Platform games can be some of the first that many players experience, with classics from Super Mario and many Metroidvania titles being incredibly popular. They often have fairly straightforward gameplay mechanics of running, jumping, and climbing, with different levels to jump between on the screen. Though this sounds fairly basic, the complexity that developers can create within 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 many new games that stretched the creativity and limits of what a platformer could do. The Game Awards even named Astro Bot as winner of the coveted Game of the Year award. Whether looking at games from big franchises like Mario and Prince of Persia, or indie developers taking a chance at ing the fray with games like Animal Well or Neva, platformers have had a good run in 2024. Hopefully, that will continue on into 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

Early in 2024, a remake of the popular Game Boy Advance game, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, was 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 team up for a two-player co-op mode, or just explore the game solo, jumping and sliding across these colorful platforms.

As Screen Rant's review of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong remake states, while awarding it 9/10 stars, this game expands on everything that the original did right. Its silly story is just the right amount to give a premise for what is happening as Mario chases Donkey Kong across the 130 levels of intricate puzzles in a world that wouldn't possibly make sense outside a video game. Everything about this game is focused on clever puzzle platforming mechanics that the player must complete in order to beat the levels.

9 Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Rolls In With Its Unique Style

Tilting And Tumbling Through 200 Stages

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble takes the idea of a traditional platform game and turns it on its head by putting the player characters inside a constantly rolling ball and challenging them in levels that can tilt and move as these little monkeys roll their way through a level. Players race through worlds full of obstacles and puzzles while collecting bananas and attempting to not be thrown off. Platforms take on a whole new approach while in a rolling ball where there are no guardrails. And, of course, the ball can still jump or use a dash to attempt to get to areas in the map, as long as they don't fall off.

For those looking for some multiplayer fun, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble includes the option to play co-op through the standard Adventure Mode levels, or engage in party 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 Platform Game

Rolling away from the bright cartoon looks of monkeys and Donkey Kong, next up is the action-adventure platform game Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Part of the Metroidvania subgenre of games, this platform side-scroller includes an impressive combat system that brings in extra complexity to the balance of its platforming capabilities.

In Screen Rant's 8/10 scored review of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, it is said that the game also encourages "seeking out new tucked-away areas of different zones" to open up locked areas of the map. The exploration in this 2.5D world can provide greater connection between players and the game as they have more ownership over what they are doing and when. With a combat system that is certainly engaging, the game blends the lines of several genres.

7 Sonic X Shadow Generations Puts The Anti-hero In The Spotlight

With 2D And 3D Platforming Levels

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

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

6 Nine Sols Is A Beautiful Metroidvania Experience

Set In A Unique Taopunk World

Nine Sols is a Sekiro-inspired Metroidvania with a rich story to go along with its action platforming mechanics. Set in what developers call a Taopunk setting, the artwork and story blend together cyberpunk and Taoism in a uniquely eastern sci-fi manner. Many of these levels in the hand-crafted landscapes are inspired by Japanese manga to give it an even more engaging stylized appearance.

As a Metroidvania, the worldbuilding through Nine Sols adventure is difficult but in a way that does not feel limiting. Blending combat mechanics, movement, and puzzling obstacles, it keeps people on their toes as it is hard to predict what will come next.

5 Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines Flew A Bit Under The Radar For Many In 2024

Fun, Classic Platforming Feel With Solid Mechanics

A classic-looking platformer with a gun and grapple hook, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines has an old-school look with fast-paced action. Dogs Pablo and Luna fight their way across various worlds full of hidden secrets while enjoying using abilities such as fire-dashing and magnetic s.

Along the way, players can switch back and forth between the two in order to utilize their individual skills in certain situations. Pablo has a grappling hook to swing across wide chasms and get across tricky tests, while Luna uses her gun to shoot her way through anything that gets in her way. Swinging and shooting through the 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 Well's visual look of a dark retro-inspired platformer is beautiful, if strange at times, to look at, but it's the gameplay that truly has made this game the success that it is. This Metroidvania platformer has several items that players can use to their advantage in puzzles or combat situations, and each of these items can be used in several different ways. This is only one of the unique elements that the game offers, with its intricately crafted sprawling world of puzzles that players can explore.

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

3 The Plucky Squire's Blend Of Genres Tells A Wonderful Story

Switching Between 2D and 3D Gameplay

The Plucky Squire takes a traditional story and makes players think outside the box, or book in this case, to come up with some creative solutions for the puzzles presented. Playing as Jot, The Plucky Squire's hero, players are taken back and forth between the 2D world of a storybook and the 3D world of a child's bedroom as the evil sorcerer Humgrump is attempting to change the ending. After Humgrump learns the magic to remove Jot from the book's pages, Jot must figure out how to work between worlds to save the day.

The entire experience of The Plucky Squire is silly and adorable, and, though its puzzles and platforming levels may not be incredibly difficult, it is a game that uses creative methods to achieve solutions. This leads players to sometimes have to contemplate new techniques for getting what they want, while a narrator continues to break down the fourth wall.

2 Neva Is A Stunningly Designed Indie Game

Winner Of The Games For Impact Award At The Game Awards

A colorful work of art in its visual design, Neva tells a sad but introspective story of emotional connections between a young woman named Alba and a wolf named Neva who grows from cub to adult wolf over the course of the journey. Watching the world fall grow darker from corrupted forces, Alba and Neva's story and relationship is filled with tragedy and love.

As Screen Rant's review of Neva states, "there's a comfortable flow maintained between action, puzzling, and just gawking at the landscape" as players see the story flow while playing through the platformer levels and puzzles. As long as players go into it with an awareness of the heavy emotions and themes of loss included, Neva's gameplay mechanics, graphical design, and narrative are truly some of the best of 2024.

1 Astro Bot's Creatively Inspired Levels And Game Mechanics Set It Apart

Winner Of Game Of The Year In 2024

There is a reason that Astro Bot won Game of the Year; this unassuming and charming little platformer manages to capture the feeling of true fun with its large variety of abilities, challenging adventure, collectibles, and perfectly executed gameplay. Each world in the game 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 and using Astro's basic abilities, or incorporating special powers of stretch arms or a bow and arrow, Astro Bot keeps players engaged in each innovative level. Ultimately, the variety of gameplay included helps to showcase the very charm of platform video games and everything that they are capable of doing.

Source: Game Trailers/YouTube