Agreed with these. The Rayman games(I like the 2D and 3D ones myself, though many only like the 2D) are a lot of fun also. Origins/Legends also have great co-op if that's a bonus.

Earthworm Jim 1-2, Sonic 1-3/Knuckles/CD/Generations are others I can think of. I'm more well versed with platformers on consoles if you want recommendations not on PC(or don't mind playing those games on it anyway).

Alice: Madness Returns is a good one with some decent action and puzzles but it's a bit on the violent side.

I'd like to echo support for the Rayman, Earthworm Jim and Sonic games! They seem to fit very well what you're asking for.

Another world, even though it's not actually a platformer

Psyconauts!

My thoughts exactly - Braid! Fantastic game, I believe it was my gateway to indie games (I played it quite a while after it's release and there were a number of interesting indie title already). Depending on how much time and effort you put into it you can get two absolutely different experiences, so yeah. If you haven't yet - try it.

I don't really like platformers, somehow I find them too difficult. I had problems even getting through the first level of Super Meat boy. Press 2-3 keys in the same time and then quickly release and press something else is just not for me :(

Actually I type pretty fast :P.. but platformers get me... I remember trying to jump while moving right then switching quickly to left to get somewhere... and somehow failing almost every time...

In addition to groze's list, you should definitely consider Waking Mars, too.


Don't judge platformers by the difficulty of Super Meat Boy, the game was made to make you suffer. ;)

(And I think it was also made to be played with a controller, at least it recommends to use one, if I'm not mistaken.)

Definitely true on both accounts.

I couldn't even play the game properly with the keyboard - it often requires you to press several key at once, but the default key mapping causes problems on many keyboards. Some keypresses simply won't be recognized. And I didn't even find a way to rebind the keys.

If you can run it, I fully recommend Spate, it's a beautiful 2d platformer that was released earlier this year.

Here are just a few features it has, that are similar to what you mentioned enjoying.
Surreal setting
Unique art style and gameplay mechanic(s)
Strong narrative that covers some surprisingly serious topics

The biggest complaint that I have about Spate is that the game is a bit short (it's about four hours long), however the length does feel about right, I just wish it was a bit longer haha. The other main complaint is that a lot of the game is too easy, there are only about four or five challenging levels, but the game is more about the story than the gameplay I suppose.

In my opinion it's one of the most beautiful games (graphically/art-wise) out there, and its story is no slouch either.

If you want to try some freeware, I can definitely recommend Eternal Daughter (by Derek Yu) and Poacher (by Yahtzee).

And if you wanna try something that makes Super Meat Boy look super easy, you can of course try I Wanna Be The Guy! (think I never got past screen three in that one).

I seldom play platformers, but I still fondly remember Captain Claw. It's cartoony, just as you said you'd like, and has a memorable protagonist. It's also quite fun, although the later levels can get quite punishing if you don't have great platforming skills.

I've never played Super Meat Boy but know its reputation, how does They Bleed Pixels compare (if you've played it)? I really like They Bleed Pixels but I need to get a PC controller if I plan on winning it.

Avoid Guacamelee at all costs.