2024's Top 10 Platformer Games Revealed

Platformers have remained a beloved genre in the world of video games, captivating players with their jumps, puzzles, and vibrant worlds for decades. As we look back at 2024, the year brought us an array of exceptional platformer titles that have pushed the boundaries of the genre. Here are the 10 standout games that have earned their place in the spotlight.

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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 0 Comment on this Astro Bot

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Release Date: September 6, 2024Developer: Team AsobiDownload: PlayStationAstro Bot, a dazzling 3D platformer by Team Asobi, has clinched the coveted "Game of the Year" title at The Game Awards 2024. It has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and players, achieving top scores on Metacritic and OpenCritic. This game invites you into a beautifully crafted, vibrant world where every level is an interactive playground brimming with challenges, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The diverse tasks and collectibles encourage thorough exploration, while the environment's interactivity keeps players engaged. The DualSense controller enhances the experience with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, allowing you to feel the nuances of every action, from sliding on ice to climbing rough terrains. Astro Bot masterfully blends innovation with classic platformer design, revealing new dimensions to the genre.

The Plucky Squire

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Release Date: September 17, 2024Developer: All Possible FuturesDownload: SteamThe Plucky Squire transports players into a magical world where fairy tales come alive. Developed by All Possible Futures, this game merges 2D illustrations with a dynamic 3D adventure, creating a visually stunning experience reminiscent of a children's book. The protagonist, Jot, a brave knight, is expelled from his story by the villain Hamgramp and must navigate between 2D pages and 3D environments to restore the tale's happy ending. The gameplay is rich and varied, featuring puzzles, unique mini-games like badger boxing and jetpack flights, and a world full of interactive elements. The seamless transitions between dimensions are both captivating and innovative, making The Plucky Squire a memorable addition to 2024's lineup of platformers.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

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Release Date: January 18, 2024Developer: Ubisoft MontpellierDownload: SteamWhile Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown did not meet Ubisoft's commercial expectations, it has been warmly received by the gaming community. The game, developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, immerses players in a stunning Eastern world, where breathtaking visuals and engaging gameplay shine. The levels are intricately designed, requiring both agility and strategic exploration. A helpful map and screenshot feature aid in navigating complex areas and remembering hard-to-reach spots. The protagonist's dual blades unlock a variety of weapons, combos, and abilities, ensuring dynamic and challenging battles. Despite its commercial shortfall, The Lost Crown's exquisite visuals, well-crafted gameplay, and unique mechanics have secured its spot among 2024's top platformers.

Animal Well

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Release Date: May 9, 2024Developer: Shared MemoryDownload: SteamAnimal Well, a solo developer's masterpiece from Shared Memory, took over five years to create and emerged as a remarkable discovery in 2024. Its minimalist yet expressive pixel art brings to life a surreal world filled with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles. The game's unique approach to exploration, using unconventional abilities like soap bubbles and frisbee discs, challenges players to think creatively. This fresh take on the platformer genre has earned Animal Well a well-deserved place among the year's best games.

Nine Sols

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Release Date: May 29, 2024Developer: Red Candle GamesDownload: SteamNine Sols, developed by Red Candle Games, invites players into a unique taopunk world blending Eastern mythology, Taoist philosophy, and futuristic cyberpunk elements. As the legendary warrior Yi, players embark on a quest to overthrow the nine rulers known as Sols, exploring a world filled with dangers and hidden secrets. The gameplay combines platforming and action with a combat system reminiscent of Sekiro, emphasizing parry mechanics and chi energy for powerful counterattacks. Despite its high difficulty and some narrative rough edges, Nine Sols impresses with its vibrant visuals, thoughtful gameplay, and memorable atmosphere.

Venture To The Vile

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Release Date: May 22, 2024Developer: Cut to BitsDownload: SteamVenture To The Vile, from Cut to Bits, plunges players into the dark, Victorian town of Rainbrook, reminiscent of Tim Burton's gothic style. The game's atmosphere is steeped in mystery and intrigue as players navigate a town engulfed by The Blight, searching for a missing friend named Ellie. The multi-layered 2.5D locations offer secrets and paths hidden within each plane, with changing time and weather conditions adding depth to the gameplay. The protagonist's evolving combat system and new abilities unlock previously inaccessible areas, making Venture To The Vile a standout in the platformer genre for its dark aesthetic and original mechanics.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus

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Release Date: July 17, 2024Developer: Squid Shock StudiosDownload: SteamBo: Path of the Teal Lotus, crafted by Squid Shock Studios, draws inspiration from Japanese folklore, bringing mythical creatures and ancient rituals to life. The celestial spirit Bo descends to Earth to restore balance between worlds, using a magical staff to explore, overcome obstacles, and battle enemies. Players can jump, glide, and attack using Bo's abilities, unlocking new skills that enhance battles and access hidden areas. The game's complex platforming sections and puzzles encourage revisiting explored locations, uncovering more secrets in this beautifully detailed world.

Neva

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Release Date: October 15, 2024Developer: Nomada StudioDownload: SteamNeva, from Nomada Studio, the creators of Gris, is a poignant adventure rendered in their signature watercolor style. The game's emotional depth is heightened by Berlinist's evocative music, accompanying the journey of a young girl, Alba, and her loyal wolf pup through a crumbling world. As they work together to restore harmony, the wolf pup gains new abilities, allowing them to overcome obstacles and access new areas. Neva's ability to convey emotions through its visuals and music has made it a standout in the indie gaming scene, reaffirming Nomada Studio's artistic prowess.

Tales Of Kenzera: Zau

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Release Date: April 23, 2024Developer: Surgent StudiosDownload: SteamTales Of Kenzera: Zau, inspired by African mythology and developed by Surgent Studios, takes players on a journey through a world where ancient gods and emotional themes intertwine. The young shaman Zau makes a deal with the god of death to reclaim his father's soul, navigating through interconnected locations filled with puzzles and challenges. The gameplay combines platforming and adventure, with a combat system that allows switching between Sun and Moon masks for tactical versatility. Despite some simplicity in mechanics and limited enemy variety, the game's artistic style and touching narrative make it captivating.

Symphonia

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Release Date: December 5, 2024Developer: Sunny PeakDownload: SteamSymphonia, a hardcore platformer by Sunny Peak, focuses on precision, seamlessly blending music and visual style. The game's diverse and detailed locations reflect the uniqueness of each region, with key story moments highlighted by vibrant effects. Music, performed by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris, plays a central role, setting the rhythm and mood of the narrative. As violinist Philimon, players embark on a quest to restore lost music, gathering musicians and rebuilding the orchestra. The gameplay demands precise jumps, quick reactions, and dexterity to navigate linear levels with numerous branches, encouraging exploration and the discovery of collectibles and secrets. Symphonia's art design, music, and gameplay create a harmonious and immersive experience.

The year 2024 has shown that platformers continue to evolve, offering innovative gameplay and engaging narratives that capture the hearts of players. Each of these standout titles brings something unique to the table, ensuring that there's a platformer for every type of gamer.