2024 has been a landmark year in video games, showcasing a diverse lineup of titles that have excelled across genres. Here’s a comprehensive look at the year’s standout games.

Must-Play Titles of 2024

  • Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5, PC): A sequel that’s more than a retelling, “Rebirth” expands the world of Midgar with new stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Its blend of nostalgia with innovation has made it a cultural phenomenon.
  • Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): This expansion enriches the already vast “Elden Ring” universe with new challenges, lore, and breathtaking landscapes, maintaining the game’s signature blend of beauty and brutality.
  • Silent Hill 2 (PS5, PC): This remake has revitalized one of the most iconic horror games, delivering psychological terror with updated graphics and gameplay, yet preserving the essence of what made the original so unsettling.
  • Hades II (PC): Following up on one of the best roguelikes ever made, “Hades II” expands the mythos with new gods, environments, and combat mechanics, all wrapped in Supergiant Games’ signature art style and storytelling.

Surprises of the Year

  • Astro Bot (PS5): A delightful return to form, “Astro Bot” showcases PlayStation’s hardware capabilities while providing one of the most charming and inventive platforming experiences of the year.
  • Balatro (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch): TA card game that’s both simple and complex, “Balatro” has captivated players with its strategic depth and engaging roguelike elements.
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC): From the creators of Persona, this game introduces a fresh take on the RPG genre with its unique setting and deep narrative, offering a new world to explore with all the hallmarks of a Studio Zero title.
  • Zenless Zone Zero (PS5, PC, Mobile): From the makers of Genshin Impact, this action RPG features a unique blend of urban fantasy and anime-style combat, providing a slick, stylish experience in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Highly Anticipated Sequels

  • Star Wars Outlaws (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Set in the Star Wars universe, this open-world adventure lets players experience life as an outlaw, offering freedom, choice, and the thrill of exploration in a galaxy far, far away.
  • Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): Bringing the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones to life, this game captures the essence of the films with its puzzle-solving, exploration, and whip-cracking action.
  • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC): This sequel continues the visceral, over-the-top combat experience of the first game, with updated graphics, expanded lore, and the sheer joy of being a Space Marine.
  • Like a Dragon: Infinite ∞ Wealth (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC): This entry in the Yakuza series combines turn-based RPG elements with the series’ trademark drama and humor, offering a narrative experience that’s both epic and personal.
  • Helldivers 2 (PS5, Windows): With its humorous take on sci-fi military action and engaging co-op mechanics, “Helldivers 2” has become a go-to for those seeking cooperative chaos.

Independent Gems

  • Little Kitty, Big City (Switch, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One): A charming indie game where you play as a cat navigating urban life. Its simplicity, combined with the joy of exploration and interaction, makes it a unique and heartwarming experience.
  • Animal Well (Switch, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S): With its eerie atmosphere and intricate puzzles, “Animal Well” offers a Metroidvania experience that’s both meditative and mysterious.
  • Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (PS5, PS4, PC, Switch): A puzzle game that challenges your perception and intellect, set in an eerie, surreal world that demands you to think outside the box.

2024 has been a year where gaming has truly shone across all fronts. From the depths of horror to the heights of adventure, from indie games that push creative boundaries to blockbusters that expand beloved universes, this year’s lineup has something for every type of gamer. These titles not only entertain but also push the envelope in storytelling, gameplay, and artistic expression, making 2024 a year to remember in the annals of gaming history.