Astro Bot Wasn't the Only Great Platformer of 2024. Discover These 5 Underrated Gems.
With all the attention on Astro Bot towards the end of the year, platform game fans may have missed some of the best offerings of 2024. Here are five that you might have overlooked.
Throughout 2024, while many have focused their attention on Astro Bot and its impressive platforming feats, it has been easy to overlook a number of lesser-known titles that have also shone in this genre. From unexpected sequels to games that are already three decades old, to thrilling VR adventures and nostalgic fishing journeys, this year has been remarkable for one of the most beloved genres in the gaming world. As we reflect on the best games of 2024, it’s important to highlight some lesser-known offerings that have not received the attention they deserve.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World by VEA Games is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This game embraces nostalgia exceptionally, combining classic elements that players adore with a modern twist. Heavily inspired by titles like Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, Nikoderiko leverages familiar mechanics, such as the use of barrels, collecting golden letters to spell N-I-K-O, and bonus level designs that recall those hits. Additionally, David Wise returns to compose a soundtrack reminiscent of his iconic works in the Donkey Kong games, offering a vibrant, colorful world where fun is guaranteed, especially in cooperative mode.
Max Mustard is a creation of Toast Interactive, released for PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest, and PC. Though the name may sound amusing, the experience of this exclusive VR game is truly charming. In Max Mustard, players control the protagonist through 40 levels filled with stunning visual art and exciting challenges. Similar to Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, this title allows players full control of the camera, transforming the experience into something dynamic. With precise controls and the inclusion of a ladle as a tool, the levels offer gratifying surprises, making it a recommended title for anyone with a virtual reality headset.
Europa, developed by Future Friends Games for Nintendo Switch and PC, presents a softer approach to the genre. This title steps away from frantic action, allowing players to explore its world at their own pace. With an artistic design inspired by the work of Studio Ghibli, the story follows Zee, an android seeking answers about the mystery of an alien moon. With no distracting conflicts, Europa relies on environmental puzzles and simpler platforming, making its short duration of 3 to 4 hours an intimate and touching experience.
Ufouria: The Saga 2 by SUNSOFT also deserves recognition. While you may have never heard of the original game, its sequel, released more than 30 years later, ensures a diverse and entertaining experience. With an art style that blends characters with nearly textile designs and paper-like backgrounds, players control four unique characters, each with abilities to overcome obstacles in a colorful, creative level design. Its focus on simplicity feels refreshing in today's world, which is filled with games that constantly seek to challenge players.
Finally, Akimbot by Plaion, available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, evokes the essence of great 3D platformers from the PlayStation 2 era. Inspired by iconic franchises like Jak and Daxter and Ratchet and Clank, it combines third-person shooting with platforming gameplay in a robot-dominated world. Despite some repetitive features in level design, the game captures the essence of the classics and delivers an entertaining experience that will evoke nostalgia in players.
