Unveiled: Top 10 Platformer Masterpieces of 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: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a stellar lineup, and here are ten standout 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 Download: 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 high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its position at the top of the charts.

This vibrant world is meticulously detailed, transforming each level into an interactive playground brimming with obstacles, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The diverse challenges and collectible items fuel exploration, while environmental interaction keeps players engaged.

The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add a remarkable layer of realism. Feel the robot's movements—the slide on ice, the struggle on uneven terrain—with astonishing fidelity.

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

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 merging 2D illustrations with a captivating 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates an enchanting atmosphere with detailed environments and unique character designs.

Jot, the 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 fully realized 3D world—a unique gameplay mechanic that defines the experience.

Gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzle-solving, engaging mini-games (badger boxing, jetpack flights), and exploration of a richly interactive world. The smooth transitions between 2D and 3D are both mesmerizing and seamless.

The vibrant style and innovative mechanics cement The Plucky Squire's place among 2024's most memorable games.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Despite falling short of Ubisoft's commercial expectations, The Lost Crown resonated deeply with players, praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series.

The game immerses players in a breathtaking Eastern world. Captivating landscapes, detailed environments, and picturesque elements transform each scene into a visual masterpiece.

Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking. A convenient map simplifies navigation, while a screenshot feature allows players to record hard-to-reach areas, aiding future progress.

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 skillful execution.

While not a blockbuster, The Lost Crown stands as a highlight for platformer enthusiasts in 2024, its stunning visuals and refined gameplay making it a memorable experience.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A five-year labor of love from a single developer, Animal Well is a 2024 revelation. Its minimalist yet expressive pixel art style brings its surreal world to life.

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

Animal Well distinguishes itself through unconventional mechanics. Instead of standard platforming maneuvers, players utilize unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, demanding creative problem-solving.

Animal Well injects fresh originality into the platformer genre, rightfully earning its place among the year's best.

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 cyberpunk aesthetics.

The story follows Yi, a legendary warrior awakened to overthrow the nine Sols rulers. Players explore a dangerous world, uncovering its secrets to alter its destiny.

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

Gameplay combines platforming and action-packed combat, featuring parry mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro. Deflecting attacks builds chi energy for powerful counterattacks. Yi gains new weapons, talismans, and abilities as he progresses.

Despite its high difficulty and some narrative imperfections, Nine Sols impresses with its vibrant style, thoughtful gameplay, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

The grim Victorian town of Rainbrook, reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, sets a mysterious and intriguing tone. Dark streets and gothic architecture transform each location into a scene from a horror story.

The city is plagued by The Blight, and the protagonist seeks his missing friend Ellie. Players explore multi-layered 2.5D environments, with each plane revealing its own secrets and pathways. Dynamic time of day and weather conditions add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges.

The hero's combat system evolves alongside the narrative, with developing weapons and abilities that aid in both combat and overcoming obstacles. New skills unlock previously inaccessible areas, expanding exploration possibilities.

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 Download: Steam

Inspired by Japanese folklore, mythical creatures, ancient rituals, and yōkai come to life in this world. The environments resemble traditional Japanese scroll paintings, captivating with their originality and detail.

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 hidden areas.

Complex platforming, puzzles, and hidden paths encourage revisiting locations with new abilities, revealing more secrets.

Neva

Image: mobilesyrup.com

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

A touching adventure from the creators of Gris, rendered in Nomada Studio's signature watercolor style. Berlinist's music enhances the emotional depth of the narrative.

Alba, a young girl, and her wolf pup embark on a perilous journey to restore harmony. Their path is filled with challenges, but their bond helps them overcome adversity.

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

Neva masterfully conveys emotion through visuals and music, leaving a lasting impact. It's a standout indie title, showcasing Nomada Studio's skill.

Tales Of Kenzera: Zau

Image: store.steampowered.com

Release Date: April 23, 2024 Developer: Surgent Studios Download: Steam

Inspired by African mythology and culture, Tales Of Kenzera: Zau transports players to a world where ancient gods and profound emotional themes intertwine. Zau, a young shaman, bargains with the god of death to reclaim his father's soul.

Gameplay combines platforming and adventure puzzles. Players explore interconnected locations filled with secrets, enemies, and challenges. Zau enhances his abilities, aiding both combat and exploration.

The combat system, utilizing Sun and Moon masks, allows for tactical shifts. Battles are rhythmic, demanding precision and skillful use of abilities.

Despite simpler mechanics and limited enemy variety, the game captivates with its art style and moving story.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

A hardcore platformer emphasizing precision, Symphonia seamlessly blends music and visuals. Diverse and detailed environments reflect the uniqueness of each region, with key moments highlighted by vibrant effects.

Music is central to Symphonia. Orchestral compositions by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris set the rhythm and mood.

The violinist Philimon journeys to restore lost music, gather musicians, and rebuild the orchestra.

Gameplay relies on precise jumps, quick reactions, and skillful trap avoidance. Philimon climbs, bounces, and uses his bow to jump higher and uncover hidden paths. While combat is absent, the challenges demand agility and dexterity.

Levels are linear but offer numerous branches, encouraging exploration and the discovery of collectibles and new abilities.

Symphonia perfectly balances art design, music, and gameplay, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

Conclusion

2024's platformers prove the genre's continued evolution and ability to captivate players. Engaging narratives and innovative gameplay make each of these games worthy of attention, offering diverse experiences for every player.