Even though iPads have all these high-tech gyroscopes that are great for incorporating into racing games or shooters, sometimes you want to simply have a solid, classic style gaming experience. And there is simply no gaming experience that is more classic than the platform games. All of your oldest arcade memories were most likely on platformers as were some of your first console experiences. Super Mario Brothers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, X-men … sometimes the simplest gaming experience can be the most fun and rewarding. Luckily iOS developers have realized this too, and there are plenty of platform games for the iPad.
1. Giana Sisters ($4.99)
If you were a huge fan of Super Mario Brothers, the closest platform experience you can get to it on the iPad is the Giana Sisters. They even kept in the sibling relationship dynamic of the classic Mario series. The game is also very similar in mechanics, with block smashing, jumping on enemies, and power-ups. With 80 new levels, 32 retro levels (based on their early classic console release over 20 years ago), and two types of controls (touch and classic), you are ensured a lot of gameplay to keep you fully entertained. And while this platformer can be very challenging at times, it allows you plenty of opportunities to stock up on extra lives.
Download link: Giana Sisters HD – bad monkee
2. Super Monkey Ball 2 ($2.99)
This unique platformer is a bit like Sonic the Hedgehog mixed with Marble Madness in a 3D platform environment. This results in a highly unique platform game that you may have never quite experienced before. The game offers over 115 different courses in addition to a new multiplayer mode, monkey target mini-game, and monkey golf mini-game, so you will have plenty of play-time for the small price of the game.
Download link: Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition for iPad – SEGA
3. Mirror’s Edge ($9.99)
Those looking for a more modern, realistic-looking platform game should check out the impressive and beautiful Mirror’s Edge. This is the best example of a simple idea executed extremely well; all you do the whole game is run. Run on rooftops, dodge helicopter gunfire, and kick enemies in your way in this incredibly good-looking and immersive platformer. I’ve really not experience a modern platform game quite like caliber of this one. You can even play with your friends in split-screen mode. Despite all of these strengths, its one weakness is its short length. I was really looking to play more once I beat the game.
Download link: Mirror’s Edge™ for iPad – Electronic Arts
4. Soosiz ($1.99)
This game thinks a little outside of the box. While it does have some similarities to Mario (jumping on bad guys and collecting coins), you will notice some stark differences once you start realizing that the world you’re playing on is spinning and thus altering the gravity of the game continuously.
Download link: Soosiz HD – Touch Foo
5. Muffin Knight ($0.99)
[Addendum by TheiPadGamer] Muffin Knight is not your typical Mario-esque side scrolling platformer. Instead, you are thrown inside a stage and you would have to collect as much muffins as possible while dodging or killing your enemies. To spice this up, you will change into different characters each time you collect a muffin. Characters include a knight, a shotgun trotting gnome and a unicorn that poops rainbow colored mines. Fun fun fun!
Download link: Muffin Knight – Angry Mob Games
Read our review of Muffin Knight
