The 5 Best Platformers to Play on the Steam Deck

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The Steam Deck by Valve might struggle with big-budget games, but it truly shines when it comes to showcasing how remarkable platformers are on this console. It brings back memories of the golden era of portable gaming, like the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo 3DS, by providing a similar sensation of playing a well-crafted, responsive game in your hands.

If you’re a fresh Steam Deck owner, I strongly suggest delving into the world of platform games. Check out my top choices for the finest platformers to enjoy on your new device:

For new Steam Deck owners, I can’t recommend enough exploring the realm of platform games. Here are my top picks for the most enjoyable platformers to play:

Or:
If you’re a new owner of a Steam Deck, I can’t stress enough the appeal of platform games. Take a look at these recommendations for the best platformers to try out on your device:

Or:
For those who have just acquired a Steam Deck, I can’t help but suggest giving platform games a go. Here are my top selections for the most exciting platformers to experience on your new gadget:

All these options maintain the original meaning and tone while providing slight variations in phrasing.

Celeste

I’m really fond of the game Celeste. It’s incredibly tough, often leaving you wanting to toss your controller aside, but you won’t because the game is cleverly designed so that every misstep feels like it’s solely your fault. The platforming in Celeste represents a significant advancement within its genre, and I find myself continually impressed by the multitude of moves you can execute with just basic Dash and Jump button presses.

Ascending Celeste Mountain is an ordeal, yet the incredible music that accompanies it, crafted by Lena Raine, known for her work in Minecraft, makes it more manageable. If you’re drawn to tough platforming games and the reward of genuine achievement, Celeste should definitely be on your radar.

Nine Sols

The latest platformer I’ve tried, called Nine Sols, is not just a simple matter of getting from one place to another. Instead, it combines elements of Metroidvania with Soulslike mechanics and the parry system similar to Sekiro, creating an immersive gameplay experience. This move signifies Red Candle Games’ progression from creating horror games like Detention, into the world of 2D Metroidvanias.

Titled “Taopunk,” Nine Sols unfolds in a science fiction landscape where Chinese culture permeates the cosmos. Similar to Hollow Knight, it offers an engaging gameplay experience with difficult bosses, intricate combat systems, and opportunities for mastery through skillful play. Additionally, if you admire Sekiro’s parry system, you’ll find Nine Sols delivers a comparable and satisfying mechanic.

The Little Nightmares Series

If you’re a fan of video games that tell engaging stories within a platformer genre, then the Little Nightmares series by Tarsier Studios could be perfect for you. These games are rich in ambiance, creating an unsettling feeling and a sense of fear that lingers even after you’ve finished playing. The monstrous characters in these games will stay with you long after the end credits.

In a nutshell, both Little Nightmares games depict spine-chilling tales about tiny, vulnerable characters trying to navigate through a perilous, colossal environment. Delve into the intricate symbolism of these games on YouTube and you’ll find they are brimming with secret messages. Essentially, despite their brief duration – less than 10 hours each – they provide powerful, lasting experiences that will undoubtedly spark conversations among friends once completed.

Cuphead

Amongst all the games listed here, it’s Cuphead that I almost hold back from endorsing. Its challenge level is extremely tough, pushing your limits and testing your fortitude. Yet, after completing the game along with its additional content, The Delicious Last Course, I want you to experience the same emotions I did.

To set the record straight, I’ve got to admit that Cuphead has left an indelible mark on me as a fan. This stunning run-and-gun platformer from Studio MDHR is nothing short of extraordinary. The way they’ve masterfully employed 1930s rubber-hose animation gives it a truly unique charm.

Every boss battle, despite the countless times I’ve failed (50 to be exact), is brimming with character and design that keeps me captivated. I can’t help but admire them, even when I’m back at square one yet again.

It’s even more enjoyable when you play Cuphead with someone else. Although the Steam Deck is designed for single-player control, it allows for Bluetooth controllers to be connected, enabling you to invite a buddy to join in on the challenges – and the entertainment!

Neon White

Neon White is a weird game — intentionally so.

This game heavily blends elements from the first-person shooter and platforming genres. Although it deviates from the side-scrolling perspective commonly found in Celeste or Cuphead, at its core, it retains the essence of a platformer. As described by its creator Ben Esposito (famed for Donut County), Neon White is referred to as “a game designed for unique individuals, created by unique individuals.

In this game, a distinctive feature allows players to swap gun power for agility, introducing an innovative dimension to gameplay. Instead of solely picking weapons to combat opponents, you’re consistently evaluating the balance between speed and offensive capabilities.

For those who love platforming and speedrunning, Neon White offers a thrilling experience with lightning-quick gameplay designed for record-breaking performance on every level. To enhance your gaming experience, the game’s pulsating soundtrack, crafted by Machine Girl, maintains an adrenaline rush throughout your runs.

Among numerous outstanding platformers available, these five distinctively shine on the Steam Deck. They draw inspiration from timeless classics and infuse fresh perspectives into the genre, making them essential playthroughs for enthusiasts of platform gaming.

For more content on platformers and Steam Deck-related features, check out Gfinity.

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2025-02-27 15:44