The gaming industry is ever-evolving, with each year bringing new innovations, narratives, and gameplay experiences that capture the imagination of players worldwide. As 2024 unfolds, gamers are treated to a spectacular lineup of titles that push the boundaries of creativity and technology. Whether you’re a fan of epic RPGs, intense fighting games, or thought-provoking indie experiences, there’s something on the horizon for every type of player. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the top 10 must-play games of 2024, highlighting why each title is a standout in its own right.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Platforms: PS5
The saga of Final Fantasy VII continues with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2020 remake. Building on the solid foundation of the first installment, Rebirth promises to expand the story in bold new directions while retaining the elements that made the original a classic.
Fans of the series can look forward to breathtaking visuals that harness the power of the PlayStation 5, delivering environments and character models that are more detailed than ever before. The combat system, a blend of real-time action and strategic planning, returns with enhancements that make battles even more dynamic and engaging.
But it’s the narrative that remains at the heart of the experience. Rebirth is set to explore previously unseen areas of the game’s world, introducing new characters and deepening the lore that has captivated fans for decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a title that should not be missed in 2024.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The Yakuza series, now rebranded as Like a Dragon in the West, has always been known for its mix of intense action, gripping storylines, and quirky humor. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues this tradition, taking players on another wild ride through the underworld of Japan.
In this latest installment, the game shifts gears by introducing more RPG elements, allowing players to customize their character’s abilities and make choices that influence the outcome of the story. The narrative is as rich as ever, blending drama, comedy, and even moments of deep introspection as players navigate the complexities of loyalty, power, and betrayal.
One of the standout features of Infinite Wealth is its open-world environment, which is more detailed and interactive than previous entries. Players can engage in a wide variety of activities, from street brawls to karaoke, adding layers of depth to the gameplay. The combat system also receives an upgrade, with new mechanics that make each fight feel fresh and exciting.
Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer intrigued by its unique blend of genres, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Tekken 8
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Fighting game enthusiasts have much to look forward to with the release of Tekken 8, the latest installment in one of the most iconic franchises in the genre. Known for its deep combat system, memorable characters, and competitive scene, Tekken has long been a staple in the gaming world.
Tekken 8 continues to build on this legacy, introducing enhanced graphics that make each punch, kick, and special move more impactful than ever. The game utilizes the power of next-gen consoles to deliver stunning visuals, with highly detailed character models and fluid animations that bring the combat to life.
But it’s not just about looks—Tekken 8 also introduces new gameplay mechanics that add layers of strategy to each match. The introduction of a “Rage System” allows players to unleash devastating moves when their health is low, adding a thrilling comeback potential to each fight. Additionally, new characters join the roster, each with their unique fighting styles and backstories, ensuring that the game remains fresh and engaging.
With its blend of old-school mechanics and new innovations, Tekken 8 is set to be a must-play title for both casual players and hardcore fighting game fans in 2024.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Elden Ring took the gaming world by storm with its release, offering players a vast open world filled with challenging combat, deep lore, and breathtaking visuals. The upcoming DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, aims to expand on this foundation, providing players with even more content to explore and conquer.
This expansion introduces new areas, enemies, and challenges, all while delving deeper into the rich lore that has captivated players. Shadow of the Erdtree promises to be just as unforgiving as the base game, with new bosses that will test even the most skilled players. However, it’s not just about difficulty—Elden Ring is known for its exploration and discovery, and this DLC is expected to deliver on that front as well, with hidden secrets and lore waiting to be uncovered.
For fans of Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree is a must-have addition that will provide hours of new content and further deepen the world of the game. It’s a perfect example of how DLC can expand and enrich a game, making it feel fresh and exciting even after the initial release.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Ninja Theory’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was a groundbreaking title that blended intense action with a deep exploration of mental health issues. The sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, builds on this foundation, offering a darker and more immersive experience that delves even deeper into Senua’s psyche.
Set in a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying world, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II continues the story of Senua as she battles both external enemies and the demons within her mind. The game’s visuals are a standout, utilizing the power of the Xbox Series X/S to create a world that is both breathtakingly realistic and disturbingly surreal. The attention to detail in the environments, character animations, and atmospheric effects contributes to an experience that is as visually compelling as it is emotionally intense.
Gameplay in Hellblade II builds on the original’s mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. However, it’s the narrative that truly sets this game apart. The story tackles themes of trauma, resilience, and the human condition in a way that few games have attempted. With its innovative use of binaural audio and psychological horror elements, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is not just a game but an experience that challenges players to confront the darker aspects of the human mind.
For those who appreciate games that push the boundaries of storytelling and emotional engagement, Hellblade II is an essential play in 2024.
Princess Peach: Showtime!
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
After nearly two decades, Princess Peach finally returns to the spotlight in Princess Peach: Showtime!. This game marks a significant departure from her previous adventures, offering a unique blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and theatrical flair that sets it apart from other titles in the Mario universe.
In Showtime!, Princess Peach is tasked with saving a magical theater from an evil curse. Each level of the game is themed around a different stage production, with Peach donning various costumes that grant her special abilities. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to the traditional platforming gameplay, as players must choose the right costume for each challenge.
The game’s art style is vibrant and whimsical, perfectly capturing the charm and magic that Nintendo is known for. The levels are filled with hidden secrets, collectible items, and creative enemies, making exploration rewarding and engaging. The soundtrack, composed of lively and catchy tunes, complements the game’s theatrical theme, enhancing the overall experience.
Princess Peach: Showtime! is a celebration of everything that makes Nintendo games special—creativity, accessibility, and pure fun. It’s a must-play for fans of platformers and anyone who has been waiting for Peach to step out of the shadows and into the limelight.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is an upcoming action-adventure game that draws heavily from Japanese folklore, offering players a visually stunning and culturally rich experience. Developed by Capcom, the game is set in a mythical world where players take on the role of a warrior tasked with defending the world from malevolent spirits.
The game’s art style is one of its most striking features, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern graphics to create a world that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. The environments are lush and detailed, ranging from serene temples to eerie forests, each filled with enemies inspired by Japanese mythology.
Combat in Path of the Goddess is fast-paced and fluid, with a focus on swordplay and mystical abilities. Players can customize their character’s abilities and weapons, allowing for a variety of playstyles. The game also features a deep narrative that explores themes of honor, duty, and the balance between good and evil, all set against the backdrop of ancient Japan.
For fans of action-adventure games and those interested in exploring rich, culturally infused worlds, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is shaping up to be one of the standout titles of 2024.
Animal Well
Platforms: PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Animal Well is an indie game that has been generating buzz for its unique approach to exploration and puzzle-solving. Developed by Billy Basso and published by Bigmode, Animal Well invites players into a mysterious world filled with secrets, strange creatures, and complex puzzles.
The game is set in a dark, atmospheric environment that is both beautiful and eerie. The pixel art style is simple yet highly detailed, creating a sense of depth and immersion that draws players into the world. Each area of the game is designed to encourage exploration, with hidden paths, secret rooms, and environmental puzzles that require careful observation and creative thinking to solve.
Animal Well is not just about solving puzzles—it’s about the experience of discovery. The game’s non-linear design allows players to explore at their own pace, uncovering the mysteries of the world piece by piece. The minimalist narrative, conveyed through environmental storytelling, adds to the sense of intrigue, making each new discovery feel significant.
Fans of Metroidvania games and those who enjoy a good puzzle will find Animal Well to be a refreshing and rewarding experience. Its combination of exploration, atmosphere, and clever design makes it a must-play indie title in 2024.
1000xResist
Platforms: PC
1000xResist is a narrative-driven indie game that explores themes of humanity, memory, and survival. Set in a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, the game challenges players to uncover the truth behind the fall of civilization.
The game’s visual style is striking, with a mix of 2D and 3D elements that create a unique and immersive atmosphere. The narrative is delivered through a combination of dialogue, environmental storytelling, and interactive sequences, allowing players to piece together the story as they progress.
One of the key features of 1000xResist is its emphasis on choice and consequence. Players’ decisions throughout the game have a direct impact on the story, leading to multiple possible endings. This adds a layer of replayability, as players may want to explore different choices to see how they affect the outcome.
The game’s soundtrack, composed of haunting melodies and ambient sounds, further enhances the immersive experience, drawing players into its dark and mysterious world. 1000xResist is a game that will appeal to those who appreciate deep, thought-provoking narratives and the impact of their choices on the story.
With its unique blend of storytelling, atmosphere, and player agency, 1000xResist is a standout indie game in 2024 that should not be overlooked.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is an action RPG developed by DON’T NOD, the creators of Life is Strange and Vampyr. This game takes players into a hauntingly beautiful world where they must confront the supernatural and make difficult moral choices that will shape the outcome of the story.
Set in a dark, gothic world filled with spirits and the undead, Banishers follows the story of two protagonists—one living and one dead—who work together to banish ghosts and uncover the secrets of New Eden. The game’s narrative is rich with themes of love, loss, and redemption, offering players a deeply emotional experience.
Gameplay in Banishers combines fast-paced combat with exploration and puzzle-solving. Players must use a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat enemies and navigate the game’s atmospheric environments. The choices players make throughout the game will have a significant impact on the story, leading to multiple possible endings.
The game’s stunning visuals and atmospheric design create a world that is both immersive and eerie, drawing players into its dark narrative. The haunting soundtrack complements the game’s tone, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a must-play for fans of action RPGs and narrative-driven games. Its blend of compelling storytelling, engaging gameplay, and moral complexity makes it one of the standout titles of 2024.
Tekken 8
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Tekken 8, the latest installment in the iconic fighting game series, is set to take the competitive gaming scene by storm. Developed by Bandai Namco, Tekken 8 continues the franchise’s legacy of delivering intense, skill-based combat with a roster of diverse and memorable characters.
Building on the success of its predecessor, Tekken 8 introduces new gameplay mechanics that add depth and strategy to the already complex fighting system. The game features a revamped Rage system, which allows players to unleash powerful moves when their health is low, and new Heat mechanics that create opportunities for aggressive playstyles.
The game’s roster includes a mix of returning favorites and new characters, each with their unique fighting style and move set. Whether you prefer the fast-paced combos of characters like Jin Kazama or the brute strength of King, Tekken 8 offers something for every type of fighter.
Tekken 8 also boasts stunning graphics and fluid animations, bringing the characters and their epic battles to life in vivid detail. The game’s stages are beautifully designed, with dynamic elements that can affect the flow of combat.
For those who enjoy competitive gaming, Tekken 8 offers a robust online mode with ranked matches, tournaments, and leaderboards. The game’s deep combat system and competitive features make it a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts in 2024.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Platforms: PS5
Rounding out our list is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the next chapter in Square Enix’s ambitious remake of the beloved Final Fantasy VII. This installment continues the story of Cloud Strife and his companions as they fight against the shadowy forces of Shinra and uncover the mysteries of the planet’s fate.
Rebirth builds on the success of Final Fantasy VII Remake, offering a deeper and more expansive exploration of the original game’s story. The game features stunning graphics powered by the PS5, bringing the world of Final Fantasy VII to life with breathtaking detail and scale.
The combat system in Rebirth is a refined blend of real-time action and strategic command-based gameplay, allowing players to switch between characters and unleash powerful abilities in seamless, cinematic battles. The game also introduces new mechanics and challenges, ensuring that even veterans of the remake will find fresh experiences.
One of the most exciting aspects of Rebirth is its commitment to expanding the narrative and world-building of the original game. The story will take players to new locations, introduce new characters, and deepen the relationships between the main cast, all while maintaining the emotional core that made Final Fantasy VII a classic.
With its epic scope, engaging gameplay, and emotional storytelling, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not just a must-play for fans of the series, but for anyone who appreciates a truly immersive RPG experience.
Conclusion
2024 is shaping up to be an incredible year for gaming, with a diverse lineup of titles that offer something for every type of player. From the emotionally charged narrative of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II to the competitive intensity of Tekken 8, and the expansive worlds of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, this year’s releases are set to push the boundaries of what gaming can offer.
Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, deep RPGs, or innovative indie games, these top 10 must-play titles represent the best of what the gaming industry has to offer. As technology continues to advance and developers push the envelope, 2024 is sure to deliver unforgettable experiences that will resonate with gamers for years to come.
So, gear up and get ready to dive into these incredible games—each one promises to take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.