As a seasoned gamer with over 30 years of gaming under my belt, I must say that this year has been a veritable treasure trove for platformers! The sheer variety and quality of games listed here is nothing short of astounding.
2024 stands out as an intriguing year for platformer games since Nintendo, traditionally recognized as the ruler of this genre, has taken a step back and not released any new titles in this category.
This situation creates an opportunity for independent developers, smaller corporations, and even some prominent AAA studios to shine brightly, avoiding being eclipsed by others.
This year’s discourse about platformer games has proven particularly engaging due to several factors. Notably, there have been impressive updates to established formulas, an abundance of Metroidvania-style games, and the release of a game exclusively for the PS5.
We’ve gathered opinions from everyone at TopMob regarding the top platformers launched this year, and this comprehensive list represents a collective, sometimes passionate, consensus of our views.
As I delve into discussing each game, it’s important to note that the final decision regarding their order isn’t mine alone. Instead, all selections are a result of voting by our dedicated team at TopMob. The game with the highest number of votes takes the top spot. To clarify, we only focus on games released between January and November. Unfortunately, AntonBlast, your game doesn’t fall within that timeframe for this specific list.
10 Ultros
Psychedelic ‘Vania Goodness
Earlier in the year, Ultros managed to make an appearance, yet it didn’t receive much attention, even though it’s truly outstanding. Still, I’m pleased that it found a spot on this list somehow.
This game offers a vibrant, trippy interpretation of the Castlevania style in Metroidvania games, blending elements of a roguelike with hints of an unusual alien flora cultivation simulator.
Every combat skill you get just makes the game feel even better, and the time loop elements mesh pretty well into the story, even if it’s no Outer Wilds.
In this game, I find joy in tinkering with different types of vegetation and witnessing how it alters the layout of the levels in each playthrough. It’s almost unbelievable how it makes gardening appear exhilarating.
9 Chained Together
Getting Over Each Other
In a similar vein to games like “Only Up” or “Getting Over It,” “Chained Together” offers a cooperative multiplayer adventure. Instead of venturing alone, you and your pals band together in an attempt to ascend from a desolate, infernal landscape.
As a gamer, I’d say the game’s distinct visual style and the sheer joy of getting pulled back into chaos by my buddies are what earned it a spot on that list.
It seems slightly less challenging compared to many other action games, but being tied to your companions definitely ramps up the difficulty level, and adds an extra layer of humor.
Although it may not offer advanced mechanics or exceptional platforming experiences, it’s still an enjoyable title that ranks among the top platformers released this year.
8 Penny’s Big Breakaway
Slick Tricks
Penny’s Grand Escape is the eagerly anticipated follow-up from the creators of Sonic Mania, and in my opinion, it certainly holds its own among the top games.
This game is an incredible 3D platformer that offers smooth, fluid gameplay. By utilizing a yo-yo, you can effortlessly roll, spin, and swing over all challenges in the game. The momentum conservation feature in this game is remarkably impressive.
This game offers a liberated feel similar to Super Mario Sunshine, boasts level designs reminiscent of Super Mario 3D World, matches Sonic’s pace, and is loaded with an abundance of appeal.
The graphics seem reminiscent of games from the Sega Saturn era, and although it had a rough start initially, it has been refined to a remarkably smooth and polished gameplay experience. It also stands out as an exceptional platformer.
7 Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
A Lovely Blue Moon
Ubisoft doesn’t always create the top-tier games, and this year has seen a shift towards less successful titles; however, when given the freedom to develop a platformer, their smaller teams can prepare a truly exceptional assortment of gaming experiences.
One fantastic aspect of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is its unique blend of top-notch Prince of Persia features within a 2D Metroidvania setting, making it truly exceptional.
The game offers satisfying exploration, platforming elements that instill a sense of coolness, and intense cutscenes with an equally electrifying vibe as Metroid Dread.
This game has a higher emphasis on platforming compared to typical Metroidvanias, making it fit perfectly among the top platformers released this year.
6 Nine Sols
Cyber-Sekiro, Now in 2D
As I delve into the gritty world of Nine Sols, it’s like a thrilling fusion of Sekiro and Hollow Knight, two gaming legends that have left their mark on me. This game is more than just a Metroidvania; it’s a combat-centric masterpiece with a distinct, edge-of-the-seat twist all its own.
In many parts of the game, you’ll find yourself jumping, dodging, running along walls, swinging on hooks, and navigating challenging fights involving swift parries and limited recovery.
This game boasts stunning handcrafted graphics, a gripping narrative, superbly designed maps, and an exceptional cyberpunk Tao ambiance that stands out distinctively.
Everything seems incredibly fluid and fulfilling, and the fight mechanics align seamlessly with your movements, making you feel either clumsy or divinely skilled in platform navigation.
5 Neva
Howl at the Sky
Blending challenging platforming elements with a softer, airy puzzle-like atmosphere seems incredibly harmonious, and Neva manages to execute this delightful blend exceptionally.
This game is remarkably captivating, combining beauty, intrigue, and artistic flair. Its platforming elements serve primarily as an enjoyable side attraction, while the narrative revolves around a woman’s journey with a young wolf, in a world on the brink of extinction.
Experiencing it might be exhilarating in a delightfully intense manner, and as time progresses, it offers some enjoyable skills such as an air jump or an evasive roll, and it’s incredibly gratifying.
This game might not offer the most challenging platforming experience compared to others, but each of its numerous strengths gives it a boost to stand tall among them.
4 The Plucky Squire
Flying Off the Page
As a devoted enthusiast, I must say that The Plucky Squire is undeniably one of the most artistically captivating games I’ve ever encountered. It immerses you in a delightful talebook setting, where you find yourself scampering about, and, quite remarkably, stepping out of the pages into the real world!
This game shares similarities with It Takes Two, though it’s not strictly classified as a platformer. Instead, it invites you to travel along its path and relish in the amusing antics it presents.
This game occasionally switches between exploring in a style reminiscent of the Zelda series, classic 2D platforming, strategic turn-based battles, and the addictive puzzle gameplay of Bubble Pop, making for an enjoyable journey overall.
This evokes a sense of innocent wonder, similar to the excitement of playing games as a child, unaware of all their intricacies, with the possibility of the unexpected always present. I appreciate it for this very quality.
3 Sonic X Shadow: Generations
A Masterclass of New and Old
In simpler terms, Sonic Team experienced an unusual phase for about ten years, but they’ve managed to reach new heights once more with the collection titled “Sonic X Shadow Generations.” This set includes a well-refurbished classic game alongside a fresh title that has absorbed all the valuable lessons from the previous Sonic games.
In essence, Sonic Generations didn’t introduce many significant changes, yet it effectively combined the appealing aesthetics and enjoyable gameplay of both Classic and Modern Sonic, making it a satisfactory choice.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by Shadow Generations – a fresh, exhilarating title that delivers the same lightning-fast gameplay and entertainment as Unleashed did for me. What sets it apart is its open-ended level design, reminiscent of Sonic Adventure, allowing me to explore and conquer at my own pace.
There’s little argument that this Sonic game ranks among the greatest ever made, considering all factors, and it rightfully earns a spot in the top tier.
2 Animal Well
Intensely Creative, Immensely Satisfying
Among the platformer games launched this year, Animal Well, the latest Metroidvania, stands out as one of the finest. In this game, your understanding and acquired tools work hand-in-hand to solve puzzles and navigate through levels.
Among the few games that primarily focus on platforming, it stands out as a Metroidvania-style game, and the Bubble item allows for access to almost every ledge if your skills are up to par.
Discovering secrets leaves you with a brilliant sensation, as if you’re truly insightful, and it’s exhilarating to be part of a game that is both visually captivating and subtly chilling.
Even if it’s more focused on exploration and puzzle-solving, it’s absolutely a great platformer, and I’m glad to see the TopMob staff agree.
1 Astro Bot
Firing on All Cylinders
Unexpectedly, Sony’s PlayStation has released a delightful 3D platformer called Astro Bot this year, which strongly resembles the iconic Italian plumber Mario in both gameplay and level design.
This game propels you to navigate, glide, and twirl through approximately sixty unique, imaginative, and vibrantly colored settings, each teeming with a colossal ensemble of characters from PlayStation’s rich history.
The game seems like an enthusiastic tribute to the entire legacy of PlayStation, and it’s fitting that it secured the first position in TopMob’s preferred platformers.
There’s no denying its irresistible appeal, with its lively, entertaining nature keeping things exciting at all times. Given its rarity among PS5 exclusive games, it truly serves as an outstanding advertisement for the system.
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2024-12-05 16:40