As we eagerly anticipate the thrill-packed gaming experiences of 2025, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the diverse array of adventures 2024 delivered. From innovative AI companions to immersive LEGO landscapes, epic fantasy realms, and reinvented classics, this year truly offered something exceptional for everyone.
A Year of Expansive RPGs
This year was a treat for fans of sprawling and enchanting RPGs, filled with mystical heroes, elven communities, and aerial cities. Atlus, the creators of Persona, bravely ventured into new territories with Metaphor ReFantazio. This fantastical game captured widespread praise, thanks to its strategic combat, sleek visuals, and engaging battle themes.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continued to build on the legacy of the classic RPG series, maintaining the momentum of its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake. Granblue Fantasy: Relink brought fast-paced, cooperative action RPG excitement with its engaging storyline, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard wrapped up the year with a captivating quest and a stirring score by the legendary Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
For those seeking something more grounded, albeit still fantastical, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth entertained RPG fans with intense combat and explored the dynamic Yakuza universe’s underworld in depth.
A Year of Classic Remasters
Even amidst the plethora of new releases sparking the imagination, a significant number of classic games returned, not just with enhanced visuals, but with added depth and features. Disney’s Epic Mickey stole the spotlight with its revamped abilities and dazzling graphics, breathing new life into the beloved mouse’s adventures.
Fans of the iconic Lara Croft rejoiced with the remastered editions of Tomb Raider I–III, while Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged allowed players to relive George Stobbart and Nico Collard’s exciting quest in beautiful 4K resolution. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition offered fans sci-fi thrills, with Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload enhancing the RPG landscape.
Capcom also delivered for zombie enthusiasts with Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, bringing a host of improvements to its undead action.
A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
Beyond heart-pounding remasters, there were games that truly shocked our senses. Silent Hill 2 returned to haunt us with a breathtaking remake, presenting Pyramid Head in a way that heightened the original’s chilling narrative.
New titles like Crow Country and Fear the Spotlight celebrated retro aesthetics, while offering gripping horror experiences that felt nostalgic yet fresh. Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game entertained with its quirky yet terrifying multiplayer based on the cult ’80s film.
For those leaning towards contemporary horror, Still Wakes the Deep delivered a haunting psychological experience, and Alien: Rogue Incursion provided spine-chilling scares in a VR setting, keeping both our hearts racing and our ears keen.
A Year of Character Platformers
Shaping the future of platformers, 2024 has been led by the imaginative and delightful Astro Bot. This Team Asobi creation has quickly become a fan-favorite due to its creative level designs and engaging use of the DualSense controller.
Some sleeper hits made their mark as well. Another Crab’s Treasure introduced players to Kril’s underwater world where crab shells and random debris become makeshift armor and weapons. On the lighter side, Penny’s Big Breakaway offered vibrant and nostalgic gameplay chased by Emperor Eddie’s mischievous penguins.
A Year of Creative Art Design
In 2024, games not only amazed us with engaging stories but also with art styles that stood out remarkably. Harold Halibut’s stop-motion animation created a captivating aesthetic, blending physical dioramas into its charming graphic adventure.
Neva’s stunning use of color brought its puzzle-platformer world to life, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! leaned into absurd humor with an art style reminiscent of classic British comic books. LEGO Horizon Adventures creatively melded gaming with real-world LEGO building, showcasing impressive machines and vibrant landscapes, all constructible with actual bricks.
Looking back, it’s clear 2024 was a year packed with a wide variety of gaming experiences. Which titles and trends captured your interest this past year?
