TOP LIST – This year was filled with exceptional video games that captivated us with their stories, gameplay, and innovations. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 games of 2024 that stood out from the crowd and delivered memorable experiences for all of us. Explore these masterpieces with us and share your thoughts in the comments: do you agree with our list, and what were your favorites?

This year’s lineup showcased the diversity of video games, proving they can transcend boundaries and open new dimensions in entertainment. Whether you’re looking for action-packed battles or deeply woven narratives, fans of every genre could find their perfect experience—2024 was truly a stellar year in this regard.

Our list below celebrates not only the best technical achievements but also those titles that emotionally resonated with players. From innovative gameplay to exceptional artistic direction, this year delivered unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into the ten games that truly stole the spotlight in 2024!

10. Stellar Blade

The Stellar Blade, inspired by Bayonetta and Nier: Automata, is an ambitious action game that delivers an entertaining experience despite a few rough edges. Its Souls-like combat system, challenging enemies, and stunning graphics make the game a standout.

Developed in South Korea, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the role of a fierce and stunning female warrior battling bizarre monsters. The spectacular combat and engaging gameplay will keep players hooked.

9. Persona 3 Reload

Considered one of the best Persona games ever made, Persona 3: Reload is a comprehensive remake for modern audiences. It’s the ultimate way to experience one of the franchise’s darkest stories, revamping the game with enhanced combat, improved visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack.

Atlus’ classic RPG returns in a modern guise, retaining the depth and dark tone of the original. The revamped graphics and enhanced battle mechanics offer a fresh experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

8. Star Wars Outlaws

Welcome to the underbelly of the galaxy. Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft bring players to the darker side of the Star Wars universe, where you step into the role of Kay Vess, a thief and rogue navigating her way from the Outer Rim to the Core Worlds in search of a fresh start. Star Wars Outlaws, set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, is a third-person action-adventure game featuring shootouts, heists, lock-picking, speeder races, gambling, and betrayals.

While the game initially struggled with some frustrating bugs, these have since been patched, delivering a smoother and more exciting gameplay experience. Whether you prefer blaster shootouts or stealth tactics, the game rewards your chosen playstyle with various weapon and equipment upgrades. There’s plenty to explore, from encounters with familiar characters to finding parts to upgrade Kay’s ship, speeder, and blaster. The diverse gameplay provides proportional rewards for invested time. If navigating cantinas or resolving debts owed by Empire-wanted outlaws feels like too much of a detour, the game also offers an engaging central narrative about crime and social hierarchies, giving hope that we’ll see more of Kay Vess in future media.

7. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Ichiban Kasuga’s naive innocence is the perfect counterpoint to Kazuma Kiryu’s brutality. As one grapples with his own mortality, the other embarks on a new adventure to expand his family tree. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth combines the chaos of the Like a Dragon sub-franchise’s JRPG combat system with the crazy, absurd world of the Yakuza franchise. Even in its strangest moments, it retains the emotion that makes the game truly special.

Kiryu embodies everything that makes the Like a Dragon series great, while Ichiban represents the down-to-earth human element. This is perhaps the best intertwining of story and combat that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has ever put together, and some say it surpasses Kiryu’s solo adventures. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth proves that strong characters can carry any gameplay on their backs.

6. Astro Bot

The joy of Astro Bot is undeniable. A platformer that is endlessly creative yet simple in design, it demonstrates how a deep understanding of a popular genre can lead to extraordinary results. Astro Bot pays tribute to PlayStation and its associated franchises, but even without the fanservice elements, it remains a tight and incredibly entertaining platformer.

Fans of Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro’s Playroom have long been begging for a full-fledged Astro Bot game, and they received far more than they hoped for. Team Asobi has proven itself as a flagship PlayStation studio, and Astro Bot has earned its place as Sony’s best mascot.

5. Dragon Age: The Veilguard

BioWare had long needed a major success, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivered just that. The new installment skillfully advances the Dragon Age formula, particularly in combat and storytelling, while retaining all the elements fans love. The characters are vibrant, the world is captivating, and, of course, it wouldn’t be a BioWare game without difficult decisions.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard reminds players of what BioWare can offer that other studios cannot. It creates a team of unique characters, each with distinct personalities and backstories, forging deep emotional connections with players. If this is the future of Dragon Age, fans have much to look forward to.

4. Black Myth: Wukong

Visually stunning and mechanically challenging, Black Myth: Wukong is part of a larger effort to introduce Western gamers to the Chinese game development scene. Initially, Black Myth: Wukong seemed more like a tech showcase than an actual game, but the final product turned out to be one of the best-looking games of the generation.

While its classification as a “soulslike” is debatable, Black Myth: Wukong expanded its challenging boss battles into an epic experience. The developers at Game Science surprise players with creative solutions while drawing inspiration from Journey to the West. The game is filled with breathtaking moments and visual effects that immediately captivate.

3. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Atlus has once again proven that it operates on an entirely different level within the JRPG genre. Although it deviates from the studio’s popular series, Metaphor: ReFantazio still carries the DNA of Persona in a new setting and context. The characters are just as well-developed, the combat is complex and challenging, and the game’s design—from the music to the eerily beautiful enemies—is simply outstanding.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a massive undertaking, even by Atlus’ standards, but it’s well worth the 100-hour investment. It perfectly complements the studio’s other works while standing out as a remarkable JRPG in its own right. While fans eagerly await Persona 6, Metaphor: ReFantazio serves as the perfect appetizer.

2. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Lucasfilm Games has brought back the iconic archaeologist, and the result is nothing short of incredible. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle opens a new chapter in adventure gaming, blending classic point-and-click elements with action-packed platforming gameplay. The new game revisits the franchise’s roots while introducing modern touches for a fresh experience.

The game offers challenging puzzles and intense action sequences that will delight fans. The iconic atmosphere of the Indiana Jones films is present in every moment, while the game’s central story adds new depth to Dr. Jones’ character.

1. Silent Hill 2

Bloober Team’s best work and one of the finest video game remakes ever created. The game builds on the legacy of the original cult classic while adding new layers that make it even scarier, more intriguing, and visually stunning. Everything fans loved about the original is brought to life in fresh and spine-chilling ways.

James Sunderland’s quiet despair is perfectly captured by Luke Roberts’ performance. Despite high expectations, Bloober Team delivered the best horror game of the year, securing its spot at the top of our list.

-Gergely Herpai „BadSector”-