Top 10 Xbox Platformers

Running and jumping on Microsoft's original console

Written by A.J. Maciejewski for Xbox on May 11, 2015

When it comes to 3D platform games, Microsoft had more than their fair share. Considering it's a dying genre, I thought I'd put together a list of the best platformers ever released for the Xbox. If you're ready... let's jump in!

Crash Twinsanity

Although it wasn't that much of a critical success, Crash Twinsanity brought classic Crash Bandicoot gameplay to a more open world. Cortex joined in on the fun and you could use (and abuse) him as a hammer and even a snowboard! One year after its release, the developers unleashed Lego Star Wars on the world which would prove TT Games as one of the best game studios working today.

Voodoo Vince

As an Xbox exclusive, Voodoo Vince had players controlling the titular voodoo doll who uses his powers to rescue his dear Madam Charmaine. While travelling through New Orleans and into unexplored territory, you'll find it difficult not to enjoy beating up Vince to take out his enemies and solve puzzles in this twisted take on platforming.

Voodoo Vince Remastered Review

Voodoo Vince screenshot — Vince may have just eaten some of Mario's mushrooms

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is an underrated Australian-themed platform series that consisted of three solid games filled with action-packed moments. Do you have what it takes to wield your boomerang with enough prowess to save your family from the evil ratite Boss Cass?

Also featured in: Xbox Hidden Gems (Part 2)

Blinx: The Time Sweeper

Not all platformers are straightforward. Blinx utilizes a time-distorting vacuum cleaner to rewind, slow, pause, and record as he solves puzzles and deals with his foes. However, it's not entirely original since the end goal is to rescue a princess.

ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth

After almost ten years of obscurity, ToeJam & Earl finally burst into the 3D scene with their third installment. Make sure you bring your flashlight and bop gun since you're about to get funked up! It might be a good idea to boot this sucker up before their next game "ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove" releases. Here's hoping it'll be soon!

ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove Review

Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee

Speaking of series that took a leap into 3D, here's Munch's Oddysee. This adventure won't have Abe battling the Glukkon industrialists solo since the uniped Munch joins the fight. Will you rescue enough Fuzzles and Mudokon Scrubs to get the good ending?

Tak: The Great Juju Challenge

Tak can easily be shrugged off as a game based on a children's show, but it actually isn't. In fact, a TV series was based on the Tak games. This third chapter offered players unique trial-based gameplay where they try to complete segments within a given time. Considering both Tak and his pal Lok have to reach the goal, why not invite a friend over and play simultaneously? By the way, the folks who created this gem would go on to make the Disney Infinity games, so you know this is quality stuff.

Also featured in: Xbox Hidden Gems (Part 1)

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

Before going back to the 2D realm, Rayman starred in Hoodlum Havoc which placed him in a darker and crazier world. Seeing as it's bursting with unlockable content and awesome platforming gameplay, it'll be hard to put down this Hoodlum-thwarting adventure.

I-Ninja

If you want variety then look no further; I-Ninja's here! Voiced by the same fellow who played Futurama's Philip J. Fry, you know this pint-sized ninja has attitude to spare. His journey starts with him accidentally murdering his sensei and it only gets more insane from then on. He'll battle giant robots, rapidly run up walls while using his grappling hook to swing around obstacles, and roll a ball just like in Super Monkey Ball. Overall, this is one of the most diverse and action-intense adventures that you'll ever partake in.

Psychonauts

Considered Tim Schafer's masterpiece by many, Psychonauts put players in the shoes of psychic spy-in-training Raz who uses his abilities to dive into people's minds and help them sort out their issues. Nothing like this incredibly inventive premise has ever been done before or since and it still stands tall as one of the greatest platformers ever created. I wonder what the inside of my mind looks like... It's probably full of root beer floats, classic games, and an insatiable thirst to write top 10 lists.