The Best Video Games of 2024 (So Far)
2024 has been a remarkable year for video game enthusiasts. However, it is important to acknowledge the current state of the video game industry, which has been marred by massive layoffs, leaving many talented individuals without stable employment. Despite this unfortunate reality, there have been numerous incredible games released in the first half of the year. Whether you are a fan of RPGs, unique takes on poker, cooperative bug-blasting, or Greek mythology, there is something for everyone to enjoy in 2024.
Animal Well: A Metroidvania Adventure
Animal Well is a game that truly stands out. It is a Metroidvania with an emphasis on puzzle-solving and atmosphere rather than combat. Players embark on a journey as a small blob in a creepy 2D world filled with dangerous creatures and mysterious secrets. The game’s lo-fi aesthetic, complete with CRT scanlines, creates a visually stunning experience. The haunting sound design further immerses players in the game’s eerie atmosphere. Animal Well’s puzzle solutions are clever and rewarding, making players feel accomplished with each solved riddle.
Balatro: A Unique Twist on Poker
Balatro may not have received much attention initially, but it has captured the hearts of many gamers in recent months. This game takes the mechanics of real-life poker and transforms them into a roguelike format, offering a fresh and exciting experience. Players can purchase special cards and power-ups to enhance their gameplay and achieve incredibly high scores. Balatro’s addictive nature has made it a favorite among gamers, but beware, as it may consume your time.
Helldivers II: A Hilarious Co-op Experience
Despite some initial matchmaking issues, Helldivers II has proven to be an outstanding co-op game. It combines punishing combat with humorous cape physics and a satirical take on fascism. The missions are perfectly paced, allowing for casual banter between players while delivering exciting fights. The game’s developers even incorporated an in-game disinformation campaign, denying the existence of certain enemy types. Helldivers II offers a unique and thrilling experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth: A Massive Adventure
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is not only one of the biggest games of 2024 but also one of the best. While some argue that the game’s sprawling open-world format makes it bloated, its best-in-class combat, incredible musical score, endearing characters, and diverse zones make it a captivating experience from start to finish. The game takes bold risks in its final act, leaving players eager for the next installment in the remake trilogy.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: A Thorny Sequel
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has divided opinions among gamers, with some criticizing its limitations on fast-travel. However, Capcom’s decision to maintain the game’s thorny and frictional spirit sets it apart. The developers have found a balance between preserving the essence of the cult classic and creating a more accessible experience. The game’s excellent combat, terrifying boss monsters, and quests that challenge players to think critically make Dragon’s Dogma 2 one of the standout games of 2024.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: A Game with Heart
RPGs have dominated the gaming landscape in 2024, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is no exception. This big-budget game stands out due to its heartfelt storytelling. RGG Studio’s ambitious entry in the Yakuza series offers fleshed-out turn-based combat and two lovable protagonists. While the main plot may lose its way at times, the character development is exceptional. Infinite Wealth delves deeper into the flaws and complexities of its main characters, making them more relatable and endearing.
Persona 3 Reload: A Stylish Remake
Atlus’s Persona series has gained popularity in recent years, with Persona 5 being a major hit. Persona 3 Reload is a ground-up remake of the 2006 game, featuring revamped visuals, music, and combat. The game successfully combines high school dating sim elements with turn-based demon RPG gameplay. Every action in Persona 3 Reload feels purposeful and interconnected, ensuring that players never feel like they are wasting time. While the game’s length may be a drawback, it is worth the investment.
Hades 2: A Sequel with Style
Hades 2, the sequel to Supergiant Games’ acclaimed 2020 title, offers an immersive and satisfying experience. Players follow the Princess of the Underworld on her mission to defeat the Titan of Time. The game features unique combat mechanics that allow players to mix and match power-ups for devastating attacks. Supergiant’s signature style shines through with beautiful art, captivating music, engaging writing, and a poetic narrator. Hades 2 also incorporates dating elements, making it a game that appeals even to those who are not typically fans of roguelikes.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink: Surprising Fun
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a game that defied expectations. Based on a series of free-to-play mobile games, it has been transformed into an action game for consoles. The developers wisely minimized reliance on microtransactions and created an enjoyable experience for all players. Granblue offers challenging boss fights, unique characters, and regular updates to keep players engaged. The game’s final boss theme is a theatrical masterpiece that adds to its overall appeal.
Tekken 8: The Beloved Fighting Game Returns
Tekken 8 continues the beloved legacy of the iconic fighting game series. Bandai Namco’s latest installment features mechanically sound gameplay and a fun story mode. Tekken 8 embraces its silly and weird characters while delivering an entertaining experience. While the game’s full potential is yet to be explored, it is undoubtedly a must-play for fans of the franchise.
In conclusion, 2024 has been an outstanding year for video games, despite the challenges faced by the industry. These ten games represent only a fraction of the incredible titles released in the first half of the year. Whether you enjoy puzzle-solving, poker with a twist, cooperative mayhem, epic adventures, heartfelt storytelling, stylish remakes, or intense fighting games, there is something for everyone in 2024. Let us hope that the talented individuals behind these games can continue to create and inspire while finding stability in their careers.