The Ten best Action Platformers of all time

[kuro]

in no particular order:

castlevania: symphony of the night
super metroid
strider (nes)
silouhette mirage
super ghouls and ghosts
earthworm jim
super bonk
tmnt (arcade)
aladdin (snes, never played genny ver, differences?)
rocket knight (snes, differences with the genny ver?)

damn, i wish i got my genny earlier, instead of two years ago.

[Changeling]

You should pick up the Genesis version of Alladin. Its a totally different game from the SNES game. It does everything better. The SNES game is ok, but definitely go for the Genesis version. Since you got your Genesis 2 years ago and missed out on so much, I reccoment starting there.

[Yoshi]

How the fuck does someone make a platformer list without Sonic CD or Yoshi's Island on it?

[Mzo]

Ok, the arcade TMNT games are not action platformers. Just stop it.

Genesis and SNES Aladdin's are completely different games in every way, and are both worth playing.

SNES Sparkster is the sequel to the Genesis Rocket Knight Adventures. So play both of those, too.

How the fuck does someone make a platformer list without Sonic CD or Yoshi's Island on it?

If you'd read the thread, they'd deemed that Mario and Sonic games ARE NOT action platformers. Hey, don't look at me, I didn't say it.

But I think Yoshi's Island should definitely qualify for the thread.

[lithium]

I'm confused how SOTN is an action platformer while we're at it...

Ghosts 'n' Goblins
Dracula X
Metal Slug
Contra (NES version)
Gunstar Heroes
Magician Lord
Earthworm Jim
Castlevania
Mega Man 2
Strider

all in no order but I do think Ghosts 'n' Goblins would be #1. Talk about hard as hell, great enemy and level design, nice but succinct weapon system, and just straight up action.

[Doc Holliday]

I can't believe no ones mentioned Pitfall

[lithium]

That's because Pitfall stinks. I don't think historic significance should be much of a factor here.

[Doc Holliday]

...or Rushin' Attack.

I was also fond of RC vs. Terminator on Genisis (back in the ultra-violent sega vs. goody-two-shoes nintendo days).

[digita1alchemy]

*thinks extremely, and excrutiatingly hard*

~Megaman Zero 2 (GBA) (this series is under appreciated, escpecially after the debacle that was X7)
~Megaman Zero (GBA)
~SMW2: Yoshi's Island (SNES)
~MDK2 (DC)
~X-Men Mutant Appocalypse (SNES) (Anyone else played this? I would swear it was done by the Megaman team...)
~Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Multi)
~Castlevania IV (SNES)
~Chip N' Dale's Rescue Rangers (NES)
~Earthworm Jim (SNES)

And last but not least...

~Dinowarz: Destruction of Spondylus!!!! (NES)

[SpoDaddy]

Doc: Glad to see I'm not the only one, I loved RoboCop vs. Terminator

Kuro: The snes version of Aladdin was good, but the Genny version was a masterpiece. Even today it's amazing looking. Definately jump on that one, and also run out and get Gunstar Heroes for Genesis. While you're at it, forget about the NES version of Strider and go get the Genesis version, it's the real game. Playing Genny Aladdin, Gunstar Heroes and Strider for the first time will make you happy to be alive. Another must own Genesis game is Ristar, it's more of a pure platformer than an action platformer but it's up there with Sonic and Mario. Get Zombies Ate My Neighbors too, both the SNES and Genesis versions are great, it's not an action platformer but it's an incredibly fun B-movie style top down action game that went under most people's radars.

The Genesis Castlevania game is extremely underrated, it's like an NES Castlevania game on steroids. No 8 way whip, pure old school Castlevania. 2 different characters with branching paths. The first level is actually a remake of the first level in Castlevania 1. Genesis Contra was also awesome, but very different from Alien Wars on SNES. It was a LOT more challenging, had 4 different characters, branching paths, multiple endings, and more boss fights. Sparkster is Rocket Knight Adventures 2, both 1 and 2 are on both systems although the game was originally a Genesis exclusive. The Genesis versions have tighter gameplay, SNES versions have richer colors.