Looking for Platformers with a More Mature, Non-Cartoonish Style

You might be surprised, but Doom Eternal actually has some sneaky platforming sections mixed into its fast-paced combat. It’s all about jumping and climbing around to stay alive while smashing through enemies, so it’s a good fit if you want a more mature game with platforming but no cartoon feel.

Here are some niche picks that keep a more serious tone and strong gameplay, though platformers with truly mature aesthetics and tight controls are kinda rare: Touhou Luna Nights and Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth are good 2D options. Also look into Miracle Fly, Lunistice, PsiloSybil, Curse Crackers, Gravity Circuit, Berserk Boy, Gal Guardians, Phoenotopia: Awakening, Transiruby, and Bat Boy. Many of these lean into moody or stylish atmospheres instead of cartoony vibes. For 3D, the Tomb Raider remasters have solid platforming with a realistic style that fits well with your preference.

Finding platformers that avoid the cartoonish style is definitely tricky since a lot of the best ones lean into that art direction. But if you want some solid picks, here are a few suggestions that focus more on mature or darker themes: In 2D, try Celeste, Rain World, Dead Cells, Blasphemous, The Messenger, or the Metroid series. For 3D, games like Mirror’s Edge, Ghostrunner, Sekiro, and even Tony Hawk’s series have platforming elements without going full cartoon. Admittedly, most mature platformers tend to blend in other gameplay types too, so just keep an open mind about a game’s overall style if the platforming is strong.

If you’re into intense, challenging platformers with a darker vibe, you should check out Butcher, Slain, and Valfaris. They’re all heavy on gore and difficulty, and definitely stray from any cute or kid-friendly aesthetics.