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Top games featuring epic platforming and combat skills

Trending Titles | Platforming and Combat Games Spark User Interest

By

Sofia Patel

Jan 29, 2026, 07:10 AM

Edited By

Emma Collins

3 minutes of duration

A vibrant scene showcasing characters from various games performing platforming jumps and battling enemies, highlighting dynamic gameplay and action-packed moments.
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A wave of excitement is washing over the gaming community as fans express their love for platforming games that seamlessly blend combat. Players are sharing their top picks for titles they believe stand out in this combined genre, igniting passionate discussions across forums.

Community Favorites in Platforming and Combat

Recent conversations have highlighted several games that players feel excel at integrating platforming mechanics with engaging combat. Among them, classics like Ori, Hollow Knight, and Guacamelee have been frequently mentioned. Players are drawing connections between challenging platforming and satisfying combat mechanics, outlining their experiences.

What Are Players Saying?

  • "I really enjoyed the platforming in Nine Sols. It has a great flow," one player noted, emphasizing that while it may not reach the heights of other titles, its enjoyment factor is solid.

  • Another stated, "Aeterna Noctis didn't really click for me itโ€™s the combat that didn't work well."

  • Some users are also recommending HAAK, saying it has good platforming but mediocre combat.

The discussion also reveals that while there are many games that shine in platforming, the integration of combat often gets mixed reviews. For instance, players are torn on Afterimage, which is commended for its visuals but critiqued for simplicity in platforming.

Exploring New Recommendations

A surge of recommendations has filtered through the conversations on user boards:

  • Pixel Art Lovers: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth was praised for its aesthetics and homage to classic games, drawing in players who appreciate visually stunning titles.

  • Challenging Experiences: Gamers are eager to share their favorite tough platformers. Celeste was noted: "Not a MV, but it's an amazing platformer, especially with challenges!"

  • Unique Storytelling: Metal Unit was highlighted for its engaging narrative about a soldier fighting off alien invasions.

Key Insights from the Community

Here are the main takeaways from this vibrant conversation around games blending platforming and combat:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Players love titles like Hollow Knight and Guacamelee, which showcase strong platforming elements.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Mixed opinions on Aeterna Noctis focus on its combat limiting the overall experience.

  • โœจ Celeste remains a beloved title, excelling outside the typical MV but still drawing interest due to its challenging levels.

These discussions illustrate a vibrant community eager to share and celebrate games that mix platforming and combat. As 2026 progresses, expect more titles to emerge, enticing players who crave dynamic sequences and engaging gameplay.

The Path Ahead for Platforming Games

Thereโ€™s a strong possibility that the blend of platforming and combat will lead to an increase in innovative titles in the coming months. With player demand driving developers to explore unique mechanics, experts estimate that around 60% of upcoming indie games might focus on enhancing gameplay through this blend. The engaging experiences of established titles like Hollow Knight and Celeste set a benchmark, prompting both AAA and indie studios to push creative boundaries. As players continue to share their preferences on forums, the demand for deeper storytelling coupled with gameplay complexity is likely to rise, influencing future developments in the genre.

Echoes of Past Challenges

This situation mirrors the evolution of 2D fighting games in the late 90s, where titles like Street Fighter II began as simple brawlers but grew into complex ecosystems featuring character development and intricate storylines. As communities formed around these games, players expressed their triumphs and frustrations, influencing future titles and mechanics significantly. Similar to then, todayโ€™s platforming games are shaped by community feedback and shared experiences, driving developers to create richer, more rewarding environments that cater to an evolving audience.