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As 2024 whizzes by, the time has come to pause and reflect on some of the best game releases of the year. Thanks to innovative new technologies and increasingly immersive gaming experiences, it’s an unbelievably exciting time to be a gamer – and with so many exciting new releases on the horizon, it’s amazing to consider all the new titles that we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy already this year. There’s going to be something for everyone to discover this year, from intricate RPGs to thrilling sci-fi shooters (and everything else in between). Whether you’re looking for recommendations, or making sure you haven’t missed out on an instant classic, look no further as we’ve put together a roundup of our best games of 2024 (so far!).
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The much-loved, longstanding Final Fantasy franchise released another spellbinding title earlier this year. Our first pick therefore has to be Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – released on 29 February, this astonishing RPG was met with universal acclaim from devoted fans all over the world. As part of the remake project of the original, iconic Final Fantasy VII game, this incredible adventure story is an epic reimagining of a well-loved classic. Players join Cloud and his comrades on their quest to pursue Sephiroth, his evil nemesis in this particular fantasy world, and together they embark on a fateful journey across a planet steeped in mystery.
Behind the scenes, developers at Square Enix have built a visually stunning and immersive fantasy world that feels genuinely enormous, allowing players to get completely lost in the landscape of the game. Lifelong fans will appreciate the countless, thoughtful little details that call back to the original edition, whilst those who are completely new to the world of Final Fantasy will also find plenty to love about the gameplay experience. We seriously loved this stunning remake of a timeless classic!
- Balatro
Balatro is surely one of the most exciting new games of 2024 so far – in fact, it’s the best new card game we’ve come across in a very long time. Released back in February, Balatro offers a refreshing take on poker and solitaire, and players can enjoy a constantly evolving experience, as new mystic powers and thrilling possibilities appear as the game goes on. If you’re looking for card games, the internet seems to say High 5 Casino is the place to start. However, we’d recommend reading a Casino.org review before you start playing a new game. This hugely satisfying single-player deck builder combines a variety of familiar card game mechanics to create something totally unique – and seriously addictive.
The thrill of collecting the right sets of cards, combined with the tension of not knowing how an opponent’s next move might upend your plans, makes each round exciting and engaging. If you’re low on free time, then tread carefully, as this fast-paced, expertly crafted thriller has been described as ‘possibly the most addictive thing ever created’. One thing is for sure – Balatro has the potential to take over the world, and people will undoubtedly be talking about this game for many years to come.
- Tekken 8
We saw another refreshing take on a classic favorite with the release of Tekken 8 back in January this year! This glossy edition of the legendary fighting game was released on 26 January 2024 and is the eighth canon release in the beloved Tekken series. The game has been praised as a new peak for the game format – following the same format as previous releases, this fantastic title allows fans to enjoy the epic fighting game they know and love, whilst offering a shiny lineup of awesome new moves, features, and characters.
Tekken 8 currently boasts 35 playable characters, each with their own unique skills and attributes, and the mixture of new and returning characters has been hugely appreciated by longtime fans and new players alike. Avid Tekken players can also enjoy the game in online mode, which includes an immersive set of regular online battles and tournaments. This exhilarating entry from a much-loved franchise demonstrates how longstanding popular games can continue to evolve and keep their audiences entertained. A perfect choice for fans of fighting games everywhere.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Fans of the iconic Prince of Persia universe shouldn’t miss out on this stunning new action-adventure game, which was released back in January this year and aims to blend the classic elements of the series with new features and a fresh narrative. Taking inspiration from Persian mythology, this game is visually stunning and its 2.5D perspective creates a refreshingly artistic gameplay experience. Players will enjoy expertly crafted combat sequences within a beautiful and thoughtfully designed world, as well as a riveting plot containing a rescue mission, high drama and mythical creatures galore.
The game itself is multi-layered and contains countless complex puzzles and intriguing twists as the protagonist, Sargon, weaves his way through secret tunnels and shortcuts on his quest to reach Mount Qaf. Whilst the trailer for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown received a muted response from fans and critics, the game itself takes players on an astonishing journey, and we think it deserves far more hype. It’s surely one of the best games of 2024 so far – don’t miss this one!
Ultimately, it’s clear to see that 2024 has already been a golden year in the gaming world. Game developers are constantly pushing their creations to the next level, meaning that players around the world have been able to enjoy some of the very best games the industry has to offer. Today’s gamers are able to immerse themselves in stunning visuals and rich stories that push the boundaries of modern gaming, and with such a varied selection of titles on offer, there really is something for everyone out there today. There’s so much out there to explore – this list is just the beginning. Whichever way you like to play, make sure you check out these epic new titles of 2024 so far.