Other Good 2.5d Platformers...

[DJ Cryotek]

Thought I'd put up a list of games people might like if they like Blade Kitten. These are all "new" platformers; I tried to put the 2.5D ones first, and the games with simpler graphics last. Lesson 1 here: do yourself a favor and buy a 360 controller, as it's the best way to play many of these games, and some even have native (no need to setup) support.

Rocket Knight:
Sequel to an old Genesis game, and it definitely has that great feel. Great with a 360 controller. If you like Blade Kitten, you should absolutely try this game. (has demo)

Trine:
A little like Ghouls 'n Ghosts with some physics puzzles. Breathtaking visuals and an amazing soundtrack. Best played keyboard/mouse so you can aim anywhere as you move, though it does support 360 controllers and 3 player co-op. (has demo)

Bionic Commando Rearmed:
Remake of the NES classic with beautiful new graphics and minor gameplay changes. Reimagined soundtrack is brilliantly oontzy. Also includes 4-player local multiplayer or 2 player local co-op. Best with 360 controllers imo.

ARES: Extinction Agenda:
Platformer that seems somewhat inspired by Megaman etc. Get the demo here. Native support for 360 controllers.

NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits:
Out Monday. The original game is for the Wii, and got great reviews. You need to play it with keyboard/mouse, as the mouse emulates the Wiimote's ability to manipulate things on-screen.

Shank:
Fighting/shooting side-scroller with 2-player co-op. It's quite fun. Think Final Fight, but 2D and with a much greater variety of mixed-weapon moves. Definitely play it with a 360 controller.

Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project (on GOG)
This came out years ago, and in a way it's one of the first "2.5D" platformers. Some good Duke action as I recall.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light:
This is 3/4 view, but it remains similarly old-school in ways and has platforming elements. I enjoyed it immensely, even though so far I've only gotten to play 1-player. 360 controller worked wonderfully, the combat reminded me a little of old-school arcade shooters (one stick to move, the other to aim/shoot).

Super Meat Boy:
Tough, old-school platformers that's been getting a lot of attention. Should be out sometime in November. Supports both 360 and regular PC controllers. No demo yet, but I think the old freeware game it is based on is out there.

Booster Trooper:
Compared a lot to the freeware game Soldat. It's a bit like Contra with deathmatch and jetpacks. Reviews are pretty mixed, but I thought it was kinda fun. It's strictly a multiplayer game, though you can play with bots. Supports gamepads, though I do keyboard/mouse for aiming. (has demo)

Nimbus:
Great little indie puzzle game, where you control a little craft that has no means of propulsion- you have to use momentum, and boosts provided by the environment (bumpers, etc) to get around. Very unique, with pretty graphics reminiscent of the old Genesis Sonic games.

Eversion:
Eversion has fairly simple graphics, and looks deceptively cute and 8-bit... but beneath the colorful, mario-esque landscape are dark, terrifying parallel worlds you have to explore as well. Very smart little game.

And Yet It Moves:
Indie puzzle platformer set in a world of made of ripped paper. The gimmick here: you can rotate the entire world around (ie including gravity) to work your way through puzzles. Also on the Wii. Controller support, though I haven't tried them yet.(has a demo)

VVVVVV:
Retro platformer with simple graphics. Your character cannot jump, but instead can reverse gravity to deal with obstacles. (has demo)