10 Games Where Every Level Is a Masterpiece

Video games are an art form, and the levels that build them can be thought of as brushstrokes. While most games have their flaws, some offer consistently brilliant level design. Here are 10 games across generations and platforms where every level is a masterpiece.

The Legend of Zelda (NES)

Released in 1986, The Legend of Zelda might seem basic by today’s standards. Puzzles were simple, actions repetitive. However, the game’s atmosphere, with its unique color palettes for each dungeon, was groundbreaking. While music changed only once, and swordplay was limited, elements like environmental hazards and hidden passages kept things fresh. Discovering a second quest with false walls and sword-stealing bubbles added depth.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (PS1)

Video game characters don’t need to be plumbers or elves; they can be skaters! Tony Hawk’s series proved this with its compact levels perfect for tricks and high scores. New locations felt like gifts, offering new thrills. Players spent hours perfecting lines and bragging to friends. This magic was rekindled when Activision released Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 for PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

Mega Man X (SNES)

The original Mega Man games on NES were unforgettable. However, Mega Man X elevated the experience with the Super Nintendo’s power. After a ruined highway stage, players tackled eight robot bosses in any order. Actions in one stage impacted others, adding depth. The variety was another highlight: underground mines, water passages, towers, frozen tundra, and mech rides. Capcom is set to release Mega Man: Dual Override in 1027 for Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)

Nintendo’s developers have mastered level design, as proven by the Super Mario series. Numerous games featuring Mario could claim a spot on this list, but none more than Super Mario Bros. 3. It divides levels into worlds with maps for preferred routes to castles. Players often play levels they don’t need to clear, simply because they’re fun. Each stage introduces something new, whether a mechanic or enemy, or challenges players in new ways. Other games have been more ambitious, but none have done it better.

Celeste (multiplatform)

Designed like Super Meat Boy, but with a focus on mental health, Celeste presents challenging set pieces from the start. The hero jumps to avoid crumbling blocks, air dashes for safety, and climbs walls over spikes. This homage to older platformers organically introduces new challenges, allowing players who have persevered before to triumph again. Deviously placed strawberries add difficulty for those seeking them, but aren’t necessary. With practice, players can develop the skills to say the adventure was easy.

Astro Bot (PS5)

Mario is the king of 3D platforming, but Sony’s Team Asobi challenged him with Astro Bot. It delights in its variety, with levels reminiscent of Super Mario Galaxy. There’s no filler, a new delight around every corner. Some challenges are difficult, but not required. The varied stages and challenges ensure something for everyone who likes platformers.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch)

Traditional Kirby games are side-scrolling, but Hal Laboratory tried something different with Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The shift to 3D allowed for alternate routes, hidden loot, and fun challenges while navigating familiar environments. This hybrid approach worked beautifully on Switch. It was further improved with DLC adding 12 new levels and other extras to Switch 2.

Super Monkey Ball (GameCube)

Originally an arcade game in 2001, Super Monkey Ball has compelling modes that made it a standout title on GameCube. The main game comprises tight levels across three difficulty settings. Players are dropped on islands and must tilt the platform to guide a ball to a goal, collecting bananas along the way. Additional rules encourage mastery, which quickly grows demanding. The brief stages prevent boredom, and each conquered feels like an accomplishment, especially deeper in the game.

Pizza Tower (Switch, PC)

If you enjoy games like Wario Land, then Pizza Tower is for you. You can survive pits and brush against enemies, but won’t score as high. This freedom motivates players to thrive, turning obstacles into opportunities. The boss battles (with life meters) require a different skill set. But even if you dislike the bosses, it’s hard to fault the levels, which are perfect for repeated playthroughs.

Battletoads (NES)

On one hand, Battletoads is more difficult than most games should be. But each new level is so cool that you’re motivated to develop the skills to see it. From spiked pits with snakes to a rocket ride over lava, to rapids on a surfboard, the game had it all. The speed tunnel stage early on was where many players hit a wall. But even that level wasn’t bad, especially once memorized. It just demanded more than some were prepared to give. And still we played, because there was so much to see and do.