2024's Platformers: A Gaming Revolution

Ten Exceptional Platformers That Defined 2024

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently reinventing themselves while retaining the core elements that made them popular: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 saw a remarkable surge in platformer releases, and we've curated a list of the ten most outstanding 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, captivating critics and players alike. Its high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its position at the top of the genre. The game immerses players in a vibrant world brimming with meticulously crafted details. Levels are interactive playgrounds packed with obstacles, puzzles, and hidden secrets, ensuring replayability. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback adds a remarkable layer of realism, allowing players to feel every jump and slide. 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 illustrations with a captivating 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates a truly magical atmosphere. The gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzles, unique mini-games (like badger boxing!), and exploration of an interactive world. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D are a highlight, making for a memorable and engaging experience.

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 expectations, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown garnered significant praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtaking, and the level design requires both agility and strategic thinking. The integration of platforming and combat, featuring fluid dual-blade combat, adds depth and keeps the gameplay exciting.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A remarkable indie title developed over five years by a single developer, Animal Well captivates with its minimalist pixel art and surreal world. The map is filled with secrets and puzzles, encouraging exploration. The unconventional gameplay mechanics, utilizing tools like soap bubbles and a frisbee, add a unique and creative twist to the platforming genre.

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 warrior tasked with overthrowing nine rulers. The responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration enjoyable, while the combat system, featuring parry mechanics similar to Sekiro, adds a challenging yet rewarding layer of gameplay.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

The gothic Victorian setting of Venture To The Vile creates a dark and mysterious atmosphere. The multi-layered 2.5D levels offer hidden paths and secrets, while the evolving combat system adds depth to the gameplay. The changing weather and time of day add to the overall experience.

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 captivating world filled with mythical creatures and yōkai. The art style is reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings. The gameplay combines platforming challenges with combat, utilizing Bo's magical staff and evolving 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 signature watercolor art style and emotional storytelling. The game follows a young girl and her wolf pup on a journey through a crumbling world. The combination of platforming and puzzle elements, along with the evocative visuals and music, creates a deeply moving 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 touching story of a young shaman's journey. The gameplay combines platforming with adventure puzzles, and the combat system, using Sun and Moon masks, adds strategic depth.

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 integral to the experience. The game features intricate level design and a focus on precise movements. The orchestral soundtrack enhances the atmosphere and gameplay.

Conclusion

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