Here's a good article on implementing platforming: http://higherorderfun.com/blog/2012/05/20/the-guide-to-implementing-2d-platformers/
And if you're not interested in the technical aspect, it's still worth a look to see how tiles are used in professional games to produce non-tilish results. (Did you know Flashback was tile-based? I didn't!)
Mega Tact v1.1
Super Penguin Chef
Wizard Blocks



