Platformer Extravaganza: Unveiling the Elite 10 of 2024

2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre-Defining Year

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently innovating while retaining their core appeal of precise jumps, challenging puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a diverse range of exceptional titles, and here are ten that stand out:

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 dazzling 3D platformer, rightfully claimed the "Game of the Year" accolade at The Game Awards 2024, earning widespread critical acclaim and player adoration. Its high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its position at the top of the list. The game's meticulously crafted world is brimming with interactive elements, secrets, and a satisfying variety of challenges. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback adds an unprecedented level of immersion, making every jump and obstacle feel incredibly realistic. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic platforming with innovative design.

The Plucky Squire

Image: thepluckysquire.com

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

The Plucky Squire brings a unique twist to the genre, seamlessly blending 2D illustrations with a 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates an enchanting atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, journeys between the flat pages of his book and a fully realized 3D world, making spatial traversal a key gameplay mechanic. Diverse puzzles, quirky mini-games (badger boxing, anyone?), and interactive elements ensure a consistently engaging experience. The smooth transitions between 2D and 3D are truly mesmerizing.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Despite not reaching Ubisoft's sales targets, The Lost Crown garnered significant praise for its stunning visuals, compelling gameplay, and innovative take on the franchise. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is visually breathtaking, with detailed environments and captivating vistas. The levels demand both agility and strategic thinking, while the in-game map and screenshot functionality aid exploration. The blend of platforming and dynamic combat, featuring dual blades and progressively unlocked abilities, keeps the action fresh 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 creator, is a true 2024 standout. Its minimalist pixel art style is surprisingly expressive, bringing its surreal world to life. The map is packed with secrets and puzzles, rewarding exploration. Animal Well's unconventional approach to platforming, utilizing unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee, adds a refreshing layer of creativity and challenge.

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 legendary warrior tasked with overthrowing nine tyrannical rulers. The game features responsive controls and well-designed levels, filled with challenges and secrets. The combat system, inspired by Sekiro's parry mechanics, adds depth and strategic complexity.

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 reminiscent of Tim Burton's work. The multi-layered 2.5D environments are filled with mystery and intrigue, with dynamic weather and time of day affecting gameplay. The evolving combat system, coupled with the multi-layered levels, provides a satisfying sense of progression and exploration.

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 stunning visuals reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Players control Bo, a celestial spirit, as he embarks on a quest to restore balance between worlds. The game combines challenging platforming sections with engaging combat, and new abilities unlock access to hidden areas and secrets.

Neva

Image: mobilesyrup.com

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

From the creators of Gris, Neva continues Nomada Studio's tradition of emotionally resonant storytelling and stunning watercolor art. The game follows Alba and her wolf pup as they journey through a crumbling world. The blend of platforming and puzzle elements, along with the evocative visuals and music, creates a deeply moving experience.

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 tells a compelling story of a young shaman's quest to reclaim his father's soul. The game combines platforming with adventure puzzles, and Zau's evolving abilities open up new paths and possibilities. The combat system, utilizing Sun and Moon masks, adds strategic depth.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Symphonia is a challenging hardcore platformer where precision is paramount. The game's stunning visuals and orchestral score are seamlessly integrated with the gameplay. The story follows Philimon, a violinist on a quest to restore lost music, and the gameplay demands agility and dexterity.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the platformer genre's enduring appeal and remarkable adaptability. These ten games, each with its unique charm and innovative mechanics, represent the best of what the genre had to offer. There's something here for every player, proving that platformers remain a vital and exciting part of the gaming landscape.