Festive Feature #4 – The Five Best Comebacks of 2024

As a lifelong gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that 2024 was an exceptional year for video games. Each title released this year showcased the creativity and passion of its development team, and it was a delight to immerse myself in these unique worlds.

Firstly, Dragon Age: The Veilguard transported me back to the rich fantasy world of Thedas, with its intricate storytelling and deep RPG mechanics that I had missed dearly since the last release in the series ten years ago. BioWare’s return to form was a welcome sight, and their commitment to choice and consequence made every decision feel meaningful.

Next, Slitterhead, directed by the enigmatic Keiichirō Toyama, took me on a dark and surreal journey that was both unsettling and captivating. With its roots in the real world but flights of grisly fantasy, it was a testament to Toyama’s ability to iterate on his own ideas and create something truly original.

The comeback I was most excited for, however, was Slitterhead. As someone who grew up with the Silent Hill series, it was a joy to see Toyama return to form, and the game did not disappoint. With its menu noises reminiscent of my childhood, mechanics borrowed from Siren, and an original score by Akira Yamaoka, Slitterhead was a love letter to fans of the genre.

Now, as I sit here, reflecting on this year’s releases, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for gaming. With such talented developers pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling, I eagerly await the next wave of games that will surely blow us all away. And let’s not forget, if a game doesn’t have a good save system, it’s like a roller coaster without a seatbelt – you might enjoy the ride, but you’ll never want to get on again!

Isn’t it delightful when something comes back after being absent? It’s a small comfort we get when a show or series seems to have ended – the hope that one day it will return, unscathed by time and in top shape, as if nothing ever happened. In 2024, we saw the comeback of several games, characters, and series that many thought were gone forever. These aren’t just updated versions or re-imaginings; they are actual returns from previous years. Instead of criticizing the industry for its lack of innovation, let’s appreciate the return of familiar faces. So, let’s offer our salutes and gratitude to these games, which have shown remarkable determination. They are sequels, reinventions, fresh concepts, new creators, and old names.

TopSpin 2K25 – A Refreshed Take on a Timeless Classic

The latest installment in this series, Top Spin 4, was released over a decade ago. The cover stars for this game in our region included Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. Nostalgia strikes! Despite Federer’s retirement when the game came out, he and Williams continue to grace the cover of TopSpin 2K25, symbolizing their enduring legacy.

The title, TopSpin, has been slightly modified in this version, with the space between “Top” and “Spin” being removed, giving it a sleeker appearance. However, gameplay on the court remains similar to its predecessor, which is widely regarded as the best digital representation of tennis ever made, so this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Its development by Hangar 13 promises a return to the series’ roots. Fingers crossed that this release is successful enough to warrant sequels with additional funding. The graphics could use some polish, and more licensed stars would definitely enhance the player experience. Playing as John McEnroe in his iconic thigh-high shorts and curly hair is a delight, but the absence of players like Nadal or Djokovic feels noticeable. It’s hard to believe that such renowned figures aren’t included!

As a long-time fan of the Warhammer 40k universe and having played the original Space Marine game several times, I was eagerly awaiting the release of Space Marine 2. The wait was worth it, let me tell you! I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect after thirteen years had passed since the first game, but the developers didn’t disappoint.

The storyline is gripping and immersive, with Captain Titus facing new challenges and adversaries in a galaxy far, far away. The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is smooth and intuitive. I particularly enjoyed the co-op mode, which adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the game.

The combat is fast-paced and intense, with a satisfying sense of power as you wield your chainsword and Bolter against hordes of Orks and Tyranids. The enemies are relentless, but the game never feels unfair or unbeatable, which I appreciate.

Overall, I’d say that Space Marine 2 is a must-play for any fan of Warhammer 40k or action games in general. It’s a worthy sequel that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor and offers a fresh, exciting experience. For the Emperor!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl: After a fifteen-year wait, fans can finally revisit the irradiated landscape, eerie forests, decaying canines, concrete remnants of the Soviet era, rust, and fragility. Fortunately, all the essential elements are in place for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Originally conceived in 2010, the game faced financial hurdles, layoffs, company restructuring, and, most recently, a real-life war. The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced the developer, GSC Game World, to relocate to Prague to complete the project. Despite the challenges, the end product is one of the most anticipated shooters of 2024, boasting an indestructible mood reminiscent of kevlar armor. This isn’t a flawless game; those seeking innovation might be underwhelmed. However, many devoted followers will be eager to explore the Zone and discover it in its original, seemingly untouched state. Similarly, some bugs can be expected, considering the circumstances. Nevertheless, Unreal Engine 5 offers a next-generation experience that makes every grime-covered inch of this scarred world feel real, as you patiently await GSC to iron out the kinks.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel exhilarated about BioWare’s latest offering, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard.” After a decade without a new Dragon Age game, the anticipation was palpable. But then came Mass Effect: Andromeda, which didn’t quite live up to BioWare’s usual excellence. And let’s not even mention the turbulent journey of Anthem, their live-service experiment. However, with their return to Dragon Age this year, BioWare has truly made a triumphant comeback, restoring my faith in their storytelling prowess.

In a shift towards action-oriented gameplay, Dragon Age: The Veilguard reduced some RPG mechanics. However, when it comes to storytelling and world creation, BioWare showed that they’re back in their element. With intricately designed settings and a wealth of choices and consequences rivaling some of the most impactful moments in the Mass Effect series, The Veilguard signaled BioWare’s determination to revisit its past successes. Adding a captivating original soundtrack and a distinct artistic style, it’s almost as if BioWare never left. If they can maintain this approach, even while preserving RPG elements, in the new Mass Effect, then the struggles of Anthem and BioWare’s lean years will be but a fading memory.

Is it fair to consider Slitterhead as a return since it’s an original game from creator Keiichirō Toyama? While Toyama is renowned for his work on Silent Hill, he has also developed games like Siren and Gravity Rush. Now, with his own studio, he delivers us Slitterhead, which bears the distinct Toyama touch. Elements from Silent Hill, mechanics from Siren, one of Akira Yamaoka’s finest soundtracks, and a setting that blends realism with grotesque fantasy can be found in this game. It’s been four years since Toyama’s last game, and it’s refreshing to see him back at work. Innovators like him, who evolve their own concepts and mold unusual aspects around them, are essential. Slitterhead is one of the most peculiar and individualistic games of 2024 – unsettling yet strikingly familiar, like a figure emerging from the fog.

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2024-12-29 15:13