Top 10 Platformers to Watch in 2024

2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre Redefined

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, constantly evolving while retaining their core appeal: precise jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a bounty of exceptional titles, and here are ten that stand out from the crowd.

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 Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its position at the top of the genre. The game's vibrant world is meticulously detailed, transforming each level into an interactive playground brimming with challenges, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The diverse tasks and collectible items fuel exploration, while environmental interaction keeps players engaged. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add an astonishing level of realism, allowing players to feel every jump, slide, and climb. Astro Bot masterfully blends innovation with classic platforming design.

The Plucky Squire

Image: thepluckysquire.com

Release Date: September 17, 2024 Developer: All Possible Futures Platform: 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 an enchanting atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, is banished from his book by the villain Hamgramp, embarking on a journey between flat pages and a 3D world. This unique spatial approach is a defining feature. Gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzle-solving, engaging mini-games (badger boxing, jetpack flights), and exploration of an interactive world. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D are captivating. Its unique mechanics and vibrant style make it unforgettable.

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 targets, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown resonated deeply with players, praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtaking, transforming each scene into a visual masterpiece. Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking, while a convenient map and screenshot feature aid exploration. Platforming seamlessly integrates with dynamic combat, utilizing dual blades, unlocking new weapons, combos, and abilities as the game progresses. Though not a commercial blockbuster, it's a standout for platforming 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 solo developer, Animal Well is a 2024 revelation. Its minimalist pixel art style brings its surreal world to life. The map is a treasure trove of secrets, collectibles, and puzzles. It eschews traditional platforming mechanics, opting for unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, encouraging creative problem-solving. Its originality and freshness make it a top contender.

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. Yi, a legendary warrior, awakens to overthrow the nine Sols rulers. Exploration is rewarding, with responsive controls and well-designed levels filled with challenges, secrets, and puzzles. Gameplay combines platforming and action-packed combat, featuring parry mechanics similar to Sekiro, allowing players to build chi energy for powerful counterattacks. Despite its difficulty, its vibrant visuals and unique atmosphere make it memorable.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

Rainbrook, a gloomy Victorian town reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, sets a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere. The protagonist searches for his missing friend Ellie, navigating multi-layered 2.5D locations. Changing weather and time of day add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges. The combat system evolves with the story, unlocking new abilities and expanding exploration possibilities. Its dark aesthetic, original mechanics, and layered levels make it a standout.

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 features mythical creatures and yōkai. The locations resemble traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Bo, a celestial spirit, must perform an ancient ritual. Players jump, glide, and attack, unlocking new skills to access hidden areas. Complex platforming, puzzles, and hidden paths encourage exploration.

Neva

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

From the creators of Gris, Neva utilizes a signature watercolor style and moving soundtrack. Alba and her wolf pup journey through a crumbling world. Gameplay combines platforming and puzzles, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities. Neva excels in conveying emotion through visuals and music.

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, who seeks to reclaim his father's soul. Gameplay blends platforming and adventure puzzles. Zau enhances his abilities, aiding both combat and exploration. The combat system, using Sun and Moon masks, allows for tactical shifts.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

A hardcore platformer emphasizing precision, Symphonia seamlessly blends music and visuals. The diverse locations are detailed, and key moments are highlighted with vibrant effects. Music is central, with orchestral compositions enhancing the atmosphere. Philimon, a violinist, journeys to restore lost music. Gameplay relies on precise jumps and reactions, with no combat but challenging platforming sections.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the platformer genre's enduring appeal and remarkable evolution. These ten games, each with compelling narratives and innovative gameplay, offer a diverse selection for players of all tastes.