2024's Platformer Elite Unveiled: Top 10 Titles

Ten Exceptional Platformers That Defined 2024

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently reinventing themselves while retaining their core appeal: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a wealth of titles, and here are ten standouts 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, a 2024 Game of the Year contender, captivated critics and players alike, earning top marks on Metacritic and OpenCritic. Its meticulously crafted world is brimming with interactive elements, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback elevates the experience, making every jump and obstacle feel incredibly realistic. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic platforming with innovative design.

The Plucky Squire

Image: thepluckysquire.com

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

The Plucky Squire seamlessly blends 2D illustration with 3D adventure, creating a visually stunning fairy tale. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, journeys between the flat pages of his book and a fully realized 3D world. The gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzles, unique mini-games (badger boxing!), and exploration. The transitions between 2D and 3D are seamless and captivating.

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 targets, The Lost Crown garnered significant praise for its breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the series. Its atmospheric Eastern setting is visually stunning, and the levels demand both agility and strategic thinking. The seamless blend of platforming and dynamic combat, featuring dual blades and evolving combos, keeps the action thrilling.

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. Exploration is key, with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles around every corner. Animal Well's unique approach to platforming, utilizing unconventional abilities like soap bubbles and frisbees, sets it apart.

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 captivating taopunk world. Players control Yi, a legendary warrior, tasked with overthrowing nine tyrannical rulers. The gameplay combines platforming and challenging, Sekiro-inspired combat, requiring precision and timing.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

Venture To The Vile's Tim Burton-esque Victorian setting creates a dark and atmospheric experience. Players navigate multi-layered 2.5D environments, solving puzzles and battling enemies. The evolving combat system and dynamic weather conditions add depth and replayability.

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: Path of the Teal Lotus features a visually stunning world populated by mythical creatures and yōkai. Bo, a celestial spirit, uses his magical staff to overcome challenges and battle enemies. The gameplay emphasizes exploration and the mastery of Bo's abilities.

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 visually stunning and emotionally resonant games. Alba and her wolf pup embark on a touching journey through a crumbling world. The gameplay combines platforming and puzzle elements, with the wolf's abilities playing a crucial role.

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 tells a moving story of a young shaman's quest. The gameplay blends platforming and adventure puzzles, with a combat system centered around switching between Sun and Moon masks.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Symphonia is a challenging hardcore platformer where music and visuals are intrinsically linked. The gameplay emphasizes precision and timing, with no combat elements but plenty of demanding platforming sections. The orchestral score enhances the atmosphere and emotional impact.

2024 showcased the enduring appeal and innovative spirit of the platformer genre. These ten titles, each with its unique charm and gameplay mechanics, offer something for every player.