Unveiled: Top 10 Platform Games Dominating 2024

2024's Top 10 Platformers: A Genre-Defining Year

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, blending classic gameplay with innovative mechanics. 2024 delivered a stellar lineup, and here are ten standout 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 Astro Bot, a vibrant 3D platformer, swept the Game Awards 2024, earning "Game of the Year" accolades from critics and players alike. Its high Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its top-tier status. The game's meticulously crafted world, brimming with interactive elements, puzzles, and secrets, offers endless replayability. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback elevates the experience, adding a remarkable level of realism to every action. Astro Bot masterfully blends classic design with innovative features, setting a new benchmark for the genre.

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 a captivating 3D adventure. Its vibrant art style, reminiscent of a children's book, creates a magical atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, journeys between flat pages and a three-dimensional world, a unique mechanic that defines the game. Varied gameplay, including puzzles, badger boxing, and jetpack flights, keeps the experience fresh and engaging. The smooth transitions between 2D and 3D are truly mesmerizing.

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 targets, 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, with detailed environments and captivating vistas. The levels demand both agility and strategic thinking, while the convenient map and screenshot feature aid exploration. The blend of platforming and dynamic combat, featuring dual blades and evolving abilities, adds depth and keeps players engaged.

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 its surreal world to life. The game is packed with secrets and puzzles, encouraging thorough exploration. Animal Well's unconventional approach, utilizing unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc instead of standard platformer mechanics, adds a refreshing layer of creativity.

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 unique taopunk world. Players control Yi, a warrior tasked with overthrowing nine rulers. The game features responsive controls and well-designed levels, filled with challenges and secrets. The combat system, inspired by Sekiro's parry mechanics, adds depth and strategic elements. Despite its high difficulty, Nine Sols's vibrant visuals and original atmosphere make it unforgettable.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

Venture To The Vile's dark Victorian setting, reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, creates a captivating atmosphere of mystery. Players explore multi-layered 2.5D environments, with each plane revealing hidden secrets. Dynamic weather and time of day add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges. The evolving combat system, alongside the narrative, expands exploration possibilities.

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 filled with mythical creatures and yōkai. The game's art style is reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Bo, a celestial spirit, uses a magical staff to navigate the world, overcome obstacles, and battle enemies. New abilities unlock access to hidden areas, encouraging exploration and replayability.

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 style. The game's emotional depth is enhanced by its evocative music. Alba and her wolf pup embark on a journey to restore harmony, facing challenges and learning to rely on each other. The game blends platforming and puzzles, with the wolf pup gaining new abilities that expand exploration options.

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 features a young shaman, Zau, on a quest to reclaim his father's soul. The gameplay combines platforming and adventure puzzles, with interconnected locations and unique challenges. Zau's evolving abilities enhance both combat and exploration.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Symphonia is a hardcore platformer emphasizing precision, with stunning visuals and a captivating musical score. The game's diverse environments and vibrant effects enhance the atmosphere. The violinist Philimon journeys to restore lost music, relying on precise jumps and skillful maneuvers. The game's linear levels offer branching paths, encouraging exploration.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the platformer genre's continued evolution, offering diverse experiences for every player. These ten titles highlight the creativity and innovation within the genre, proving its enduring appeal.