Honestly, this year has been a bit disappointing when it comes to the video games world overall. There were loads of games that were predicted to come out this year that we are still waiting on. And the recent Game Awards showed that it may be years before we see some of the titles we have been itching for. Massive lay offs and mergers in the game industry has thrown the whole thing into a giant question mark. A card game that was made by one guy was nominated for Game of the Year!!?? Nobody really knows what to expect in the future. Still, there were a number of fantastic titles this year and I am happy to share them with you. If you have not played these games, this is what you should be playing this Christmas!
12. Helldivers 2, PS5
Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, is an exciting multiplayer experience where teamwork is essential. Players work together as elite soldiers to defend Earth from waves of invading enemies, including space bugs, cyborgs, and robots. The premise is straightforward, but the real appeal lies in its mechanics. Smooth gameplay and strategic cooperation make it incredibly fun, especially when playing with friends. Additionally, the game’s difficulty lever ensures players are constantly engaged. Not surprisingly, it won Best Multiplayer Game at this year’s Game Awards. Helldivers 2 blends action and teamwork in a thrilling way that keeps players coming back for more.
11. Still Wakes the Deep, PS5 & XBOX
Still Wakes the Deep is a tense, narrative-driven survival game set in the mid-1970s. The story follows Caz McLeary, a man on the run from the police, as he takes a job on the failing Beira D oil rig. While initially hoping to lay low, Caz soon finds himself in a nightmarish situation when a drilling accident triggers a deadly chain of events. As the rig falls apart, mysterious mutated creatures begin hunting the crew, forcing Caz and his remaining friends to fight for survival. Despite never lifting a weapon, players must navigate the horrors of the rig, solving puzzles and managing limited resources. The haunting atmosphere and emotional stakes make every decision impactful. The best part of this game is that it emphasizes survival through strategy and cooperation rather than combat, creating a truly unique experience.
10. Metaphor: Refantazio, PS5 & XBOX
I feel a little bad having to place this on a list before I’ve even half finished it, but this is such a dense game that I have not had the time to finish it. However, I have played enough of it to know that it is one of the most narratively inventive games of 2024! Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantasy RPG where players journey through political intrigue, curses, and the concept of self.
After an assassination attempt, Will, a key figure, begins his transformation into a powerful Archetype. As he joins forces with mercenaries and rebels, the plot unfolds with secrets about the curse and the fate of the kingdom. The narrative is full of emotional depth, and the game’s unique battle mechanics focus more on strategy than typical combat. As Will learns the truth about his identity, players are faced with tough moral decisions that shape the future of the world. Through betrayal, alliances, and a fantastical setting, Metaphor: ReFantazio invites players to explore not just external conflicts, but their own understanding of reality and destiny. The game’s development reflects a shift in creative direction, combining traditional fantasy with innovative mechanics, ensuring a fresh experience for RPG fans.
9. Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom offers a fresh take on the iconic series by focusing on Princess Zelda. Players control Zelda, wielding the magical Tri Rod to create “echoes” of objects and monsters. These echoes help solve puzzles, fight enemies, and even move objects. However, each echo has a limited cost, requiring players to strategize carefully. Zelda can also transform into a Swordfighter form, resembling Link, though this ability is temporary. As Zelda travels through Hyrule, she navigates various rifts and confronts an imposter of Link, uncovering a deeper threat. Null, an ancient primordial evil, is revealed to be behind the rifts, seeking to destroy reality. Zelda’s journey ultimately leads her to restore the balance and reunite with the king. Through clever mechanics, emotional depth, and compelling story twists, Echoes of Wisdom offers a unique adventure in the Zelda universe.
8. Call of Duty: Black Op 6, PS5, XBOX
With over 250 million annual players and 100 million active users, Call of Duty is one of the biggest series in the world. I am not one of those active users. In fact, I have been quite harsh on this series for a while now and believed that the quality has been all downhill for over a decade. Well, that all ended this year!
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 continues the franchise’s legacy of intense first-person shooter action. Like previous games, it features a single-player campaign, multiplayer, and the popular Zombies mode. The game introduces new mechanics, including omnidirectional movement, which enhances player control in all directions. Furthermore, players can customize their gameplay through “Intelligent Movement” settings that automate certain actions like sprinting. Black Ops 6 also allows customization of the heads-up display (HUD), offering options like the “Legacy” preset for Zombies. Yet, none of these features would have put this game over the top. It was the much improved campaign that shot this up into one of the best games of 2024!
7. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, PS5, XBOX
Following the events of Yakuza: Like A Dragon, this game’s narrative follows Ichiban Kasuga as he navigates a complex web of conspiracy and betrayal. After a false rumor ruins his career, Kasuga, alongside his friends, uncovers a dangerous plot involving the Seiryu Clan and the Palekana organization. The stakes rise as Kasuga confronts powerful enemies, including the enigmatic Bryce Fairchild and the mysterious Ebina. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth introduces an enhanced “Live Command RPG” battle system, improving upon its predecessor. Characters now have rings that define their movement range, which impacts their combat strategy. Positioning characters near objects or enemies triggers special attacks, creating tactical depth.
Throughout their journey, Kasuga’s group faces numerous challenges, from evading assassins to uncovering dark secrets in Hawaii. As the party unravels a plot to control Japan’s nuclear waste, personal stakes also come to light, such as Kasuga’s true family ties. Along the way, familiar faces like Kazuma Kiryu and his allies return, adding to the emotional weight of the story. The game culminates in dramatic battles, leading to both personal and political resolutions. Kasuga’s resolve is tested, but he continues fighting for justice, while also seeking reconciliation with his friends and love interests. And we should all continue coming back for great characters like Kasuga.
6. Black Myth: Wukong, PS5
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Set in a vibrant world of gods and mythical beings, the game follows the Destined One, a monkey protagonist on a quest to recover six relics to revive Sun Wukong. As the Destined One travels through diverse locations, from Black Wind Mountain to Mount Huaguo, he faces powerful foes and uncovers deep philosophical themes. The gameplay combines challenging combat, spellcasting, and shapeshifting, offering players versatility and strategic depth. It is way harder than I think it should be, but it is also some of the action gameplay to grace a console. Which is why it won Best Action Game at this years Game Awards. With its rich world-building and engaging mechanics, Black Myth: Wukong is an unforgettable adventure.
5. Astrobot, PS5
It took 30 years, but Sony finally has a proper mascot to match Mario and Sonic. Bottom line, this game is an amazing platformer that combines playful design and impressive gameplay. Players control Astro, a small robot, as he embarks on a mission to rescue Lost Bots and restore his mothership. The game features 90 levels across six galaxies, with a mix of easy and challenging stages. Players can also enjoy new abilities like air-dashing, slingshotting, and climbing to enhance traversal and combat. There are so many fun ways to transform in this game that every level feels like an invitation to a new party! Plus, creative level design (especially levels inspired by iconic PlayStation franchises) is some of the best outside of the Mario galaxy. Add the fact that the game offers tons of accessibility options for players (ensuring a fun experience for everyone) and it is no wonder this game one Game of the Year at this years Game Awards!
4. Silent Hill 2, PS5
The Silent Hill 2 remake (2024) revisits the chilling tale of James Sunderland. He returns to Silent Hill, guided by a letter from his deceased wife, Mary. As James explores the town, he faces disturbing creatures and unsettling encounters. Along the way, he meets Maria, a woman who resembles Mary but acts like the more sexualized version he might have wished for. As the story unfolds, James uncovers painful truths about his past, confronting both his guilt and the twisted manifestations of his psyche. The game features enhanced visuals, audio, and gameplay, making its atmospheric horror even more intense. Players’ choices lead to multiple endings, deepening the emotional experience. The original game is the greatest survival horror game of all time. So, I was looking forward to this game more than most all year. What I got was the best remake I could have asked for.
3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, XBOX
This game is an exciting adventure set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The game, developed by MachineGames, follows Indy as he races against Nazis to uncover the secrets of the Great Circle. Players travel to various locations, from Vatican City to Shanghai, exploring both linear and open-world areas. Combat can generally be avoided using stealth, while the iconic whip is useful for puzzles and traversal. As Jones, players uncover hidden artifacts and face deadly foes. Throughout, players build alliances, including with Gina, who aids Indy.
Now, I have only gotten about 10 hours into this over 20 hour adventure, but it is without a doubt the best Indiana Jones experience I have had since I watched The Last Crusade as a child. The comedy, action, pacing, and dialogue is all so perfect that it feels like it should have been made as a proper sequel. And since the faces here are all exactly that of the original trilogy, you can totally pretend it is. Troy Baker’s voice acting is also so spot on that you will never question whether it is Indiana Jones. Even Harrison Ford was impressed enough to sing his praises at this years Game Awards. Which if this game had come out a few months earlier, I’m sure this would have taken home a few status.
2. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, PS5, XBOX
A lot of fuss was made about this years Game Awards allowing DLC content to be nominated for Game of the Year. And it was clear that this happened just so they could include this game. Which is because this game is that damn good. There is also enough content here to be a full game on its own. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree takes players on a new journey, following Miquella’s mysterious trail. The Tarnished, after defeating Mohg and Radahn, tracks Miquella through the Land of Shadow. As they explore, they encounter Miquella’s followers, each with their own stories. Along the way, players unlock new quests and interact with characters like Leda and Dane. Eventually, they reach the Gate of Divinity, only to face magical thorns. After burning the thorns away, the Tarnished confronts Miquella, uncovering his dark plans. The world itself, with its breathtaking views and epic scale, remains one of the game’s most remarkable aspects.
The most amazing thing about this game is to stand on the corner of a mountain staring off at some amazing site in the distance and knowing that some time in the near future you are going to be standing at that amazing site and looking back at where you are at that moment. It is a hell of a feeling and one most other games just can’t come close to.
1. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, PS5
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth builds on the narrative of Remake, following Cloud Strife and Avalanche’s battle against Shinra. After escaping Midgar, the group embarks on a quest to stop Shinra from exploiting the Planet’s Lifestream. Along the way, they encounter old friends and new allies like Yuffie, Vincent, and Cid. The game’s real-time exploration contrasts with the previous title’s linearity, allowing more freedom in traversing the expansive world. Meanwhile, Sephiroth’s return and his plan to summon Meteor intensify the conflict. This leads players to experience a thrilling, unpredictable journey, blending action-packed combat with intricate character development and a deepening plot.
Yet, after all that, this second chapter is really about a kind flower girl named Aerith. Aerith is the heart and soul of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, embodying hope and compassion throughout the story. Voiced beautifully by Brianna White, her portrayal adds depth and warmth to the character, making every moment with her unforgettable. By the end of the game, Aerith’s impact resonates so deeply, leaving players in tears as they reflect on her journey and the profound emotional connection she shares with the party. Her presence lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying her as a truly unforgettable part of the experience. An experience that stands as the best I had in gaming all year long!
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