The platforming genre is historically light and breezy, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t notable examples of far darker platforming games.
Historically, the platforming genre was one associated with children’s games, bright colors, and lovable characters. From Donkey Kong to Mario, Sonic to Spyro, Crash Bandicoot to Banjo-Kazooie, and Rayman, when most people think of platforming games they are likely to think of these iconic beloved children’s characters and their bright and breezy games.
But platforming games new and old alike have put darker twists on this genre. From grimmer settings to sinister antagonists, or even just some very mature and often distressing topics, these are a wide variety of platforming games that put a much darker spin on the platforming genre. 10 It Takes Two
On the surface, It Takes Two may seem to fit the brief of a bright and colorful platformer with lovable, if a little eccentric, characters. But It Takes Two is used to bending the conventions of the platformer, partly because it is a completely two-player game. It also covers some very mature and challenging topics, despite its often comedic tone.
The game centers around Cody and May, a married couple with a daughter who are seeking a divorce. Already a distressing topic, It Takes Two shows its darkest side when the shrunken-down parents try to get their daughter’s attention by brutally murdering her beloved toy elephant, Cutie. It’s a haunting scene that stands out in a mostly comical game. 9 Ori And The Blind Forest
The platforming games Ori and the Blind Forest, and its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, are beautiful fantasy games with cute characters and gorgeous music. That doesn’t stop them from having a dark streak.
Alongside spooky locations and music, such as the Thornfelt Swamp, Ori and the Blind Forest covers some dark topics. A terrifying owl has cursed the land, and the player character has been separated from their parent. Ultimately, the dark aspects of Ori come from it embracing themes of grief. 8 Cuphead
Cuphead is another deceptively cute platforming game that covers a much darker story. Cuphead’s hand-drawn art style is reminiscent of the old-school rubber hose animation, which helps make it and its anthropomorphic cup characters look adorable. But the brothers, Cuphead and Mugman, aren’t as innocent as they look.
