2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre Redefined
Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently evolving and delivering fresh experiences. 2024 saw a remarkable array of releases, and we've curated a list of the ten most exceptional 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 vibrant 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 rankings. The game's meticulously crafted world is 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 mechanics, Astro Bot showcases the genre's enduring appeal.
The Plucky Squire
Image: thepluckysquire.com
Release Date: September 17, 2024 Developer: All Possible Futures Download: Steam
The Plucky Squire brings a unique twist to the genre, seamlessly blending 2D illustrations with a captivating 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates a magical atmosphere. The gameplay is diverse, incorporating puzzle-solving, engaging mini-games (badger boxing and jetpack flights, for example), and exploration within richly detailed environments. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D spaces are truly mesmerizing.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: January 18, 2024 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier Download: Steam
Despite not meeting Ubisoft's sales expectations, The Lost Crown garnered significant praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is visually breathtaking, with detailed locations and captivating vistas. The gameplay cleverly combines platforming challenges with dynamic combat, requiring both agility and strategic thinking.
Animal Well
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: Shared Memory Download: Steam
Developed over five years by a single developer, Animal Well is a 2024 indie gem. Its minimalist pixel art style is both expressive and captivating. The game's unconventional approach to platforming, utilizing unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, adds a layer of creative problem-solving. The map is filled with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles that reward exploration.
Nine Sols
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: May 29, 2024 Developer: Red Candle Games Download: Steam
Nine Sols blends Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and cyberpunk aesthetics into a unique taopunk world. Players control Yi, a legendary warrior, on a quest to overthrow nine rulers. The gameplay combines platforming with challenging, Sekiro-inspired combat, emphasizing precise parries and chi management.
Venture To The Vile
Image: venturetothevile.com
Release Date: May 22, 2024 Developer: Cut to Bits Download: Steam
Venture To The Vile immerses players in a dark, Victorian-era town reminiscent of Tim Burton's work. The multi-layered 2.5D environments are filled with mystery and intrigue, with changing weather conditions and time of day impacting exploration. The combat system evolves as the story progresses, unlocking new abilities and expanding gameplay possibilities.
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, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus features a captivating world populated by mythical creatures and yōkai. Players control Bo, a celestial spirit, on a quest to restore balance between worlds. The gameplay combines platforming challenges with engaging combat, utilizing Bo's magical staff and evolving abilities.
Neva
Image: mobilesyrup.com
Release Date: October 15, 2024 Developer: Nomada Studio Download: Steam
From the creators of Gris, Neva is a touching adventure game rendered in a beautiful watercolor style. The story follows a young girl and her wolf pup as they journey through a crumbling world. The game blends platforming with puzzle elements, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities that open up new paths and possibilities.
Tales Of Kenzera: Zau
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: April 23, 2024 Developer: Surgent Studios Download: Steam
Inspired by African mythology, Tales Of Kenzera: Zau tells the story of Zau, a young shaman. The gameplay combines platforming with adventure puzzle elements, featuring a unique combat system based on switching between Sun and Moon masks.
Symphonia
Image: store.epicgames.com
Release Date: December 5, 2024 Developer: Sunny Peak Download: Steam
Symphonia is a challenging hardcore platformer where music and visuals are integral to the experience. The game's orchestral score, performed by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris, enhances the atmosphere and gameplay. The focus is on precise movements, skillful navigation, and uncovering hidden paths.
Conclusion
2024 showcased the platformer genre's remarkable adaptability and enduring appeal. These ten games, each offering unique stories and innovative gameplay, demonstrate the genre's continued evolution and ability to captivate players.