Summary
It’s hard to describe the magic of platformer games. There’s something undeniably fun about running and jumping through captivating worlds, collecting power-ups, and stomping on all your problems. The genre has been around since the arcade era, and it’s still producing outstanding titles today.
2024 was an incredible year for platformers. Triple-A studios like PlayStation and Sega revisited iconic series and delivered jaw-dropping, big-budget masterpieces. Meanwhile, the indie community created dozens of innovative titles with immersive stories, clever mechanics, and riveting gameplay. From head-scratching puzzlers to nightmarish horror, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the platforming genre. The following games, in particular, are the very best of the year.
For the sake of variety, I’ve included only one game per sub-genre. However, there will be honorable mentions in each category!
Mind Over Magnet isa delightful puzzle platformerdeveloped by Mark Brown from the YouTube channel Game Maker’s Toolkit. You control a robot and his little magnet buddies, who must use magnetism to solve brain teasers and reach the end of each stage.
The magnet mechanic is both satisfying and thoroughly utilized since everything you do, from moving blocks to reaching high areas, involves magnetism in some way. There’s even a director’s commentary, so you can learn how each puzzle was designed. Charming, cozy, and well-polished, Mind Over Magnet is certainly an attractive game.
Check outour review of Sonic X Shadow Generationsto learn more!
Sonic X Shadow Generations not only remasters the Blue Blur’s greatest adventure; it also delivers a brand-new campaign starring the Ultimate Life Form himself. When a time-eating monster abducts Sonic and his pals, the two hedgehogs are transported to the past to face off against old foes.
The high-speed gameplay you know and love is back and better than ever, withplenty of new abilities for Shadowto keep things fresh and engaging. Plus, each level is a faithful reimagining of an iconic stage from the series' history, with many exciting twists thrown in for good measure. Don’t sleep on this modern masterpiece.
8Berserk Boy
Best Action Platformer
Berserk Boy is an homage to the Mega Man series with Metroidvania elements. The story follows a superhero named Kei, who must run, dash, and electrocute his way through high-speed levels to stop the evil scientist Dr. Genos.
Like the Blue Bomber, Kei has a number of transformations that grant him different powers, allowing you to perform devastating combos, find well-hidden secrets, and access new areas in previous stages. To top it all off, the music was done by Sonic Mania composer Tee Lopes, and it’s one of his best soundtracks yet.
If you’re looking for a challenge, there’s no better choice than Chained Together. You and up to three friends must cooperate to climb out of Hell. The catch? You’ll all shackled together, and you can plummet to the beginning at any point. If one of you falls, so does everyone else.
Similar to Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, Chained Together is designed to be as difficult and ruthless as possible. However, it’s hilarious to play with a few friends, and it’sabsolutely doable with the right strategy. Be prepared for a ton of laughs, screaming, and probably some four-letter words.
Check outour review of Nevato learn more!
Want to go on an emotional journey? Neva is a breathtaking side-scroller from the team that made Gris. Take control of a woman named Alba, whose world literally begins to crumble after a traumatic experience. Accompanied by her pet wolf, she must traverse the decaying land and find a way to survive.
The story is a powerful metaphor for dealing with grief and the long, challenging path toward healing. The gorgeous animations and stunning environments are just the cherry on top. Be warned that it’s hard to walk away dry-eyed.
5Shipwrecked 64
Best Retro Throwback Platformer
Do you remember those old creepypastas about haunted video games? That’s Shipwrecked 64 in a nutshell. The premise is you’ve found an obscure N64 game that was mysteriously pulled from shelves three days after launch. The more you play, the more disturbing it gets as you find clues to the blood-curdling tragedy that befell the developers.
As an alternate reality game, Shipwrecked 64 uses chilling found footage and meta-horror to create some truly terrifying scares. The mystery is a real nail-biter and requires you to think outside the box to unravel the shocking truth. Think you’re up for the challenge?
The Contra series finally returned after a five-year hiatus thanks to Operation Galuga, an excellent reimagining of the first entry on the NES. You and a buddy take control of commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, who must infiltrate enemy turf while shooting everything and everyone in sight.
The tough-as-nails gameplay is back in full glory, with new quality-of-life updates to make things even better. The ability to collect and swap between multiple weapons is a blessing, and the various difficulty options ensure people of all skill levels can join in on the action.
Check outour review of Animal Wellto learn more!
There are many excellent Metroidvanias, but Animal Well is the cream of the crop. The game drops you in a dark, non-linear cave filled with bloodthirsty creatures of the night. With no means of attacking or defending, you must rely solely on your wits to survive the many dangers that lurk in the shadows.
The game’s biggest strength is its fantastic sense of exploration. There aresecrets hidden everywhere, so much so that you’ll still discover new things after multiple playthroughs. Immersive, atmospheric, and visually stunning, Animal Well sticks with you long after you stop playing.
Check outour review of Pepper Grinderto learn more!
At its core, Pepper Grinder is all about drilling. You play as a treasure hunter who can use her drill to dig underground, traverse around obstacles, and collect as much loot as possible. It feels similar to the Drill Wisp from Sonic Colors, only much easier to control.
That’s not all your drill can do. It’s also a means of attacking, unlocking doors, and breaking cracked walls to find secrets, all of which feel incredibly satisfying. It’s a short game, but the top-notch level design and quirky humor more than compensate for it.
Check outour review of Astro Botto learn more!
Widely considered one of the best platformers ever made, Astro Bot is both a celebration of PlayStation’s history and a stunning love letter to the genre. The story follows an adorable robot who travels between planets to save his friends and repair his ship.
The gameplay is reminiscent of titles like Super Mario Galaxy, featuringmesmerizing worlds brimming with exciting twists, plenty of collectibles, and tons of clever Easter Eggs. Simply put, some games have a certain magic to them, and Astro Bot is one of them.
