The year 2024 has proven to be a remarkable phase for video gaming, showcasing not only established franchises but also a plethora of innovative new intellectual properties (IPs). Notable titles such as Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Tekken 8 have made significant advancements, enriching their legacies. However, what truly sets this year apart is the advent of fresh IPs that have captivated players with their originality and quality, demonstrating the game developers’ ability to innovate in a saturated market.
In this landscape of creative exploration, we’ve identified ten standout new IPs from 2024 that have made a significant impact, each contributing to what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting gaming years yet.
Animal Well
The Best Metroidvania of the Year
Reviving the popularity of Metroidvanias, Animal Well stands out as a surprisingly delightful entry crafted by solo developer Billy Basso. This title embodies classic Metroidvania elements, featuring intricate platforming, a treasure-laden map, and innovative abilities that allow access to new regions. Most notably, Animal Well excels in its clever puzzle design, challenging players while rewarding their intellect and progression.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Souls Under the Sea
Amidst a growing trend of Souls-like games, Another Crab’s Treasure injects fresh energy into the genre. Players assume the role of Kril, a hermit crab who faces humorous challenges, including reclaiming his shell from a plastic loan shark. The game’s humor shines through as Kril scavenges for trash to craft makeshift shells and powerful melee weapons. Engaging boss battles against quirky enemies like power-hungry lobsters and crabs elevate the experience. And if you seek a touch of absurdity, the option to arm Kril with a comically oversized pistol adds an entertaining twist that no gamer can resist.
Balatro
Poker for Introverts
Balatro emerged as an unexpected contender for Game of the Year in 2024, captivating players with its engaging gameplay. This rogue-lite poker game is easy to pick up yet hard to master, allowing players to collect a variety of cards to create powerful combinations. Each round presents a target score akin to a boss battle, enabling players to earn in-game currency for further expansion of their decks. With its addictive mechanics, Balatro embodies the classic ‘just one more round’ philosophy of gaming.
Black Myth: Wukong
A Truly Epic Journey
The anticipation surrounding Black Myth: Wukong reached a crescendo with its stunning trailers, and the game sure didn’t disappoint. Nominated for Game of the Year, it draws inspiration from the beloved Chinese tale Journey to the West. Players control “The Destined One,”a powerful monkey resembling the legendary Sun Wukong, navigating beautifully crafted landscapes to recover mystical artifacts. Although it has a distinct identity away from traditional Souls-like genres, its challenging gameplay and impressive storytelling make it a standout title in 2024.
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle
The Best Licensed Game of the Year
From the talented team at MachineGames, known for their creation of the Wolfenstein series, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle successfully captures the exhilarating spirit of the iconic film franchise. Despite the challenges often faced by licensed games, this title imparts the same excitement and allure as the beloved movies, thanks to a stellar performance by Troy Baker as Indiana Jones. The gameplay balances thrilling action with stealth mechanics, allowing for a refreshing and immersive adventuring experience that resonates well with fans of the franchise.
Metaphor: ReFantasia
An Atlus JRPG with Its Own Persona
Metaphor: ReFantazio has established itself as another exceptional entry among 2024’s Game of the Year nominees, showcasing an inventive take on the renowned Persona/Shin Megami Tensei framework. Departing from the familiar school-life environment, this title immerses players in a fantasy-inspired, sometimes steampunk setting rich with complex narratives and character-driven intrigue. By integrating real-time and turn-based combat, Metaphor: ReFantazio delivers a gameplay experience that invigorates traditional genre mechanics while staying true to Atlus’s signature style.
Nine Sols
Stylish Side-Scrolling Axe
In 2024, Nine Sols pays homage to FromSoftware’s legacy, offering a side-scrolling experience deeply reminiscent of Sekiro. With its breathtaking, hand-drawn art and a unique blend of Cyberpunk aesthetics intertwined with Ancient Chinese lore, this game emphasizes precise parrying mechanics essential for survival. As players maneuver through stunning worlds and face formidable bosses, underlying themes of political oppression enhance the already rich narrative layers—positioning Nine Sols firmly among the best new contributions to the Souls-like genre this year.
Satisfactory
The Ultimate Factory Simulator
Satisfactory, having transitioned from early access to its full 1.0 release in 2024, combines elements of space exploration, crafting mechanics, and factory management into a satisfying gaming experience. Like a fusion of No Man’s Sky and Factorio, players are immersed in a vibrant world where they build sprawling factories while combating alien threats. With humorous touches like creating a suction tunnel for efficient resource transportation, Satisfactory reigns as one of the premier factory simulation games available, perfect for those with a knack for creativity and strategy.
UFO 50
A Retro-Inspired Collection of Goodness
As nostalgia washes over gamers, retro arcade-style games have seen a resurgence. UFO 50 caters perfectly to this sentiment with its impressive collection of brand-new retro-themed games that evoke a sense of exploration. Crafted by the developers behind Spelunky, this compilation strikes a balance between old-school charm and innovative design, bringing fifty unique experiences to players. While some titles may shine brighter than others, UFO 50 succeeds in rekindling the magic of retro gaming while delivering engaging new content worth exploring.
Unicorn Overlord
Tactical RPG Perfection
Unicorn Overlord, developed by Vanillaware, is a shining example of tactical RPG excellence. The game draws notable inspiration from Vanillaware’s celebrated title, Odin Sphere, showcasing stunning artwork and a compelling narrative as players guide Prince Alain and his companions on their quest for liberty. With its visual splendor and captivating gameplay mechanics, Unicorn Overlord undoubtedly stands as an essential title for any RPG enthusiast in 2024.
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