Game Rant's Top 10 Games of 2024

2023 offered a gaming experience that was tough to surpass, boasting blockbuster franchise reboots, outstanding sequels, and captivating indie games. Gaming enthusiasts had a veritable feast last year. However, 2024 is no slouch either, brimming with its unique mix of titles showcasing the rich tapestry of creative talent and gameplay styles that keep propelling the industry forward. As always, it’s a daunting task to select a top 10, and this year is no exception.

Here is Game Rant’s Top 10 Games of 2024.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

For years, I’ve been eagerly waiting for Nintendo to release a game where we step into the shoes of the legendary heroine, Zelda. Much like the Link’s Awakening Remake, Echoes of Wisdom combines the timeless 2D gameplay mechanics of classic Zelda games with the inventive spirit found in more recent releases such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This unique blend is what makes The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom so intriguing and sets it apart from other titles within the franchise, while still preserving its core essence.

As a long-time fan of the Zelda series, I can attest to the fact that “Echoes of Wisdom” is yet another brilliant example of Nintendo’s ability to reinvent and evolve their franchises while staying true to their essence. It’s always a joy to witness such unexpected twists and turns in a game I hold dear, and I eagerly await future developments for the Zelda IP on the Nintendo Switch 2. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time we get to embark on another adventure led by the legendary Princess Zelda. I can only imagine the exciting surprises that Nintendo has in store for us!

9. Helldivers 2

Read Game Rant’s Helldivers 2 Review

Without a doubt, the most buzzed-about cooperative game of 2024 was none other than Helldivers 2. This game dished out plenty of pain, yet it multiplied the joy on gamers’ faces. A shift in perspective expanded the charm of the Helldivers series, but Arrowhead Game Studios didn’t falter when it came to crafting another grueling cooperative experience. The addictive reward system, witty humor, and DDR-like Strategem inputs were among the factors that set Helldivers 2 apart, but it was the gameplay that truly ruled the gaming discourse in early 2024.

As a longtime fan of tactical strategy games, I must say that the ongoing saga of Helldivers 2 has become a captivating addition to my gaming library. The continuous updates, featuring new Strategems, vehicles, and the recent introduction of a new enemy race, keep me hooked and craving for more. This game has truly managed to sustain my interest for an extended period, which is quite rare in today’s fast-paced gaming world. I find myself eagerly awaiting each update, excited to see what fresh challenges and content the developers have in store.

8. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Read Game Rant’s Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review

In contrast, Ichiban Kasuga’s guileless innocence beautifully balances the violence of Kazuma Kiryu. While one grapples with his impending death, the other embarks on another journey to expand his family lineage. The game “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” combines the disorderly battles characteristic of the “Like a Dragon” subseries’ (in Western terms) JRPG combat with the absurdity of the “Yakuza” franchise. Yet, even at its most outlandish, “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” maintains a genuine emotional core.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that Kiryu embodies the awesome vibe of the Like a Dragon series, but Ichiban gives it a human touch that makes it relatable. This might be Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s most impressive blend of narrative and combat yet, and it could possibly outshine Kiryu’s solo journeys in terms of scope and depth. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth shows that compelling characters can elevate any gaming experience.

7. Balatro

90’s kids might have had their own brush with video poker addiction, but Balatro amplifies this fixation to unprecedented levels. Remarkably, you don’t need to grasp the intricacies of Poker to engage with Balatro, and it’s this unconventional angle that converts a basic concept into an irresistible ‘I’ll-just-play-one-more-round’ experience.

Each minute detail, such as the artwork on Jokers and the animated score multiplier, sets Balatro apart with its unique style. It’s the most original game on this list, sharing a spot with Helldivers 2 as one we anticipate to still be enjoying in 2025.

6. Silent Hill 2

Read Game Rant’s Silent Hill 2 Review

Bloober Team’s standout creation, Silent Hill 2, ranks among the top video game remakes. Its skillful enhancement of the cherished original by making it more terrifying, intriguing, and visually captivating showcases Bloober Team’s keen insight into the property and their talent for innovation. The elements that made the original game so endearing are reimagined in chilling ways, yet this is not a literal remake. Instead, it offers a fresh take on the beloved classic.

Luke Roberts’ portrayal of James Sunderland exudes a subtle sense of despair, as if the character is constantly on the losing end. The anticipation surrounding Bloober Team was immense, yet they successfully met expectations with their remake of Silent Hill.

5. Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Read Game Rant’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review

As a long-time fan of BioWare and the Dragon Age series, I have been eagerly anticipating the release of their latest title, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Having played through it now, I must say that BioWare has delivered an exceptional game that truly hits the mark. The studio made wise choices in evolving the Dragon Age formula, particularly with combat and story progression. The game still retains many elements that fans cherish, such as vibrant characters, a captivating world, and difficult decisions to be made along the way. It wouldn’t be a BioWare game without those! I highly recommend Dragon Age: The Veilguard to anyone who enjoys RPGs with deep narratives, engaging combat, and memorable characters. This game is definitely worth your time!

Dragon Age: The Veilguard showcases the exceptional talent that BioWare possesses, which sets them apart from many other studios. They excel at crafting a diverse and intriguing group of characters, each with their own individual personalities and histories, and managing to make you genuinely invested in each one. If Dragon Age continues down this path, BioWare enthusiasts have every reason to be thrilled about the future.

4. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Read Game Rant’s Metaphor: ReFantazio Review

Atlus continues to demonstrate its exceptional skill within the JRPG genre, as demonstrated by the release of Metaphor: ReFantazio. While this title departs from Atlus’ other well-known series, it retains many elements reminiscent of Persona, simply transposed into a fresh environment and narrative. The characters are intricately developed, the battles remain strategically deep and tough, and the game design, encompassing its music, eerily beautiful adversaries, and overall aesthetic, exudes sophistication.

Metaphor: Refantasio is no light endeavor, even compared to Atlus’ usual projects, yet it’s a voyage that’s absolutely worth the 100 hours you’ll spend on it. It fits seamlessly among Atlus’ other productions, while carving out its own space as an exceptional JRPG. While fans are eagerly awaiting Persona 6, Refantasio serves as a delicious appetizer to hold them over.

3. Black Myth: Wukong

Spectacular visually and demanding mechanically, Black Myth: Wukong serves as an endeavor to acquaint Western gamers with the Chinese game development sphere. Initially, Black Myth: Wukong appeared more like a technical demonstration than an actual game, hinting at future possibilities. Yet, the completed version is among the most visually impressive games of this generation, brimming with dazzling effects, grandiose boss battles, and intricate environments.

Regarding whether or not it fully fits the category, “Black Myth: Wukong” has sparked gaming enthusiasm with its emphasis on tough boss fights, escalating them to an extraordinary scale. The creators at Game Science demonstrated their innovative spirit by consistently catching players off guard, while also finding inspiration from the classic tale Journey to the West. The graphics and moments in “Black Myth: Wukong” are awe-inspiring, only to be followed by a demanding boss fight that can leave you winded.

2. Astro Bot

Read Game Rant’s Astro Bot Review

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through various digital landscapes, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat when I first laid eyes on “Astro Bot.” The joy it brought me was reminiscent of those childhood moments spent exploring vibrant, pixelated worlds.

What sets this platformer apart is its perfect blend of creativity and simplicity. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, less is more. The game’s construction may be straightforward, but it’s the clever mechanics and inventive level design that truly make it shine. I found myself eagerly anticipating each new level, eager to uncover the next ingenious puzzle or platforming challenge.

“Astro Bot” is a love letter not just to PlayStation, but to gaming as a whole. Even without the fan service elements, this game stands tall as an exceptional platformer. The mechanics are so inventive that I found myself addicted to their discovery. It’s a rare gem in the sea of modern games, one that transports you back to the days of simple joy and endless adventure.

Enthusiasts of the games Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro’s Playroom have long been pleading with Sony to develop a full-fledged Astro Bot game, and they received much more than they ever dared to dream. Studio Team Asobi has proven itself to be another prominent member of Team PlayStation, and Astro Bot has solidified its position as Sony’s top mascot.

1. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Read Game Rant’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review

As a die-hard cinema of video games enthusiast, let me share my excitement about Square Enix’s latest masterpiece: the highly anticipated sequel to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, titled Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This game takes the bar even higher with its expansive open-world setting, refined combat mechanics, richer character narratives, and a captivating new element called Queen’s Blood. There was quite a buzz about whether it would live up to expectations, but rest assured, Square Enix has once again managed to surprise us all, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this epic trilogy.

The recently released “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” doesn’t fully answer all questions, but it sets the stage for an impressive finale in this new trilogy. The intrigue and speculation sparked by its ending will undoubtedly keep fans captivated during the lengthy wait until the third installment. It remains to be seen if the final game will meet expectations, but “Rebirth” surpasses the original “Remake” in so many ways that it’s hard not to be amazed.

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2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year in gaming, with the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 potentially setting the tone. However, it’s uncertain if Rockstar Games will unveil GTA 6 next year; regardless, there are numerous other highly anticipated titles on the horizon for 2025. February alone promises releases like Monster Hunter Wilds, Avowed, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, making it difficult to predict the top games of the year. We’re eagerly awaiting what next year brings!

2024-12-29 14:05