As 2025 gears up to bring more thrilling gaming experiences to our screens, let’s take a moment to reflect on the fabulous lineup 2024 offered us. The past year gave us everything from innovative robot adventures and the charm of LEGO worlds to sweeping fantasy quests and beloved classic remasters. Every genre seemed to have something for everyone to enjoy.
### A Year of Expansive RPGs
The previous twelve months mesmerized RPG fans with sprawling, magical worlds teeming with spell-slinging heroes, mythical cities, and riveting stories. Atlus, famed for the Persona series, ventured into new territory with Metaphor ReFantazio, capturing hearts with its sharp combat, slick style, and catchy battle tunes.
In the same magical realm, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth achieved the remarkable feat of reimagining a legendary RPG, keeping the momentum from its forerunner, Final Fantasy VII Remake. On the action RPG front, Granblue Fantasy: Relink offered engaging co-op gameplay fused with its expansive narrative, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard wrapped up the year with an epic quest, featuring a soundtrack by the renowned Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
For those preferring narratives closer to Earth, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth spiced up the RPG scene with its gripping combat system and an enriching expansion of the iconic Yakuza universe.
### A Year of Classic Remasters
2024 wasn’t just about groundbreaking new entries; it also brought back a host of beloved classics reimagined for modern audiences. Disney’s Epic Mickey made a triumphant return, now with upgraded visuals and new abilities for our famous mouse hero.
Lara Croft was back in action too, with Tomb Raider I–III Remastered offering fans a nostalgic treasure hunt. In the world of adventure games, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged reintroduced us to the mysteries of the Knights Templar, now in stunning 4K.
In the realm of sci-fi, the Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition delighted fans, while Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload gave a nod to fantasy RPG enthusiasts. And for those with a thirst for zombie action, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brought undead thrills back to our screens with clever enhancements.
### A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
While the remasters revived old favorites, they also stirred up genuine frights with a few surprises. Silent Hill 2 returned, delivering chills through a polished remake that enhanced its haunting story and unforgettable moments with Pyramid Head.
New horror experiences didn’t disappoint either. Crow Country impressed with its classic survival horror feel, reminiscent of 1990s gaming aesthetics. Fear the Spotlight also embraced retro vibes for an eerie storytelling twist, while Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game brought a quirky ‘80s flair to multiplayer horror inspired by the cult favorite film.
For modern horror fans, Still Wakes the Deep offered an absorbing psychological and cosmic dread, while Alien: Rogue Incursion pushed boundaries with its intense VR horror.
### A Year of Character Platformers
2024 set a high bar for platform games, showcasing creativity and charm. Astro Bot led the charge with a delightful adventure filled with inventive levels and clever uses of the DualSense controller. The game quickly became a favorite, thanks to its captivating gameplay and memorable guest appearances.
Meanwhile, Another Crab’s Treasure introduced us to a new aquatic world where a grumpy hermit crab, Kril, wielded discarded debris as weapons and armor. On the brighter side, Penny’s Big Breakaway gave us a colorful, fast-paced platformer experience as the protagonist faced off against Emperor Eddie’s unruly penguin army.
### A Year of Creative Art Design
The past year also dazzled players with distinctive art styles that defined some standout titles. Harold Halibut transformed the gaming landscape with its beautiful stop-motion animation, born from a decade-long development journey.
Puzzle-driven platformer Neva shone through bold colors and contrasts, and Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced humor with a bright, eccentric look akin to classic British comics.
Adding a playful twist, LEGO Horizon Adventures captured creative imaginations by allowing players to experience a world where everything, including majestic machines, could be constructed with LEGO bricks and sets.
Which games and trends from 2024 topped your list of favorites?
