2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre-Defining Year
Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently reinventing themselves while retaining their core appeal: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a bumper crop of titles, and we've curated a list of the ten most exceptional platformers that deserve your attention.
Table of Contents
- Astro Bot
- The Plucky Squire
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Animal Well
- Nine Sols
- Venture To The Vile
- Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus
- Neva
- Tales Of Kenzera: Zau
- Symphonia
Astro Bot
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi Download: PlayStation
Team Asobi's dazzling 3D platformer, Astro Bot, swept the "Game of the Year" award at The Game Awards 2024, earning critical acclaim and widespread player adoration. Its top rankings on Metacritic and OpenCritic speak volumes.
Astro Bot transports players to a vibrant world brimming with meticulously crafted detail. Levels are interactive playgrounds packed with obstacles, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The diverse challenges and collectible items fuel exploration, while environmental interaction keeps players engaged.
The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers elevate the experience, providing astonishing realism. Players can feel the robot's movements—from sliding on ice to struggling uphill.
This vibrant 3D platformer masterfully blends innovation with classic design, showcasing the genre's enduring potential.
The Plucky Squire
Image: thepluckysquire.com
Release Date: September 17, 2024 Developer: All Possible Futures Download: Steam
The Plucky Squire brings a fairy tale to life, seamlessly merging 2D illustrations with a thrilling 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style—reminiscent of a children's book—creates a truly magical atmosphere.
Jot, the brave knight protagonist, is banished from his book by the villain Hamgramp. To restore the story's happy ending, he must navigate between flat pages and a 3D environment—a unique gameplay mechanic.
The gameplay is delightfully diverse, featuring puzzle-solving, quirky minigames (badger boxing and jetpack flights), and a world teeming with interactive elements. The smooth transitions between 2D and 3D are captivating.
The vibrant art and unique mechanics make The Plucky Squire a memorable 2024 release.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: January 18, 2024 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier Download: Steam
Despite falling short of Ubisoft's commercial targets, The Lost Crown resonated strongly with players, praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series.
The game immerses players in a breathtaking Eastern world. Stunning vistas, detailed environments, and picturesque elements transform each scene into a visual masterpiece.
Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking. A convenient map simplifies navigation, and a screenshot feature aids in remembering hard-to-reach areas and required abilities/items.
Platforming seamlessly integrates with dynamic combat. The protagonist wields dual blades, unlocking new weapons, spectacular combos, and unique abilities throughout the game. Precise timing and focus are essential for success.
While not a blockbuster, The Lost Crown stands as a standout platformer of 2024, its magnificent visuals and refined gameplay making it a memorable experience.
Animal Well
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: Shared Memory Download: Steam
This solo-developed indie gem, crafted over five years, is a 2024 revelation. Its minimalist yet expressive pixel art brings its surreal world to life.
The game map is filled with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles that make exploration both engaging and thrilling.
Animal Well distinguishes itself through unconventional mechanics. Instead of standard platforming moves, players utilize unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, fostering creative problem-solving.
Animal Well injects fresh originality into the platformer genre, deserving its place among the year's best.
Nine Sols
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: May 29, 2024 Developer: Red Candle Games Download: Steam
Nine Sols plunges players into a unique taopunk world blending Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and cyberpunk aesthetics.
The story follows Yi, a legendary warrior awakened to overthrow the nine Sols rulers. Players explore a dangerous world, uncovering secrets and altering the future.
Responsive controls and well-designed levels enhance exploration. Locations are filled with unique challenges, secrets, and puzzles.
Gameplay combines platforming and action, emphasizing spectacular combat. The parry system, reminiscent of Sekiro, allows players to deflect attacks and build chi for powerful counterattacks. New weapons, talismans, and abilities are acquired as Yi progresses.
Despite its high difficulty and minor narrative inconsistencies, Nine Sols impresses with its vibrant visuals, thoughtful gameplay, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Venture To The Vile
Image: venturetothevile.com
Release Date: May 22, 2024 Developer: Cut to Bits Download: Steam
The gloomy Victorian town of Rainbrook, reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, immerses players in an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. Dark streets and gothic architecture create a chilling atmosphere.
The city is plagued by The Blight, and the protagonist seeks his missing friend, Ellie. Players explore multi-layered 2.5D environments, with each plane revealing secrets and hidden paths. Dynamic weather and time of day add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges.
The hero's combat system evolves alongside the story, with developing weapons and abilities that aid in both combat and obstacle navigation.
Venture To The Vile's dark aesthetic, original mechanics, and multi-layered levels make it a standout platformer.
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: July 17, 2024 Developer: Squid Shock Studios Download: Steam
Inspired by Japanese folklore, Bo features mythical creatures and yōkai in a world reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings.
Bo, a celestial spirit, descends to Earth to perform an ancient ritual. Armed with a magical staff, he explores, overcomes obstacles, and battles enemies.
Players utilize Bo's jumping, gliding, and attacking abilities to navigate challenges and interact with the environment. New skills unlock, enhancing combat and exploration.
Complex platforming, puzzles, and hidden paths encourage revisiting locations with newfound abilities, uncovering more secrets.
Neva
Image: mobilesyrup.com
Release Date: October 15, 2024 Developer: Nomada Studio Download: Steam
From the creators of Gris, Neva features a touching adventure in Nomada Studio's signature watercolor style, complemented by Berlinist's evocative music.
Alba, a young girl, and her wolf pup embark on a journey to restore harmony. Their path is filled with challenges, but they learn to overcome them together.
The game blends platforming and puzzles. The wolf pup gains new abilities, aiding in navigation and access to new areas.
Neva masterfully conveys emotion through visuals and music, leaving a lasting impact. It's a standout indie title, showcasing Nomada Studio's skill.
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: April 23, 2024 Developer: Surgent Studios Download: Steam
Inspired by African mythology and culture, Tales Of Kenzera: Zau transports players to a world where ancient gods and emotional depth intertwine. Zau, a young shaman, seeks to reclaim his father's soul.
Gameplay combines platforming and adventure puzzles. Players explore interconnected locations filled with secrets and challenges. Zau's abilities evolve, aiding in combat and exploration.
The combat system, based on Sun and Moon masks, allows for tactical shifts. Battles are rhythmic, requiring precision and skillful ability use.
Despite simpler mechanics and limited enemy variety, the game captivates with its artistic style and moving story.
Symphonia
Image: store.epicgames.com
Release Date: December 5, 2024 Developer: Sunny Peak Download: Steam
This hardcore platformer emphasizes precision, seamlessly blending music and visuals. Locations are diverse and detailed, with backgrounds reflecting regional uniqueness.
Music is central to Symphonia. Orchestral compositions by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris set the rhythm and mood.
The violinist Philimon journeys to restore lost music, gather musicians, and rebuild the orchestra.
Gameplay relies on precise jumps, quick reactions, and trap avoidance. Philimon climbs, bounces, and uses his bow for higher jumps, checkpoint activation, and uncovering hidden paths. There's no combat, but the challenges demand agility and dexterity.
Levels are linear but offer branching paths, encouraging exploration and the discovery of collectibles and new abilities. Symphonia perfectly balances art, music, and gameplay.
Conclusion
2024 showcased the platformer genre's continued evolution and ability to captivate players. These engaging stories and original gameplay mechanics make each game worthy of attention, offering diverse experiences for every player.
