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The thrills of 2025 are approaching fast, ready to light up our screens. But before that, there’s still a chance to appreciate the fantastic lineup that 2024 gifted us. From inventive robots to a lively LEGO universe, epic fantasy tales, and polished remakes, this past year delivered something for everyone.
## A Year of Expansive RPGs
The last 12 months have been absolutely magical, filled with expansive lands brimming with heroes wielding spells, towns nestled in the skies, and characters with pointed ears. Atlus, the genius behind Persona, took a bold step into the unknown with Metaphor ReFantazio. This game captivated players and critics alike, earning accolades for its strategic combat, smooth presentation, and mesmerizing battle tunes.
Similarly, the task of reinventing an RPG classic was mastered brilliantly by Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Following in the footsteps of the acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth managed to keep the momentum going. Granblue Fantasy: Relink brought thrilling co-op combat paired with its vast narrative, and to top off the year, Dragon Age: The Veilguard enthralled players with a captivating quest, enhanced by the magnificent soundtrack from the legendary Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
For those seeking more grit on the ground, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth offered a robust RPG experience with its dynamic combat system and an engaging expansion of the Yakuza universe.
## A Year of Classic Remasters
Not letting the flood of new games overshadow them, several classics made a triumphant return in 2024, each bringing more than just a visual refresh. Disney’s Epic Mickey was a standout, with its updated graphics and fresh abilities for the iconic character.
Lara Croft enthusiasts were in for a treat with the remastered Tomb Raider I–III trilogy, enabling a nostalgic dive into familiar adventures. George Stobbart and Nico Collard also made a comeback in Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, boasting a 4K facelift that reinvigorated this adventure classic.
Over in the sci-fi realm, both Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition dazzled in their respective genres. Fan-favorite RPGs like Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload also shone brightly. Meanwhile, zombie fans were not left wanting as Capcom’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster stomped in with its cleverly upgraded gameplay, reminding everyone why it’s a household name in horror gaming.
## A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares
Amid the heart-skipping remakes, some games returned with intentions of reviving the frights of yesteryears. Silent Hill 2 emerged from the shadows, its terrifying remaster enhancing the sinister allure of Pyramid Head with incredible visual fidelity.
Meanwhile, new titles leaned into the retro horror vibe. Crow Country embraced the survival horror spirit with a distinctly ’90s PlayStation aesthetic. Fear the Spotlight utilized an old-school look to amplify its eerie narrative, while 1980s nostalgia ran wild in the eerie, multiplayer fun of Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, based on the cult movie.
For a modern take on fear, Still Wakes the Deep delivered a spine-chilling, tight-quartered psychological horror, offering cosmic suspense. And if you craved an adrenaline rush, Alien: Rogue Incursion in VR placed you in the thick of it, ensuring a scream could indeed be heard in your living room.
## A Year of Character Platformers
2024 set a new standard for the platforming genre. Leading the charge was Astro Bot from Team Asobi, full of creativity and charm. The adventure became an instant classic, thanks to its innovative level designs and remarkable integration of the DualSense controller.
Don’t skim over the year’s solo hits either. Another Crab’s Treasure whisked players to a whimsical world of a grumpy hermit crab using discarded objects for survival—a curious take on the Soulslike genre. On a lighter note, Penny’s Big Breakaway took us back in time with energetic and vibrant play, featuring daring escapes from Emperor Eddie’s chaotic penguins – it was every bit as bizarre and delightful as it sounds.
## A Year of Creative Art Design
The games of 2024 also shone with unique artistic flair. Harold Halibut’s stop-motion animation was nothing short of breathtaking, with handcrafted dioramas bringing this charming graphic adventure to vibrant life.
Neva captured attention with its striking use of color in its puzzle-platformer gameplay, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced silliness, bringing its absurd humor to life with a vivid comedic style akin to old British comic strips.
Lego Horizon Adventures blended boldness with a touch of nostalgia. An imaginative twist on Horizon Zero Dawn, this game allowed players to build the entire visual world, including formidable machines, from real-world LEGO bricks.
So, which games from 2024 left a lasting impression on you? Let us know which trends captured your heart.
