Top 10 platformer games of 2024

Top 10 Platformer Games of 2024: A Genre-Defining Year

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently evolving while retaining their core appeal: precise jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a stellar lineup, and we've curated the 10 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, earning critical acclaim and widespread player adoration. Its top rankings on Metacritic and OpenCritic speak volumes.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant world meticulously detailed, where levels are interactive playgrounds 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 elevate the experience, providing astonishing realism. Feel the robot's every move – the slide on ice, the struggle on uneven terrain.

Astro Bot masterfully blends classic design with innovative gameplay, showcasing the genre's enduring potential.

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 merging 2D illustrations with a thrilling 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates an enchanting atmosphere.

Jot, our brave knight protagonist, is banished from his book by the villain Hamgramp. His quest to restore the story's happy ending involves traversing both flat pages and a 3D world, a unique gameplay mechanic that sets this title apart.

Gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzle-solving, quirky mini-games (badger boxing and jetpack flights!), and exploration of an interactive world. The smooth transitions between 2D and 3D are captivating.

The Plucky Squire's unique blend of style and mechanics makes it a truly memorable 2024 release.

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 targets, The Lost Crown garnered significant player praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series.

The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtaking. Detailed locations and picturesque scenery transform each scene into a visual masterpiece.

Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking. A helpful map simplifies navigation, while a screenshot feature aids in remembering hard-to-reach areas and required abilities/items.

Platforming seamlessly integrates with dynamic combat. The protagonist's dual blades unlock new weapons, spectacular combos, and unique abilities as the game progresses, demanding precise timing and attention.

While not a blockbuster, The Lost Crown stands out as a top-tier platformer, its visuals, gameplay, and unique mechanics making it a 2024 highlight.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: Shared Memory Platform: Steam

This single-developer indie gem, five years in the making, is a 2024 revelation. Its minimalist pixel art style breathes life into its surreal world.

The game map is a treasure trove of secrets, collectibles, and puzzles, making exploration thrilling.

Animal Well's unconventional approach to platforming shines. Instead of standard double jumps and dashes, it utilizes unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, demanding creative problem-solving.

Animal Well's originality and freshness solidify its place among the year's best.

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.

Yi, a legendary warrior, is awakened to overthrow the nine Sols rulers. Players explore a dangerous world, uncovering secrets and altering the future.

Responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration enjoyable. Locations are filled with challenges, secrets, and puzzles.

Gameplay combines platforming and action, emphasizing spectacular combat. The parry system (reminiscent of Sekiro) allows deflecting attacks and building chi energy for powerful counterattacks. New weapons, talismans, and abilities are unlocked as Yi progresses.

Despite its difficulty and minor narrative imperfections, Nine Sols' vibrant visuals, thoughtful gameplay, and unique atmosphere make it unforgettable.

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 creations, immerses players in an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.

The city is plagued by The Blight, and the protagonist seeks his missing friend Ellie. Players explore multi-layered 2.5D locations, with each plane holding secrets and hidden paths. Dynamic weather and time of day add depth.

The hero's combat system evolves, unlocking new weapons and abilities to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles. New skills open access to previously unreachable areas.

Venture To The Vile's dark aesthetic, original mechanics, and multi-layered levels make it a standout platformer.

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, this game features mythical creatures and yōkai. Locations resemble traditional Japanese scroll paintings.

Bo, a celestial spirit, descends to Earth to perform an ancient ritual. Armed with a magical staff, he explores, overcomes obstacles, and battles enemies.

Players jump, glide, and attack, gradually unlocking new skills that enhance combat and access to hidden areas.

Complex platforming, puzzles, and hidden paths encourage revisiting locations with newfound abilities.

Neva

Image: mobilesyrup.com

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

From the creators of Gris, this touching adventure utilizes a signature watercolor style. Berlinist's music enhances the emotional depth.

Alba and her wolf pup embark on a journey to restore harmony. Their path is filled with challenges, but they overcome difficulties together.

Gameplay blends platforming and puzzles. The wolf pup gains new abilities, opening access to new areas.

Neva's emotional storytelling through visuals and music leaves a lasting impact, solidifying Nomada Studio's skill.

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 a young shaman, Zau, who bargains with the god of death to reclaim his father's soul.

Gameplay combines platforming and adventure puzzles. Players explore interconnected locations filled with challenges. Zau enhances his abilities as he progresses.

The combat system, using Sun and Moon masks, allows tactical shifts. Battles are rhythmic, demanding precision.

Despite simpler mechanics and limited enemies, the game captivates with its art style and story.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

This hardcore platformer emphasizes precision, with music and visuals working in harmony. Locations are diverse and detailed.

Music is central, with orchestral compositions setting the mood.

Philimon, a violinist, journeys to restore lost music and rebuild the orchestra.

Gameplay relies on precise jumps and quick reactions. There's no combat, but the challenges demand agility.

Symphonia's art, music, and gameplay create a seamless and immersive experience.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the platformer genre's continued evolution and ability to captivate players. These games, with their engaging stories and original gameplay, offer something for everyone.