One of the key genres of the 8-bit and 16-bit machines, the platformer suited the era of 2D gaming. Often scrolling in multiple directions, the platformer sometimes scrolled only vertically or horizontally.
The platform genre saw a high proportion of formulaic games, with a so-called "cutesy" style and levels set in standard worlds; forest, ice and mines but it also produced a large number of games and excellent examples of the type.
Escape the flood in Rainbow Islands, join the ranks of the Gods or travel through time in The First Samurai.
View the full list of Platform games here.