Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Xbox Series X|S)

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

The first Ori game was great, but Ori and the Will of the Wisps absolutely knocks it out of the park. Expanding on the first game in every facet, it hits the ground running and ceases to stop with multiple emotional gut punches along the way. The world of Ori is absolutely gorgeous and the sheer speed in which new upgrades are dished out to you keeps the game feeling fresh right until the very end. Coupled with an emotional story told with no dialogue, it's one of Xbox's very best games.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (Xbox One)

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

While Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a brilliant sequel that captures the spirit of the original trilogy, it's hard to deny the quality of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Featuring the original three games in all their glory, the new graphics engine manages to make each game feel modernised, despite how old the actual gameplay is. Every title evolves from the previous in new and interesting ways, breaking out of the conventional platforming mould to create three of the greatest platformers of all time. One not to be missed.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy (Xbox One)

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

You couldn't talk about Crash Bandicoot without mentioning the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. While Crash was a pioneer for platforming, Spyro built upon that to add more freedom. With fully explorable 3D zones, the invitation to explore each level and the race for 100% completion, it's as addictive as it was when the series launched back in 1998. Even now it fails to feel dated and is perfectly capable of standing up against other modern platformers. A great nostalgia trip.

Cuphead (Xbox One)

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

One of the hardest games on this list, Cuphead is equal parts daunting as it is enchanting. While it may feel like a boss rush mode, Cuphead manages to be so much more. Each fight is gruelling but satisfying once accomplished, and involves a perfect amount of platforming and gunning. The game even sprinkles in some runner-gunner levels to spruce things up. But what wraps it all together nicely is its art style, which invokes the spirit of classic Disney cartoons. It's wonderful and makes the devilishly hard difficulty worth it.

Hollow Knight (Xbox One)

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

There's something about Hollow Knight that makes it so hard to put down. It refuses to hold your hand and instead allows you to explore its weird and mysterious world at your own pace. Nothing is outright explained and piecing together its lore is one of its greatest strengths. It's also an absolutely beautiful platformer, with some of the tightest controls on Xbox. It's a challenging game, but never feels unfair. Requiring the perfect mixture of skill and dexterity, it will test you to your limits and reward you for your efforts in the best possible ways.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Xbox One)

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Shovel Knight is a modern representation of classic 8-bit platformers, but with all the modernised controls that makes today's platformers so great. Playing as a hero armed with nothing but a shovel, it's used in many fun ways. You can smack enemies with it, or bounce across obstacles by standing on it. It's a genuinely creative little game and the Treasure Trove edition comes packed with new content, including a multiplayer mode in the style of Super Smash Bros. As a package, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is absolutely a must play on Xbox.

Sonic Mania (Xbox One)

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

You couldn't do a list of great platformers without mentioning the blue, furry hedgehog. Sonic Mania acts as a culmination of all the classic Sonic games that proceeded it, fusing all the best levels and elements into one game. By trimming away any of the fat or segments that jeopardised the enjoyment of previous games, it perfectly delivers a fast-paced adventure that reminds us just how great Sonic can be. Forgetting other instalments such as Sonic Forces, the game is the one of the best in the franchise and remembers its roots.

What are your favourite platformers on Xbox? Let us know down in the comments below.