It’s clear that 2024 hasn’t reached the groundbreaking heights of 2023 in terms of game releases. Nevertheless, this past year unveiled a variety of exceptional titles across numerous genres, capturing the enthusiasm of gamers worldwide. Fans of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), in particular, experienced a particularly fruitful year, which stands out amidst a diverse gaming landscape.
The start of the year saw an impressive array of games launched in January and February, followed by a brief slowdown. However, the gaming world picked up momentum heading into the final quarter. Below, we present our selection of the top ten games that defined the gaming scene in 2024.
1. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (9/10)
The year kicked off with a standout title from Ubisoft, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. While fans eagerly await the long-anticipated remaster of Sands of Time—currently in development by Ubisoft Montreal—the Montpellier team has successfully crafted a captivating Metroidvania experience. Francesco De Meo highlighted its merits in his review:
Minor issues aside, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a thoroughly enjoyable Metroidvania that is not only among the best since Metroid Dread but also one of the best entries in the Prince of Persia series, bringing the franchise back to its platforming roots in the best way possible. If the long hiatus of the series was the price to pay for such a nicely crafted adventure, then it was a price worth paying.
2. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (9.2/10)
The ninth entry in the beloved series, previously known as Yakuza, introduces an exciting dual protagonist dynamic featuring Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga. The RPG format remains engaging for players, as described by reviewer Kai Tatsumoto:
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth serves as the real bridge between the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series into one cohesive experience. It’s the perfect sendoff for Kiryu and a passing of the torch to the plucky Ichiban Kasuga. In a lot of ways, Infinite Wealth builds upon the past with callbacks that series fans could appreciate. It’s a Japanese RPG experience that could only best be described as Ryu ga Gotoku Studio’s Metal Gear Solid 4 moment.
3. Tekken 8 (9/10)
Despite the challenges faced by fighting games in achieving a coveted spot on the Best Games list, Bandai Namco has succeeded with Tekken 8. The new installment was praised by Francesco De Meo for its quality:
Creating a sequel that could top its predecessor was no small feat, but Katsuhiro Harada and his team definitely managed to do so almost effortlessly. While some mechanics, such as Heat and Special Style, will remain controversial for the entirety of the game’s run, Tekken 8 is an excellent fighting game whose quality is only partially impacted by its far-from-perfect netcode and limited single-player content.
This game achieved commercial success, exceeding two million copies sold within its first month, alongside considerable critical acclaim.
4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (10/10)
Characterized by its ambitious scope, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, developed by Tetsuya Nomura and Kazushige Nojima, expands the journey beyond Midgar into a 100-hour-long narrative filled with exploration and emotion. Players will experience a more intimate connection to the storyline, which evokes nostalgia for fans of the original. Despite its expansive open-world elements, the game didn’t reach the sales targets set by Square Enix:
If there’s one word to describe Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it would be ambitious. Tetsuya Nomura, Kazushige Nojima, and the rest of Creative Business Unit I at Square-Enix have turned what is merely the remainder of Final Fantasy VII’s Disc One upon leaving Midgar into a 100-hour-long epic…
5. Astro Bot (9.3/10)
Team Asobi solidified their reputation for excellence with Astro Bot, a delightful platformer that resonates with fans of the genre, placing it in the company of classics like Super Mario. Garnering the title of Game of the Year at the TGA 2024, this title delivers joy throughout:
We knew Team Asobi was a great developer… Astro Bot is some of the most fun I’ve had working on a review all year. There’s a profound sense of whimsy and wonder to everything…
6. Silent Hill 2 (9/10)
After a long absence from the gaming spotlight, KONAMI returned with a compelling remake of the iconic Silent Hill 2. Developed by Bloober Team, the renewed edition has delighted critics, as highlighted by Chris Wray:
Silent Hill 2 is scary, atmospheric, polished, and fun (or as fun as a game like this can be). It is great, the best game by the Bloober Team…
7. Metaphor: ReFantasia (9/10)
Atlus has once again charmed fans with Metaphor: ReFantazio, capturing the essence of JRPG gaming with its medieval fantasy setting. Garnering a million sales at launch, the game has resonated well with players, with Tatsumoto noting:
Those who harbor an innate distaste for the social systems and time limits of modern Persona titles will find no solace here, but those who are willing to embrace… will experience one of the most stylish Japanese roleplaying games of 2024.
8. Dragon Age: The Veilguard (9/10)
Returning to its roots, BioWare revitalized the Dragon Age franchise with The Veilguard. This title showcases brilliantly curated experiences as opposed to vast open worlds, heeding feedback from its community:
With Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare has largely returned to its roots… a great mission-based RPG with a memorable story that will leave Dragon Age fans enthralled…
9. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (9/10)
The Legend of Zelda series continues to shine brightly in 2024, presenting players with a top-down adventure led by Zelda herself. Despite some minor issues, the game was enjoyable, as noted by Nathan Birch:
Ultimately though, any fussiness doesn’t obscure what Echoes of Wisdom is at its core — a really good, modern take on the traditional Zelda format, with excellent old-school dungeons and an enticing world…
10. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (9/10)
2024 culminated with the launch of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the first game centered on the iconic character in many years. Under the guidance of Todd Howard, this title has opened a new chapter in the adventure genre:
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an excellent adventure/action game that features one of the best Indiana Jones stories, great level design that rewards exploration, and awesome ray traced visuals…
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Honorable Mentions
While we have highlighted the crème de la crème, several noteworthy titles did not make it into the top ten. Consider these additional games for your upcoming gaming sessions:
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