Last year was especially remarkable for the video game industry. Several high-profile releases have achieved both commercial and critical success, including “Baldur’s Gate 3” and “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”, while smaller indie puzzlers like “Chants of Sennaar” have also delighted audiences. .
This year, however, brought a less favorable environment. The growth in game development costs has negatively impacted the financial results of several studios. Thousands of people lost their jobs as executives sought to streamline operations. Despite these challenges, countless innovative games filled with engaging stories have been released.
Below, in alphabetical order, are some of the best releases of 2024.
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Animal Well
A single game session of “Animal Well” is very enjoyable. The game presents itself as a pixelated return to “Metroidvania” style puzzles, in which players traverse a complex maze of rooms in search of power-ups that will open new paths and secrets. But in “Animal Well” there are secrets beyond these secrets. Players have to congregate in online forums and resort to YouTube comments to figure it all out.
This kind of social experiment had a big impact with the release of Animal Well, but even a new move could reignite the charm of a game that constantly reveals — and at the right moments — that it has more tricks up its sleeve. (PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S)
Astro Bot
The ones to represent the PlayStation brand. In the early 2000s, they considered characters like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, before embracing bolder figures in the 2010s, like Kratos, from the “God of War” series, and Aloy, from the “Horizon” franchise.
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Astro Bot, the protagonist of several technological demonstrations, received little attention until the launch of Astro’s Playroom, in 2020, a free game that was factory installed on PlayStation 5 consoles. The character became so popular that the developers at Team Asobi created a game full platformer, where the little blue robot explores planets and collects coins, in a true celebration of Sony’s history. The result is a quirky, light-hearted adventure that feels like a spiritual successor to Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy games. (PS5)
Balatro
No one could have imagined that in 2024, one of the most addictive games in recent history would be a card game that would reinvent poker. Even so, Balatro sold more than 2 million copies, thanks to wild cards that allow players to manipulate the rules of the game to their advantage. The random distribution of cards makes each game irresistibly addictive.
The recent release of a version of the game for Android and iOS devices ensures that Balatro will continue to be played by many people for years to come. It’s a tribute to the anonymous developer behind the project, LocalThunk, who got the inspiration from playing the Cantonese card game Big Two with co-workers. (Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
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Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
In 2022, would players have shared a collective delusion when “Elden Ring” released to rave reviews despite its unrelenting difficulty and cryptic rules? No way. The return to “Lands Between” in the “Shadow of the Erdtree” expansion confirmed that the formula refined by Hidetaka Miyazaki remained irresistibly captivating. The vertical level design and seemingly impossible boss encounters reinforced to players that victory becomes even more rewarding, even after you’ve been crushed by an enemy ten, or even 100, times. (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
Nostalgia is not only a powerful force, but also a goldmine, as the countless new versions and sequels released by the entertainment industry demonstrate. But there’s something special about “Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth” that sticks with you, even after months of playing.
Some players claim that the game is filled with optional side quests, while others express dissatisfaction with an ending that feels unnecessarily complex to keep a main character’s death in suspense. However, these criticisms seem insignificant in the face of a game that offers profound narrative moments in a stunning world on the brink of environmental collapse. Contributing to this is the fact that the gameplay continues to be one of the best combinations between classic turn-based strategy games and modern action games with complex commands. (PS5)
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Helldivers 2
More than 12 million players have faced hordes of alien bugs and robot soldiers across the galaxy in “Helldivers 2”. An ingenious design encourages players around the world to cooperate on missions that often test the limits of their skills, resulting in intense battles and thrilling gunfights against acid-spitting insects and exterminating machines. Although Helldivers 2 takes inspiration from previous sci-fi creations like “Starship Troopers,” it refines the gameplay loop into a chaotic battlefield of crossfire and ambushes. (PC, PS5)
With enemies inspired by the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch and a narrative that incorporates a Dickensian touch on political impotence, “Metaphor: ReFantazio” surprises every time. The world comes to life in the magical kingdom of Euchronia, where the protagonist embarks on a journey to find a cure for a dying prince. However, reality permeates this fantasy world as you progress daily, carrying out routine tasks and building bonds with other characters in a system clearly inspired by another Atlus franchise, Persona.
At a time when many Hollywood films avoid bolder political issues, it is surprising to find a game that directly addresses themes such as racism and the caste system, challenging players to reflect on their vision of a utopian society. Contributing to the experience is the fact that the gameplay is extremely fluid and the turn-based combat offers impressive strategic depth. (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
One of the most underrated games of the year, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” is an excellent addition to the renowned series, which has faced challenges to regain its prestige since the 2000s. The protagonist, Sargon, explores a sacred city shaped like a labyrinth, where time seems to have no importance or, at least, has a different meaning for his companions.
This is a unique game, with fluid action and challenging puzzles that provide a sense of achievement when solved. It’s a shame that this may be the only game of its kind in the series, as after disappointing sales, Ubisoft, the game’s publisher, announced that it has canceled a planned sequel and disbanded the development team. (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
Silent Hill 2
When the original “Silent Hill 2” was released in 2001, it was immediately acclaimed for its psychologically gripping story, offering deeper reflections on the human condition than many of the horror and zombie games of the time. The game starred James Sunderland, a flawed character and desolate widower, lost in a foggy city whose environments seem to shape themselves to his memories.
The new version released this year is a meticulous refinement of the elements that made the original so impactful. The attention to detail is evident both in the acting of the voice actors, who bring the lines to life, and in the way Sunderland’s attitude and movements evolve as he uncovers dark truths about himself. (PC, PS5)
Still Wakes the Deep
Unlucky electrician Caz finds himself trapped on a dangerous collapsing oil rig off the Scottish coast. Through Caz’s eyes, the player faces the terror of underwater creatures and scenes of blood, relying on little more than a flashlight and, occasionally, a hammer for defense.
But it’s a small design decision that really gets you engaged with the game. Chinese Room designers strategically positioned the camera in this first-person game, allowing the player to see the flailing movements of Caz’s arms. You see them trembling with fear and cold. This detail makes Caz even more human as he struggles to escape the burning platform. (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
