As the exhilaration of the upcoming thrills in 2025 is nearly upon us, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonders that 2024 graced us with. This year was a delightful mix of everything from bot brilliance and the quirky charm of a LEGO universe, to grandiose fantasy quests and revamped classics, ensuring there was something for just about every gamer out there.
### A Year of Expansive RPGs
2024 was a magical odyssey filled with expansive realms where spell-slinging heroes and sky-kissed towns flourished. Atlus, the creative minds behind Persona, ventured into new territory with ‘Metaphor ReFantazio’. This title scooped high praise for its strategic combat, slick design, and outstanding battle theme.
In the realm of gaming legends, ‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ successfully reimagined one of the most iconic RPGs ever conceived, maintaining the engaging narrative momentum set by its predecessor, ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’. Meanwhile, ‘Granblue Fantasy: Relink’ spiced up the action RPG scene with cooperative combat and an intriguing storyline. And as the year drew to a close, ‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard’ captivated players with compelling quests and a powerhouse soundtrack courtesy of composers Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
On the grittier side, ‘Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ offered an alternate RPG flavor, capturing fans who delighted in trading spells for fists in the exciting combat system of the ever-evolving Yakuza universe.
### A Year of Classic Remasters
Despite a plethora of new entries, 2024 wasn’t shy about dusting off timeless classics, which looked revitalized with modern updates. A notable highlight was ‘Epic Mickey’, where Disney’s famous mouse returned equipped with new skills that matched his revamped visuals.
Tomb Raider enthusiasts had a field day as ‘Tomb Raider I-III Remastered’ unearthed nostalgic escapades with a fresh touch. Not one to lag behind, ‘Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged’ brought back the intricate knightly mysteries pursued by George Stobbart and Nico Collard, now whisked into a stunning 4K display.
The sci-fi aficionados weren’t left wanting either, with updates like ‘Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster’ and ‘Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition’. Furthermore, fans of horror-action were in for a treat with Capcom’s ‘Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster’, offering a polished undead experience. Speaking of which, the horror scene…
### A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
While remasters warmed hearts, a fresh wave of titles delivered nail-biting thrills. ‘Silent Hill 2’ emerged from the fog once more, terrifying players anew with its remastered intensity and Pyramid Head encounters.
New, eerie entries captivated those hankering for a vintage horror vibe. ‘Crow Country’ expertly blended survival horror within the nostalgic realm of ‘90s aesthetics. ‘Fear the Spotlight’ leaned into an old-school look for a chilling storyline, whereas ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game’ paid homage to the quirky bizarre of an ‘80s cult film with its multiplayer mayhem.
Prefer a modern thrill? ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ clawed at players’ nerves with its masterfully written, claustrophobic psychological narrative. And for those who dared to enter VR territory, ‘Alien: Rogue Incursion’ offered cosmic terror outmatched only by the sound of your own screams echoing in the living room.
### A Year of Character Platformers
In the vibrant world of platformers, 2024 was a standout year, charting a course others will be keen to follow. Leading the charge was the endlessly endearing ‘Astro Bot’, which became an instant classic. Team Asobi’s gem was praised for its creative level design, stellar use of the DualSense controller, and unforgettable special appearances.
Among the year’s surprise hits, ‘Another Crab’s Treasure’ introduced gamers to the feisty Kril, a hermit crab wielding whatever debris he could find as weapons and armor in the compelling underwater adventures. And for a more light-hearted romp, ‘Penny’s Big Breakaway’ brought the vibrant spirit of past platformers alive, as players guided Penny in a madcap chase featuring Emperor Eddie’s offbeat penguin army.
### A Year of Creative Art Design
Last but not least, 2024 delivered games that weren’t just eye candy but pushed artistic boundaries alongside engaging gameplay. ‘Harold Halibut’s’ mesmerizing stop-motion animation draped the game in a singular aesthetic, the result of a decade-long development journey that mixed physical dioramas with gaming tech.
‘Neva’ shone brightly, using color and contrast to dazzle in its puzzle-driven world while the whimsical ‘Thank Goodness You’re Here!’ leaned heavily into over-the-top British comic aesthetics, delivering a comedic adventure that stood out in style and substance alike.
Finally, ‘LEGO Horizon Adventures’ allowed imaginations to run wild with a visually inventive spin on ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’, where every feature could be constructed with actual LEGO bricks, adding another layer of creativity to an already rich gaming universe.
Looking back, which games and trends captured your heart in 2024?
