The Best Games of 2024 So Far: Essential Titles for Every Gamer
Finding truly exceptional games in a crowded market can be a challenge. In 2023, IGN notably awarded 83 games a review score of 8 or higher. This included five perfect 10s. Such titles were Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The goal this year is to discover games that meet similar high standards. Our focus remains on the best games of 2024 so far. This list provides an in-depth look at key releases. It also highlights why these games are worth your time. The video above offers a great overview. This article expands on those insights. It provides more detail for your consideration.
Highly Praised Releases: Games Scoring 8
Many fantastic titles were released this year. These games deliver memorable experiences. They push boundaries in various genres. Here are some top picks that scored an 8.
Alan Wake 2: Night Springs – A Dive into Remedy’s Multiverse
Night Springs offers more thrills in the Alan Wake universe. This DLC presents compact, standalone stories. Players experience entertaining shootouts. Tense survival horror sections are also included. The inherent craziness of Remedy’s multiverse is celebrated. This narrative style keeps players keenly absorbed. While new gameplay mechanics are limited, the highs outweigh the lows. The return to Alan Wake’s world is greatly appreciated. More bite-sized side stories would be welcomed in the future.
Another Crab’s Treasure – A Charming Souls-like Adventure
This title stands out among Souls-likes. It cleverly borrows genre staples. However, a colorful and charming veneer is added. The shell-swapping mechanic is unique and endearing. Players find it refreshing. Its story is well-written. It contains many memorable moments and characters. The relentlessly cheerful mood provides a welcome change. It is a true standout in a sea of more somber imitations. The combat, while not the deepest, is still engaging. Minor technical issues do not detract from its overall appeal. This game is clever and wonderfully ridiculous. It is absolutely worth exploring.
Black Myth: Wukong – A Challenging Action Experience
Black Myth: Wukong is a challenging action game. It is not strictly a Souls-like. The combat is fantastic. It balances careful resource management with lightning-fast reactions. This system truly tests player skills. It offers depth comparable to Elden Ring. Many exciting boss battles are included. A great variety of enemies keeps things fresh. The world is a visual and auditory treat. The story has its moments. A map could improve its rewarding exploration. Its strengths still make it a great action game. Some technical issues were noted around launch. Localization problems also existed. These are minor considering the overall quality.
Botany Manor – A Relaxing First-Person Puzzler
Botany Manor is a light-hearted first-person puzzler. It is set in an old English backdrop. Growing fantastical plants provides unique challenges. The blossoming flora offers a comforting sense of achievement. Deciphering puzzles is highly engaging. The variety of surreal seeds adds excitement. Each new area introduces unique plant traits. This creates an exciting cadence. It is a laid-back game. It asks players to simply grow strange plants. It offers a perfect way to decompress. This can be exactly what is needed.
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile – Battle Royale On the Go
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile delivers a full-scale multiplayer experience. It replicates the Warzone experience faithfully. Cross-progression makes it a seamless extension. Players can continue their progress from other platforms. While touch controls may be a disadvantage, the experience is fast and fun. A powerful phone ensures smooth frame rates. This mobile title expertly uses Warzone maps and gameplay. It provides more opportunities to play. It keeps fans engaged. This ensures a consistent player base.
Capes – A Strategic Superhero Tactics Game
Capes is a clever tactics game. It clearly loves superhero comics. Characters combine powers. Diverse ultimate abilities are supercharged. This effectively sells the game’s focus on teamwork. Chasing optional objectives adds depth. Players counter a wide range of enemy types. The story, heroes, and villains are entertainingly written. This ensures the substantial campaign remains fun. Stealth missions exist. They are mostly optional. Their design is not as strong as other mission types. This game offers a strategic superhero experience.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Early Access) – Roguelite Mining Fun
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is in Early Access. It feels polished despite its limited content. It translates the original shooter’s adventurous spirit. This single-player roguelite is well-executed. It is an enjoyable addition to the beloved franchise. Wielding punchy weapons is satisfying. Players sprint through critter-filled caverns. The quest for loot and glory warms even the stonest heart. Its early state promises great things. Further development will only enhance the experience.
Disney Dreamlight Valley – Cozy Disney Character Exploration
Disney Dreamlight Valley had its full release recently. It is a great cozy game. Cartoonish and colorful areas invite exploration. Players meet many charming characters. Hanging out with Disney icons is a good time. Recent additions like Gaston make returning worthwhile. Some shortcomings from Early Access persist. Storylines sometimes end on cliffhangers. A monstrous grind can be tiresome. Bugs continue to plague the experience. Still, chilling with Disney’s characters is undeniably riveting. The lovable tunes add to its charm. It is a delightful escape for Disney fans.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 – A Rich Action RPG Experience
Dragon’s Dogma 2 re-implements ideas from the 2012 original. It offers an awesome dynamic world. Combat is among the best in its genre. Ally AI can be finicky. Climbing mechanics are sometimes clunky. Frame rates are occasionally choppy. These shortcomings are easily overlooked. This action RPG is richly rewarding. It stands apart from its contemporaries. Its unique approach makes it a modern cult classic. The gameplay offers unparalleled depth.
Enshrouded (Early Access) – Fantasy Castle Building
Enshrouded is a perfect match for builders. It allows castle creation in a dangerous fantasy world. Its intuitive tools make building fun and easy. Even without focusing on crafting, the RPG systems are solid. They carry players through dozens of hours. The open world is vast. The story is vague. Puzzles are forgettable. Combat and movement need fine-tuning. Unlocking breathtaking new areas drives the journey. This provides a smooth 60-hour plus experience. It is a promising Early Access title.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game – Off-Road Exploration
Expeditions is a satisfying twist on the MudRunner experience. Untamed wilderness maps are included. Many exploration-focused missions are offered. It is a worthwhile companion to SnowRunner. Mission gating can be aggravating. The map screen is not user-friendly. Its slow-paced bushwhacking is not for everyone. Successfully navigating tough terrain is oddly satisfying. The journey truly proves more important than the destination. This game offers unique challenges for off-road enthusiasts.
F1 Manager 2024 – The Best F1 Management Sim Yet
F1 Manager 2024 is the third in its series. It improves on past iterations. New features like creating your own team are included. These offer strong customization. Securing victories with a tailor-made team feels rewarding. Flaws exist, such as a tedious contract system. The sprint format also needs work. This is still Frontier’s best Formula 1 management sim. Evolutionary changes make it a welcome addition. It deepens the management experience for racing fans.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – A New Era for the MMO
Dawntrail is the latest Final Fantasy XIV expansion. It has growing pains as a new era begins. Noticeable lulls are present. The compelling cultures of the Toral region are strong. They carry the story to its greater moments. The main story takes time to start. Once it peaks, it ranks among the series’ best. Fans are floored by its self-reflection. Spectacular combat encounters stun players. It is a worthy extension of the game. It creates fascinating future possibilities. Dawntrail does not forget its Final Fantasy roots. It ties past, present, and future together. This creates incredible moments. It continues to uplift the series.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – A Tight Action RPG
Granblue Fantasy: Relink bucks genre trends. It offers a tight, less bloated story. Its campaign brevity does not compromise quality. The mobile game origins are sometimes apparent. It feels thin in some aspects. Questing with friends in multiplayer is exciting. The lack of crossplay is disappointing. It is still a compelling action RPG. Its focused narrative provides a refreshing change. Players enjoy a concentrated, high-quality experience.
Harold Halibut – A Wholesome, Hand-Crafted Adventure
Harold Halibut takes place at the ocean’s bottom. It is a distant alien planet. Yet, its story is entirely human. Hand-made environments are carefully crafted. It emphasizes empathy for eccentric characters. More interactivity would be welcome. Harold’s slow run could be boosted to a sprint. This would reduce repeated travel time. Players remain captivated by its whimsical quest. The goal is uniting his community. Exploring his sunken home is spectacular. This is a wholesome, hand-crafted adventure. It is filled with plenty of heart.
Homeworld 3 – Strategic Space Combat Evolved
Homeworld 3’s campaign varies mission styles. Imogen Sejet seeks a missing Hiigaran fleet. She faces an unhinged enemy. Close-quarter scenarios guide dozens of ships. Eye-catching gauntlets of asteroids are navigated. Enormous space stations are explored. Dogfights and capital ship slugfests are a sight to behold. Multiplayer is somewhat bare bones. Immediate thrills are found in three-player wargames. Long-term potential is also present. Randomized upgrades allow fleet specialization. Co-op partners concentrate on different threats. This handles anything that comes their way. The game offers significant strategic depth.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – Action-Strategy Hybrid
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is an exciting hybrid. It blends action and strategy. A satisfying day-night structure is featured. Players often lose track of time. They search for “one more thing.” Base management can feel like busy work. The game is not the most challenging. The strategy it demands is satisfying. Interesting enemy designs are present. Quiet but effective storytelling sticks with you. This creates a memorable experience.
Last Epoch – A Deep Time-Bending Action RPG
Last Epoch is an impressive action RPG. It features time-bending elements. Rich customization meets modern action. Mechanically, it bridges Diablo and Path of Exile. It competently stands on its own merits. Many unique systems are entertaining. A strong endgame is difficult to resist. Players pour entire weekends into its loops. The poorly told story is a drawback. A handful of bugs also exist. These should not discourage players. This adventure is worth seeing through to the end of time. It offers immense replayability.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak – A Fresh Start
Trails through Daybreak provides an exciting new start. A fresh cast of characters is introduced. Familiar faces also join. It is a great entry point for new fans. Veteran players are rewarded for returning. Its updated hybrid battle system has kinks. Real-time elements need refinement. Enhanced movement options improve turn-based aspects. An engaging story is wrapped within. Political drama is present. A compelling new setting is explored. Daybreak elevates the Trails series. It helps it reach new heights. This game offers something for all players.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD – Definitive Ghost-Busting Fun
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD offers enhanced graphics. It provides a more flexible twin-stick control setup. This is the definitive version of Luigi’s adventure. Newcomers to the series find plenty of fun. Ghost-busting and puzzle-solving abound. Five haunted houses are explored. Fans of the original 3DS version might be disappointed. Dramatic gameplay changes are not present. Playing after the third game reveals limitations. Despite this, it is a great installment. It solidifies Nintendo’s specter-snaring series. It is a solid choice for Switch owners.
MLB The Show 24 – Comprehensive Baseball Simulation
MLB The Show 24 pushes baseball sim boundaries. It adds deep respect for sports history. Excellent gameplay remains its foundation. Women are added to Road to the Show. The Negro Leagues are also included. Sony San Diego shows commitment. Baseball is for everyone. It is the most comprehensive baseball game yet. A lackluster story mode is a minor flaw. The overall package is impressive. It highlights historical significance. This ensures broad appeal.
Once Human – Accessible Survival Crafting
Once Human is very fun. Its survival crafting is simple. It is also accessible and rewarding. Building a house is amusing. Pieces can be uncooperative. Combat is generally basic. Grotesque monsters make up for this. Players get a menagerie of creatures. They fight alongside them. More creative quests would benefit the game. A flatter difficulty curve is needed. Players still have a great time. This game offers unique charm. It delivers hours of engaging gameplay.
Palworld (Early Access) – The Surprise Hit of the Year
Palworld was a surprise hit this year. Its Early Access state is amusingly irreverent. It boasts surprising content depth. Deep survival mechanics are included. It is absurdly difficult to put down. Shamelessly taking ideas from Pokemon is clear. Unsurprising bugs exist. Performance issues are also present. Base supply management needs retuning. Riding a flying dragon and shooting a blue duck changes perspective. Most blemishes wash away. This unique blend creates an addictive experience.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – A Superb Metroidvania
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown captures the series’ essence. It irons out issues from 3D games. The game opts for a 2D perspective. It executes this with precision. It is a superb, traditional Metroidvania. Tried-and-true genre elements are present. The story is sometimes jumbled. Fast, fun combat is a highlight. Tight, satisfying controls elevate the experience. A stylish look and feel defines Sargon’s journey. The Lost Crown is a worthy successor. It continues the best of Prince of Persia’s legacy.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – A Brutal, Beautiful Journey
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II delivers a spell-binding adventure. It is packed with cinematic spectacle. Story surprises maintain momentum. Its slender runtime is never wasted. Combat feels consistently intimidating. It is immediate despite mechanical simplicity. Perspective-based puzzles scratch cerebral itches. These are rehashed concepts. They are from Senua’s previous story. This journey is as brutal as it is beautiful. Hardware-pushing visuals are delivered. Persistently absorbing audio enhances the experience. It meets its predecessor’s high bar. It is a Viking-worthy feast for the senses. It is a truly immersive experience.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – An Enhanced RPG Experience
Vengeance does not drastically improve the original. New twists are included. Fresh content is added. Quality-of-life upgrades are great additions. The Vengeance-exclusive storyline is marginally better. There has never been a better time to play. Its hard-nosed RPG style is compelling. Satisfying turn-based combat is a highlight. The masterful execution of a demonic world is impressive. This game offers an even richer experience. It captivates players with its unique atmosphere.
Splatoon 3: Side Order – Roguelike Ink-Slinging Fun
Splatoon 3 features excellent weapon variety. It also has intense combat. Side Order, a roguelike mode, is a perfect fit. It is some of the best fun in Splatoon. Outstanding new enemies are present. Powerful new abilities are introduced. It occasionally stumbles with roguelike elements. This leads to repetitive boss fights. Poor pacing can also occur. Despite these issues, the DLC is a blast. It offers a fresh, engaging way to play.
Stargate: Timekeepers – A Love Letter to Fans
Stargate: Timekeepers is challenging. It is an enjoyable stealth tactics game. It lovingly pays homage to the classic TV series. The story and characters could use more depth. Issues with enemy behavior exist. Missing keyboard shortcuts need polish. Fans of Stargate will love this. New TV content is scarce. This game fills that void. It provides a strategic experience for enthusiasts. It respects the source material deeply.
SteamWorld Heist 2 – Refined Turn-Based Combat
SteamWorld Heist 2 offers a charming adventure. It refines the original’s combat. A flexible mix-and-match class system is included. Hand-made maps are built for teamwork. Escaping unscathed is the objective. A light, entertaining nautical exploration game serves as a palate cleanser. Swapping between modes keeps things fresh. It is twice the length of the first game. Grinding to unlock areas is occasionally present. The skill system can waste XP. Loot is plentiful. Amusing robot characters are featured. Fantastic original music adds to the charm. This game is a delight.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble – A Brilliant Return to Form
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a brilliant return. It features 200 fantastic courses. They range from charming to challenging. Tight mechanics are present. Predictable physics give total control. The new spin dash ability is a genius evolution. Smartly implemented online play adds layers. Cooperation and strategy are enhanced. The battle mode is underwhelming. It is easily ignored. Optional objectives are plentiful. Replayability in adventure mode is immense. It is the best Super Monkey Ball game in over 20 years. It offers countless hours of fun.
Tactical Breach Wizards – Humorous Turn-Based Tactics
Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based tactics game. It is packed with humor. Character-focused missions are highlighted. Each mission offers things to fiddle with. Space is limited. It is a little on the easy side. This allows creativity with loadouts. Possible combos between teams are encouraged. It is wrapped in a vibrant, weird world. Truly incredible writing is present. It is hard not to be entranced. This game provides lighthearted, strategic fun.
The Thaumaturge – A Unique Historical Science Fiction RPG
The Thaumaturge is a slow, text-heavy caper. It is often curious. It is sometimes captivating. Revolutionary labor politics are woven with mysticism. This creates a unique historical sci-fi piece. It is “Eurojank” throughout. Criss-crossing systems are fun. Observations, Thaumaturge abilities, and combat engage players. Controls are sometimes hitchy. Clunky conversations occur. Odd voice-overs make the journey bumpy. If jank did not deter enjoyment of Vampyr or The Witcher, this ghost story is exciting. It offers a deep, intriguing narrative.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank – An Action Roguelike Overhaul
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank follows its predecessor. It is not much longer. Pacing problems exist toward the end. This sequel received a huge overhaul. It changed genres to an action roguelike. Massive combat improvements make the switch work. More quests are available. More jokes are included. More secrets are to uncover. It retains its predecessor’s charm. This game offers enhanced gameplay. It provides a fresh, engaging experience. It is a delightful evolution.
WWE 2K24 – A Strong Wrestling Game
WWE 2K24 proves 2K and Visual Concepts have hit their stride. They create great wrestling games. It is not drastically different from previous titles. Enough new features are added. Climbing back into the ring is worthwhile. Flaws still exist. Showcase mode has not changed much. MyRise needs consistent tone. Pacing is an issue. Only biggest superstars benefit from high visuals. New wrestlers sometimes fall short. Lingering annoyances are present. WWE 2K24 caps a three-year run of great wrestling games. It delivers a solid, entertaining experience.
Zenless Zone Zero – Stylish Urban Combat
Zenless Zone Zero leans into early 2000s nostalgia. It blends with a stylish future vision. An inimitable world is crafted. Investing in it is easy. Exploring New Eridu is thrilling. Getting to know its charming cast hooks players. Combat is exhilarating and approachable. Momentum-killing hacking puzzles sour the mood. Many extracurricular activities are offered. It is easy to get swept up. This game provides a unique, engaging experience. It captivates with its blend of style and action.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – A Terrific Third-Person Shooter
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a terrific shooter. It features a compelling story. Many weapons are a blast to use. A healthy variety of enemies keeps things exciting. It borrows ideas from Gears of War. These are good ideas. Space Marine 2 makes them its own. Operations PvE mode needs more content. It doesn’t offer enough currently. Deep customization options are promising. Alien evisceration on beautiful planets is satisfying. This game delivers intense action. It provides a thrilling combat experience.
Frostpunk 2 – Complex City-Building in an Ice Age
Frostpunk 2 rethinks city builder mechanics. Its larger scale is less intimate. It is more socially and politically complex. Building multiple colonies is challenging. Researching technologies and passing laws is a plate-spinning act. Nearly anything done angers factions. A powerful storm can freeze the economy. This sequel sacrifices intimacy for scale. It still offers profound challenges. It is a deep, strategic city builder. Players must navigate societal pressures.
Exceptional Experiences: Games Scoring 9
Certain games rise above the rest. They achieve an IGN score of 9. These titles offer truly outstanding gameplay. They set new benchmarks in their genres.
Satisfactory – The Best Automation Game Ever Made
Satisfactory is the best automation game. It is seriously recommended. Every moment is engaging. Building messy conveyer belt disasters is fun. Creating delightfully efficient factories is a blast. This takes over 130 hours. Exploring a gorgeous world provides a change of pace. Searching for secrets and resources is enjoyable. Combat offers generic aliens to shoot. This is a minor point. Insatiable appetite for electronics causes annoyances. These do not sour the stellar factory builder. It is an incredibly rewarding experience.
World of Warcraft: The War Within – A Revitalized MMO
The War Within is a strong World of Warcraft expansion. It is the best in many years. It could be the best ever. Writing is strong. Gameplay is strong. Music and zone design are exceptional. This holds true even by Blizzard’s standards. The endgame loop feels good. It offers satisfying ways to progress. More difficult solo content is available. Level 80 experience has wonky tuning. Annoying bugs are present. Blizzard will likely iron these out. This two-decade-old MMO feels fresh. It is thrilling again. It breathes new life into a classic.
Astro Bot – A Joyful Mascot Platformer
Astro Bot makes players smile. This lasts from beginning to end. It features endlessly inventive levels. Fantastically fun abilities deliver joy. It never becomes dull or repetitive. A long history with Sony systems is not needed. It is a delight for PlayStation fans. A treasure trove of playable nostalgia awaits. It takes “Play has no limits” seriously. Team Asobi crafted a mascot platformer. It goes toe-to-toe with Nintendo’s best. This is a high compliment. It delivers pure, unadulterated fun.
1000xResist – A Revolution in Storytelling
1000xResist is a revolution. It changes how stories are told. It creates complex, rich fiction. It is beautifully written. It is spectacularly visualized. It paints a beautifully messy picture. It is often cruel. It is brutally honest about humanity. It invites reflection on the Ainu diaspora. It dissects the immigrant experience. This shows something greater than simple representation. This sci-fi adventure is profound. It is never pretentious. It is unapologetically sentimental. It avoids excess. Bitter-sweet intimate moments are present. It never loses sight of radical politics. It shapes our future. This game sets new narrative standards.
Animal Well – A Dense Maze of Mind Teasers
Animal Well is a veritable feast of brain teasers. It focuses on twisting your mind. Grueling platforming is secondary. It is lovely to look at. Gorgeous pixel art is featured. Dynamic lighting enhances visuals. Excellent haptics make it fun to touch. Well-tuned physics systems are included. Its steadily unlocked toy box rewards play. Curiosity and experimentation are encouraged. This lasts hours after credits roll. The late-game maze might grate. Asking for help is sometimes needed. The massive onion of secrets remains dense. It is clever and thrilling. It offers endless layers of discovery.
Balatro – An Infinitely Fun Roguelike Deck Builder
Balatro is remarkably approachable. Complex systems await dedicated players. It successfully assembles an infinitely fun loop. Every great roguelike aims for this. It takes poker’s simple scoring hands. Deep mechanics are shuffled in. They are not a chore to learn. They are always thrilling to exploit. It is a deck builder of satisfying proportions. It threatens to derail weekend plans. Players stay awake late. The jester tempts “just one more run.” This game is incredibly addictive. It offers endless strategic depth.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape – A Satisfying Conclusion
Destiny 2’s potential was clear. This was evident seven years ago. Bungie realized much of it with The Final Shape. This final expansion largely succeeds. It delivers a satisfying ending. The raid is brutal and epic. Prismatic subclasses breathe fresh life into combat. A new enemy faction adds variety. Players spend hours shooting them. Avalanche of confusing RPG systems exists. Currencies and storylines are hard to digest. For the first time, pushing through is recommended. A bright, beaming light is at the tunnel’s end. This offers a compelling reason to engage.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – An Awe-Inspiring Action RPG
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth builds impressively. It continues from what Remake set in motion. It is a best-in-class action RPG. Exciting challenge and depth are offered. It is an awe-inspiring recreation of a world. This world means much to many. Over 80 hours are needed for the main story. Many side quests are optional. The original section feels massive. Minigames and diversions fill regions. A new, vivid picture is painted. Rebirth often represents memorable qualities. It fumbles the ending. A mess of twisting timelines occurs. New moments evoke reflection. This is despite the flaws. It is a grand and memorable adventure.
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree – A Masterpiece Expansion
Shadow of the Erdtree is Elden Ring’s only expansion. It is hard to imagine a better DLC. Everything loved about the original is condensed. It is an incredibly tight package. Its size is comparable to stand-alone games. Erdtree is jam-packed with secrets. Valuable treasures are found. Challenging boss battles await. Horrific monstrosities are faced. Cool new weapons are included. Spells, Ashes of War, and talismans offer variety. They provide novel ways to tackle brutal battles. Interesting lore revelations are present. Spectacular visual design enhances bosses. Stellar music accompanies them. This is one of the best DLCs ever. It solidifies Elden Ring’s legacy. This expansion offers immense depth and challenge.
