As we eagerly await the thrilling gaming lineup of 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at all the fantastic experiences 2024 brought us. A year full of surprises, it offered something for everyone—from intriguing bots and a creatively blocky LEGO universe to epic fantasy sagas and cherished classic remakes.
### A Journey Through Expansive RPGs
The past year was magic-rich for fans of vast, enchanting lands filled with spell-wielding heroes and towns perched among the clouds. Atlus, the masterminds behind Persona, ventured into new realms with Metaphor ReFantazio, earning widespread acclaim for its strategic combat, top-notch visuals, and memorable battle scores.
In the same vein, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gracefully tackled the challenge of reimagining an iconic RPG, following the success of its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake. Meanwhile, Granblue Fantasy: Relink brought exhilarating co-op battles alongside its sweeping narrative, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard wrapped up the year with a gripping adventure and a moving soundtrack from celebrated composers Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
Still, for those who prefer a more grounded experience in their RPGs, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth offered a switch from magic to mayhem, delivering an engaging combat system set in the gritty world of the Yakuza series.
### Reviving Classic Remasters
Classic games took center stage this year, proving they’re still capable of capturing our imaginations. Disney’s Epic Mickey made a vibrant comeback, introducing new capabilities alongside its refreshed look. Lara Croft enthusiasts were treated to a goldmine of adventures with the remastered Tomb Raider Trilogy, while Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged reunited fans with George Stobbart and Nico Collard for a 4K dive into the mystery of the Knights Templar.
Sci-fi lovers weren’t left out, as Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition kept fans thrilled across shooter and action-adventure landscapes. Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload catered to fantasy RPG aficionados, while Capcom reignited nostalgia with Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, bringing enhanced zombie chaos.
### Embracing Horror and Retro-inspired Thrills
The year had its fair share of spooks as well, both from remastered legends and fresh faces. Silent Hill 2 returned to the spotlight with a stunning remake that heightened its bone-chilling narrative with improved visuals. New entries like Crow Country embraced retro survival horror aesthetics, while Fear the Spotlight leaned into classic graphic styles to intensify its eerie storyline. Nostalgia also rang loud and clear with the laugh-and-scare combo offered by Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, reviving the cult film’s thrills.
Modern horror offerings also made waves; Still Wakes the Deep served a nuanced eerie atmosphere, blending psychological and cosmic horror elements. VR aficionados could dive into Alien: Rogue Incursion, where deep space terror nabbed new dimensions.
### The Rise of Character Platformers
Platformers faced the challenge head-on this year, led by Astro Bot’s whimsical adventure. Team Asobi’s creation charmed with its innovative level design and clever use of the DualSense controller, quickly claiming its place as a fan favorite.
Don’t overlook the more subtle hits that captured hearts, like Another Crab’s Treasure, which delivered a unique action-adventure through an unexpected protagonist—an angry hermit crab armed with underwater spiritedness. Meanwhile, Penny’s Big Breakaway offered a buoyant and retro-inspired romp, juggling kitschy charm with high-paced energy as the titular hero navigated penguin-packed predicaments.
### The Beauty of Creative Art Design
2024 didn’t just see gameplay innovation; it also celebrated eye-catching art design. Harold Halibut stood out with its handcrafted stop-motion aesthetics, offering a distinctive experience after a decade in development. Neva drew players in with vivid colors and striking contrasts in its puzzle-platformer world, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! indulged in quirky slapstick humor, elegantly echoing classic British comics.
Adding to the artistic adventure was LEGO Horizon Adventures, which reimagined Horizon Zero Dawn with a playful twist. The unique aspect here? Every in-game object, including the formidable machines, can be built using real LEGO sets.
So, which of these standout titles and trends made your personal list of favorites in 2024?
