10 best platforms of 2024

Platform games may be one of the first that many players experience, with classics from Super Mario and many Metroidvania titles being incredibly popular. They usually have a fairly simple run, jump and climb game mechanic, with different levels to jump on the screen. Although it seems quite basic, the complexity that developers can create in this genre can vary greatly and include some challenging puzzles for players to overcome.

2024 was a good year for the platform game genre, with lots of new features games that pushed creativity and the limits of what a platformer could do. The Game Awards even nominated Astrobot as winner of the coveted Game of the Year award. Whether looking at games from major franchises like Mario and Prince of Persiaor independent developers risking entering the fray with games like Animal well or Snowplatformers performed well in 2024. Hopefully this will continue in 2025 for many more games to come.

10

Mario vs. Donkey Kong Remake is engaging and fun

With local co-op for up to two people to play

In early 2024, a remake of the popular Game Boy Advance game, Mario vs. Donkey Kongwas released for the Nintendo Switch. Using the same name, The game added all-new levels, several quality of life features, and updated graphics and cutscenes. Players can even form teams for two-player co-op or simply explore the game alone, jumping and sliding across these colorful platforms.

As Screen speechreview of Mario vs. Donkey Kong claims the remake, while awarding 9/10 stars, this game expands on everything the original did right. Its silly story is just the right amount of premise to what's going on as Mario chases Donkey Kong through 130 levels of intricate puzzles in a world that wouldn't make sense outside of a video game. Everything in this game is focused on Intelligent platforming and puzzle mechanics which the player must complete to beat the levels.

9

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble arrives with its unique style

Tilting and falling through 200 stages

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble takes the idea of ​​a traditional platformer and turns it on its head put player characters inside a constantly rolling ball and challenge them in levels that can tilt and move as these little monkeys roll through a level. Players race through worlds full of obstacles and puzzles while collecting bananas and trying not to get thrown away. Platforms take on a whole new approach while being on a rolling ball where there are no guardrails. And, of course, the ball can still jump or run to try to reach areas of the map, as long as they don't fall.

For those looking for multiplayer fun, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble includes the option to play cooperatively through the standard Adventure Mode levels or participate in group game battles. Five battle modes are included for up to 4 players locally or 16 online to complete challenges.

8

Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown has thrilling action

A 2.5D side-scrolling action-adventure platformer

Rolling away from the glowing gazes of monkeys and Donkey Kongnext is action adventure platformer Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Part of the Metroidvania subgenre of games, This side-scroller platformer includes an impressive combat system this brings extra complexity to the balance of your platform capabilities.

In Screen speechreview rated 8/10 Prince of Persia: The Lost CrownThe game is also said to encourage “searching for new areas hidden in different zones” to open up locked areas of the map. Exploration in this 2.5D world can provide a greater connection between players and the game as they have more control over what they are doing and when. With a combat system that is certainly engaging, the game mixes lines from different genres.

7

Sonic X Shadow Generations puts the antihero in the spotlight

With 2D and 3D platform levels

Sonic X Shadow Generations brings a remastered approach to 2011 Sonic Generations mixed with a new campaign where Shadow the Hedgehog is the center of attention. While the remastered content is fun and includes improved versions of several platforming levels that made the game a hit in the first place, Shadow's adventure is even more remarkable with its exciting levels that combine 2D and 3D environments.

Shadow's maneuverability and unique Chaos Control ability that can stop time allow for truly creative platforming puzzles and boss fights in the game. If the normal levels are somehow not difficult enough, there is even a Hard Mode where the challenge is truly noticeable and players must be prepared to execute each move perfectly.

6

Nine Sols is a beautiful Metroidvania experience

Set in a unique Taopunk world

Nine suns is a Sekiro-inspired Metroidvania with a rich story to go along with its action and platforming mechanics. Set in what the developers call a Taopunk environmentThe art and story mix cyberpunk and Taoism in a uniquely Eastern sci-fi way. Many of these levels in the handcrafted landscapes are inspired by Japanese manga to give an even more immersive stylized look.

Like Metroidvania, world-building through Nine suns the adventure is difficult, but in a way that doesn't feel limiting. Combining combat mechanics, movement and intriguing obstaclesit keeps people on their toes as it is difficult to predict what will come next.

5

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Fangs Went A Little Under the Radar for Many in 2024

Fun, classic platformer feel with solid mechanics

A classic-looking platformer with a gun and a grappling hook, Fighting Dogs: Cosmic Canines It has an old-school look with fast-paced action. Dogs Pablo and Luna make their way through various worlds full of hidden secrets while having fun using abilities like fire attacks and magnetic panels.

Along the way, players can switch between the two to utilize their individual abilities in certain situations. Pablo has a grappling hook to cross great chasms and pass complicated tests, while Luna uses her gun to blast her way through anything that stands in her way. Swinging and shooting through levels, each challenge has a unique twist to keep players engaged.

4

Animal Well is a Metroidvania full of secrets and surprises

An impressive game with creativity and variety

Animal wellThe visual appearance of a dark, retro-inspired platformer is beautiful, if sometimes strange, to look at, but it's the gameplay that really made this game the success that it is. That The Metroidvania platformer has several items that players can use to your advantage in puzzles or combat situations, and each of these items can be used in a number of different ways. This is just one of the unique elements the game offers, with its vast, intricately crafted puzzle world that players can explore.

The secrets hidden in Animal wellThe story and setting range from simple to incredibly complex, with some of the more complicated ones being discussed regularly in online forums and social media posts. Your entire system inspires a sense of discovery and excitement as players seek to discover the game's secrets.

3

Plucky Squire's genre mix tells a wonderful story

Switching between 2D and 3D gameplay

The brave squire takes a traditional story and makes players think outside the box, or reserve in this case, to find some creative solutions to the puzzles presented. Playing as Jot, THE brave squireIn Hero Game, players are taken between the 2D world of a storybook and the 3D world of a child's bedroom as the evil wizard Humgrump tries to change the ending. After Humgrump learns the magic to remove Jot from the pages of the book, Jot must figure out how to work between worlds to save the day.

The entire experience of The brave squire is silly and adorable, and while its puzzles and platforming levels may not be incredibly difficult, it's a game that uses creative methods to reach solutions. This results in players sometimes having to contemplate new techniques to get what they want, while the narrator continues to break down the fourth wall.

2

Neva is an incredibly designed indie game

Winner of the Games For Impact award at The Game Awards

A colorful work of art in its visual design, Snow tells a sad but introspective story of emotional connections between a young girl named Alba and a wolf named Neva, who grows from a cub to an adult wolf over the course of the journey. Watching the world fall increasingly dark due to corrupting forces, Alba and Neva's story and relationship are filled with tragedy and love.

As Screen speechreview of Snow states, “there's a comfortable flow maintained between action, puzzles, and just taking in the scenery” as players see the flow of the story while playing the platformer's levels and puzzles. As long as players go into this with an awareness of the heavy emotions and themes of loss included, SnowThe game mechanics, graphic design, and narrative are truly some of the best in 2024.

1

Astro Bot's creatively inspired levels and gameplay mechanics set it apart

2024 Game of the Year Winner

There's a reason for that Astrobot won Game of the Year; This unpretentious and charming little platformer manages to capture the feeling of true fun with its wide variety of skills, challenging adventure, collectibles and perfectly executed gameplay. Each game world feels new and exciting, while the various power-ups that Astro can equip give him abilities to change the style of the levels.

Whether just running around and using Astro's basic abilities or incorporating special powers of straight arms or archery, Astrobot keeps players engaged in each innovative level. Ultimately, the variety of gameplay included helps showcase the game's charm. platform video games and everything they are capable of doing.

Source: Game Trailers/YouTube