Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year

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As a seasoned PC gaming veteran with over two decades under my belt, I must say that 2024 has been an absolute feast for our eyes and minds. The sheer number of exceptional games released this year is nothing short of mind-boggling, but there are a few gems that truly stood out from the crowd.

2024 saw PC gaming reach unprecedented heights as developers pushed the envelope, crafting games that captivated players with stunning visuals, groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, and compelling narratives that held audiences spellbound. The year’s offerings ranged from blockbuster titles redefining established genres to indie sensations that won hearts with their inventiveness, making for a lineup brimming with unforgettable gaming experiences.

Reflecting on the past year, here are the exceptional PC games that stood out, reinforcing the superiority of gaming on a computer. Let’s explore the top PC games from 2024 – the ones that pushed boundaries and established fresh benchmarks within the industry.

It’s important to note that the games we’re discussing are either PC-exclusive or initially launched for this platform.

Best PC Game Of 2024 Winner — Hades 2

Initially launched as an “early access” version in May, Hades 2 appears far from being a work-in-progress title. Remarkably, it builds upon the elements that made the original game exceptional, refining them to near perfection.

In the sequel to the initial game, Hades 2, you’ll find yourself assuming the character of Melinoë, the Underworld’s Princess and Zagreus’ sister. Accompanied by her mentor Hecate, Melinoë is tasked with a crucial objective: thwarting Chronos, the resurrected Titan of Time, who aims to overthrow the gods and those who once stood against him.

In my opinion, Hades 2 takes the original game to another level with its innovative mechanics and captivating features. For instance, the introduction of a Magick Bar allows us players to unleash diverse moves, which we can replenish as we progress through the game. Moreover, the new sprint ability offers an exhilarating experience, enhancing movement and agility during gameplay.

The game becomes more enjoyable because it takes less than 20 hours to finish for those who prefer quick-paced experiences. But if you’re a thorough gamer who likes to explore every aspect of the game, Hades 2 could take you close to 60 hours to fully experience. It all depends on your preferred playstyle.

Best PC Games of 2024 Nominations

2024 saw Hades 2 ruling the roost as the finest PC game, but let me tell you, it wasn’t the only gem out there for gamers. Ranging from pulse-pounding action to strategic city-building, there was a perfect match for every gaming enthusiast last year. Here’s a peek at some of the top-notch PC games that graced our screens in the past 12 months.

I Am Your Beast

Debuted in September, “I Am Your Beast” is another outstanding game from Strange Scaffold. In this title, you assume the role of ex-government agent Alphonse Harding, who is propositioned for a final assignment. However, he declines, only to find himself at odds with the same organization that initially sought his recruitment.

This game offers rapid-fire action, which is why it’s beloved among speed runners. Not only is its gameplay remarkably brutal and captivating compared to many games, but even indie titles, it also resembles the modern take on classic Doom and Duke Nukem 3D in brief spurts. The brevity of each level – typically completed within a few minutes – contributes to the urge to play again and again. It’s an engaging hook that keeps you wanting “one more level,” making it hard to tear yourself away once you begin playing.

UFO 50

50 distinct games from various genres are packed into UFO 50, offering a diverse gaming experience. Essentially, this game serves as a collection or “sampler” of titles developed by UFO Soft for the LX-I, LX-II, and LX-III consoles in the 1980s. The idea of a fictional sampler is intriguing, but it’s the playable games that truly make this collection stand out.

Bushido Ball takes a simple concept like Pong and adds samurai swords, ninjas, and shot abilities. Then there’s the RPG Grimstone that feels like the old Final Fantasy games. My favorite, however, is the Metroidvania Mini & Max. It takes a number of great concepts from the genre, and makes t hem easy and accessible. It’s one of those games that even as a standalone game would be considered a good indie game.

Regardless of your interest, you’ll likely find a game within UFO 50 that suits you perfectly. And if you’re up for an extra treat, don’t forget to explore the secret 51st game – it’s just as enjoyable as the first 50!

Frostpunk 2

In simple terms, the eagerly awaited city-building game, Frostpunk 2, was launched in September to wide approval from both players and critics. This sequel is set thirty years after the “Great Storm” of the original game, where you assume the role of a new leader, the “Steward,” following the demise of the initial Captain. Throughout gameplay, you’ll need to manage population challenges, address resource shortages, and guide your society through a new epoch. Expanding on the first game, Frostpunk 2 allows for the construction of larger cities with distinct districts designed for specific functions.

In the role of a visionary leader in Frostpunk 2, I find myself not just constructing districts, but also navigating the complex tapestry of factions with contrasting beliefs. This intricate web can occasionally lead to discord among my citizens. A council, composed of representatives from each faction, serves as a check and balance, scrutinizing every law and rule I propose. Unlike any city-builder I’ve encountered before, Frostpunk 2 immerses me in the reality of governance, setting a high bar for what I envision future games in this genre should aspire to achieve.

2024’s Gamescom Awards recognized this PC game with the Best Gameplay award, indicating its extraordinary appeal. Unlike ordinary city-builders, Frostpunk 2 offers an immersive experience that keeps players captivated for extended periods.

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2024-12-27 22:48