As the gaming world anticipates the rollercoaster of experiences set to land in 2025, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate the treasures 2024 delivered. This past year was a delightful blend of innovative bots, the charm of LEGO creations, grand fantasy journeys, and beloved classics reimagined. Truly, there was something for every gamer out there.
### A Year of Expansive RPGs
The standout of 2024 was undoubtedly its lineup of expansive role-playing games (RPGs). It was a magical year teeming with enchanting worlds where sorcerous heroes roamed, and cities floated in the skies. The creators of Persona, Atlus, ventured into uncharted territory with their fantasy epic, Metaphor ReFantazio. The game was met with admiration, thanks to its intricate combat, sleek design, and unforgettable music.
In parallel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth took on the tall task of reinventing a legendary RPG. It managed to maintain momentum set by its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake. On the action RPG front, Granblue Fantasy: Relink offered engaging co-op gameplay alongside its epic story, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard closed out the year magnificently, with a stirring score from the distinguished Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
On the grittier side of things, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth catered to those who favored urban action over mystical realms, with a combat system as lively as its Yakuza universe expansion.
### A Year of Classic Remasters
While new titles took imagination on a joyride, the classics made a triumphant return as well. Disney’s Epic Mickey was a fitting example, with updates adding fresh powers to match its enhanced graphics. For the Tomb Raider aficionados, the remastered collection of Tomb Raider I-III unearthed a treasure trove of nostalgic flair.
George Stobbart and Nico Collard embarked on their timeless journey once more in the remastered Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition satisfied sci-fi fans, while classic RPG fans delighted in the Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload. And let’s not overlook Capcom’s zombie saga, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, which shuffled onto our screens with some smart updates. Speaking of undead thrills…
### A Year of Horror and Retro-inspired Scares
Revitalized classics weren’t just about warmth and cheer; some were crafted to chill. Silent Hill 2 reemerged, its unsettling narrative bolstered by stunning visuals. This wasn’t the only title to up the scare factor, either. Retro-inspired horror like Crow Country evoked 90s nostalgia, with Fear the Spotlight opting for a similarly vintage vibe.
Bringing the 80s back with a twist, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game mixed horror with humor, drawing inspiration from the cult movie. For the modern thriller enthusiasts, Still Wakes the Deep offered a spine-tingling psychological horror experience, while the VR spectacle Alien: Rogue Incursion provided intense cosmic terror.
### A Year of Character Platformers
2024 proved pivotal for the platform genre, laying groundwork for future endeavors. Leading the charge was Astro Bot, from Team Asobi. Its fun-filled adventure quickly became a beloved classic, thanks to imaginative level design and clever DualSense controller integration.
Additionally, games like Another Crab’s Treasure introduced a fascinating aquatic world, blending action-adventure elements with a Soulslike twist. By contrast, Penny’s Big Breakaway reminded players of the fast-paced platformers of yesteryear, with a vibrant tale of a hero’s quest to clear her name against a backdrop of zany penguins.
### A Year of Creative Art Design
This year also brought us some of the most visually captivating games. Harold Halibut stood out with its painstakingly crafted stop-motion aesthetic, taking a decade in development to perfect.
Neva’s striking use of colors elevated its puzzle-platforming gameplay, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced its absurd humor with a bold comic book style. Lastly, LEGO Horizon Adventures offered a blocky yet brilliant spin on Horizon Zero Dawn, showcasing creativity with its LEGO-built game world and real-world counterparts.
What were your standout games and trends from 2024?
