Key words here is that I have I have to choose the top ten best games that exemplify the 2D platformer genre. This means that just because a game MAY have some 2D platformer elements and could be an amazing game doesn't mean that it exemplifies strictly as the best of the 2D platformers. Also, many of these are limited to ones I have played or partially played.

Honorary mention: Kirby Super Star Ultra. While this remake of a classic game is a lot of fun and has tons of goodies, the fact that you can pretty much not die from falling off a platform since you can just float everywhere. I think it fits more as a 2D hack and slash game.

10. Goemon's Great Adventure. This crazy Japanese game is a very fast paced 2D action game where you have to traverse through many platforms and areas while taking out a slew of ridiculous looking baddies. Add that with catchy music, multiple playable characters, boss fights, and you're golden. However, it focuses a lot on the hack and slash department, and therefore is lower on my list.

9. Castlevania 3. This game is highly enjoyable and very simple to play through. More Konami-awesomeness music and difficulty await you here with lots of interesting baddies to take out. This is a little higher up than the Goemon choice since your skills from platforming will be more crucial since many threadbare platforms make an appearance you must plan carefully or else Mr. Belmont might fall to his doom. Still, there is a much higher emphasis on attacking enemies though since some levels barely have much strict platforming at all.

8. Battle Kid. Another brutally difficult yet awesome game. Your platforming skills will definitely be put up to the test since any goof up you make will cause you to die INSTANTLY! This game also has very solid controls. However, this is lower on the list since there are many rooms that only require you to shoot enemies/bosses instead of actual platforming.

7. Megaman 2. Another great platformer. It made a great idea like Megaman where you could choose your stages and made it even better. Add that with fair difficulty, solid controls, lots of platforming as well as special mechanics and this is very worthy of being on the list. Only problem is that this game has a high focus at blasting things, making it a bit more as a 2D shooter in a sense.

6. Sonic the Hedgehog. A very fast paced 2D platformer that almost put Mario a run for his money. The levels have vast variety and your platforming skills will be greatly put to the test in order to collect those rings without falling off-screen. However, there are many segments where you simply run instead of going through platforming segments.

5. Super Meat Boy. This devilishly difficult platformer will make you want to come back for more. In fact....I wish I could play more of it but oh well... The levels are short and very satisfying as you have to traverse through many rooms with pin point speed and accuracy. Only thing holding against this game though is that the controls take SOME getting used to and it is not for everyone with it's brutal difficulty.

4. Rayman Origins. This game took Rayman out those....meh Rabbid game territory and got the series back to its glorious roots---pure platforming bliss. The controls are spot on with levels in great variety with lots of mechanics such as hovering. Although....I do feel that the checkpoints are bit too numerous at times and it can get a little out of hand with 4 players.

3. Donkey Kong Country Returns. Much like Rayman, Retro Studios brought Donkey Cong (kinda) back to his roots by having a full fledged DKC game for him. Better yet, I felt that they even improved it upon the older games by adding secret levels, more mechanics, better visuals, etc. This game will make you go bananas for more.

2. Little Big Planet 2. This game in a sense is made by platformer programmers FOR platformer players. It is incredible to have a game where fans generate tons of platforming levels that can be shared across the world. The variety with each level is staggering. Only thing holding this back from number one is that the controls sometimes don't feel....quite right.

1. Super Mario Bros 3. What hasn't been said about this game? It takes the best of Mario and makes it even greater with loads of variety, memorable levels, and great controls. It is pretty much what every platformer wants to be in a sense. Very fun game and the best 2D platformer, I would think.

2D platforming games, huh? okay let's give this a whirl 10. Gex. A rare example of an older audience platformer game for it's time about a Gecko's escape from the world of TV. 9. Oddworld: Abe's Oddesey. The first title in the oddworld and a surprisingly deep title about a worker in a meat factory trying to save himself and his kind from being packaged as meat products themselves. 8. Kirby's Dreamland. A classic game for the Gameboy about a pink ball that can eat just about anythring saving the world of Dreamland from his nemesis, King Dedede. 7. Super Metroid. Samus returns in this classic game to reclaim the last metorid from the space pirates. 6. LittleBigPlanet. Adorable mascots and user created content drive this platformer into the modern era. 5. Braid. Part platform game. Part time based puzzle game. All awesome. 4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Alucard returns from Castlevania 3 in his own game to defeat his father in this game that redefined the Castlevania series. 3. Cave Story. The titular example that exceptional games are not always made by large production studios. This game was handcrafted by one man and in every way shape and form earns it's place on this list. 2. Sonic the Hedgehog 3. While any of the classic Sonic games shine as brilliant examples of an outstanding platformer, 3 does have one nugget above them all, which is an extreme level of polish. A variety of power ups and the most story in a Sonic game thus far lead to a winner title. 1. Super Mario Brothers 3. Nintendo's golden title has always shined in originality, controls, and sheer fun. What Super Mario Brothers 3 did was not only exceed it's previous titles, but any other titles. Nintendo is still emulating it's forumula to this day; just to show just how great of a game it is.

Just my two cents anyhow.

Since when isn't SotN (and by extension all Metroidvania games) not applicable as Platformers? >_> That kills a large portion of my list, as well as other peeps.

(I'll get back to you on this when I have the chance to think of some good choices--most likely November 2nd)

Alright, I'm in! I'll Pm you soon.

Ok, I just looked on the Wiki... apparently Castlevania games aren't platformers? I don't know, I always thought they were. But if you wont count them as such 2200, then you can get rid of 3 and 1.

Ataeru: A college student working his way towards an AAS in Graphic Design, along the way there taking one of two positions for Student Rep at the college's Gamer's Club. Unfortunately this has left him busy, but he will try to keep contributing to the Screwattack community when he can... He also apologizes in advance for not putting any Mario games on the list.

10. N+: This flash game was the thing back in my high school days. Jumping around, avoiding everything out to kill at high speeds was addicting, adding user submitted levels just sweetened the experience. However it is held back by it's simple visual and gameplay design. If you played one level, you practically played them all.

9. Bionic Commando Rearmed A classic updated to today's generation. Gameplay still fun as ever, and don't forget that drool inducing music. My only gripe is that it was somewhat lacking in length.

8. Sonic Advance 3 - I know what you're thinking, "Why not Sonic 2 or Sonic & Knuckles?". It's because it's the same sonic experience, but with more characters, different team combinations, and visually looks better. The reason why it's so low is because it's not quite fun to be running or jumping into enemies that you don't see coming (AKA:Bubsy syndrome). Having a little warning pop up in advance since you can't see that far would make it so much more enjoyable.

7. Tomba 2 - Ok, I technically haven't played this, but I have seen the entirety of it played by my babysitter's husband of the time. The game was hilarious, and from what I saw had very creative levels. But the game from what I remember, it can fight you with it's camera, and has some nasty areas to deal with.

6. Kirby 64: The crystal shards - Ok, I haven't played the SNES kirby game, so I won't know how good it was, but Kirby 64 was the platformer of my childhood. Unique levels, great mini games, and a lovable sound track, I don't even need to mention 02's theme now do I? As great as it was though, having to revisit world after world again and again just to get one crystal and the correct attack type to unlock said crystal really dulls your enjoyment of the game, it's the reason why I don't want to pick it up again after so long.

5. Megaman Zero 3

http://imageshack.us/a/img507/9106/zero3.jpg

Albeit the game was short, It was exciting to test myself against this beast of a game. speeding on through the stage ripping enemies up without putting a scratch on me, then fighting the boss afterwards. Sure it is like other Megaman games, but it's still a sight to see.

4. Metroid Fusion

http://imageshack.us/a/img685/4639/fusiong.jpg

The best 2D Metroid game in my book. Sure Super Metroid is everyone's favorite. But this game did something different and succeeded. The space station was a great change of pace, areas are challenging and unique, being able to see more insight into Samus and others around her, and of course the boss fights. This is truly one of my favorites, however Metroid games never have any replay value to me once I beat the game. As much as I love it, I have no desire to play it again.

3. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

http://imageshack.us/a/img844/6551/ooey.jpg

I can't have enough of the gameplay, it's gives so much variety other then being stuck with one weapon and have restrictive mana usage that older Castlevania games had. Seriously, the glyph system is the best thing they did to the series, I can't say enough about it. I also love the gothic look of the game (it is a staple of the series after all), and the soundtrack is rememberable. (though "Ebony Wings" sounds better in Harmony of Despair) This is how Castlevania games should be.

2. Cave Story

http://imageshack.us/a/img440/6941/cavestory.jpg

I don't know where to start... It's one of the most memorable games that I have played... and one of the hardest. I had fun exploring the floating island, sadness missing my chance to save others close to you, eagerness to go back and save them, being amused getting the hidden items, and frustration going through hell and back. I have no desire to play it again, not because of being burned out, but rather being satisfied I did everything I can in the game.

1. Koumajou Densetsu II: Stranger's Requiem

http://imageshack.us/a/img715/9336/sample8e90897947ec8f455c.jpg

... Oh, It's also known as Touhouvania 2 BTW. With that fan made title, you can pretty much guess it's a mix of Touhou and Castlevania, and by all means it deserves that title (The first Touhouvania also did this, but it wasn't executed as well). It takes Castlevania's Gothic theme and gameplay, with Touhou's story (PCB), music, and bullet hell dodging, and melds it together like chocolate and peanut butter. The characters have bold visual appeal that almost leaves an impact on you, the Touhou music is remixed to be more dark fitting of the Castlevania theme, and the gameplay... oh the gameplay. You're not just fighting regular monsters anymore, you will need emphasis on movement to avoid the shower of bullets flying towards you. It becomes much harder, but much more rewarding as well. I'm not joking here, it brings the action platformer genre to a whole new level. It's really the best of both worlds, and it works out so well.