2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre Redefined

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently innovating while retaining their core appeal of challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 saw a wealth 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, captivating critics and players alike. Its high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores firmly cement its position at the top of the rankings. The game's meticulously crafted world bursts with vibrant life, transforming each level into an interactive playground brimming with obstacles, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The sheer variety of challenges and collectibles ensures enduring replayability, while dynamic environmental interactions keep players engaged. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add an unprecedented level of realism, allowing players to feel every jump, slide, and climb. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic platforming with innovative design, setting a new standard for the genre.

The Plucky Squire

Image: thepluckysquire.com

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

The Plucky Squire brings fairy tales to life, seamlessly blending 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, forcing him to journey between flat pages and a three-dimensional world – a unique gameplay mechanic that defines the experience. The gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzle-solving, quirky mini-games (badger boxing and jetpack flights, for example), and exploration of a richly interactive world. The smooth transitions between 2D and 3D are mesmerizing and incredibly engaging. The game's unique style and mechanics make it a standout title of 2024.

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 commercial expectations, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown resonated deeply with players, earning praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtakingly beautiful, transforming every scene into a visual masterpiece. Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking, while a convenient map and screenshot feature aid exploration. The seamless blend of platforming and dynamic combat, featuring dual blades and progressively unlocking weapons, combos, and abilities, ensures a consistently challenging and rewarding experience. While not a massive commercial success, The Lost Crown is a must-play for platformer enthusiasts.

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 yet expressive pixel art style brings its surreal world to vibrant life. The game map is packed with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles that make exploration a constant thrill. Animal Well stands apart with its unconventional approach to platforming, replacing standard double jumps and dashes with unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, encouraging creative problem-solving. Its originality and freshness make it a standout platformer.

Nine Sols

Image: youtube.com

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

Nine Sols plunges players into a unique taopunk world blending Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and cyberpunk aesthetics. Yi, a legendary warrior, awakens to overthrow the nine Sols rulers, embarking on a journey through a dangerous world filled with secrets. Responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration a pleasure, while the combat system, inspired by Sekiro, emphasizes precise parries and chi management for powerful 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, reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, sets a dark and mysterious tone. Players explore multi-layered 2.5D environments, uncovering secrets and hidden paths within each plane. Dynamic weather and time of day add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges. The protagonist's combat system evolves alongside the story, with new weapons and abilities opening up previously inaccessible areas. Venture To The Vile's dark aesthetic, unique mechanics, and multi-layered levels make it a standout platformer.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus

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

Inspired by Japanese folklore, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus features mythical creatures and yōkai in a world reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Bo, a celestial spirit, descends to Earth to restore balance, using his magical staff to overcome obstacles and battle enemies. The gameplay involves jumping, gliding, and combat, with new abilities unlocking access to hidden areas. Complex platforming, puzzles, and hidden paths encourage exploration and replayability.

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, a young girl, and her wolf pup embark on a journey to restore harmony, facing challenges while strengthening their bond. The game combines platforming and puzzles, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities to overcome obstacles. Neva excels at evoking emotion through visuals and music, leaving a lasting impact.

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 the story of Zau, a young shaman who bargains with the god of death to reclaim his father's soul. The gameplay blends platforming and adventure puzzles, with Zau enhancing his abilities to overcome challenges and uncover secrets. The combat system, utilizing Sun and Moon masks, allows for tactical flexibility.

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 diverse and detailed environments enhance the atmosphere, while the orchestral score from the Scoring Orchestra of Paris sets the rhythm and mood. Philimon, a violinist, journeys to restore lost music, relying on precise jumps and reactions to navigate challenging levels. The game's art design, music, and gameplay create a harmonious and immersive experience.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the platformer genre's enduring evolution, with captivating stories and innovative gameplay mechanics. Each of these games offers a unique and rewarding experience, ensuring there's something for every player.