2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre Redefined

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, blending classic gameplay with innovative mechanics. 2024 saw a wave of exceptional titles, and here are ten standouts 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 Platform: PlayStation

Team Asobi's Astro Bot, a vibrant 3D platformer, swept the "Game of the Year" award at The Game Awards 2024, earning critical acclaim and player adoration. Its high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its position at the top. The game boasts meticulously crafted levels brimming with interactive elements, puzzles, and hidden secrets. DualSense controller integration enhances the experience with realistic haptic feedback, making every action feel tangible. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic design with innovative features, showcasing the genre's evolving potential.

The Plucky Squire

Image: thepluckysquire.com

Release Date: September 17, 2024 Developer: All Possible Futures Platform: Steam

The Plucky Squire seamlessly merges 2D illustration with 3D adventure. Its captivating visual style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates a magical atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, journeys between flat pages and a 3D world, a unique gameplay mechanic that defines the experience. The game offers a diverse range of challenges, from puzzle-solving to engaging mini-games, ensuring a consistently exciting experience. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D are a mesmerizing highlight.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: January 18, 2024 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier Platform: Steam

Despite not meeting Ubisoft's sales projections, The Lost Crown garnered significant player praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtaking, transforming each scene into a visual masterpiece. The gameplay cleverly combines platforming challenges with dynamic combat, requiring both agility and strategic thinking. The protagonist's dual blades, evolving arsenal, and spectacular combos keep the action thrilling and engaging.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: Shared Memory Platform: Steam

This indie gem, developed over five years by a single developer, is a 2024 revelation. Its minimalist pixel art style brings its surreal world to life. The game's unconventional approach to platforming, utilizing unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee, adds a layer of creative problem-solving. The map is filled with secrets and puzzles, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity.

Nine Sols

Image: youtube.com

Release Date: May 29, 2024 Developer: Red Candle Games Platform: Steam

Nine Sols blends Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and cyberpunk aesthetics into a unique taopunk world. Players control Yi, a warrior tasked with overthrowing nine rulers. The game combines platforming with challenging combat, featuring parry mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro. The responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration a rewarding experience.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

Release Date: May 22, 2024 Developer: Cut to Bits Platform: Steam

Venture To The Vile immerses players in a dark, Victorian-era town shrouded in mystery. The multi-layered 2.5D environments offer secrets and hidden paths in each plane. The evolving combat system and dynamic weather conditions add depth to the gameplay, constantly expanding exploration possibilities.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: July 17, 2024 Developer: Squid Shock Studios Platform: Steam

Inspired by Japanese folklore, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus features a captivating world populated by mythical creatures and yōkai. Bo, a celestial spirit, uses his magical staff to navigate challenging platforming sections and engage in combat. The game rewards exploration with hidden paths and gradually unlocks new abilities.

Neva

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Release Date: October 15, 2024 Developer: Nomada Studio Platform: Steam

From the creators of Gris, Neva captivates with its watercolor art style and emotionally resonant soundtrack. Alba and her wolf pup embark on a journey to restore harmony to their crumbling world. The game blends platforming with puzzle elements, with the wolf pup's abilities unlocking new areas.

Tales Of Kenzera: Zau

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: April 23, 2024 Developer: Surgent Studios Platform: Steam

Inspired by African mythology, Tales Of Kenzera: Zau follows Zau, a young shaman, on a quest to reclaim his father's soul. The game combines platforming with adventure puzzles, featuring a unique combat system based on switching between Sun and Moon masks.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

Release Date: December 5, 2024 Developer: Sunny Peak Platform: Steam

Symphonia is a challenging platformer emphasizing precision and musicality. The game's orchestral soundtrack, performed by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris, is integral to the experience. Philimon, the violinist protagonist, embarks on a journey to restore lost music, navigating intricate levels requiring skillful platforming.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the platformer genre's enduring appeal and capacity for innovation. These ten games, each with unique strengths and captivating stories, offer a diverse range of experiences for players of all tastes.