As 2025’s electrifying gaming experiences are just around the corner, it’s worth taking a moment to savor the incredible lineup that 2024 delivered to our screens. This past year was a feast for gamers, offering everything from ingenious Bots and a whimsical LEGO universe to sweeping fantasy tales and polished classics, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A Year Filled with Expansive RPGs
Over the past year, the gaming world was enchanted by vast, magical landscapes populated with spell-slinging heroes and high-flying towns. The creators behind Persona, Atlas, stepped boldly into new territories with Metaphor ReFantazio, a fantastical journey that captivated audiences with its strategic combat, smooth presentation, and unforgettable battle themes.
Similarly, the much-anticipated Final Fantasy VII Rebirth successfully reimagined one of the most iconic RPGs of all time, maintaining the impressive momentum set by its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake. Meanwhile, action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink kept players engaged with its cooperative gameplay and rich storyline. To round out the year, Dragon Age: The Veilguard treated fans to a compelling adventure underscored by a powerful soundtrack from renowned composers Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
On a slightly more grounded—albeit still fantastical—level, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth offered RPG enthusiasts a punchier experience set in the gritty Yakuza world, featuring thrilling combat mechanics and an expanded universe.
A Celebration of Classic Remasters
2024 didn’t just highlight fresh titles; it also reintroduced us to timeless classics, bringing beloved characters and stories back to life with stunning updates. Disney’s Epic Mickey made a triumphant return, showcasing Mickey Mouse with new abilities to complement its beautifully enhanced visuals.
For fans of iconic figures, the Tomb Raider I–III Remastered delivered familiar thrills as players rejoined Lara Croft on her legendary escapades. Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged also made a comeback, offering a 4K experience of George Stobbart and Nico Collard’s mystic adventures in pursuit of the Knights Templar’s secrets.
Venturing to the stars, both Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition fulfilled fans’ sci-fi cravings across FPS and action-adventure genres. Meanwhile, beloved fantasy RPGs like Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. And for those eager for a zombie experience, Capcom’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster wandered onto our screens with some clever upgrades. Speaking of horror…
Retro-Inspired Horror Took Center Stage
While many remasters warmed our hearts, a few aimed to startle instead. Silent Hill 2 reemerged from the fog with a stunning remake, bringing its chilling encounters with Pyramid Head to a visually arresting new level, without losing its haunting narrative.
New titles with an eerie twist also made waves, evoking nostalgia with a modern touch. Crow Country cleverly wrapped classic survival horror in a 1990s PlayStation aesthetic. Fear the Spotlight utilized an old-school vibe to amplify its suspenseful story, while the ’80s nostalgia trip, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, drew from the cult classic movie for some deeply unsettling asymmetrical multiplayer action.
For fans seeking modern scares, Still Wakes the Deep delivered a gripping psychological horror experience, blending cosmic elements into its unnerving tale. And diving headfirst into cosmic horror, the Alien: Rogue Incursion VR game promised unforgettable frights. In your living room, it turns out everyone can hear you scream…
A Dynamic Year for Character Platformers
2024 proved to be a standout year for platformers, setting a high bar for the genre. Astro Bot emerged as a standout, with Team Asobi’s imaginative and delightful adventure earning instant classic status. The game’s inventive levels, exceptional use of the DualSense controller, and surprise cameos left a lasting impression.
Additionally, some unexpected hits surfaced, like Another Crab’s Treasure, which took players into the watery world of Kril. This crustacean hero dazzled with its unique combat mechanics, utilizing ocean debris as armor and weapons. Meanwhile, Penny’s Big Breakaway paid vibrant homage to kinetic, fast-paced platformers of yesteryear, drawing players into its zany storyline involving a heroine, an army of kooky penguins, and a quest to clear her name. It was as delightfully wild as it sounds.
Creative Art Design Took Center Stage
2024 wasn’t just about gameplay; it was also a showcase of imaginative art design. Harold Halibut dazzled players with a striking aesthetic, the product of a decade-long development process that fused physical dioramas with digital game elements.
The lush and vibrant Neva captivated players with its dramatic use of color and contrast in its puzzle-platforming layers. Meanwhile, Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced its absurd humor through a vividly bold style, reminiscent of quirky British comic books.
LEGO Horizon Adventures stood out as well, combining blocky charm with a playful twist on the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. Impressively, everything in the game, from landscapes to machines, can be recreated using real LEGO bricks.
As we wrap up the year’s gaming journey, which titles and trends captured your imagination in 2024?
