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As we eagerly anticipate the gaming spectacles that 2025 is sure to bring, there’s a perfect moment right now to pause and relish the impressive lineup from 2024. From clever Bots and the delightfully chunky world of LEGO, to expansive fantasy journeys and polished old favorites, 2024 had something for everyone.
### A Year of Expansive RPGs
This past year was a grand journey through spellbinding realms, where magic-wielding heroes and skyward cities reigned supreme. Persona’s creators, Atlus, ushered us into their imaginative new realm with “Metaphor ReFantazio,” earning enormous praise for its innovative combat, slick visuals, and unforgettable battle themes.
Similarly, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” tackled the formidable task of reinventing a legendary RPG while keeping the momentum of its predecessor, the acclaimed “Final Fantasy VII Remake.” And on the RPG front, “Granblue Fantasy: Relink” thrilled us with its cooperative battles woven into a sweeping tale, while “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” wrapped up the year with an enthralling quest complemented by a powerful score from musical giants Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
On a more terrestrial note, “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” offered a gripping experience for RPG enthusiasts favoring brawling in bustling streets over magical quests, extending the vibrant universe of Yakuza with entertaining combat mechanics.
### A Year of Classic Remasters
While fresh releases lit up our imagination, a plethora of classic games made stunning returns with more than just a facelift. The revamp of Disney’s “Epic Mickey” brought Mickey Mouse back with newfound abilities to match its breathtakingly enhanced visuals.
Lara Croft enthusiasts rejoiced with the remastered delights of “Tomb Raider I-III,” and George Stobbart and Nico Collard were back delving into the arcane mysteries of the Knights Templar in the revamped “Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged.”
Venturing into far reaches of the galaxy, the remaster of “Star Wars: Dark Forces” and the “Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition” captured the spirit of sci-fi adventures, offering fans beloved fantasy RPGs like “Grandia HD Collection” and “Persona 3 Reload.” For those craving zombie remasters, “Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster” staggered onto screens with some clever, albeit brainy, improvements. Speaking of a healthy dose of horror…
### A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
While the remastered titles stirred our hearts, other games from this year aimed to quicken their beat—”Silent Hill 2″ made a haunting comeback, with a stunning remake that revisited the terrifying encounters with Pyramid Head, now heightened by pristine visuals amplifying its memorable tale.
In the realm of new scares, “Crow Country” struck a nostalgic chord with its timeless survival horror, wrapped in the comforting aesthetic of the 1990s. Adding retro flair, “Fear the Spotlight” brought intense old-school vibes, while the ’80s came back in a big way, thanks to the hilarious and unsettling “Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game.”
For those desiring a modern chill, “Still Wakes the Deep” haunted us with dark, twisted psychological horror, drawing from the cosmic. And for gamers seeking immersive scares, the VR adventure “Alien: Rogue Incursion” delivered terror right to the heart of your living room.
### A Year of Character Platformers
Breaking new ground in the platformer space can be challenging, but 2024 offered a playbook for future titles to follow. Leading the charge was the endlessly creative “Astro Bot” from Team Asobi, an adventure overflowing with clever design, ingenious use of the DualSense controller, and memorable character appearances.
Let’s not overlook the surprise hits like “Another Crab’s Treasure,” which dived into a moody, fun Soulslike adventure in an underwater world with Kril, a crab using discarded objects as armor and weapons. Meanwhile, “Penny’s Big Breakaway” whisked platform fans away on a vibrant, hilarious journey as Penny took on Emperor Eddie’s unique penguins.
### A Year of Creative Art Design
2024 also delivered some of the most visually distinct games, beautifully marrying aesthetics with compelling gameplay. “Harold Halibut,” a graphic adventure with stop-motion visuals created over a decade, showcased its charm with scanned dioramas that created a striking visual masterpiece.
The extraordinary use of color in “Neva,” a puzzle-driven platformer, made it visually captivating. Meanwhile, the slapstick adventure “Thank Goodness You’re Here!” leaned into its absurd humor and borrowed a style reminiscent of eccentric British comic books, making it a truly unique visual treat.
Everything went big and bold with “LEGO Horizon Adventures,” a creative twist on “Horizon Zero Dawn.” Its inventive spin shined through the possibility of building every on-screen element, including the massive machines, using real-world LEGO bricks and sets.
Which games and trends captured your heart in 2024?
