Ten Exceptional Platformers That Defined 2024
Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, constantly innovating while retaining their core appeal: challenging jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a wealth of titles, and here are ten standouts deserving of 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
Image: youtube.com
Astro Bot: (Release Date: September 6, 2024; Developer: Team Asobi; Download: PlayStation) Team Asobi's dazzling 3D platformer 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 top-tier status. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world brimming with interactive elements, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback elevates the experience, making every action feel incredibly realistic. A masterful blend of classic design and innovative gameplay.
Image: thepluckysquire.com
The Plucky Squire: (Release Date: September 17, 2024; Developer: All Possible Futures; Download: Steam) A captivating fairy tale brought to life, seamlessly blending 2D illustrations with a thrilling 3D adventure. The vibrant art style, resembling a children's book, creates an enchanting atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, journeys between flat pages and a 3D world, a unique gameplay mechanic that sets it apart. A diverse experience featuring puzzles, mini-games (badger boxing!), and a richly interactive environment.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: (Release Date: January 18, 2024; Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier; Download: Steam) While commercially underperforming for Ubisoft, The Lost Crown received significant praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the series. Explore a breathtaking Eastern world, filled with captivating vistas and intricate detail. The gameplay seamlessly integrates platforming challenges with dynamic combat, requiring both agility and strategic thinking.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Animal Well: (Release Date: May 9, 2024; Developer: Shared Memory; Download: Steam) A remarkable solo-developer indie title, Animal Well captivates with its minimalist yet expressive pixel art. Explore a surreal world packed with secrets, collectibles, and unique puzzles. Its unconventional approach to platforming, utilizing soap bubbles and a frisbee-like disc, adds a refreshing layer of creativity.
Image: youtube.com
Nine Sols: (Release Date: May 29, 2024; Developer: Red Candle Games; Download: Steam) A captivating blend of taopunk aesthetics, Eastern mythology, and cyberpunk elements. As Yi, a legendary warrior, overthrow the nine Sols rulers in a world steeped in danger and mystery. The gameplay combines platforming with challenging, Sekiro-inspired combat, demanding precise timing and skillful parrying.
Image: venturetothevile.com
Venture To The Vile: (Release Date: May 22, 2024; Developer: Cut to Bits; Download: Steam) Explore the gothic, Tim Burton-esque town of Rainbrook, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Navigate multi-layered 2.5D environments, where each plane holds its own secrets. The evolving combat system and dynamic weather conditions add depth and replayability.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus: (Release Date: July 17, 2024; Developer: Squid Shock Studios; Download: Steam) Journey through a world inspired by Japanese folklore, encountering mythical creatures and yōkai. As Bo, a celestial spirit, use your magical staff to overcome challenges and restore balance. The gameplay features challenging platforming sections, puzzles, and hidden paths rewarding exploration.
Image: mobilesyrup.com
Neva: (Release Date: October 15, 2024; Developer: Nomada Studio; Download: Steam) A touching adventure from the creators of Gris, featuring the studio's signature watercolor style and emotionally resonant soundtrack. Alba and her wolf pup embark on a journey to restore harmony to a crumbling world. The game blends platforming and puzzle elements, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities to overcome obstacles.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau: (Release Date: April 23, 2024; Developer: Surgent Studios; Download: Steam) Inspired by African mythology, Tales Of Kenzera: Zau features a young shaman, Zau, on a quest to reclaim his father's soul. The gameplay combines platforming with adventure puzzles, requiring skillful use of Zau's abilities.
Image: store.epicgames.com
Symphonia: (Release Date: December 5, 2024; Developer: Sunny Peak; Download: Steam) A challenging hardcore platformer emphasizing precision and rhythmic gameplay. The game's orchestral soundtrack is integral to the experience, complementing the visually stunning environments. As violinist Philimon, restore harmony to a world silenced by the loss of its musicians.
2024 showcased the platformer genre's enduring appeal and capacity for innovation. These ten games, each with its unique strengths, offer diverse experiences for players of all tastes.
