Platformers have been a staple in the gaming world for decades, continually evolving to captivate players with jumps, puzzles, and vibrant worlds. In 2024, numerous titles were released, but we've narrowed it down to the top 10 platformers that stand out and deserve your attention.
Table of Content ---
- 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
0 Comment on this Astro Bot
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Developer: Team Asobi
Download: PlayStation
Astro Bot, the dazzling 3D platformer from Team Asobi, clinched the "Game of the Year" title at The Game Awards 2024. It has garnered top scores on Metacritic and OpenCritic, earning its place at the pinnacle of the rankings. The game invites players into a world bursting with color and life, where every detail is thoughtfully crafted. The levels are more than just stages; they are interactive arenas brimming with obstacles, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The variety of tasks and collectibles keeps the exploration fresh and engaging, while the environment interaction adds a layer of replayability.
The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers enhance the immersion, making actions like sliding on ice or climbing rugged terrain feel incredibly lifelike. Astro Bot masterfully blends innovation with classic platforming design, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The Plucky Squire
Image: thepluckysquire.com
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Developer: All Possible Futures
Download: Steam
The Plucky Squire brings a fairy tale to life, seamlessly blending two-dimensional illustrations with thrilling three-dimensional adventures. The game's vibrant visual style resembles scenes from a children's book, with detailed locations and original character designs that evoke a magical atmosphere.
In this game, the protagonist Jot, a valiant knight, is expelled from his book by the villain Hamgramp. To restore the story's happy ending, Jot must navigate between the flat pages and a three-dimensional world. This innovative spatial approach is a highlight of the game.
The gameplay is diverse, featuring puzzle-solving, unique mini-games like badger boxing and jetpack flights, and exploration in a world full of interactive elements. The seamless transitions between 2D and 3D are not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging, making The Plucky Squire a memorable addition to 2024's platformer lineup.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Download: Steam
While Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown didn't meet Ubisoft's commercial expectations, it has won over players with its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the series. The game transports you to a beautifully crafted Eastern world, where each scene is a visual masterpiece.
Levels are designed to test both agility and strategic exploration, with a convenient map aiding navigation and a screenshot feature helping players remember hard-to-reach areas. Platforming seamlessly integrates with dynamic combat, where the protagonist wields dual blades and unlocks new weapons, combos, and abilities throughout the game. Each battle demands precision and focus, keeping the experience engaging.
Despite not being a commercial blockbuster, The Lost Crown has secured its spot among 2024's top platformers, thanks to its exquisite visuals, well-crafted gameplay, and unique mechanics.
Animal Well
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 9, 2024
Developer: Shared Memory
Download: Steam
Animal Well, an indie gem crafted by a solo developer over five years, became a standout title of 2024. Its minimalist yet expressive pixel art brings its surreal world to life. The game map is filled with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles that make exploration thrilling.
What sets Animal Well apart is its unconventional approach to exploration. Instead of traditional double jumps and dashes, the game introduces original abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc. Players must creatively figure out how to use these tools, adding depth and creativity to the gameplay. Animal Well injects fresh ideas into the platformer genre, rightfully earning its place among the year's best games.
Nine Sols
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: May 29, 2024
Developer: Red Candle Games
Download: Steam
Nine Sols plunges players into a unique taopunk world, blending Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics. The narrative follows Yi, a legendary warrior awakened to overthrow the nine rulers known as Sols. Players must navigate a world filled with dangers and hidden secrets to uncover its past and shape its future.
The game's controls are responsive, and the levels are thoughtfully designed, filled with unique challenges, secrets, and puzzles that encourage thorough exploration. The gameplay melds platforming with action, focusing on dynamic combat. The combat system, inspired by Sekiro, features parry mechanics that allow players to deflect enemy attacks and build up chi energy for powerful counterstrikes. As Yi progresses, he gains new weapons, talismans, and abilities.
Despite its high difficulty and some narrative roughness, Nine Sols impresses with its vibrant visual style, thoughtful gameplay, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Venture To The Vile
Image: venturetothevile.com
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Developer: Cut to Bits
Download: Steam
Venture To The Vile immerses players in the mysterious Victorian town of Rainbrook, reminiscent of Tim Burton's aesthetic, filled with dark streets and gothic architecture. The town is shrouded in mystery due to The Blight, and the protagonist embarks on a quest to find his missing friend Ellie. Players explore multi-layered 2.5D locations, where each plane holds its own secrets and unexpected paths. The changing time of day and weather conditions add depth, unlocking new areas and tasks.
The combat system evolves alongside the story, with weapons and abilities developing to overcome enemies and complex obstacles. Each new skill unlocks access to previously unreachable areas, enhancing exploration. Venture To The Vile stands out in the platformer genre due to its dark aesthetic, innovative mechanics, and intricate level design.
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: July 17, 2024
Developer: Squid Shock Studios
Download: Steam
Set in a world inspired by Japanese folklore, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus brings mythical creatures, ancient rituals, and mysterious yōkai to life. The locations are reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings, captivating players with their originality and detail.
The protagonist, Bo, a celestial spirit, descends to Earth to perform an ancient ritual and restore balance between worlds. Armed with a magical staff, Bo explores the map, overcomes obstacles, and battles various enemies. Players can jump, glide, and attack using Bo's abilities to navigate challenging trials and interact with the environment. As the game progresses, Bo unlocks new skills that enhance battles and unlock hidden areas.
Complex platforming sections, puzzles, and hidden paths encourage players to revisit explored locations with new abilities, uncovering more secrets of this enchanting world.
Neva
Image: mobilesyrup.com
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Developer: Nomada Studio
Download: Steam
Neva, a touching adventure from the creators of Gris, is executed in Nomada Studio's signature watercolor style. The game's music, composed by Berlinist, enhances the emotional depth of the story. It follows a young girl, Alba, and her loyal wolf pup as they journey through a crumbling world to restore lost harmony. Their path is fraught with trials, but they learn to support each other, overcoming challenges together.
The game combines platforming with puzzles, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities over time to help overcome obstacles and access previously unreachable areas. Neva excels in conveying emotions through its visual artistry and music, leaving a lasting impact on players. It reaffirms Nomada Studio's mastery, making it a standout in the indie game scene.
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Developer: Surgent Studios
Download: Steam
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau, inspired by African mythology and culture, transports players to a world where ancient gods' magic intertwines with profound emotional themes. The protagonist, a young shaman named Zau, makes a pact with the god of death to reclaim his father's soul. His journey is filled with dangers, puzzles, and secrets hidden in the lands of Kenzera.
The gameplay combines platforming with adventure puzzles, encouraging players to explore interconnected locations filled with secrets, enemies, and unique challenges. As Zau progresses, he enhances his abilities, which not only aid in battles but also help uncover hidden paths. The combat system, centered around switching between Sun and Moon masks, allows for tactical shifts based on the enemies. Battles resemble a rhythmic dance, requiring precision and skill.
Despite some simple mechanics and limited enemy variety, the game captivates with its artistic style and touching narrative.
Symphonia
Image: store.epicgames.com
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Developer: Sunny Peak
Download: Steam
Symphonia, a hardcore platformer, focuses on precision where music and visual style are seamlessly integrated. The diverse and detailed locations reflect the uniqueness of each region, with vibrant effects highlighting key story moments and enhancing the atmosphere.
Music is central to Symphonia, with orchestral compositions from the Scoring Orchestra of Paris setting the rhythm and mood of the story. The world once lived in harmony, filled with melodies and energy, but the disappearance of the orchestra's founders brought silence and desolation. The violinist Philimon sets out to restore the lost music, gather musicians, and rebuild the orchestra.
Gameplay centers on precise jumps, quick reactions, and trap avoidance. Philimon climbs platforms, bounces off walls, and uses his bow to reach higher, activate checkpoints, and uncover hidden paths. The game features no combat, but its challenges demand agility and dexterity. Levels are linear yet offer multiple branches, encouraging exploration and the discovery of collectibles, secrets, and new abilities.
In Symphonia, art design, music, and gameplay blend into a perfect harmony, creating a flow effect and complete immersion.
In 2024, platformers continued to evolve, showcasing innovative gameplay and captivating narratives. These top 10 titles offer something for every player, ensuring a memorable gaming experience.
