5 Classic 1980s Platformer Series That Defined an Era
The 1980s gave birth to the platformer genre, producing video game series that demanded discipline, rewarded perseverance, and stood the test of time. These were games built on solid mechanics and clear principles, not gimmicks or passing trends. Five series rose above the rest, establishing foundations that still hold today.
How Did the Platformer Genre Begin?
The platformer genre emerged in the early 1980s, with Space Panic introducing the concept of walking between platforms and climbing ladders. However, Space Panic lacked the jumping mechanic that would become the genre's defining feature. It was Donkey Kong that added jumping in 1981, giving the platformer its trademark movement. From that foundation, several series rose to prominence throughout the decade. Some endured into the 1990s and beyond. Others faded. But during the 1980s, these five platformer series ruled the industry.
5) Alex Kidd
Games Released: Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars, Alex Kidd: High-Tech World, Alex Kidd BMX Trial, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
In the mid-1980s, Sega needed a mascot to compete with Mario. They would not find their true answer until Sonic the Hedgehog arrived in the 1990s, but Alex Kidd served as a respectable first attempt. Alex Kidd in Miracle World launched in 1986, introducing a young martial artist in a 2D platformer. The game earned solid reviews and sales, launching the series.
Sega released four additional Alex Kidd titles in the 1980s: The Lost Stars, High-Tech World, BMX Trial, and The Enchanted Castle. Each offered something for dedicated players. However, the series suffered from diminishing returns by its fifth entry, largely because Alex Kidd kept shifting genres instead of refining what worked. Sega released one final Alex Kidd game in 1990 before moving on to Sonic. For Sega owners in the 1980s, though, Alex Kidd was the standard bearer.
4) Mega Man
Games Released: Mega Man, Mega Man 2
Mega Man deserves a higher ranking on pure quality. It stands as one of the finest platformers of its era, blending tight platforming with run-and-gun action. The problem is quantity. Mega Man only received two releases during the 1980s. Mega Man 3 did not arrive until 1990, so this list can only consider the first two games.
That limitation is regrettable. Many players consider Mega Man 2 and Mega Man 3 the peak of the original series. Both are exceptional, combining precise platforming with satisfying combat. The original Mega Man is solid but cannot match its sequels. With only two 1980s entries, Mega Man cannot climb higher on this list. Still, Mega Man 2 remains a best-in-class mix of platforming and action from the decade.
3) Castlevania
Games Released: Castlevania, Vampire Killer, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, Haunted Castle, Castlevania: The Adventure, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Castlevania launched a year before Mega Man, meaning the 1980s received the complete original trilogy. The decade also saw the Game Boy release Castlevania: The Adventure, alongside quasi-sequels Vampire Killer and Haunted Castle. The first three Castlevania games are what matter most here.
The original Castlevania became an instant classic, combining precise platforming with whip-based combat. Facing Frankenstein's monster, the Grim Reaper, and Dracula himself demanded skill and patience. Players who persevered were rewarded. The sequel, Simon's Quest, introduced role-playing elements. Not every fan welcomed the change, but it demonstrated that Konami was willing to take calculated risks. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse closed the decade with a return to form and introduced Alucard, who would become a fan favorite.
2) Donkey Kong
Games Released: Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong 3
While Space Panic introduced platforms and ladders, Donkey Kong gave the platformer genre its essential mechanic: jumping. The original arcade game was a phenomenon, becoming the highest-earning cabinet of 1981. Nintendo's handheld version sold 8 million units, and home console ports reached even more households.
A single great game cannot carry a series on this list, even one as historically significant as Donkey Kong. That significance matters, but Donkey Kong Jr. also became a massive hit in 1982. The sequel refined everything that made the original great, with superior visuals and tighter controls. Donkey Kong 3 fell short of expectations, yet still ranked as the fourth-best-selling arcade cabinet in Japan for 1983. The series earned its place through consistent quality and cultural impact.
1) Super Mario Bros.
Games Released: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. technically began as a spin-off of Donkey Kong, but it stands alone at the top of this list. The distance between first and second place is considerable. Super Mario Bros. launched two years after the NES reached store shelves, and its attach rate approached one copy per console. If you owned an NES, you owned this game. It delivered some of the tightest gameplay console players had ever experienced, offering a genuine but fair challenge.
The Western version of Super Mario Bros. 2 took an unusual path. Nintendo reskinned a completely different game with Mario characters, believing Western players could not handle the difficulty of the actual sequel. That real sequel, later released in the West as The Lost Levels, took the original formula and raised the stakes.
Super Mario Bros. 3 represents the series at its peak on the NES. It remains remarkable that Nintendo produced a game this polished on that hardware. Many consider it their favorite in the series, and the reasons are clear. The gameplay is nearly flawless, with variety and creativity that set a standard few games have matched. Although the Western release came in 1990, its development and Japanese release place it firmly in the 1980s.
Why Do These 1980s Platformers Still Matter?
These five series endure because they were built on principles that last. They demanded skill, rewarded persistence, and respected the player enough to present real challenges. They were crafted to stand the test of time, and they have.
Which 1980s Platformer Sold the Most?
Super Mario Bros. holds the distinction of being the best-selling game on the NES, with its attach rate approaching one copy per console sold. The original Donkey Kong arcade cabinet was the highest-earning arcade game of 1981.
What Made 1980s Platformers Different from Modern Games?
Platformers of the 1980s emphasized individual skill and perseverance. They offered clear objectives, precise controls, and genuine difficulty. Success depended on the player's ability, not on handholding or mechanics designed to ensure everyone reaches the end regardless of effort.