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Super Mario 3D World is the strongest all-around pick among the platformers highlighted here: VGChartz named it Best Platformer of 2013, and it combines 3D stage design with flexible local play. If you want a more traditional 2D platformer, try Rayman Legends; for 3D Sonic movement and handheld-specific features, consider Sonic Lost World. Those distinctions matter more than treating one award as proof of a universal winner.
How these 2013 platformers compare
| Game | Best fit | Platform and play style |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario 3D World | 3D platforming with local multiplayer | Wii U; up to four players locally, with characters that have different abilities. [Nintendo] |
| Rayman Legends | 2D platforming, rhythm levels, and cooperative play | Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One, and Wii U. The Wii U edition uses the GamePad for touch and motion interactions. [Nintendo] [Ubisoft] |
| Sonic Lost World | 3D Sonic movement and parkour | Wii U and Nintendo 3DS editions; the 3DS version has its own stages, features, and competitive modes. [Nintendo] [Nintendo Life] |
| Puppeteer and Tearaway | Additional award-nominated alternatives | Both were among VGChartz’s four nominees for Best Platformer of 2013; the cited award feature does not establish their platform features. [VGChartz] |
| Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D | Another handheld platformer to consider | Nintendo Life’s 2013 catalog lists the 3DS game and its regional release dates. [Nintendo Life] |
Why Super Mario 3D World leads the list
VGChartz selected Super Mario 3D World as its Best Platformer of 2013 from four nominees: Puppeteer, Rayman Legends, Super Mario 3D World, and Tearaway. That is a clear contemporary award result, not an objective ranking of every platformer released that year. Nintendo Life readers also selected it as their favorite Wii U game of 2013, a separate signal of its reception among that outlet’s audience. [VGChartz] [Nintendo Life]
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The game suits both solo play and shared sessions. Nintendo describes local multiplayer for up to four players, who can cooperate to clear stages or compete for the highest score. Character abilities vary: Luigi jumps higher, Peach can hover, and Toad runs fastest. Those differences give players distinct ways to handle the same levels rather than making multiplayer a simple duplicate of solo play. [Nintendo]
Choose Rayman Legends for 2D platforming and co-op
Rayman Legends is the strongest contrast to Mario’s 3D stages: its core is 2D platforming, with rhythm levels and cooperative play. The Wii U edition makes specific use of the GamePad, including touch and motion interaction. Nintendo’s description says up to five people can play cooperatively in that version: four move through levels while a fifth uses the GamePad. This is a distinct support role, not five players navigating in the same way. [Nintendo]
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Do not assume those GamePad features apply to every edition. Ubisoft’s catalog lists Rayman Legends for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One, and Wii U. Ubisoft gives August 29, 2013 as the release date on its page without specifying a region; Nintendo Life records the Wii U release as August 30 in the UK and EU, September 3 in North America, and October 17 in Japan. [Ubisoft] [Nintendo Life]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose Sonic Lost World for 3D movement
Sonic Lost World is the option for players interested in a 3D take on Sonic’s movement, including parkour moves. Nintendo’s 3DS page describes fully realized 3D stages, exclusive special stages and Colour Powers, as well as local and online competitive modes. The competitive modes are not the same kind of cooperative experience as Super Mario 3D World or the Wii U edition of Rayman Legends. [Nintendo]
Check the edition before choosing: Nintendo Life’s catalog records releases on both Wii U and 3DS, while the cited feature details above are specifically for Nintendo’s 3DS page. Nintendo Life lists the 3DS release as October 18, 2013 in the UK and EU and October 22 in North America; the Wii U release as October 18 in the UK and EU and October 29 in North America. [Nintendo Life]
Which 2013 platformer should you play?
- Pick Super Mario 3D World for an award-backed 3D platformer that supports up to four local players with different character abilities.
- Pick Rayman Legends for 2D stage design, rhythm levels, and cooperative play; choose the Wii U edition if its GamePad role is part of the appeal.
- Pick Sonic Lost World for 3D Sonic movement, or look specifically at the 3DS edition for its documented handheld-exclusive features and competitive modes.
- Look beyond the three leading picks if you want another style: Puppeteer and Tearaway were award nominees, while Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D appears in Nintendo Life’s 2013 platformer catalog.
The shortlist leans on Nintendo-platform coverage and a single contemporary award feature; it is not a complete inventory of 2013 releases or a critic-score aggregate. Release dates above are historical records. Current stock, prices, condition, and regional compatibility are not established by those records, so check the specific edition before buying an older game.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
