As we stand on the brink of ushering in the thrills of the gaming world in 2025, it’s certainly worth pausing to revel in the incredible experiences 2024 has showered upon us. This past year, we’ve been treated to everything from intriguing bots and a captivating LEGO universe to spellbinding fantasy narratives and revitalized classics. Truly, there was something for everyone.
## A Year of Expansive RPGs
2024 was a magical year filled with massive, enchanting worlds brimming with spell-casting heroes, sky-high cities, and pointed-eared characters. Atlas, the brilliant minds behind Persona, ventured into new realms with the fantastical Metaphor ReFantazio. This title earned widespread acclaim for its engaging combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and that unforgettable battle theme.
Then there was Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which took on the daunting task of reimagining one of the most iconic RPGs ever. Building on the success of Final Fantasy VII Remake, it kept fans eagerly engaged. Meanwhile, the action-packed Granblue Fantasy: Relink offered thrilling co-op battles amidst its expansive storyline. At the same time, Dragon Age: The Veilguard capped the year with a gripping narrative and a remarkable score composed by legends Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
On a more grounded note, “Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth” punched its way into the hearts of those who prefer gritty action over fantasy, expanding on the rich and colorful Yakuza universe with an entertaining combat system.
## A Year of Classic Remasters
But new releases were not the only stars of the show. A wave of remasters breathed new life into beloved classics. Disney’s Epic Mickey saw the beloved mouse return with spectacular new abilities and visually revamped charm. Lara Croft fans rejoiced as Tomb Raider I–III Remastered arrived, offering a fresh take on familiar adventures.
Likewise, “Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged” came back in a stunning 4K version, reigniting the quest for the Knights Templar’s mysteries with George Stobbart and Nico Collard. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition satisfied sci-fi fans with their enhanced visuals and gameplay.
Zombie enthusiasts weren’t left behind, as Capcom delivered with Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, seamlessly integrating new features and brainy improvements. Speaking of horror…
## A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
While many remasters were heartwarming, others aimed to send chills down your spine. Silent Hill 2 emerged from the fog with a breathtaking remake, bringing the terrifying Pyramid Head back in higher fidelity to enrich the already haunting story.
New titles also aimed to unsettle us, like Crow Country, which masterfully combined timeless survival horror with a nostalgic 1990s visual feel. Fear the Spotlight intensified its creepy narrative with retro aesthetics, while “Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game” embraced 80s humor and horror for a unique multiplayer experience.
For those seeking modern scares, Still Wakes the Deep excelled at delivering a brilliantly crafted psychological horror experience. Not to mention the cosmic terrors of Alien: Rogue Incursion in VR, where the true horrors find new life.
## A Year of Character Platformers
The platform genre saw exciting developments in 2024. Standing out was the endlessly creative and charming Astro Bot. Team Asobi’s adventure became an instant favorite due to its imaginative levels, innovative use of the DualSense controller, and remarkable cameos.
We also saw the emergence of quirky gems like Another Crab’s Treasure, introducing a quirky aquatic adventure where a crab uses discarded objects as weapons. On a lighter note, Penny’s Big Breakaway offered a nostalgic nod to kinetic platformers, with a storyline as wild as its vibrant action.
## A Year of Creative Art Design
The year also blessed us with games that not only looked stunning but played just as well. Harold Halibut dazzled with its beautifully crafted stop-motion art, realized over ten years to create a graphic adventure of unique charm.
Neva mesmerized players with its use of color and contrast, while the comedic Thank Goodness You’re Here! charmed with a bright style reminiscent of classic British comic, bringing absurd humor to life.
LEGO Horizon Adventures added to visual creativity, transforming Horizon Zero Dawn into a playful LEGO world, complete with real-world buildable machines.
Which games and their respective trends turned out to be your favorites in 2024?
