11 Best Game Boy Color Platformer Games

With its enormous library of games that includes many hits, the Game Boy Color is regarded as one of the most iconic portable gaming devices in history. Platformer games were a major presence among these games, with notable titles and countless ports bringing the console experience to the palm of every gamers hand.

From classic platformers like Mario, and Donkey Kong, all the way to action platformers like Mega Man and Bionic Commando, the Gameboy Color has so much more to offer for any platforming enthusiasts. Join us on a nostalgic tour through the best platforming games for the handheld, encompassing both big hits and hidden gems.

Super Marios Bros. Deluxe 1999 Remake

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: September 13, 1985
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
1999

Super Marios Bros. Deluxe brings a timeless classic game to be played on the go anywhere and anytime. The game retains the same core mechanics presented in the original NES game. The player controls our beloved plumber Mario, as he embarks on a quest to save the princess from the evil Koopa Bowser.

As always the goal is pretty linear, you move from one side to the other while collecting coins, power-ups, and defeating numerous enemies. However, what makes this remake unique is the addition of several new levels and challenges. For example, the challenge mode presents the player with a harder difficulty after finishing the game, challenging the gamer’s intellect and posing some hardcore puzzles and levels.

Multiplayer has also been updated allowing two players to join in at the same time against each other, or even co-op. This mode alone made the game more accessible, transforming the game into a shared adventure, and forstering friendly competition. While the visuals were slightly upgraded to take advantage of the GBC hardware, the music remained the same using the iconic Koji Kondo music.

Donkey Kong Country 2000 Demake ドンキーコング2001 (Donkī Kongu 2001)

About
	Release Date November 17, 2000 Initial Release: November 18, 1994
	Developer Rare
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Donkey Kong
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
2000-11-17
2000-11-20
2001-01-21

Donkey Kong Country is a brilliant 2d platformer game that made its debut on the mighty Super Nintendo, while the GBC port is graphically inferior to the original game, it still delivered the same authentic experience with a full-blown campaign and smooth gameplay. The game features the iconic duo Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they embark on a long journey through treacherous landscapes and bizarre creatures.

The game keeps its characteristic side-scrolling gameplay, which allows you to run, leap, and stomp on your adversaries. Despite the limited technology, the developers were able to restore the original game’s visual charm, giving colorful and detailed levels as well as gorgeous hues. The game music preserves the original charm, with unforgettable tracks that capture the essence of the original game, and deliver a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

Wario Land II / Wario Land™ 3 1998 / 2000

About
	Full Name Wario Land II
	Release Date March 09, 1998
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
1998-10-21
1999-02-10
1999-02-25
1999-12-31

About
	Full Name Wario Land™ 3
	Release Date March 21, 2000
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
2000-03-21
2000-04-14
2000-05-30

Wario Land puts the spotlight on Mario’s nemesis Wario as he embarks on numerous adventures to claim many lost treasures. The Game Boy Color featured two games taking advantage of the unique new hardware and delivering the same perfection seen on many first-party Nintendo games.

In Wario Land II, the player takes on the role of Wario throughout several non-linear stages; what distinguishes this game is the clever concept of Wario’s change when damaged. For example, Wario can be crushed to help him travel through narrow spaces, or he can transform into a balloon to reach higher ground.

Wario Land 3 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, enhancing the recipe with improved graphics and gameplay. The game retains the same nonlinear approach, allowing you to freely explore each level; however, unique to the series is the inclusion of a day and night cycle, which alters the level structure and creature types. One of the significant innovations is the ability to morph into different forms based on the creature that bites you; each bite grants the player new skills, opening up new paths and revealing several secrets.

Shantae™ 2002

About
	Release Date June 04, 2002
	Developer WayForward
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Shantae™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 8-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBC Releases
2002-06

Shantae was the first game on the long-running series, introducing players to the charismatic hal genie heroine, Shantae. The player assumes the role of Shantae a young half-genie girl who protects the fictional town of Sequin, now attacked by a mysterious pirate gang, Shantae must protect the town and bring back peace to the magical lands.

The game uniquely blends classic 2d platforming with exploration and transformation mechanics. Across the game Shantae could transform into various animals, allowing her to access new areas and defeat numerous enemies. The transformation mechanics added a new layer to the gameplay, allowing the player to experiment with each transformation and backtrack once they unlock a new one. Visuals were equally interesting offering one of the best-looking games on the Game Boy Color, with crisp images, colorful backgrounds, and a solid frame rate.

Rayman 2000 Demake

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: September 01, 1995
	Developer Ubisoft
	Publisher Ubisoft
	Franchise Rayman
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

GBC Releases
2000-03
2000-03-29
2000-07-24

Rayman is yet another port of a strong IP released on the mighty Playstation 1 and several other consoles. Despite the hardware limitation, developers made sure to preserve the same gameplay and atmosphere as the original game delivering an amazing experience on the go. The player takes control of Rayman a whimsical limbless hero who embarks on a long journey across a magical world.

Just like any other traditional platformer the goal is simple, move from point A to point B while avoiding obstacles and defeating enemies. Rayman can run, jump, and punch his enemies across multiple levels. From gloomy tunnels to beautiful forests, each level offers a distinct experience with countless mysteries and obstacles to accomplish. While the visuals were somewhat inferior to the original game, they nevertheless provided a fantastic experience when compared to other games on the same console.

Mega Man™ Xtreme / Mega Man™ Xtreme 2 2000 / 2001

About
	Full Name Mega Man™ Xtreme
	Release Date October 20, 2000
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Mega Man
	Genre Run & Gun
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
2000-10-20
2001-01-10
2001-08-24

About
	Full Name Mega Man™ Xtreme 2
	Release Date July 19, 2001
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Mega Man
	Genre Run & Gun
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
2001-07-19
2001-10-30
2002-02-08

True to the Mega Man X formula, Mega Man™ Xtreme and its sequel are two amazing action platformers on the Game Boy Color. The first game is set in the 22nd century, where humans and robots coexist. The player takes control of Megaman X, a humanoid robot who must uncover a conspiracy threatening the peace between humans and robots. Seen from a side-scrolling perspective the player gets to move back and forth from one place to the other while jumping, dashing, and shooting enemies. The game also introduces new elements such as DNA soul which allows players to acquire defeated enemies’ abilities, and the ability to acquire special weapons and upgrades.

Mega Man™ Xtreme 2 is a direct sequel to the first game. It follows Megaman on a new mission to fight the Reploid criminal, Berkana. While the game retains the same core principles as its predecessor, it adds new opponents, stages, and bosses. The game also allows the player to pick between Mega Man and Zero as playable characters, each with their own set of powers, providing the player with a sense of choice.

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces 2000

About
	Release Date January 24, 2000
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Bionic Commando
	Genre Action Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBC Releases
2000-01

Fans of the original Bionic Commando will find themselves right at home with this exclusive sequel. The player assumes the role of a Commando either a male or a female, the protagonist must embark on a journey uncovering conspiracies and defeating an evil terrorist organization.

The gameplay follows the same fundamentals as its predecessor, with the player using a bionic arm to climb walls, swing across gaps, and interact with their surroundings. The stages were carefully constructed to inspire players to master the bionic arm by blending platforming and action gameplay. Visuals were equally interesting, offering one of the best-looking games on the GBC at the time, as well as a smooth experience with no hiccups and a solid framerate.

Disney's Pooh and Tigger's Hunny Safari 2001

About
	Release Date December 01, 2001
	Developer Digital Eclipse
	Publisher Ubisoft
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBC Releases
2001-12

Disney’s Pooh and Tigger’s Hunny Safari is a classic 2d platformer aimed toward the younger audience. The story follows the tale of Pooh and Tigger as they embark on a safari trip looking for precious honey. Players control either Pooh or Tiger on a linear level, where they can run, jump, and collect various collectibles.

The goal of each stage is to collect honey pots while avoiding obstacles and jumping from one platform to the other. Graphically the game looks pretty good with notable animation, a colorful environment, and detailed landscapes. While the game wasn’t very popular during its initial release it still offers a simple yet fun 2d platformer, especially for younger kids, or even Winnie the Pooh fans who are looking for a nostalgic game.

Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Saves the Day 2001

About
	Release Date June 29, 2001
	Developer Warthog Games
	Publisher Conspiracy Entertainment
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

GBC Releases
2001-06

Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster’s Bad Dream is a unique take on the original Mario Bros. formula. Following the tale of the Tiny Toons once again, Buster must save his enemies from the custody of evil Max before it’s too late.

The player assumes the role of Buster as he navigates through small side-scrolling levels. Buster can use a bouncing ball to freeze his enemies and later finish them using his hammer. The goal of each stage is to clear the map out of any enemies and so on.

Mr. Nutz 1994 Demake

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: October 07, 1994
	Developer Ocean
	Publisher Atari SA
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBC Releases
1999

Mr. Nutz is an 8-bit adaptation of the original 16-bit game released on both the Super Nintendo and the Sega Genesis. The player assumes the role of Mr.Nutz a humanoid squirrel with unique abilities. similar to classic 2d platformer games the player can run jump, shoot, and stomp on his enemies.

The goal of each stage is to move from one point to the other while jumping from one platform to the other while avoiding obstacles and defeating enemies. Boss battles are also included, providing a novel approach with difficult enemies and smart patterns to defeat.

Tom and Jerry™ in Mouse Attacks! 2000

About
	Release Date December 08, 2000
	Developer NewKidCo, Warthog Games
	Publisher Ubisoft
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 8-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Cartoon
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBC Releases
2000-12-08

Tom and Jerry in Mouse Attacks! is your typical classic 2d platformer, assuming the role of Jerry you must visit five different levels to save Jerry’s friends from the custody of Tom. During each stage, Jerry can meet both Angel Jerry and Devil Jerry as they give him hints on what to do next.

As always you can run and jump across a side-scrolling level, defeating enemies and avoiding obstacles. The main goal is to collect a specific number of music notes to unlock the exit door and so on. Adding a delightful twist to the classic formula, the game introduces engaging mini-games of varied gameplay styles. Finishing each mini-game gives the player an item that can assist them solve puzzles or even unlock a new path to proceed through the game.