2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre Redefined
Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, evolving while retaining their core appeal: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a wealth of titles, and here are ten standouts deserving of 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 Astro Bot, a dazzling 3D platformer, rightfully claimed the "Game of the Year" accolade at The Game Awards 2024, captivating critics and players alike. Its Metacritic and OpenCritic scores reflect its exceptional quality. The game boasts meticulously crafted visuals, interactive levels brimming with challenges, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback elevates the experience, making every action feel remarkably realistic. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic design with innovative gameplay mechanics.
The Plucky Squire
Image: thepluckysquire.com
Release Date: September 17, 2024 Developer: All Possible Futures Platform: Steam
The Plucky Squire seamlessly merges 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 thrust into a journey between the flat pages of his book and a fully realized 3D world. The gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzles, unique mini-games (badger boxing, jetpack flights), and exploration. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D are a highlight.
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, The Lost Crown garnered significant praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is visually captivating, with detailed environments and picturesque scenery. The levels demand both agility and strategic thinking. The seamless blend of platforming and dynamic combat, featuring dual blades and progressively unlocked abilities, keeps the action fresh and challenging.
Animal Well
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: Shared Memory Platform: Steam
This indie gem, five years in the making, is a 2024 revelation. Its minimalist pixel art style brings its surreal world to life. The map is packed with secrets and puzzles, making exploration rewarding. Animal Well distinguishes itself with unconventional mechanics, utilizing soap bubbles and a frisbee disc instead of standard platforming maneuvers.
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 warrior tasked with overthrowing nine rulers. The responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration enjoyable, while the combat system, reminiscent of Sekiro, emphasizes parrying and building chi for powerful counterattacks.
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, dynamic weather, and evolving combat system create a captivating experience. The mystery surrounding the Blight and the search for the missing Ellie drives the narrative.
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 a celestial spirit tasked with restoring balance between worlds. The game's art style evokes traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Bo's magical staff allows for varied movement and combat, with new abilities unlocking access to hidden areas.
Neva
Image: mobilesyrup.com
Release Date: October 15, 2024 Developer: Nomada Studio Platform: Steam
From the creators of Gris, Neva continues Nomada Studio's artistic excellence. Its watercolor style and evocative soundtrack enhance the emotional depth of the story, following Alba and her wolf pup on a journey of restoration. The game blends platforming and puzzles, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities to overcome obstacles.
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: April 23, 2024 Developer: Surgent Studios Platform: Steam
Drawing inspiration from African mythology, Tales Of Kenzera: Zau follows Zau, a young shaman seeking to reclaim his father's soul. The game combines platforming and adventure puzzles, with a combat system revolving around Sun and Moon masks, allowing for tactical flexibility.
Symphonia
Image: store.epicgames.com
Release Date: December 5, 2024 Developer: Sunny Peak Platform: Steam
Symphonia is a challenging platformer emphasizing precision, with a strong focus on music and visuals. The game's orchestral score complements its diverse and detailed environments. Players control Philimon, a violinist on a quest to restore lost music, navigating challenging levels through precise jumps and wall bounces.
Conclusion
2024 showcased the platformer genre's enduring appeal and capacity for innovation. These ten titles, each offering unique narratives and gameplay mechanics, demonstrate the genre's continued evolution and ability to captivate players.
