-bit origins. Thanks to Nintendo Online, all of Mario's original NES and SNES adventures are just a quick download away.