10 best games of 2024

In the first half of 2024, so many new titles have been released that few people have enough time to play even a small portion of them. Despite the quantity, the quality of the projects is equally astounding, making it worth paying attention to many of the new releases. In this top list, we introduce you to some of the best games released this year. This list includes both indie hits and big-budget releases across various genres. Everyone will find something for themselves!

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

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After more than 10 years, Ubisoft has finally released a new full-fledged game in the Prince of Persia franchise. There are two surprising facts about this project. First, the main character is not a prince, and second, this title really harkens back to 10 years ago when Ubisoft knew how to create something interesting. Unlike other projects in the series, The Lost Crown has a side view, and the gameplay has shifted towards a metroidvania platformer.

The main highlights include a lively combat system with a variety of moves, strong enemies. The atmosphere of the locations immerses players in the world of Persian myths, and the musical accompaniment helps set the right mood. The visual style of the title is distinctive, but it may grow on you over time, even if it initially evokes mixed feelings.

For those playing on PC, note that The Lost Crown is currently not available on Steam but will be on August 8, 2024.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second part of the trilogy remake of the famous JRPG Final Fantasy VII. In this project, you can choose the combat mode: turn-based or real-time. During battles, you need to manage multiple characters, either prioritizing one or frequently switching between them. Each hero has their own abilities, attacks.

Rebirth features a plethora of mini-games, each of which could be a standalone game. There are races, fighting, space battles, and even a CCG. The title includes such a diverse and well-developed range of activities that each deserves a separate review.

Although it is not required to be familiar with the previous part to play Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, we still recommend playing them in order. This way, you’ll better immerse yourself in the story, connect with the characters.

Stellar Blade

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Shift Up's creation is often compared to many other titles in almost every aspect. The truth is, the developers of Stellar Blade don't hide this, and the game doesn't suffer for it, as it takes the best from its sources of inspiration.

What do you get if you mix Dark Souls with Devil May Cry? Player gets the combat system of Stellar Blade. Such a combination might seem strange, but in practice, it feels very fresh, organic. Most of the enemies, bosses may not be as frustrating as in other souls-like titles, but some of the final bosses are extremely difficult to defeat.

Regarding the plot, the story here is rather flat, though it tries to resemble Nier: Automata. In contrast to the unremarkable narrative, the graphics in Stellar Blade are breathtaking. The detailed locations and beautiful characters are a feast for the eyes.

Nine Sols

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Nine Sols is an action-platformer with a focus on story, challenging combat akin to Sekiro. While it might bring to mind The Lost Crown, which appeared earlier in this list, Nine Sols stands out. Despite being an indie project, it has been even more successful than the Ubisoft game because it appeals to the core platformer audience.

It's one thing to attract gamers' attention and another to truly engage them, which this project has achieved by executing all key elements at the highest level. For a more accurate comparison, it's better to mention Hollow Knight.

To get into specifics, Nine Sols features an almost perfect combat system based on parrying. The plot, characters are well-developed and engaging to the very end. The visual style doesn't need much description — just take a look at its beauty.

Hades 2

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Did you enjoy the first Hades but felt it needed more content? The company has created Hades 2 for you. It's essentially the same title with slightly tweaked mechanics, new locations, enemies, but the core remains the same. Instead of Zagreus, the protagonist is now Melinoë. A few new gods have been added, and the old ones have received new designs.

For those who haven't yet delved into Tartarus, here's the premise: in both Hades projects, the main characters try to escape the depths of the underworld. These games are roguelikes, meaning that upon death, the character must start their journey anew. Thanks to divine gifts and the player’s growing skills, an initially impossible goal becomes achievable.

Currently, Hades 2 is in early access, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the best games of the year. By the full release, the title likely won’t change drastically, but issues concerning most players will be heard and addressed, just as they were during the early access of the first Hades.

Balatro

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When it comes to card-based roguelike games, poker is probably the last thing that comes to mind, but the developer of Balatro decided to change that. In fact, poker is used more as a setting in this title. The gameplay is more about deck-building and utilizing special jokers.

First and foremost, Balatro is fun to play because it’s a true roguelike. In most attempts, winning feels as distant as the Sun from Neptune, but if you build the right deck and circumstances align, the title can be positively "broken".

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the ninth numbered installment in the series previously known as Yakuza. Its gameplay differs little from other entries in the series. The protagonist + their team navigate a compact open world from one plot point to another, battling random enemies, bosses. Battles here are turn-based. The player controls the protagonist and their party — up to three members in battle.

One of the distinctive features of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the unconventional professions of the characters (like a hydroneer, housekeeper) and diverse skill development options, allowing effective use of unique combat techniques to defeat enemies in any situation.

Critics have highly praised the game. Infinite Wealth is called the best part of the series and one of the highest-quality JRPGs in recent years.

TEKKEN 8

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The latest project in the TEKKEN series is one of the best fighting titles in recent years. Everything about it is delightful: graphics, sound, gripping gameplay.

One of the main innovations is the Heat system, which temporarily modifies, enhances certain strikes. In this mode, the character deals more damage, and part of this damage penetrates even the opponent's defense. Rewarding aggressive combat tactics greatly enhances the gameplay experience.

TEKKEN 8 also features two endings, which motivates players to replay the title and see the second ending.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

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The second installment of the unique action RPG clearly won't be overlooked like "Games You Missed", unlike the first Dragon’s Dogma. Much has been said about this title, mostly highlighting its strengths: one of the best character editors where players can choose height, physique, and other parameters that truly affect gameplay; a unique "pawn" companion system and much more... There's even the opportunity to climb on huge monsters during battles!

Dragon’s Dogma 2 boasts an excellent class system that allows unlocking new classes during the game, changing specialization. The companions also have their own specialties, allowing you to form a balanced squad regardless of the main character's skills.

It's worth noting that this is not the easiest title, but creative solutions in quests, combat are well rewarded. Exploring the open world in Dragon’s Dogma 2 turns into a real adventure that’s hard to tear away from.

Helldivers 2

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Helldivers 2 is a cooperative shooter set in a sci-fi universe. In this game, you play as a soldier who, in the name of democracy, undertakes various combat missions. To do this, you need to drop from ship into the combat zone. Missions can vary: raise a flag, take soil samples, destroy enemy groups — bugs or automatons, and so on.

Many players were captivated by the atmosphere of war on other planets, epic battles, and the opportunity to fight enemies in a squad together with friends.

Ahead lies a sea of highly anticipated titles coming in 2024, but today you can embark on exciting adventures in Dragon’s Dogma 2, enforce democracy in Helldivers 2, or build a deck in Balatro. Enjoy the best games, and feel free to share in the comments which project you liked the most this year!

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