Top 10 platformer games of 2024

Ten Exceptional Platformers That Defined 2024

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently evolving and captivating players with innovative gameplay and immersive worlds. 2024 saw a remarkable array of 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 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 genre. Explore a meticulously crafted world brimming with interactive elements, challenging 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 illustrations with a captivating 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates a truly magical atmosphere. Follow Jot, a brave knight banished from his book, as he journeys between flat pages and a three-dimensional world. The gameplay is diverse, encompassing puzzle-solving, unique mini-games (badger boxing, anyone?), and exploration of an interactive environment. The fluid transitions between 2D and 3D are mesmerizing.

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 received enthusiastic praise for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and fresh take on the series. Explore a breathtaking Eastern world, where detailed environments and captivating vistas transform each scene into a visual masterpiece. The gameplay skillfully combines platforming challenges with dynamic combat, requiring both agility and strategic thinking. The convenient map and screenshot feature aid exploration, making it a standout title for platforming enthusiasts.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This indie gem, developed over five years by a single developer, is a true 2024 discovery. Its minimalist pixel art style brings a surreal world to life, filled with secrets, collectibles, and engaging puzzles. Animal Well stands out with its unconventional approach to platforming, utilizing unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, encouraging creative problem-solving.

Nine Sols

Image: youtube.com

Release Date: May 29, 2024 Developer: Red Candle Games Platform: Steam

Nine Sols immerses players in a unique taopunk world blending Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and cyberpunk aesthetics. Embark on a challenging journey as Yi, a legendary warrior, to overthrow the nine Sols rulers. The responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration a joy. The combat system, inspired by Sekiro, emphasizes parrying and building chi energy for powerful counterattacks.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

Venture into the gloomy Victorian town of Rainbrook, a Tim Burton-esque setting steeped in mystery and intrigue. Explore multi-layered 2.5D environments, where each plane holds its secrets. Dynamic weather and time of day add depth to the gameplay, unlocking new areas and challenges. The evolving combat system allows for overcoming obstacles and defeating enemies alike.

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 world populated by mythical creatures and yōkai. Play as Bo, a celestial spirit, armed with a magical staff, as you embark on a quest to restore balance between worlds. The gameplay combines platforming challenges with combat, and new abilities unlock access to hidden areas.

Neva

Image: mobilesyrup.com

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

From the creators of Gris, Neva captivates with its watercolor art style and emotionally resonant soundtrack. Join Alba and her wolf pup on a journey through a crumbling world, overcoming challenges and forging a bond. The game expertly blends platforming and puzzle elements, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities to aid in exploration.

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 transports players to a world rich in culture and emotional depth. Embark on a journey as Zau, a young shaman, who seeks to reclaim his father's soul. The gameplay combines platforming, adventure, and puzzle elements, with Zau's abilities evolving as he progresses.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Symphonia is a challenging platformer emphasizing precision and artistry. The game's orchestral soundtrack, performed by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris, perfectly complements the visually stunning environments. Play as Philimon, a violinist on a quest to restore lost music and rebuild an orchestra. The gameplay focuses on precise movements, requiring agility and dexterity.

2024 showcased the enduring appeal and evolution of the platformer genre. These ten exceptional titles, each with its unique charm and innovative gameplay, offer a diverse range of experiences for every player.