In the ever-evolving world of video games, 2024 was a remarkable year that saw an influx of smaller but highly impressive titles rather than a few dominating AAA releases. This shift brought a diverse range of gaming experiences, each offering unique and memorable moments. From action-packed adventures to innovative indie games, this year's lineup showcased the industry's creativity and versatility. Our team at Culturess has compiled a list of 13 standout games that you should not miss from this year.
A Closer Look at the Top Titles
Stellar Blade: Set against a backdrop of interstellar conflict, Stellar Blade captivated players with its fast-paced combat system. The game’s mechanics provided a satisfying blend of brutality and finesse, making every battle exhilarating. Players were also kept engaged with a plethora of side quests and challenging bosses, ensuring hours of entertainment.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: In a groundbreaking move, Nintendo allowed players to step into the shoes of Princess Zelda for the first time in an official title. The game introduced an innovative mechanic involving beds, which could be used creatively to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Combining classic Zelda elements with fresh ideas, it became one of the most beloved entries in the series.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree: Expanding on the original masterpiece, this DLC added over 25 hours of gameplay, filled with secrets, terrifying monsters, and valuable treasures. The expansion maintained the dark, immersive atmosphere while introducing new challenges that even seasoned players found daunting. It proved to be more than just an add-on, offering a substantial and rewarding experience.
Alan Wake 2 DLCs: Night Springs and The Lake House: These expansions delved deeper into the mysterious world of Alan Wake, providing additional stories and characters. Night Springs offered episodic content that felt like a fan-created addition, while The Lake House explored Agent Ramirez’s background and the enigmatic Cauldron Lake. Despite their shorter length, these DLCs enriched the overall narrative.
Black Myth: Wukong: Inspired by the Chinese classic Journey to the West, this action RPG put players in the role of the Destined One, wielding a powerful staff. The game’s relentless boss battles and intricate skill trees made it a thrilling challenge, blending traditional storytelling with modern gameplay mechanics.
Balatro: This poker roguelike quickly became a hit, captivating players with its addictive gameplay loop. Developed by LocalThunk, Balatro won multiple awards for its innovation and depth. Players spent countless hours strategizing deck builds and exploring celestial packs, often losing track of time in the process.
Hades II: Released in early access, Hades II already showed incredible polish and promise. Players controlled Melinoë as she fought her way through Hades, encountering familiar faces and new challenges. The game’s tight combat and engaging story left fans eagerly anticipating its full release in 2025.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Building on the success of the remake, Rebirth expanded the open-world experience beyond Midgar. With hundreds of hours of content and new combat features like Synergy Skills, it offered both nostalgia and innovation. The inclusion of enhanced minigames further enriched the player experience.
Dungeons of Hinterberg: Set in the picturesque Austrian Alps, this under-the-radar gem followed Luisa, a law student turned adventurer. The game balanced cozy exploration with intense dungeon crawling, allowing players to customize their experience. Town interactions and resource management added layers of depth, making it a hidden treasure among RPGs.
Astro Bot: Winning Game of the Year, Astro Bot combined charming visuals with challenging platforming. Its heartwarming story and speedrunning appeal made it a favorite among critics and players alike. Despite its Sony-centric marketing, the game stood out for its pure enjoyment factor.
Dragon’s Dogma II: Though facing technical challenges on PC, this sequel improved upon its predecessor’s strengths. Offering a vast world and deep character customization, it remained a compelling RPG for fans of the series. Despite some lingering issues, it delivered a rich and immersive experience.
Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure: Taking six years to develop, this retro-inspired platformer captured the essence of classic games. With updated graphics and challenging levels, it tested players’ skills while evoking nostalgia. The throwback stages were particularly tough, adding a sense of accomplishment.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Concluding the year’s releases, this Indiana Jones adventure delivered a pitch-perfect experience. Troy Baker’s portrayal of a younger Harrison Ford brought the iconic character to life, blending humor and action. While shorter than desired, it offered a thrilling ride through familiar and new settings.
Reflecting on 2024, the variety and quality of games released this year highlight the industry’s continued growth and innovation. Smaller titles have proven that they can deliver impactful and enjoyable experiences without the need for massive budgets. As gamers, we are spoiled for choice, and the future looks bright for both AAA and indie developers alike. Each game on this list offers something unique, reminding us why we love video games so much.