10 Unforgettable Platforming Games for 2024: A Guide for Gamers

Top 10 Platformer Games of 2024: A Genre-Defining Year

Platformers, a cornerstone of gaming history, continue to thrive, consistently innovating while retaining their core appeal: skillful jumps, intricate puzzles, and vibrant worlds. 2024 delivered a stellar lineup, and we've curated the 10 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 Platform: PlayStation

Team Asobi's dazzling 3D platformer, Astro Bot, swept the "Game of the Year" award at The Game Awards 2024, earning critical acclaim and widespread player adoration. Its Metacritic and OpenCritic scores solidify its position at the top of the charts. This vibrant world is meticulously detailed, transforming each level into an interactive playground brimming with challenges, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The diverse tasks and collectible items fuel exploration, while environmental interaction keeps players engaged. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers elevate the experience, providing incredibly realistic sensations.

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 an enchanting atmosphere. Jot, the brave knight protagonist, is flung from his book by the villain Hamgramp, embarking on a journey between flat pages and a three-dimensional world. This unique spatial mechanic is a core element of the game's design. Gameplay is diverse, incorporating puzzle-solving, quirky mini-games (badger boxing and jetpack flights, for instance), and exploration of an interactive world. The fluid 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 projections, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown resonated strongly with players, praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative take on the series. The game's atmospheric Eastern setting is breathtaking, transforming each scene into a visual masterpiece. Levels demand both agility and strategic thinking, aided by a convenient map and a screenshot feature for remembering hard-to-reach areas. Platforming seamlessly integrates with dynamic combat, featuring dual blades, unlockable weapons, spectacular combos, and unique abilities.

Animal Well

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A five-year labor of love from a single developer, Animal Well is a 2024 standout. Its minimalist pixel art style brings its surreal world to life. The map is packed with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles that make exploration thrilling. The game's unconventional approach to platforming, utilizing unique abilities like soap bubbles and a frisbee disc, adds a layer of creative problem-solving.

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. Yi, a legendary warrior, is awakened to overthrow the nine Sols rulers. Players explore a world of danger and secrets, uncovering its past to shape its future. Responsive controls and well-designed levels make exploration enjoyable, filled with challenges, secrets, and puzzles. Gameplay combines platforming and action-packed combat, with parry mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro.

Venture To The Vile

Image: venturetothevile.com

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

The gothic Victorian town of Rainbrook, reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, sets a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere. Players unravel the mystery of The Blight and search for a missing friend, Ellie, exploring multi-layered 2.5D environments. Dynamic weather and time of day add depth, unlocking new areas and challenges. The combat system evolves with the story, providing new tools to overcome obstacles and enemies.

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 mythical creatures and yōkai in a world reminiscent of traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Bo, a celestial spirit, descends to Earth to restore balance, using a magical staff to navigate the world, overcome obstacles, and battle enemies. The hero unlocks new skills, enhancing combat and exploration.

Neva

Image: mobilesyrup.com

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

From the creators of Gris, Neva features a touching adventure in the studio's signature watercolor style. The music enhances the emotional depth of the story. Alba and her wolf pup journey through a crumbling world, overcoming trials and learning to rely on each other. The game 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 features a young shaman, Zau, who bargains with the god of death to reclaim his father's soul. The gameplay combines platforming and adventure puzzles, with Zau enhancing his abilities throughout his journey. The combat system, utilizing Sun and Moon masks, allows for tactical shifts during battles.

Symphonia

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Symphonia is a challenging platformer emphasizing precision, with a strong emphasis on music and visuals. The diverse locations are detailed and atmospheric, with vibrant effects highlighting key story moments. The orchestral score by the Scoring Orchestra of Paris is integral to the gameplay, setting the rhythm and mood. Philimon, a violinist, embarks on a journey to restore lost music and rebuild the orchestra. Gameplay relies on precise jumps, quick reactions, and the use of the bow for various actions.

Conclusion

2024 showcased the enduring evolution of the platformer genre. These games, with their compelling narratives and innovative gameplay, offer something for every player.