Action-Platformer Games Collection
Combining precise jumping with combat, action-platformers defined generations of gaming. From Super Mario Bros. (NES) to Mega Man X (SNES), these games test reflexes, timing, and pattern recognition through interconnected levels filled with enemies and obstacles.
Key Characteristics
- Run-and-gun: Contra (Arcade) and Metal Slug (NeoGeo) perfected shooting while jumping- Melee combat: Ninja Gaiden (NES) introduced swordplay with acrobatics
- Exploration: Metroid (NES) and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PlayStation) added RPG elements
- Modern hybrids: Shovel Knight (NDS) blends classic mechanics with modern design
Hardware Evolution
- 8-bit: Single-plane jumping (Donkey Kong Arcade)- 16-bit: Multi-layered stages (Sonic 2 Genesis)
- 32-bit: 3D transitions (Super Mario 64 N64)
- Handhelds: Portable challenges (Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land GBA)
Why Players Love Them
The perfect balance of skill mastery and instant gratification keeps these games eternally replayable.🎮All Action-Platformer Retro Games
Castlevania
The original vampire-hunting action game featuring Simon Belmont's quest through Dracula's castle.
Mega Man
The original action-platformer featuring weapon stealing mechanics and non-linear stage selection.
Mega Man 2
The Blue Bomber returns with eight new Robot Masters in this genre-defining sequel, introducing the iconic weapon acquisition system and Energy Tanks across challenging nonlinear stages.
Mega Man 3
The Blue Bomber's third adventure introduces sliding mechanics, Rush the robotic dog companion, and eight new Robot Masters with improved weapon energy management across 14 action-packed stages.
Mega Man 4
The Blue Bomber returns to face a mysterious new enemy, Dr. Cossack, and his eight Robot Masters. Introduces the Mega Buster charge shot and the first appearance of Eddie, the item-delivery robot.
Mega Man 5
In this NES installment, Mega Man must uncover the mystery behind Proto Man's apparent betrayal while battling eight new Robot Masters. Introduces the Mega Buster charge shot and Beat the bird companion who assists in combat.
Mega Man 6
The final NES installment in the original Mega Man series introduces the Rush Adaptor system, allowing Mega Man to combine with his canine companion for new abilities. Dr. Wily frames Mr. X to disguise another robot uprising across eight challenging stages.
Ninja Gaiden
The notoriously difficult action-platformer featuring cinematic storytelling and wall-jumping mechanics.
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos
Ryu Hayabusa returns to battle an ancient evil wielding the Chaos Sword, introducing shadow clones and wall-climbing mechanics across 7 punishing stages with cinematic cutscenes.
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
Ryu Hayabusa faces his greatest challenge aboard a cursed battleship, introducing energy-based special attacks and a life bar system across 7 biomechanical stages with enhanced cinematic storytelling.
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
This prequel to the original Castlevania features branching paths and multiple playable characters - Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, Grant Danasty, and Alucard - in the 15th century battle against Dracula's resurrection.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The first TMNT game for NES puts you in control of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they battle through New York City to rescue April O'Neil and defeat the evil Shredder. Features unique abilities for each turtle and vehicle stages.
Batman: The Video Game
Based on Tim Burton's film, battle through Gotham's underworld as Batman with batarangs, wall-jumps and the grappling gun to defeat The Joker's deadly schemes.
Shadow of the Ninja
A hardcore action-platformer where players control ninja warriors Hayate or Kaede through dystopian Neo York City, battling an evil emperor's mechanized forces with authentic ninja weapons and acrobatic combat.
The Revenge of Shinobi
The definitive ninja action experience with licensed boss battles and magical combat.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
The ultimate evolution of 16-bit ninja action with horseback battles and acrobatic combat.
Mystical Fighter
This fantasy action-platformer follows warrior Ryu as he battles through mystical realms to rescue Princess Lena from the demon lord Garog. Features magical sword attacks, transformable weapons, and a unique 'Spirit Orb' power-up system across 7 diverse stages.
El Viento
This cult classic action-platformer follows Annet Myer, a South American sorceress battling Lovecraftian cultists in 1930s New York. With its non-linear stages, unique diagonal jumping mechanics, and vibrant anime-style visuals, it stands as one of the Genesis' most distinctive titles.