Since their rise in the 2010's, cinematic puzzle-platformers have become an unexpected favourite genre of mine in video games. Often shorter experiences; perfect vessels for emotional and atmospheric games that attempt to synchronise gameplay and story. With the likes of Limbo, Inside, and recently, Reanimal, using the genre for darker horrors, Planet of Lana 2 is a welcome continuation in the beautiful and colourful sci-fi world, Novo, created in the original.

2026 feels like another rejuvenation cycle for 3D platformers, as indie developers continue to use their inspirations to invent new takes on the genre. In the late 90s we had Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot, and the early to mid 2000s, Ratchet and Clank, and Jak and Daxter. Whereas, the last two decades gifted us Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Bananza. But the continued renaissance in the boundary pushing indie scene is what's impressed me. First, we had the excellent Big Hops, and now, Demon Tides.

For some reason, I've always gravitated towards difficult precision platformers - the more masochistic the better. From the gravity flipping VVVVVV, to the tense sequences in Super Meat Boy. Straight away, Love Eternal reignites similarities to both, and quickly turns into its own unique hybrid of part hardcore precision 2D platformer, part psychological horror interactive adventure game.

In recent years, we've been lucky enough to have many indie studios release video games that deliver the quick thrill of short time based first person shooters from the addictive Neon White, to the narratively strong and stylish, I Am Your Beast. Now, developer Aerial_Knight and his small development team continue this genre with their own focused interpretation.

There's been a treasure trove of story-rich puzzle games in recent years - many focused on deduction mechanics. So, when the trailer for Relooted combined platforming with heist centric puzzles and a phenomenal narrative hook, it piqued my interest.

Every now and then I find myself turning to indie games for unique horror experiences from the Amnesia series, to modern games such as Mouthwashing and No, I'm Not a Human. It's a space where inventiveness spawns truly memorable gameplay experiences.

The last few years have brought us a wealth of great puzzle deduction games from The Golden Idol series, to the excellent The Roottrees are Dead. Each have stood out due to their impeccable writing and addictive puzzle mechanics. And 2026 looks to attempt to continue that trend with the mysterious, TR-49.

When people think of the 3D platformer, images of Nintendo's mainstay plumber come to mind instantly, or as of late, Team Asobi's fantastic mechanical mascot, Astro Bot, or a personal favourite, Double Fine's exemplary sequel, Psychonauts 2.

Since the resurgence of CAPCOM with their switch to the Reach For the Moon Engine, and in particular, the Resident Evil series from 7 onwards, survival horror fans have been patiently waiting with bated breath for the announcement of the return of cult favourite series, Dino Crisis.

Sometimes indie games come along that deserve people's attention - games able to evoke complex emotions in the form of a powerful, important work of art. Such as emotional indie games Before Your Eyes; Gris; What Remains of Edith Finch?; That Dragon, Cancer; and many more. All of which deliver thought provoking stories through the immediacy of their simple gameplay mechanics.