While the excitement for the upcoming games of 2025 is palpable, let’s not forget to celebrate the outstanding games that graced us in 2024. It was a year that catered to gamers of all persuasions, from clever Bots and the charmingly blocky LEGO universe to grand fantasy epics and beloved remastered classics.
A Year of Expansive RPGs
The past year was magical for expansive RPGs, inviting us into worlds brimming with spellbinding heroes and aerial towns. Atlus, known for their Persona series, ventured into new territory with Metaphor ReFantazio. This game won hearts with its tactically engaging combat, smooth presentation, and memorable soundtrack. Similarly, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth took on the mammoth task of reimagining a beloved classic while sustaining the momentum set by its predecessor, the immensely popular Final Fantasy VII Remake. Fans of fast-paced RPGs found joy in Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s exhilarating co-op combat and sprawling narrative. Dragon Age: The Veilguard wrapped up the year with an engrossing storyline and a remarkable soundtrack composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
For those who preferred a grittier scene, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth offered a gritty urban RPG experience, weaving satisfying combat into the expansive Yakuza universe.
A Year of Classic Remasters
2024 wasn’t just about new releases; it was also a significant year for remasters. Disney’s Epic Mickey made a grand return with revamped visuals and new abilities fitting for its iconic protagonist. Tomb Raider I–III Remastered allowed Lara Croft fans to relive their archaeological adventures, while Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged renewed the classic mystery of the Knights Templar in spectacular 4K.
Venturing into the realm of sci-fi, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition delighted FPS and action-adventure fans. RPG enthusiasts enjoyed the nostalgia of Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload, while Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster thrilled zombie game fans with its mind-blowing enhancements.
A Year of Horror and Retro-inspired Scares
Horror enthusiasts were treated to thrilling remakes and fresh scares. Silent Hill 2 stunned players with its meticulous remake, bringing back the terror of Pyramid Head with enhanced graphics and a storytelling that gripped the audience anew.
On the retro front, Crow Country captured the essence of ‘90s survival horror with its vintage PlayStation aesthetic. Fear the Spotlight did the same, infusing an old-school style for an engagingly eerie narrative. The ‘80s saw a revival with Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, which drew inspiration from its cult classic movie roots for an asymmetric multiplayer adventure. For modern horror lovers, Still Wakes the Deep delivered a gripping psychological experience, while Alien: Rogue Incursion offered nerve-racking VR combat.
A Year of Character Platformers
2024 brought a breath of fresh air to the platform genre. Astro Bot led the charge with its innovative, delightful adventure, becoming a beloved title thanks to its clever level design and memorable cameos. Not to be outdone, Another Crab’s Treasure introduced a new Soulslike adventure, where players navigate as Kril, a hermit crab wielding discarded junk as armor and weapons. Penny’s Big Breakaway also wowed us with its vibrant callback to classic platform games, as young Penny faced off against an army of zany penguins led by Emperor Eddie.
A Year of Creative Art Design
The year was also characterized by games with distinctive artistic flair. The painstaking stop-motion animation of Harold Halibut, achieved through ten years of dedication, stood out with its incredible diorama-style graphics. Neva’s visual brilliance lay in its striking colors and contrasts, exemplifying the beautiful fusion of visuals and puzzles. Embracing absurd humor, Thank Goodness You’re Here! drew inspiration from eccentric British comic styles. Even LEGO Horizons Adventures impressed with its creativity, showcasing a world that could be entirely built with real LEGO bricks.
Which of these games and trends captured your heart in 2024?
