2024 Platformers Dominate Search Results

2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre-Defining Year

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, blending classic gameplay with innovative mechanics. 2024 saw a surge of exceptional titles, and we've curated the ten most outstanding, each offering a unique and captivating experience.

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 vibrant 3D platformer, Astro Bot, swept the 2024 Game Awards, earning the coveted "Game of the Year" title. Its critical acclaim is reflected in its high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores. The game's meticulously crafted world is brimming with interactive elements, puzzles, and hidden collectibles, ensuring replayability. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback adds an unprecedented level of immersion. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic design with innovative gameplay.

The Plucky Squire

Image: thepluckysquire.com

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

The Plucky Squire seamlessly blends 2D and 3D environments, transporting players into a living fairy tale. Its charming art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates a magical atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, journeys between illustrated pages and a fully realized 3D world, solving puzzles and engaging in unique mini-games. The fluid transitions between dimensions are a highlight of this memorable title.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: January 18, 2024 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier Platform: Steam

Despite not reaching Ubisoft's sales projections, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown garnered significant praise for its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtaking, and the levels demand both agility and strategic thinking. The seamless integration of platforming and combat, featuring dual blades and evolving combat abilities, keeps the experience fresh and exciting.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This indie gem, five years in the making, captivates with its minimalist pixel art and surreal world. Animal Well offers unconventional platforming mechanics, replacing standard jumps with unique abilities like soap bubbles and frisbees, encouraging creative problem-solving. Its exploration-focused gameplay and intriguing secrets make it a standout indie title.

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 legendary warrior, tasked with overthrowing nine tyrannical rulers. The game features responsive controls, challenging levels, and a rewarding combat system inspired by Sekiro, requiring precise parrying and timing.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

Inspired by Tim Burton's dark aesthetic, Venture To The Vile immerses players in a mysterious Victorian town. The game features multi-layered 2.5D environments, dynamic weather effects, and an evolving combat system that unlocks new areas and abilities. Its dark atmosphere and innovative mechanics make it a memorable platformer.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus features stunning visuals and a captivating story. Players control Bo, a celestial spirit, using magical abilities to overcome challenges and battle mythical creatures. The game's intricate level design encourages exploration and rewards players with new abilities and 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 tradition of emotionally resonant storytelling and beautiful art. The game follows Alba and her wolf companion on a journey through a crumbling world. It combines platforming and puzzle elements, with the wolf's abilities crucial for progression. Neva is a touching and visually stunning experience.

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 a moving story of a young shaman's journey. The game combines platforming and adventure puzzles, with a unique combat system centered around switching between Sun and Moon masks. Its artistic style and compelling narrative make it a standout title.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Symphonia is a challenging hardcore platformer where precision is paramount. Its stunning visuals and orchestral soundtrack create a truly immersive experience. The game focuses on skillful movement and exploration, with no combat elements, demanding dexterity and precise timing.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the enduring appeal and innovative potential of the platformer genre. These ten games, each with its unique strengths and captivating qualities, demonstrate the genre's continued evolution and its ability to captivate players of all types.