The 10 Best Video Games of 2024

As a seasoned gamer with over 30 years of experience under my belt, I have to say that this year’s gaming landscape has been nothing short of extraordinary! The games released this year have truly showcased the potential of modern video games and left me in awe.

2024 saw a comparatively subdued release schedule for video games, with fewer big-budget titles and many of them spread across different seasons. However, things picked up in the fall when multiple games were launched simultaneously, resulting in an abundance to choose from. This year’s top picks are less about discovering the absolute best games and more about uncovering satisfying gaming experiences, even amidst some setbacks. Interestingly, this trend mirrors many aspects of life too.

As a movie buff putting on my gaming glasses, I’ve got to say this year has been tough on the gaming world. Major players like Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Gaming, Bungie, Riot Games, and EA have taken a hit with a wave of layoffs across their teams. It seems that corporate capitalism is calling the shots here, with companies trying to keep investors happy at the expense of employees. For instance, EA’s strategy is shifting towards creating games based on popular intellectual properties and loot-based MMOs, hoping to reel in players who’ll invest long-term cash into a game. It’s like they’re dangling a carrot on a string, but the hunt for that perfect loot-based game continues.

A significant issue in various industries today involves the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). For instance, SAG-AFTRA actors initiated a strike in July due to video game developers employing their voices and likenesses without permission. By September, approximately 80 video game developers accepted the union’s terms. Similarly, the entertainment industry, including Hollywood, will likely face ongoing conflicts regarding AI usage. Joining the discussion is Elon Musk, who plans to launch an AI-focused game studio with the aim of enhancing gaming experiences yet again.

The beloved publication “Game Informer” ceased operation in August, brought about by GameStop. This event was a melancholic moment for those who fondly remember reading it for the freshest gaming news, critiques, and previews during their youth. Over the span of 33 years, it became an essential part of the gaming experience for millennials. Farewell to the cherished memories!

This year, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of PlayStation, which started off as a risky venture for Sony but has since become the leading name in video gaming. Here’s to the trailblazers!

From a passionate film enthusiast’s perspective, it seems that video game adaptations on the big and small screens have had their ups and downs. Despite Eli Roth’s “Borderlands,” filmed in 2021 with Tim Miller reshoots in early 2023, boasting a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis, it was met with both critical and commercial disappointment. Yet, optimism prevails, as the speedy, blue, and chili dog enthusiast, Sonic, is back in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” Set to hit theaters on December 20, this installment brings together Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Dr. Robotnik to take down a new adversary, Shadow the Hedgehog. Early predictions suggest that it could outshine Disney’s “Mufasa,” potentially setting a new record for holiday box office earnings.

In the realm of video game adaptations, Sonic paved the way to television, offering plenty more to delight us. One standout example is the Sonic spin-off miniseries titled “Knuckles,” starring Idris Elba in the lead role. This series, produced by Paramount+, became their most-watched original production when all six episodes premiered in April, earning positive reviews. Meanwhile, Netflix unveiled an animated adaptation of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. This series follows the reboot trilogy games, Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, serving as a bridge between those games and the original Tomb Raider. The show, featuring Hayley Atwell’s voice, received positive feedback when it debuted in October, with Netflix already greenlighting a second season.

In the year 2024, the Prime Video series “Fallout,” inspired by the Bethesda game franchise, was hailed as the pinnacle of video game adaptations. Set within the game’s existing narrative, this captivating show featured Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, and Walton Goggins in leading roles. It garnered 16 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and Best Lead Actor for Goggins. Critics and viewers alike raved about it, and production on a second season is now underway.

Coming up on Prime Video this month is the captivating animated anthology series, “Secret Level,” which echoes the style of Netflix’s “Love, Death & Robots.” The talented creator, Tim Miller, collaborates with various animators to spin tales within both familiar and reinvented gaming universes such as “Warhammer,” “Sifu,” “Pac-Man,” “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Mega Man,” and “Armored Core,” among others. Notable voice actors in this production include Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Beach, and Temuera Morrison.

In summary, if there’s one common thread that ran through these games this year, it was the importance of patience and determination. Victories were earned through persistence, opponents often appeared formidable, and at times, the tools we used to maximize our enjoyment let us down. However, those who continued to fight despite seemingly impossible odds, who waited for updates while acknowledging that in an ideal world, such issues wouldn’t arise, and who passed on their valuable knowledge to newer players to enhance their gaming experience—they were ultimately the ones who triumphed.

Here are TIME’s favorite games of the year.

10. Helldivers 2

Earlier this year, gamers overwhelmingly played and broke records with Helldivers 2, a fast-paced cooperative third-person shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios. This sequel to the 2015 top-down shooter quickly became PlayStation’s best-selling game of all time, causing server overloads within a week of its February release due to the influx of new players. The game’s popularity may be attributed to the desire for high-octane action after numerous heavy story-based games released in 2023, such as Baldur’s Gate. In simpler terms, it seems that people were simply seeking an adrenaline rush.

The game is inspired by Paul Verhoeven’s “Starship Troopers” (1997), featuring elements such as satirical military propaganda, battles against alien insectoids, and cyborgs. The plot isn’t elaborate; players assume the role of a Helldiver, embarking on progressively challenging missions to acquire better weapons, equipment, and in-game currency to buy them, enabling them to overcome increasingly tough adversaries. Due to an influx of enemies, the servers often encountered overloads, leaving those who couldn’t connect in time at a disadvantage against other gamers. However, the game remains true to its fundamental premise: survive or perish. The sequel, “Helldivers 2,” demonstrated that survival is easier if you’re prepared to invest substantial time in character development.

Available on PlayStation 5 and Windows.

9. Lego Horizon Adventures

Since its release in 2017, the Horizon series has emerged as one of PlayStation’s favorite franchises. The prospect of delving into this world with the playful perspective of Lego was an instant success. Although the partnership between Guerilla Games, Studio Gobo, and The Lego Group received mixed reviews from critics, the game provides a delightful and rewarding gaming experience, particularly for those who enjoy playing with or mentoring younger gamers, or young gamers embarking on their own adventures. Essentially, Lego Horizon Adventures reimagines the story of Horizon: Zero Dawn (2017), incorporating all the humor and pop culture references that have made the Lego Star Wars games so beloved by people of all ages.

Over the last ten years, there has been a scarcity of games suitable for younger audiences, except those specifically designed for Nintendo. As a result, Lego games have remained popular among players of all ages due to their universal appeal. However, there’s an allure in the gameplay mechanics of T-rated titles, and personally, I find _Horizon_ captivating because of its rich world, robotic creatures, and the archery skills of Alloy.

Available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Windows.

8. Star Wars Outlaws

Step into a notorious den of scoundrels and criminals! Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft invite you to delve into the shady underbelly of the galaxy beyond our own, taking on the role of Kay Vess – a rogue with a questionable moral compass and dreams of escaping the Outer Rim for life on one of the core planets. Set in the timeframe between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws is an action-adventure game that immerses you in a world of shootouts, heists, lockpicking, speeder races, gambling, and backstabbing. Although nothing can match the excitement of being a Jedi, Outlaws provides a unique adventure within the Star Wars Universe, as Kay is compelled to align with various criminal factions to amass allies, favors, and ensure her survival. Along the way, she gathers team members to execute the biggest heist of her career.

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.

7. Black Myth: Wukong

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that Game Science’s “Black Myth: Wukong” has etched its name in history as the inaugural AAA (a high-budget game from a major studio) in China’s video game industry, traditionally more recognized for mobile games. This masterpiece, showered with praise, is deeply rooted in Wu Cheng’en’s legendary novel “Journey to the West.” In this captivating journey, players step into the role of The Destined One, a monkey embodying the reincarnation of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. As I traverse through these towering mountains, I encounter a diverse array of Chinese spirits and mythological beings, each presenting unique challenges to fulfill my destiny.

This game boasts the most outstanding art design of the year, featuring stunning, intricate landscapes of forests, temples, and mountains. The depiction of mythical creatures mirrors the God of War series in its imaginative blend of the bold and the terrifying. Although some gamers have found the storyline challenging due to unfamiliarity with the book, the game effectively fills in gaps and provides a comprehensive glossary. It’s clear why it’s likely to be many players’ Game of the Year. However, the combat can be quite tough, becoming frustratingly difficult at times, never truly feeling intuitive despite the various charms encountered along the way. The numerous challenges often feel more powerful than the protagonist, making some battles feel like an endless struggle. For those who are skilled in the Souls games, this might not be the case. Your experience may vary, but with countless hours spent trying to overcome the same boss repeatedly, this monkey has ascended to heaven far too frequently.

Available on PlayStation 5 and Windows.

6. Alan Wake 2: Night Springs and The Lake House

As you were settling into a quiet evening, you’d least expect it, but TIME’s Game of the Year for 2023, “Alan Wake 2”, made its comeback this year, offering even more enigmas to unravel. Two add-ons, named “Night Springs” and “The Lake House”, added approximately four hours of fresh content to the game. Remedy Entertainment’s initial DLC, “Night Springs”, consists of three standalone narratives that unfold within the fictional TV series akin to “The Twilight Zone”, also called “Night Springs”. These stories interweave with familiar characters from “Alan Wake 2” as they navigate their individual nightmares, which grow progressively strange and self-referential.

In the second downloadable content (DLC), titled “The Lake House“, there’s a continued narrative link between Alan Wake and Remedy’s other series, Control. This time around, players assume the role of FBC (Federal Bureau of Control) agent Kiran Estevez, navigating the FBC site, the Lake House, and confronting horrors lurking within. Additionally, she discovers emails and clues that point her towards a dangerous shapeshifting entity. Much like Alan Wake 2, these DLCs evoke a chilling sense of dread and demonstrate game creator Sam Lake’s innovative exploration of what video games can achieve narratively, pushing players to follow him deeper into the narrative mystery. If the anticipation for Control 2 based on these DLC stories and fan theories is any indication, gamers are ready to go quite far.

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.

5. Neva

In the realm of indie games this year, Nomada Studio and publisher Devolver Digital left a significant mark with their visually stunning side-scroller, “Neva”. The story revolves around a young woman named Alba, accompanied by her wolf companion, Neva, as they journey through four seasons across a fantasy landscape, battling an encroaching darkness embodied by fearsome creatures. As the player advances, Neva evolves from a cub to a full-grown wolf, altering their relationship and deepening their emotional connection. The game is dialogue-sparse, with Alba only uttering “Neva”, allowing the poignant score by Berlinist to take center stage. Combat and puzzle-solving acquire a new level of majesty through Neva’s vivid animations, reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke” (1997). It’s been a while since a side-scroller felt so innovative. Although the gameplay and aesthetic differ, “Neva” shares a similar emotional payoff with the game “Stray” (2022). Keep some tissues close at hand.

Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, macOS, and Windows.

4. Silent Hill 2

In my restless slumber, I often envision that town, a reference to “Silent Hill 2.” The game faced significant challenges since its unveiling in 2022. Besides the disappointment from the canceled “Silent Hills” game, announced through the playable teaser game “P.T.” in 2014 and directed by Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro, fans were skeptical about Bloober Team’s ability to recreate such a horror classic. However, “Silent Hill 2” was one of the year’s most surprising hits, managing to retain the eerie ambiance of the original while modernizing the gameplay for contemporary horror gamers accustomed to recent “Resident Evil” remakes and newer entries rather than the fixed-camera style of earlier “Silent Hill” versions.

Available on PlayStation 5 and Windows.

3. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

The sequel to Square Enix’s three-part revamp of Final Fantasy VII, titled Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, unfolds directly after the 2020 release of Final Fantasy VII: Remake. The story finds Cloud Strife and AVALANCE confronting Shinra Power Company, which is depleting the planet’s vital energy. However, Shinra has a secret weapon: Sephiroth, who was believed to be deceased, but is in fact alive and determined to attain divine status. Similar to both Remake and the 1997 original, the storyline is dense with lore. The combat system, while quick and interactive, departing from the original game’s command inputs, demands a degree of patience. For those new to the series, the abundance of cutscenes and dialog-heavy interactions might come as a surprise, but they all contribute to enriching the world.

Transforming a singular tale into a trilogy offers a richer character development and emotional bonding experience. Engaging in battles with Cloud’s Buster Swords may be thrilling, but the most memorable moments often stem from the heartfelt encounters with allies. These meaningful exchanges resonate with both newcomers and long-time fans of the original series. One notable improvement in Rebirth over Remake is an enlarged open world, providing ample room for additional side quests and interactions. Essentially, the game’s expansive nature can seem daunting at first, but once you find your stride, these supplementary narratives enrich the world and its inhabitants, making Cloud’s struggle alongside AVALANCE even more compelling. It’s safe to say that Square Enix will go all out for the final installment, ensuring that the Final Fantasy VII Trilogy will be remembered as one of the greatest epic series in video game history – a remarkable achievement considering it’s just an update of a game already hailed as one of video game history’s greatest successes.

Available on PlayStation 5.

2. Astro Bot

Without a doubt, this year’s most enjoyable gaming adventure is Astro Bot. Previously known characters like Astro Bot from the games Astro Bot Rescue Mission (2018) and Astro’s Playroom (2020), created by Team Asobi, are now starring in a full-length game. Leveraging all the capabilities of the PS5 controller for movement, precision, and sound, Astro Bot ensures that every button is utilized as players guide Astro Bot through various worlds to save bots from his stranded spaceship across four galaxies and 90 unique planets. Each planet presents distinct challenges, a variety of terrains, and types of enemies, offering an ever-evolving gaming experience.

Many worlds in this game are influenced by timeless video games and popular PlayStation series such as Uncharted, God of War, and Horizon, filled with Easter eggs and tributes to PlayStation’s legacy. It has the spirit of games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Spyro the Dragon, where the story serves only to provide structure for gameplay. Astro Bot stands out as a triumph in PlayStation’s re-commitment to family games – playing it with my children made me less strict about screen time. It’s an effective introduction to game controllers, but it’s also tough enough for everyone to feel a sense of accomplishment upon completing a planet. With innovative gameplay and an unforgettable soundtrack by Kenneth C. M. Young, Astro Bot is a joyful tribute to PlayStation’s 30-year journey. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another 30 years for a sequel!

Available on PlayStation 5.

1. Dragon Age: The Veilguard

When it comes to high-fantasy RPGs, both Elder Scrolls and Baldur’s Gate 3 have been a delight for gamers. It’s been a full decade since we last saw BioWare with Dragon Age: Inquisition, but their past ten years weren’t as successful, marked by the cancellation of Shadow Realms, the underwhelming Mass Effect: Andromeda, and the troubled venture into MMOs with Anthem. There were valid concerns about whether BioWare still had the spark to continue the Dragon Age series. However, they certainly did! Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a strong comeback, and it’s clear that BioWare wanted to make a statement with this game.

Kudos go out to what appears to be the most sophisticated character creation tool yet seen in video games. You could easily spend hours adjusting your character’s appearance, with details like bone structure and tissue placement meticulously considered from all perspectives. What sets this character creator apart is its inclusivity, not only in terms of race but also gender, by offering nonbinary pronouns and a wide range of physical customization options such as hairstyles. Before the game even starts, there’s an emphasis on making The Veilguard feel unique and tailored to the gamer, ensuring they truly identify with their character.

In the storyline, the game transpires a decade post-“Inquisition” and continues directly from the post-credits scene of that game, where Solas, once an ally, is unveiled as the elven deity of treachery, attempting to shatter the Veil – a mystical barricade separating mortals from the netherworld. The narrative commences swiftly, and veterans of the franchise will be captivated by the combat and navigation aspects, reminiscent of the “Dragon Age” series. These features are notably impressive in a market saturated with visually stunning fantasy games. However, BioWare is renowned for its journey, and it’s the bonds formed with your companions that truly set this game apart. Among the six available companions, each presents a unique skill set and personality. Unlike earlier games in the series, choosing the seemingly amicable response in dialogue trees won’t always guarantee the desired outcome. This installment places more emphasis on character traits, making connections even more exhilarating because it’s not just about being agreeable. The game also introduces portals as a convenient travel feature, and the option to summon companions’ special abilities from an open menu is a thoughtful addition. While some may yearn for the politically charged narrative of its predecessor, “The Veilguard” offers a satisfying new direction for the series that’s rich in lore but not overwhelmingly dense, allowing players to fully enjoy slaying demons. If one word could encapsulate “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” as TIME’s Game of the Year, it would be: rewarding.

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2024-12-05 19:07