Best Games of 2024: Choose Your Next Adventure with These Tips

The year 2024 promises to be unforgettable for video game fans. With a variety of highly anticipated titles and releases that are set to revolutionize the market, gamers have a lot to look forward to.

In this detailed list, we’ll explore some of the most awaited games of the year, highlighting their features, pros and cons, and where you can play them.

If you’re searching for your next big adventure, check out the following guide to the best games of 2024.

1. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Relive the Magic in a New Chapter

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is the continuation of the acclaimed remake of “Final Fantasy VII,” one of the most beloved games of all time.

This second part of the remake trilogy takes players outside Midgar and into a vast world filled with mysteries, formidable enemies, and exciting stories.

The game significantly expands the original plot, introducing new areas, characters, and events, while deepening the narrative familiar to fans of the original game.

Pros:

• Graphics and Presentation: The game leverages the power of the PlayStation 5 to offer breathtaking graphics, with richly detailed environments, smooth animations, and impressive visual effects.
• Engaging Narrative: The story is even richer and more detailed, bringing in new elements and twists that keep players engaged.
• Enhanced Gameplay: Combat mechanics have been refined, offering a balanced mix of real-time action and command-based strategies.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: For players unfamiliar with the first part of the remake, the story might be a bit confusing.
• Dependence on the Original: The full experience may require prior knowledge of the original game or the first part of the remake, which might deter new players.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 5.

2. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – A Deeper Dive into the Mystical World

“Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” is the first major expansion for the acclaimed “Elden Ring,” a game that redefined the action and RPG genre with its vast open world and challenging gameplay.

This expansion promises to explore new areas, introduce even more incredible enemies, and dive deeper into the game’s lore, which is already incredibly rich.

For fans seeking more content after the epic journey of the base game, “Shadow of the Erdtree” offers exactly that.

Pros:

• Substantial New Content: The expansion offers new areas to explore, challenging new bosses, and even more secrets to uncover.
• Lore Expansion: For players interested in the story and world of “Elden Ring,” this expansion provides a wealth of new details and mysteries to unravel.
• Elevated Challenges: Staying true to FromSoftware’s tradition, “Shadow of the Erdtree” offers challenging combat that will test even the most experienced players.

Cons:

• Inherent Difficulty: The high difficulty level can be frustrating for casual players, and the expansion doesn’t ease up on accessibility.
• Dependence on the Base Game: You need to own and have played the base game to access the expansion, which may limit its audience.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows.

3. Princess Peach: A New Adventure in the World of Nintendo

The new game starring Princess Peach marks an exciting return for the iconic Nintendo character.

Unlike her past appearances as a supporting character, this game puts Peach at the center of the action, offering an adventure full of puzzles, platforming, and a charming narrative.

The game stands out for its accessible gameplay and the way it utilizes Peach’s unique powers to solve creative challenges.

Pros:

• Accessibility: With simple mechanics and a friendly design, the game is accessible to players of all ages.
• Charming Aesthetics: The visual design is vibrant and charming, maintaining the appeal that fans expect from Nintendo games.
• Genre Innovation: By giving Princess Peach the lead role, the game offers a fresh perspective within the Mario universe.

Cons:

• Too Easy for Some: Hardcore players might find the game too easy and linear.
• Limited Target Audience: Despite its quality, the game might not attract players looking for more intense or complex experiences.

 

• Where to Play: Available on Nintendo Switch.

4. Animal Well: A World of Mysteries and Surprises

“Animal Well” is an indie game that combines exploration and puzzles in an engaging pixelated world.

With a mysterious atmosphere and gameplay that rewards curiosity, the game challenges players to uncover its hidden secrets.

Every element of the environment may hold a puzzle or a hidden path, making exploration a fundamental part of the experience.

Pros:

• Unique Art Style: The game’s pixel art visuals are charming and create a mysterious, immersive atmosphere.
• Innovative Gameplay: The focus on exploration and puzzles offers a different experience from traditional action or adventure games.
• Engaging Atmosphere: The combination of sound design and visuals creates an environment that captures the player’s attention from start to finish.

Cons:

• Slow Pace: Some players may find the game’s pace too slow, especially if they prefer constant action.
• Lack of Direction: The absence of clear guidance can be frustrating for those who prefer a more linear progression.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 5, Windows.

5. Hades II: More Mythological Action with a Roguelike Touch

“Hades II” is the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning “Hades,” a game that combined roguelike elements with a rich narrative based on Greek mythology.

In “Hades II,” players explore new regions of the underworld, face new gods and monsters, and discover new abilities as they try to escape the endless cycle of life and death.

The sequel promises to maintain the addictive gameplay and narrative depth that made the original a success, while introducing new mechanics and characters.

Pros:

• Addictive Gameplay: The fluid and dynamic combat mechanics return, with new weapons and abilities to discover.
• Engaging Narrative: The story remains a strong point, with well-written dialogues and memorable characters.
• High Replay Value: Like the original, “Hades II” offers high replayability, with new surprises in each run.

Cons:

• High Difficulty:The learning curve can be steep for new players, and the inherent repetitiveness of the roguelike genre may not appeal to everyone.
• Repetition: Even with variety, the gameplay loop can become repetitive for some players after many hours.

 

• Where to Play: Available on Windows.

6. Balatro: A Fresh Take on Card Games and Strategy

“Balatro” is a game that combines elements of card games and strategy, with a unique aesthetic and an innovative approach to the genre.

Players build their decks and face challenges in strategic matches that require critical thinking and careful planning.

With a mix of stylized art and deep mechanics, “Balatro” promises to offer a refreshing experience for fans of card games and strategy.

Pros:

• Innovation: The combination of cards and strategy is creatively done, offering new ways to play.
• Original Aesthetic: The artistic design is distinctive and contributes to the game’s unique identity.
• Strategic Depth: The game rewards players who invest time in mastering its mechanics and building effective decks.

Cons:

• Complexity: The learning curve can be steep, especially for new players unfamiliar with card games.
• Limited Target Audience: The game may not attract those who prefer direct action or less strategic games.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 5, Windows.

7. Tekken 8: The Fight Continues in 2024

“Tekken 8” is the latest entry in Bandai Namco’s iconic fighting game series. With next-gen graphics, new characters, and refined combat mechanics, the game promises to elevate the franchise to new heights.

Longtime fans can expect the return of classic characters as well as the introduction of new faces, each with their own fighting style.

The game continues to offer intense battles and a deep combo system that rewards skill and precise timing.

Pros:

• Next-Gen Graphics: “Tekken 8” takes advantage of the power of new platforms to deliver impressive visuals and fluid animations.
• Refined Mechanics: Combat has been tuned to be even more responsive and satisfying, maintaining the balance the series is known for.
• Variety of Characters: With a vast roster of fighters, every player can find a character that suits their playstyle.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Like many fighting games, “Tekken 8” can be difficult for beginners unfamiliar with the series’ mechanics.
• Need for Practice: To truly enjoy the game, players need to invest time in mastering combos and learning the nuances of each character.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows.

8. Palworld: A Unique Adventure with Creatures and Building

“Palworld” is a game that combines open-world RPG elements with mechanics for capturing and creating creatures, similar to Pokémon, but with a unique twist.

Players explore a vast world, capturing creatures called Pals, which can be used to build, fight, and survive in an often dangerous environment.

The game stands out for its mix of genres and the freedom it offers players to shape their own experience.

Pros:

• Game Freedom: “Palworld” offers a sandbox experience where players can decide how they want to interact with the world.
• Genre Combination: The mix of creature capturing with building and survival creates a unique experience.
• Attractive Visual Style: The design of the Pals and the world is colorful and inviting, appealing to a wide range of players.

Cons:

• Potential for Confusion: The mix of many different genres can be confusing or overwhelming for some players.
• Dependence on Multiplayer: Part of the experience may heavily rely on multiplayer mode, which might not be ideal for everyone.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows.

9. Prince of Persia: The Return of a Legend

The “Prince of Persia” series returns with a new title in 2024, bringing back the prince in a new adventure that combines elements of action, platforming, and puzzles.

This new game promises to capture the spirit of the series’ classics while modernizing the gameplay and graphics for current platforms.

Players can expect an exciting plot, fluid acrobatic moves, and stylish combat, all set in a mystical and enchanting world.

Pros:

• Franchise Return: The return of a beloved franchise brings nostalgia and renewal for longtime fans.
• Combat and Acrobatics: The game continues to offer the fluid combat and acrobatic moves that made the series famous.
• Engaging Narrative: The story promises to be rich and engaging, with twists and captivating characters.

Cons:

• High Expectations: As a return of a classic franchise, fan expectations are high, which may be challenging for the game to meet.
• Potential Lack of Innovation: Depending on how the game is executed, there may be criticisms about the lack of innovation compared to previous titles.

 

• Where to Play: Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows.

Finally, with so many exciting options of best games of 2024 coming, there is something for every type of gamer.

From epic RPGs like “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” and “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” to unique adventures like “Animal Well” and “Palworld,” players can expect a year full of memorable experiences.

Whether new titles or highly anticipated sequels, 2024 will surely have a game that perfectly fits your preferences.

Choose your next adventure and get ready for an unforgettable journey!