As the anticipation builds for the incredible gaming experiences lined up for 2025, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the gems 2024 offered. This year was a veritable treasure trove for gamers, offering everything from ingenious Bots and a charming LEGO universe to thrilling fantasy journeys and top-notch remasters that catered to every type of player.
### A Year of Expansive RPGs
2024 was a magical time for fans of sprawling worlds where heroes wield spells, sport pointed ears, and explore floating cities. Persona creators Atlus ventured into new territory with Metaphor ReFantazio, a fantastical RPG that won hearts with its engaging combat, sleek aesthetics, and memorable battle themes.
Another standout was Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which tackled the significant challenge of reshaping a legendary RPG while keeping the momentum from the acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake. Granblue Fantasy: Relink kept fans on their toes with fast-paced, cooperative action, paired beautifully with an expansive narrative. To cap off the year, Dragon Age: The Veilguard presented a captivating storyline, enriched by an emotionally compelling score composed by music legends Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
For those who prefer their RPGs a bit more earthy, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth offered gritty street fights and an exciting expansion of the beloved Yakuza universe.
### A Year of Classic Remasters
2024 wasn’t just a year for novel adventures; it was also a banner year for familiar favorites making remarkable comebacks. Disney’s Epic Mickey flaunted updated visuals and new powers for the iconic mouse, much to fans’ delight.
Lara Croft enthusiasts reveled in nostalgia with Tomb Raider I–III Remastered, while Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged brought George Stobbart and Nico Collard’s quests back to life, boasting a 4K makeover for this beloved classic.
Meanwhile, galaxies far away offered experiences like Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition, each providing sci-fi thrills in the FPS and action-adventure genres. Even zombie enthusiasts had something to celebrate with the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, enriched with an array of… clever upgrades? Well, let’s just say it got the thumbs-up from Capcom. Speaking of spine-tingling experiences…
### A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
While some remasters were pure nostalgia, others were crafted to send shivers down your spine. Silent Hill 2 reemerged from the shadows with a breathtaking remake that made encounters with Pyramid Head even more unsettling, thanks to its modern visuals enhancing an already spine-chilling tale.
On the new release front, games like Crow Country and Fear the Spotlight brought retro vibes back, delivering eerie narratives with a nostalgic twist. The cult classic film-inspired game, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, delivered a mix of amusement and chills in a ’80s-style asymmetric multiplayer format.
For scares with a modern twist, Still Wakes the Deep offered a cleverly crafted tale of claustrophobic horror tinged with cosmic elements. And for those seeking VR-frights, Alien: Rogue Incursion offered heart-stopping encounters in a thrilling combat adventure, making one appreciate the safety of their living room—where yes, they can indeed hear you scream.
### A Year of Character Platformers
In 2024, the platform genre witnessed a renaissance of creativity and fun. Astro Bot, led by Team Asobi, shone brightly with its innovative level designs and memorable use of the DualSense controller, quickly securing its place as a beloved classic.
But there were more treasures: Another Crab’s Treasure introduced a quirky yet engaging world where a feisty hermit crab uses ocean debris as weapons and shields, while Penny’s Big Breakaway embraced the playful essence of early platformers, taking players on a thrilling ride with Pengiun-chasing antics.
### A Year of Creative Art Design
2024 was remarkable for the truly unique art designs that accompanied innovative gameplay experiences. Harold Halibut stood out with its actual hand-crafted dioramas transformed into a visually stunning stop-motion adventure.
Gorgeous color and contrast were the signatures of the striking puzzle platformer Neva, whereas Thank Goodness You’re Here! delivered slapstick hilarity with a vibrant style straight from classic British comic books.
And who could ignore LEGO Horizon Adventures? This ingenious take on Horizon Zero Dawn delighted fans by revealing that everything seen in-game could be built with real LEGO bricks, merging digital and tactile play worlds in joyful creativity.
Which games and trends took your fancy in 2024?
