The thrill of what 2025 has in store is almost here, poised to leap onto our screens any day now. But before we dive headfirst into the next wave, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonders 2024 had in store. This year gifted us a delightful array from brilliant AI companions to the charming blocky universe of LEGO, to grand adventures in fantastical realms and reimagined classics. Indeed, there was something for everyone.
### A Year of Expansive RPGs
The past twelve months proved to be magical for those who relish sprawling mystical lands filled with spell-casting heroes, elfin characters, and sky-high cities. The team behind Persona, Atlus, ventured boldly into new territory with their enchanting Metaphor ReFantazio, earning accolades for its engaging combat system, sleek presentation, and unforgettable battle music.
Similarly, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth took on the challenging task of reimagining a renowned RPG, continuing the momentum built by the wildly successful Final Fantasy VII Remake. Staying true to its roots, Granblue Fantasy: Relink presented fast-paced co-op battles alongside a rich narrative tapestry, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard provided a gripping quest capped with a sensational score from renowned composers Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
On a not-too-distant plane, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth catered to RPG aficionados who prefer gritty urban settings over magic-laden lands, bringing humor and depth to its ever-expanding Yakuza universe.
### A Year of Classic Remasters
While fresh titles captured our imaginations, a plethora of timeless classics resurfaced with more than just a facelift. Disney’s Epic Mickey returned, the beloved mouse now boasting new powers to match his polished visual makeover.
Lara Croft fans unearthed treasures anew with Tomb Raider I–III Remastered. George Stobbart and Nico Collard also reemerged in Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, exploring the ancient secrets of the Knights Templar in a dazzling 4K upgrade.
Exploring even farther, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition delivered their sci-fi thrills across FPS and action-adventure genres, while beloved RPGs like Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload made a return. Zombie lovers had reasons to rejoice too, as Capcom unleashed the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, lumbering with upgraded features and spine-tingling action.
### A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
This year, hearts weren’t just stirred by remastered classics but were also jolted with genuine scares. Silent Hill 2 emerged stunningly from the mist with a makeover that heightened its haunting narrative and infamous encounters with Pyramid Head.
New titles brought a fresh wave of terror, as games like Crow Country wrapped classic survival horror mechanics in a nostalgic 1990s aesthetic. Fear the Spotlight played with retro charm for an eerie twist, while Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game revisited its quirky ‘80s roots with thrilling multiplayer escapades.
For fans seeking modern fright, Still Wakes the Deep served a claustrophobic cocktail of psychological horror with cosmic undertones. Meanwhile, Alien: Rogue Incursion’s VR adventure offered truly immersive, terrifying face-to-face frights.
### A Year of Character Platformers
2024 set a new benchmark for platformers, promising to inspire future innovations. Leading the charge was the ever-creative and enchanting Astro Bot by Team Asobi, which quickly became a classic with its imaginative levels, innovative use of the DualSense controller, and unforgettable character cameos.
But there were a few surprise entries too. Another Crab’s Treasure introduced a quirky aquatic adventure, featuring Kril, a temperamental hermit crab using ocean junk as tools. On a lighter note, Penny’s Big Breakaway offered a lively trip down memory lane, as our protagonist dodged Emperor Eddie’s eccentric penguins while clearing her name.
### A Year of Creative Art Design
2024 wasn’t just about gameplay; it was a visual feast too, with games boasting unique styles that married aesthetics with gameplay. Harold Halibut stood out thanks to its decade-long labor of love, utilizing physical dioramas for a unique look in its charming graphic adventure.
Neva captivated with its stunning use of color and contrast in its puzzle-driven platforming, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced its absurd humor with a vibrant style, echoing classic British comedic comics.
And in a bold and blocky twist, LEGO Horizon Adventures spiced up Horizon Zero Dawn, showcasing an inventive design where players could recreate everything seen in-game with real LEGO sets.
So, as we look back on 2024, which games and trends caught your eye the most?
