From Donkey Kong to modern 3D platformers like Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the “platformer” genre encompasses some of gaming’s best experiences. The genre is expansive; “platforming” covers a variety of sub-genres. Even on just the Nintendo Switch, there’s so much variety.
That’s why it’s important to know one’s playstyle. With this knowledge gamers can pick the platformer right for them, the Zodiac signs are great for knowing one’s taste. Using their sign, players can guarantee matches with some platforming pillars.
Aries - Super Mario 64 (1996)
Aries are leaders who set the pace for others. Similarly, Super Mario 64 led the pack for 3D platformers, setting the stage for all that came after. It also has the sensibilities of Aries with its enthusiastic world.
Aries like succeeding with skill rather than tools. Mario 64 possesses power-ups, but most platforming is done through physics. Aries will enjoy the game's fast-paced physical challenges that rely on player skill rather than pre-determined tools for victory. Super Mario 64 is currently available through Nintendo Switch’s Expansion Pass.
Taurus - Celeste (2018)
Taurus are patient and stick with things to the end. Because if this, they’ll likely enjoy one of the hardest indie platformer games available. Despite being hard, Celeste (available on all modern platforms) is actually very relaxing. That makes it a meditative game for people who value security.
Celeste is a tough game in which players are likely to repeatedly die throughout its many levels. It respects the player's stress, though. Collectibles are optional, though a devoted Taurus may want to collect them anyway. Taurus is all about harvesting the fruits of labor, and no challenge is more rewarding than scaling Mount Celeste.
Gemini - Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022)
Geminis don't like being contained, so they'll prefer a 3D platformer to 2D. They are curious and enjoy large open spaces. The big open spaces of Kirby and the Forgotten Land should satisfy them. Curious Geminis often enjoy short trips around town, even if that town is post-apocalyptic.
Gemini is the sign of duos, and Forgotten Land features multiplayer. Kirby's adaptability is on full display with his mouthful mode, and adaptability is a Gemini skill as well. The brisk pace and ease of the new Nintendo Switch title should make this one a simple and fun platformer for them.
Cancer - Psychonauts (2005)
There’s nothing a Cancer likes more than helping others as they’re a sympathetic and empathetic sign. They also enjoy mysteries and esoteric activities. This makes Tim Schafer’s bizarre cult classic platformer Psychonauts a natural pick.
Outdoorsy Cancers will be at home at the Whispering Rock Summer Camp. They love water, although ironically Psychonauts’ protagonist doesn’t. The real appeal of Psychonauts to a Cancer is its introspection and themes of helping characters overcome trauma. The game is available on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox consoles and is on Xbox Game Pass.
Leo - Rayman Legends (2013)
Rayman Legends was originally Wii U exclusive, but it's now available on all modern platforms It’s a good thing, too, as there’s almost no better game for fun with friends. It’s a jaunty adventure that supports up to four players but can also be enjoyed alone. Musical levels and happy aesthetics are the name of the game here, making everything remarkably up-beat.
This fits with Leo’s preferences. Despite being associated with fierce lions, Leos have very fun-loving tastes. They enjoy the fun with friends and bright colors, which are abundant in this game. They are passionate and have good humor, so Rayman’s visual gags will also land well.
Virgo - Banjo-Kazooie (1998)
Virgos love animals, and there’s no shortage of video game animal mascots. That only narrows down the scope of what Virgo should play somewhat. Virgo also likes hard work, analysis, and nature. All combined, this suggests they should play the collect-a-thon classic Banjo-Kazooie.
Banjo’s landscapes are full of collectibles that demand to be understood. Only by careful analysis of the environments will players progress. Combined with the natural setting, it’ll be a tough but rewarding play for Virgos. The game is available on Xbox Game Pass and Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass.
Libra - It Takes Two (2021)
It Takes Two is a co-op game (on Xbox and PlayStation), so one might expect Gemini to favor it. It’s more in line with Libra’s preferences, though. Libras value harmony, which the game demands with its plot. The story is about a couple reconciling after their relationship becomes stressed, so harmony and cooperation are essential.
The game also requires communication to beat. This will be no problem with the social Libra that makes friends easily. The game also largely takes place outdoors, which Libras should like. If Libra needs a game partner, they should seek out their matches Aries and Sagittarius.
Scorpio - Mega Man 2 (1988)
Mega Man Anniversary Collection 1 is found on all modern platforms, but it isn't going to be a match with everyone's tastes. The games are tough; with the included Mega Man 2 and its bosses being some of the most difficult. Only the strongest and toughest gamers should give it a shot. The talented Scorpio is a good candidate.
Scorpios are passionate people who would relish the challenge of this unforgiving game. Their distrustful nature would prepare them for the game’s traps, such as the Yoku Blocks. Resourcefulness is the key to succeeding in the game, due to Mega Man’s limited ammo. Thankfully, the tough Scorpio has all of that locked down.
Sagittarius - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
Sonic 2 was the breakout success for the franchise. It featured momentum-based level design and introduced Sonic’s pal Tails, whom players could cooperate with through a second player or CPU. Sonic 2 is available on most modern platforms as well as the upcoming Sonic Origins collection. A Sagittarius should definitely pick this up.
The sometimes-impatient Sagittarius will really appreciate Sonic’s lightning speed. The game offers tons of freedom with how to beat a level, with tons of alternate paths to explore. This freedom is really appreciated by Sagittarius, who will also like the game’s environmentalist messages. Sonic’s 90’s attitude should also appeal to their sense of humor.
Capricorn - Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (2014)
Shovel Knight put a lot of effort into looking like a classic NES game. It paid off, and it’s considered one of the best indie platformers on Nintendo Switch. It eschews newer aesthetics in favor of perfecting traditional gameplay. If there’s any sign that will appreciate that, it’s Capricorn.
Capricorn has an appreciation for tradition and the classics and will love this game because of that. They’ll also appreciate the game’s many options and multiple characters. Capricorn is also known to love music, and this game has an excellent retro-inspired score. It takes a lot of self-control to master Shovel Knight, but Capricorn should be up to the challenge.
Aquarius - Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (2021)
The Ratchet and Clank games are famous for their wide variety of weapons, and there are always multiple options for how to overcome a level. Aquarius will appreciate this series for always being action-packed. They appreciate the risky and exciting, after all.
While Rift Apart lacks multiplayer (Aquarius enjoys companionship) they’ll still find great allies in Clank. This should help them not feel alone. The originality of the weapons will also appeal to Aquarius, such as ones that force dancing. The only unfortunate thing is they’ll have to acquire a PS5 to play.
Pisces - Metroid Dread (2021)
Pisces, the final sign of the Zodiac, is difficult to pick games for as they are described as liking everything. They symbolize new beginnings, which means using everything they have learned to progress in new and novel ways. There is a genre of platformer where that is the entire concept; the Metroidvania. Of that genre, few are better than the progenitor’s newest entry.
The game’s loop involves finding hidden power-ups and returning to previous areas to use them and progress. Not only does this involve one of Pisces’ traits (wisdom), but new beginnings are also symbolically represented by the game’s plot. It’s the end of a larger story arc in the Metroid series and represents a move forward. Using their intuition, Pisces players will definitely be able to conquer Samus’ latest adventure.