The best games of 2024 showcase amazing diversity and excitement, even though AAA releases seem quieter this year. Smaller studios and fresh faces in the industry are stepping up with groundbreaking titles that make up for fewer releases from major publishers.
The digital world looks nothing like it did ten years ago. Balatro brings its clever poker-meets-roguelike approach while Final Fantasy VII Rebirth tells an ambitious story. These games show the impressive variety of genres and experiences available now. Dragon’s Dogma 2 finally arrived after 12 years to add to this year’s remarkable lineup.
We took time to review the best video games 2024 has brought us so far. Our picks focus on quality and value that matter to your wallet. RPG fans, puzzle enthusiasts, and players looking for something different like UFO 50’s retro-inspired collection will find great options in our handpicked list of 25 games. This guide helps you pick your next gaming adventure wisely.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the best games we’ve seen in 2024. This massive RPG brings Synergy Skills to the table, a game-changing combat system that lets party members work together without using up ATB charges.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Gameplay Features
The combat system has grown substantially with new aerial fighting moves and Red XIII’s Vengeance Gage. Players can now ride Chocobos that come with their own special skills. Mountain Chocobos are particularly useful since they can climb cliffs and help players reach new areas. The game world opens up bit by bit as you progress through the story, giving players more ground to explore.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Price and Value
Players can pick from several different editions based on what they want to spend. The Digital Deluxe Edition comes packed with extra content. Serious collectors might want to grab the Collector’s Edition – it comes with an impressive 19-inch Sephiroth statue and some exclusive DLC. The base game will keep you busy for over 100 hours, and all the side activities could double your playtime.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Performance Analysis
The game runs beautifully with support for 4K resolution and speeds up to 120fps. Performance mode keeps things smooth with only tiny drops to 54fps during the busiest scenes. Graphics mode pushes out full 3840x2160p that can adjust down to 2880x1620p. This means you’ll get smooth gameplay no matter which visual settings you choose.
Balatro
Balatro stands out as one of 2024’s best games. This groundbreaking poker-inspired roguelike brilliantly mixes traditional card gameplay with fresh mechanics. Players quickly fell in love with this unique deck-builder after its February 2024 release.
Balatro Gameplay Mechanics
The game lets you create poker hands to hit specific point goals. You’ll find over 150 unique Jokers that pack special abilities. Players need to get through eight antes, each with three blinds – small, big, and boss – that get tougher as you go. Your success depends on smart calculations and deck-building skills rather than pure luck. The sort of thing I love about this game is how it keeps you on your toes with mechanics like Perishable and Rental Jokers.
Balatro Cost and Replayability
At $15.00, this game is a steal. You can play it endlessly and still find something new. The game’s depth comes from finding new builds, getting your hands on different decks, and taking on bigger challenges. Players have racked up over 11,000 years of playtime across platforms – it’s just that addictive.
Balatro Best Features
The game really shines through its synergy system. Jokers can multiply your scores and give you money bonuses to buy powerful cards. The peaceful synth-heavy soundtrack pairs perfectly with pixel-psychedelic visuals to create an amazing atmosphere. LocalThunk keeps improving the game with regular updates, and they’re planning a big free content drop for 2025. Every little detail, from visuals to sound, pulls you deeper into the experience.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 has joined the ranks of best games 2024. This cooperative game brings a fresh take on tactical combat and team-based missions. Players have been hooked on this third-person shooter since its February 2024 release.
Helldivers 2 Multiplayer Experience
The game shines through its four-player cooperative gameplay. Teams need to work together to succeed. Server issues plagued the game’s launch, but recent updates have improved matchmaking by a lot. Players can join the Galactic War, a constantly updating warfront. Each completed mission helps liberate planets and shows real progress.
Helldivers 2 Cost Analysis
Players can choose from these options:
- Standard Edition: USD 39.99
- Super Citizen Edition: USD 59.99 (has exclusive armor set, cape, and premium Warbond)
The battle pass comes with free and premium tiers at USD 10.00. Players can earn Super Credits through gameplay to unlock premium content without spending real money. The game uses two currencies: Warbonds for gameplay progression and Super Credits for cosmetic items.
Helldivers 2 Content Updates
The developer keeps boosting the experience with updates. Their latest patch tweaked weapon balance and enemy behavior . The Galactic War system keeps growing as players work together to free planets. The team plans to add new biomes, planets, and powerful weapons to help players face tougher threats.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth lifts turn-based combat to new heights in the best games 2024 lineup with its innovative Live Command RPG Battle system. This latest entry brings unprecedented strategic depth through character positioning and environmental interactions.
Like a Dragon Combat System
The revamped combat system makes shared character movement possible within a defined range during battles. Players can position fighters strategically for back attacks or trigger powerful combo moves with allies. The system truly excels through area-of-effect attacks and improved knockback mechanics that let players slam enemies into walls or explosive objects for extra damage. The job system comes back with expanded options and has character-exclusive roles like Ichiban’s Hero class and Kiryu’s unique Dragon of Dojima stance.
Like a Dragon Price and Content
The game has three distinct editions:
- Base Edition: USD 69.99
- Deluxe Edition: USD 84.99 (has Master Vacation Bundle)
- Ultimate Edition: USD 109.99 (has additional bundles and CD collection)
Players who pre-order get the Hero’s Booster Pack and Special Job Set, whatever edition they choose.
Like a Dragon Side Activities
The game features nearly 20 distinct mini-games alongside its main campaign. Dondoko Island stands out as an Animal Crossing-inspired life simulation where players manage a resort paradise. Classic activities like karaoke, batting cages, and fishing make their return. Each side activity enhances personality traits and bond levels through substories that develop characters meaningfully.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown stands out as one of the best games in 2024. This brilliant return to side-scrolling roots shows what a Metroidvania-style adventure should be. The game blends smooth combat mechanics with detailed exploration.
Lost Crown Gameplay Features
The game shines with its strong combat system that lets Sargon handle dual blades with amazing smoothness. Without doubt, Time Powers are the game’s biggest strength. Players gradually unlock these powers that enable air-dash moves and create shadow copies for combat advantage. Combat depth grows with Athra Surges – special moves that need perfect timing and smart resource management.
Lost Crown Price Point
Players can choose between two editions:
- Standard Edition: USD 39.99
- Super Citizen Edition: USD 59.99
The game’s value comes from its rich content that takes 30½ hours to complete fully. Players can pick between guided and exploration modes based on their priorities.
Lost Crown Level Design
Mount Qaf features a variety of biomes from sacred archives to the lower city and Hyrcanian Forest. The game’s clever Memory Shard system lets players take photos of areas they want to remember, which changes how players explore this Metroidvania world. Each area challenges players with precise platforming moves and shows off unique artistic elements. Players can enjoy stunning visuals in 4K resolution with HDR support across all environments.
