Every player comes into a game hoping to find something different, regardless of what genre they’re dabbling in. Some like a deep narrative to whisk them away to new lands, while others like brutal combat that is hard to master but rewarding when they defeat opponents.
Then there are those who like the movement of a game so much that it becomes their focus. There are a lot of examples of games that nail movement perfectly, from the solid controls to pristine gameplay mechanics. While not everything about these games is perfect, it’s hard to deny they feel fun to move around in.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Nothing Stands In Your Way
Donkey Kong Bananza is the only game to make the titular Donkey Kong feel like a god. As lumbering as he is in size, DK moves at a good clip. He can run, jump, climb most surfaces, and cling to and hang others, like specific ceilings.
The best part about the game is that nearly everything can be destroyed, meaning players can move in a straight line even if there is a mountain in their way. Players can even use terrain to surf on, which is an added bonus and a ton of fun.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Feels Good To Be A Spider
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gives players control of two Spider-Man heroes: Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Each character has a distinct moveset in combat, but they all control the same while swinging through the busy streets of New York City.
They can swing on their webs, do tricks in the air, and climb the sides of buildings like it’s nothing. New to this game is the web wings underneath each Spider-Man’s arms that give them the ability to glide, making traversal that much smoother.
Sunset Overdrive
Bouncing Zombies
Sunset Overdrive is a zombie apocalypse game set in a wild city that has platforming opportunities around every corner to keep players on the move. Players can bounce off everything from cars to parasols, or grind on rails and powerlines to get around the city.
As the soda-tinged mutant zombies are always on the prowl, players have to bounce around enemies to survive, and thankfully, the game controls well, making the process of traversal extremely intuitive. The weapon system is engaging too, as players can customize and create a variety of wacky tools of destruction, including one that launches vinyl.
Attack On Titan (2016)
Anime Spider-Men (And Women)
Spider-Man is not the only hero who can get around using webs, although for the scouts in Attack on Titan, they use cords. Their ODM Gear allows them to zip around enclosed spaces by firing anchored wires, which is necessary to avoid the attacks of any nearby Titans and to get in quickly for a kill.
It’s one of the best anime games ever made, and one that’s as thrilling as the source material. Although Titan attacks are less gruesome than what’s seen in the anime, the game creates some horrific moments if players aren’t careful with their movement.
Anthem
Fly Home Sweet Metal Chariot
Anthem let down some BioWare fans when it released because of its focus on live-shooter gameplay rather than a deep RPG story, but the one unifying element that everyone could agree on was that the flying was beyond fun. In fact, there’s never been a better flying system in a video game.
Players can customize their mech suits, called Javelins, with different skills and colors, all of which fall into typical RPG classes like mages and tanks. Even though the bigger model is slower, it still moves briskly through the air compared to some other flying mechanics in games. Players should check out Anthem before it’s too late, as the game’s servers are due to shut down in January 2026.
Zone Of The Enders: The 2nd Runner
The Fastest Mech Around
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is another mech game, although the mechs here, called Orbital Frames, are much bigger than the Javelins in Anthem. Mechs are typically slow-moving in games, but The 2nd Runner changed all that thanks to Jehuty and his pilot, Dingo, being in sync.
Players can launch laser-guided missiles, grab enemies and throw them at others, or attack with a blade in combat. It’s easy to move and dodge, making every player feel like an ace anime pilot, which still feels good on the original PS2 version, along with the HD remaster.
Vanquish
Powerslide Home
Vanquish is one of the more forgotten PS3 titles from PlatinumGames, even after the remaster, which is a shame. The core story is about a bunch of space soldiers fighting against robots, which isn’t anything new. It has over-the-top machismo and plenty of cover-based gameplay that Gears of War fans would enjoy.
However, what sets it apart from other cover shooters is the fantastic powersliding mechanic, which will also slow down time. It’s tactically smart to use in battle and cool to boot, and the speed at which players can move around the battlefield is immensely satisfying.
Pepper Grinder
Drill Baby, Drill!
Pepper Grinder is a small indie game that’s a bit of an homage to an even lesser-known Game Freak title called Drill Dozer. Players can run around and jump in Pepper Grinder like a typical platformer, but they’ll perform most of their actions by using their drill.
This drill can shoot players through sand and other materials as easily as if they were surfing on water. It takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but afterward, players will get addicted to the momentum they feel after pulling off a successful dig dash, shooting up out of the ground to take down unsuspecting enemies.
