2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre Redefined
Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, constantly evolving while retaining their core appeal: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 saw a remarkable array of releases, and we've curated a list of the ten most exceptional titles 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 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. The game's meticulously crafted world is brimming with vibrant life, each level a dynamic playground of obstacles, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The sheer variety of challenges and collectible items ensures enduring replayability, while environmental interaction keeps players fully engaged. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add an astonishing layer of realism, allowing you to truly feel the robot's every move, from sliding on ice to struggling uphill. Astro Bot masterfully blends innovative gameplay with classic platforming design, pushing the genre forward.
The Plucky Squire
Image: thepluckysquire.com
Release Date: September 17, 2024 Developer: All Possible Futures Platform: Steam
The Plucky Squire brings a captivating fairy tale to life, seamlessly merging 2D illustrations with a thrilling 3D adventure. The game's vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates an atmosphere of pure enchantment. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, is banished from his book by the villain Hamgramp, embarking on a journey between flat pages and a fully realized 3D world. This unique dimensional shifting is a core gameplay mechanic. The gameplay itself is wonderfully diverse, encompassing puzzle-solving, quirky mini-games (badger boxing and jetpack flights, anyone?), and exploration of a richly interactive world. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D are mesmerizing and exceptionally well-executed. Its unique style and mechanics solidify The Plucky Squire's place among 2024's most memorable titles.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: January 18, 2024 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier Platform: Steam
While The Lost Crown may not have met Ubisoft's sales targets, it resonated deeply with players, praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the franchise. The game transports you to a breathtaking Eastern world, each scene a visual masterpiece of captivating vistas and intricate details. Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking, while a helpful map simplifies navigation and a screenshot feature aids in remembering challenging areas and required abilities. Platforming seamlessly integrates with dynamic combat, featuring dual blades, progressively unlocking new weapons, spectacular combos, and unique abilities. Despite its commercial performance, The Lost Crown stands as a highlight for platforming enthusiasts in 2024.
Animal Well
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: Shared Memory Platform: Steam
A five-year labor of love from a single developer, Animal Well is a true 2024 gem. Its minimalist pixel art style brings a surreal world to life with expressive charm. The game map is packed with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles, making exploration a constant delight. Animal Well distinguishes itself with unconventional mechanics; instead of standard platforming maneuvers, it utilizes unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, demanding creative problem-solving from the player. Its originality and fresh approach solidify its place among the year's best.
Nine Sols
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: May 29, 2024 Developer: Red Candle Games Platform: Steam
Nine Sols immerses players in a captivating taopunk world, blending Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and cyberpunk aesthetics. Yi, a legendary warrior, awakens to overthrow the nine Sols rulers, leading players on a journey filled with danger and hidden secrets. Responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration a joy, while the combat system, reminiscent of Sekiro, emphasizes parrying and building chi energy for devastating counterattacks. Despite its challenging difficulty, 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 Platform: Steam
The gothic Victorian town of Rainbrook, with its Tim Burton-esque aesthetic, sets a chilling tone of mystery and intrigue. The city is plagued by The Blight, and the protagonist seeks his missing friend Ellie, exploring multi-layered 2.5D environments. Changing weather and time of day add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges. The combat system evolves alongside the story, providing new tools to overcome obstacles and enemies. Venture To The Vile stands out with its dark atmosphere, unique mechanics, and complex level design.
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 brings mythical creatures and yōkai to life in a world reminiscent of traditional Japanese art. Bo, a celestial spirit, descends to Earth to restore balance, using a magical staff to navigate challenging platforming sections and battle enemies. Unlocking new abilities enhances both combat and exploration, encouraging revisits to previously explored areas.
Neva
Image: mobilesyrup.com
Release Date: October 15, 2024 Developer: Nomada Studio Platform: Steam
From the creators of Gris, Neva is a touching adventure rendered in Nomada Studio's signature watercolor style, complemented by a moving score from Berlinist. Alba and her wolf pup embark on a journey through a decaying world, combining platforming and puzzle elements. The wolf's evolving abilities unlock new paths, and the game's emotional depth resonates deeply with players.
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 features Zau, a young shaman seeking to reclaim his father's soul. The game blends platforming with adventure puzzles, featuring a combat system based on switching between Sun and Moon masks for tactical versatility. Despite its simpler mechanics, the game's artistic style and compelling narrative captivate.
Symphonia
Image: store.epicgames.com
Release Date: December 5, 2024 Developer: Sunny Peak Platform: Steam
Symphonia is a hardcore platformer emphasizing precision, with a seamless blend of music and visuals. The game's orchestral score, performed by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris, enhances the atmosphere and gameplay rhythm. Philimon, a violinist, embarks on a quest to restore lost music, navigating challenging levels through precise jumps and skillful use of his bow. The game's art design, music, and gameplay create a truly immersive experience.
Conclusion
2024's platformer releases demonstrate the genre's enduring appeal and remarkable capacity for innovation. Each game on this list offers unique stories and gameplay mechanics, ensuring there's something for every player.
