Nintendo Switch owners have gotten not one but three Kirby titles within the past couple of years, as well as the first original 2D Mario platform game to hold a 90+ Metacritic score since Super Mario World. It’s fair game to say that Nintendo fans have been eating well, but will their appetite be satisfied going into 2024? Fans across all platforms should have plenty to be excited for and these represent some of the platform games that Wccftech considers highly anticipated throughout the new year.
Previously in Wccftech’s most anticipated games of 2024: Action, RPG, Horror, Fighting, Adventure
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (January 18 – PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, XSS|X, NS, Amazon Luna)
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the first new entry in Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia series since The Forgotten Sands in 2010. Ubisoft Montpellier will be heading development and their pedigree behind the Rayman series will be put to good use with the latest Persian entry. What sets The Lost Crown apart from its previous entries is the addition of a large open-ended map filled with secrets and incremental upgrades for the main protagonist, Sargon.
Francesco De Meo already reviewed the game and rated it 9/10 ahead of the official debut:
Minor issues aside, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a thoroughly enjoyable Metroidvania that is not only among the best since Metroid Dread but also one of the best entries in the Prince of Persia series, bringing the franchise back to its platforming roots in the best way possible.
Contra: Operation Galuga (Q1 2024 – PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, XSS|X, NS)
If there’s one developer I’d trust to develop a competent platform game, it’s WayForward. Matt Booty’s team has proven themselves with not just their ongoing Shantae franchise but also platformers from other storied franchises, including their own Contra 4. Not quite a sequel, yet also more than a remake, Contra: Operation Galuga is the combination of years of run-and-run expertise and a hopeful 180 reversal from Contra: Rogue Corps’ lingering mark on the franchise. Both teams have been tightlipped about a particular release date, but ‘Early 2024’ remains more promising than other titles we’re looking forward to throughout the year.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (TBA – PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, XSS|X, NS)
If you’ve been following the ongoing lists for upcoming platformers and Metroidvania in particular, there’s been one outstanding sequel that’s been on them year after year: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Team Cherry has a lot of expectations riding on their follow-up to the original Hollow Knight, but the title has only released trailers and screenshots that show the three-person team’s improved dedication to their craft. If there’s one game I’ve been eagerly watching Nintendo Directs to finally catch wind of a 2024 release date, it’s Hollow Knight: Silksong. Fingers crossed it’ll happen soon.
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell (Out Now – PC)
2024 remains poised to be a breakout year for Metrovania titles yet the past couple of years should not be overlooked as well. That being said, the fifth entry in Bombservice’s Momodora series should not be missed. The pixel art remains as beautiful and brightly spirited as in previous titles but with fourteen years of experience on behalf of the lead, rdein. Momodora: Moonlit Farewell’s wait has already ended, as PLAYISM has released the final entry on Steam and user reviews are already very positive, with a 90% approval rating.
Animal Well (Early 2024 – PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
Is it strange that so many of the most hotly anticipated platformers that Wccftech is looking forward to are all Metroidlike? Popular YouTube performer videogamedunkey will be releasing Animal Well as one of the inaugural titles of his newly founded publishing wing, Bigmode.
I recently had the pleasure of first trying Animal Well at Summer Game Fest 2023’s tie-in play days event along with the reveal at Day of the Devs. As titles like Rain World have proven in the past, it’s possible to make an interesting exploration platformer without having to use combat to reinforce the narrative. Because of this, I’m interested to see how a platform game can use puzzles in place of drawing a blade to tell its story.
Honorable Mentions:
2024 looks fantastic for platform games beyond the five-game shortlist. Here’s another handful of noteworthy games:
- Penny’s Big Breakaway
- Crowsworn
- The Cub
- Berserk Boy
- Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn
