Astro Bot: Celebrating the 2024 Game of the Year
Astro Bot has been crowned the 2024 Game of the Year, and it’s a well-deserved accolade for this charming title. In an industry saturated with hyper-realistic shooting games, Astro Bot stands out as a joyous burst of color and creativity.
Although the popularity of 3D platformers has diminished in recent years, the enchanting visuals and meticulous level design of Astro Bot have secured its place alongside the genre’s giants. Its achievement serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of 3D platformers, reaffirming that their fanbase remains vibrant.
Over the past decade, a surge of cheerful, cartoonish platforming games has delighted audiences of all ages, reigniting interest in this beloved genre.
10 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
A Timely Comeback
Between the late ’90s and 2020, Crash Bandicoot experienced various iterations that didn’t resonate with every fan. Thankfully, the release of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time brought the franchise back to its core roots, focusing on tight 3D platforming mechanics while introducing several modern enhancements.
While Astro Bot may appeal to a broader audience, Crash 4 offers a more challenging experience, featuring dynamic environments and innovative stage gimmicks that keep gameplay fresh and engaging.
9 A Hat In Time
An Adorable Adventure
In the mid-2010s, the revival of 3D platformers began to gain momentum, largely thanks to the indie hit A Hat in Time. This game emphasizes player freedom within its rich sandbox worlds, providing skills such as air dashes and grappling hooks for seamless navigation.
Hat Kid’s charming escapades, complemented by a quirky cast, rival Astro Bot in their whimsical appeal, showcasing a delightful blend of humor and adventure.
8 Spyro Reignited Trilogy
A Nostalgic Return
Long before Astro Bot’s rise, Spyro reigned as one of the prominent icons of the PlayStation era. Although new entries in the franchise have been scarce, players can still indulge in nostalgia with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
This collection reimagines the original three games with state-of-the-art graphics and improved mechanics, offering a substantial amount of 3D platforming enjoyment in a single package.
7 New Super Lucky’s Tale
A Charming Mascot
Although 3D platformers are typically associated with Nintendo and PlayStation, Microsoft made a memorable foray into the genre with New Super Lucky’s Tale, a spirited reboot of the original game.
This title embraces the classic mascot-platformer formula, featuring imaginative open and linear levels combined with a fusion of 2D and 3D gameplay elements.
6 Super Mario Odyssey
An Iconic Platforming Experience
Nicolas Doucet’s remarks upon Astro Bot’s victory reaffirmed that the evolution of 3D platformers owes much to the legendary Super Mario franchise, particularly evident in Super Mario Odyssey.
This game features expansive, sandbox-style environments that facilitate exploration and creativity, akin to Astro Bot. Mario’s unique Capture ability allows him to commandeer different characters, making for an ever-evolving gaming experience with countless secrets to uncover.
5 Penny’s Big Breakaway
A Fast-Paced Adventure
For fans of swift, skillful gameplay, Penny’s Big Breakaway offers exhilarating precision platforming. Created by the developers behind Sonic Mania, this game encourages efficient traversal of floating platforms with Penny’s unique living yo-yo.
Players will enjoy high-speed challenges that blend elements of adventure and artistry, reminiscent of the spirited action seen in Sonic Adventure and the stylish mechanics of Devil May Cry.
4 Psychonauts 2
A Long-Awaited Sequel
Fans of Astro Bot’s quirky elements might also relish the experience offered by Psychonauts 2, a long-anticipated follow-up to the cult classic from 2005. Unlike many conventional 3D platformers, Psychonauts 2 prioritizes storytelling and combines whimsical action sequences with classic jumping mechanics.
Players will have the opportunity to navigate creatively designed environments that challenge their skills and capabilities, reflecting the game’s rich narrative.
3 Kirby And The Forgotten Land
A Culinary Journey through Platforming
In the realm of 3D platformers, Kirby remains a beloved staple, and his latest adventure, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, is no exception. Kirby’s iconic Copy Ability empowers players with diverse skills to tackle enemies and uncover hidden areas.
This installment also introduces the innovative Mouthful Mode, allowing Kirby to interact with and gain abilities from larger objects, enhancing gameplay variety. It also features drop-in two-player co-op, enabling friends to join in the fun as Bandanna Waddle Dee.
2 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
A Heartwarming Journey with Sackboy
Before Astro Bot captured gamers’ hearts, Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet was Sony’s flagship mascot. In 2020, Sackboy: A Big Adventure offered a rich 3D platforming experience, guiding players through a creatively constructed world made from various arts and crafts.
This adventure allows for various actions such as slapping, rolling, and using grappling hooks to solve puzzles, making it both delightful and engaging for fans of all ages.
1 SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
Multiverse Madness with SpongeBob
While licensed games can often be hit or miss, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake shines as a standout platformer, showcasing the beloved character’s comedic charm. This game invites players to explore a multiverse filled with zany environments and outfits reminiscent of the show.
With abilities drawn from the series, such as gliding with the Krusty Krab Pizza, players can enjoy an authentic SpongeBob experience. The inclusion of the show’s full voice cast further enhances the nostalgic feel of the game, making it a delightful choice for younger audiences.
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