As we stand on the brink of 2025, with its exciting prospects set to burst onto our screens any moment now, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on all that 2024 delighted us with. This past year has been a smorgasbord of gameplay wonders, from clever Bots and imaginative LEGO realms to magical journeys and revitalized classics, offering a little something for every kind of gamer out there.
## A Year Rich in RPGs
2024 has truly been a magical year for expansive RPGs, unleashing delightful lands teeming with spell-casting heroes, pointed-eared folk, and towns floating above the clouds. Atlus, the renowned creator of Persona, ventured into new magical realms with Metaphor ReFantazio, collecting heaps of praise thanks to its innovative combat mechanics, slick presentation, and captivating battle theme.
On the same note, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth managed to pull off the challenging feat of reimagining a legendary RPG for a new age while maintaining the momentum built by Final Fantasy VII Remake. Not to be left out, Granblue Fantasy: Relink added some much-needed co-op action to its expansive storyline, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard closed out the year with an utterly riveting quest complemented by a stirring soundtrack from none other than composers Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
Looking at slightly less fantastical yet no less gripping narratives, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivered a solid punch for RPG aficionados who appreciate the gritty streets over mystical settings, courtesy of its engaging combat system and the expanded Yakuza universe.
## A Year of Cherished Classics Revived
Not to be outshone by a parade of new titles sparking imagination, 2024 showcased a remarkable parade of classic games, looking fresher than ever. Disney’s Epic Mickey, for example, returned with enhanced visuals and a new set of abilities for its iconic mouse hero.
Lara Croft fans were treated to a trove of beloved treasures with Tomb Raider I–III Remastered. Alongside her, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged invited players back into the mystery-filled world of George Stobbart and Nico Collard, with their adventure getting a 4K makeover.
Venturing into the realm of sci-fi, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition catered to fans of the FPS and action-adventure genres. Meanwhile, the Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload delighted RPG enthusiasts. Horror fans were not left out either, as Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster lumbered onto screens with significant improvements, satisfying fans longing for a remastered dose of zombie chaos.
## A Year of Retro-Inspired Frights
2024 saw a resurgence of beloved games offering more than just nostalgia; they offered heart-pounding excitement. Silent Hill 2 returned with a stunning remake, reawakening the terror-filled encounters with Pyramid Head, now enhanced with high-fidelity visuals that elevated its unforgettable narrative.
New releases also brought their share of chills. Crow Country embraced old-school survival horror, wrapped in a nostalgic 1990s PlayStation aesthetic. Fear the Spotlight added an intense twist with its vintage vibe, while Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game thrilled with its ’80s-inspired asymmetrical multiplayer gameplay, drawing from the cult classic film for an extra edge.
For those who favor contemporary horror, Still Wakes the Deep delivered an unnervingly claustrophobic experience, weaving psychological and cosmic horror seamlessly. Meanwhile, the VR combat adventure Alien: Rogue Incursion was perfect for fans seeking an “in-your-face” scare. Even at home, you might find yourself screaming at the top of your lungs.
## A Year Dominated by Character Platformers
Though making a mark in the platforming genre can be tough, 2024 paved the way for future creative endeavors. Astro Bot, a standout from Team Asobi, charmed players with its innovative and delightful gameplay, offering inventive challenges and clever uses of the DualSense controller, making it an instant classic adorned with unforgettable cameos.
We also can’t overlook a few hidden gems that emerged. Another Crab’s Treasure introduced an engaging Soulslike adventure in the underwater world of Kril, featuring a grumpy hermit crab wielding discarded scraps as weapons and armor. On a lighter note, Penny’s Big Breakaway provided a vibrant and fast-paced platformer experience, as the titular hero faced off against madcap penguins sent by Emperor Eddie. Trust me, it was as zany as it sounds.
## A Year of Masterful Art Design
Finally, 2024 dazzled with games crafted with artistic flair, each showcasing unique visual storytelling that seamlessly blended with engaging gameplay. Harold Halibut broke ground with its handcrafted stop-motion animation, a decade in the making, featuring scanned real-world dioramas to create a strikingly immersive gaming experience.
Meanwhile, the puzzle platformer Neva was a visual feast, marked by its rich use of color and contrast, while the slapstick adventure Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced an absurd and colorful style reminiscent of classic British comedy.
The bold approach took a playful turn in LEGO Horizon Adventures, a creative spin-off of Horizon Zero Dawn. Here, everything from the massive machinery to the diverse landscapes is constructible with real-world LEGO bricks, highlighting the ingenuity of this visually captivating title.
So which games and trends stole your heart in 2024?
