As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the games that brought joy to gamers this year. We’ve selected ten of the best titles released for PC and consoles. These games span various genres and have been highly praised by both fans and critics.
The list of the best games of 2024 begins with a visually stunning title filled with emotional depth. Yes, we’re talking about Stellar Blade, initially announced as Project Eve. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Eve as she fights for humanity’s survival. The fast-paced combat relies heavily on timing and precision. You’ll need to study enemy patterns and perfectly execute attacks and dodges, making the experience both challenging and rewarding.
The graphics and animations showcase the full potential of Unreal Engine, with immersive environmental designs that deliver a cinematic feel. On Metacritic, the game holds a score of 81. While its visuals and combat were praised, some critics noted repetitive elements and a slow-paced story. Despite this, Stellar Blade has earned its place as one of the year’s top games.
Next up is Ubisoft’s action-packed Prince of Persia: The Lost Ground. Set in mythical Persia, the game follows Sargon, a young warrior on a mission to rescue a kidnapped prince. Along the way, he employs time manipulation and powerful combat techniques. The engaging narrative brings a nostalgic touch for fans of the series.
The gameplay combines fast-paced platforming with fluid combat, requiring players to solve puzzles and explore the richly detailed world. Vibrant visuals and a fitting soundtrack enhance the experience. With a Metacritic score of 86, this is one of Ubisoft’s highest-rated titles and a must-play for both classic fans and newcomers.
Another standout is Bandai Namco’s iconic fighting game, Tekken 8. The intense gameplay and striking visuals make it a remarkable addition to the franchise. The story mode delves into family drama and rivalries, continuing the saga of the Mishima clan while exploring each character’s journey.
Gameplay improvements include enhanced mechanics, refined controls, and the new Heat system, which adds depth and excitement to combat. Each character’s unique moves and fighting styles make every battle engaging. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game’s visuals are stunning, with detailed animations and immersive stages. Scoring 90 on Metacritic, Tekken 8 is also a prominent title in the esports scene.
The list continues with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, developed by Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive. Set in the grim future of humanity, the game follows Captain Titus as he battles against the Tyranid hordes. The sequel elevates chaotic battles and strategic combat with a perfect balance of melee and ranged weaponry.
The intense fights against massive enemies are satisfying, and the co-op mode adds an extra layer of engagement. With Unreal Engine 5, the visuals and sound design are exceptional, offering detailed character models and an immersive atmosphere. Holding a Metacritic score of 82, this game is a worthy addition to the Warhammer universe and a must-play for sci-fi action fans.
The next title is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second chapter of Square Enix’s acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.
Thanks to its stunning visuals, deep storytelling, and refined gameplay, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lived up to fans’ expectations. The story continues with legendary characters like Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barret as they explore a vast open world beyond Midgar. The narrative is filled with twists and emotional moments, making it a compelling experience for players.
The game takes a unique direction, catering perfectly to both long-time fans and newcomers. Its combat system is a blend of action and strategy, with character-switching mechanics that add excitement to battles. Exploration and side quests are even more immersive thanks to the open-world design, allowing players to fully appreciate the game’s massive scale.
The visuals are breathtaking and memorable, while the gameplay depth, world design, and narrative have earned widespread acclaim. With a Metacritic score of 92, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth stands as a triumph of game design.
Next is Astro Bot, an adventure featuring Sony’s beloved robot mascot. This platformer raises the bar for the genre with its stunning visuals, creative level design, and smooth gameplay, making it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
The story is straightforward, with Astro Bot embarking on a mission to rescue his robot friends in a colorful and adventurous world. Each level introduces new themes and mechanics, keeping the experience fresh and surprising. The responsive controls and precise platforming ensure the game remains fun and engaging.
Innovative mechanics and gadgets add another layer of enjoyment, while exploration and collectibles provide depth, appealing to completionists. The vibrant graphics showcase the capabilities of the PS5, and the energetic soundtrack perfectly matches the game’s playful tone.
With a Metacritic score of 94, Astro Bot is a must-play for platforming enthusiasts.
At fourth place is a timeless classic of the psychological horror genre, Silent Hill 2 Remake. Developed by Bloober Team and Konami, this remake honors the original’s legacy while updating it to meet modern gaming standards.
The story follows James as he embarks on a chilling journey to the ghostly town of Silent Hill after receiving a mysterious letter from his late wife. The narrative is deeply emotional, weaving psychological themes with spine-tingling twists.
The classic controls have been updated with new mechanics, enhancing both exploration and combat. The enemy designs are haunting and imaginative, keeping tension and fear high throughout the experience.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are atmospheric and immersive, featuring fog-filled streets and eerie interiors. The legendary soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka, amplifies the game’s chilling ambiance.
With a Metacritic score of 86, Silent Hill 2 Remake is a standout title for horror and survival fans.
Now we move to the top three games of the year.
In third place is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, a critically acclaimed expansion by FromSoftware. This DLC builds on the legacy of the base game with its extraordinary world design, challenging gameplay, and rich lore.
The story delves into the mysteries of the Erdtree and its shadow, taking players to a haunting and visually stunning new region. The expansion introduces new characters, factions, and secrets, further enriching the intricate world of Elden Ring.
Gameplay enhancements include new weapons, spells, and abilities, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. The scale and complexity of the boss fights have been taken to new heights, delivering the intense challenge that fans expect from FromSoftware.
(The soundtrack of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is grand and perfectly complements the game’s tone and atmosphere. This DLC has earned a score of 94 on Metacritic, with critics and players alike praising its depth and quality.
Taking the second spot is Helldivers 2, a co-op squad shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios. This sequel builds on the tactical essence of the original while delivering a next-level experience with larger-scale battles and cinematic visuals.
Set in a dystopian future, players take on the role of Helldivers, elite soldiers fighting alien forces to ensure humanity’s survival. The game incorporates a patriotic theme, adding emotional weight to its narrative. The gameplay offers an intense mix of team-based combat and strategic planning, with the added challenge of friendly fire making every decision critical.
With new weapons, vehicles, and extensive customization options, the gameplay feels dynamic and engaging. The stunning visuals take full advantage of PS5 and PC hardware, and the maps, locations, and alien designs are uniquely crafted to feel realistic and immersive. Scoring 82 on Metacritic, Helldivers 2 is a standout title for fans of tactical shooters.
Now, it’s time to unveil the year’s top game. Among the many remarkable titles on this list, one truly stands out as deserving of the number-one spot: Black Myth: Wukong.
One of the most anticipated games of 2024, it exceeded expectations upon release. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are breathtaking, and the game draws deeply from ancient Chinese mythology, offering a truly unique experience.
The gameplay features Wukong’s transformative abilities and challenging boss battles, which keep the combat fresh and engaging. Each moment of the game feels cinematic, and the meticulously crafted world-building immerses players completely.
Despite some controversy surrounding its developers, the game’s quality remains undeniable. With an initial Metacritic score of 91 and overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, Black Myth: Wukong is not only visually stunning but also a technical masterpiece.
If you haven’t played it yet, it’s a must-try title, as are all the games on this list.
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