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The Best Video Games of 2024

BEST VIDEO GAMES OF 2024

2024 was a spectacular year for video games, delivering unforgettable experiences that kept us glued to our screens. From remasters that lived up to the hype to surprise hits that seemingly came out of nowhere, this year proved that gaming is more vibrant and unpredictable than ever. But amidst the avalanche of releases, which titles truly captured our imaginations, sparked endless conversations, and left us wanting more?

Persona 3 Reload by Lauren Skinner

“The arcana is the means by which all is revealed.” And what I’m revealing to you today is how much I loved the remake of the beloved demon-capturing, friend-making, and god-destroying experience that is Persona 3 Reload.

The visuals are fantastic. Whilst the older games don’t match the stylised, modern graphics of Persona 5 Royal, it comes pretty damn close. Tartarus, the eerie labyrinthine dungeon where our gang of schoolkids and misfits run rampant defeating Shadows, is transformed into a hauntingly beautiful setting. It gives an otherworldly, and yet exciting space for us to traverse. In fact, all the locations are beautifully realised, giving stunning backdrops to your activities and friendships throughout the story.

The gameplay emulates the other modern games in the franchise—which, let’s be honest, is one of the main reasons why I loved it so much. When I tried to play the original, I just didn’t gel with the outdated combat or the clunky overworld. In Reload, the developers truly made exceptional quality- of-life improvements, such as revamped combat mechanics, expanded character interactions, and streamlined menus. It made the game feel more fluid without compromising its challenging edge.

But what truly made Reload special for me was the emotional resonance of the story. The social links are by-and-large fantastic, and I got invested in plenty of their stories (Maiko, Odagiri, Akinari, and the old couple are clear standouts for me). Best girls Aigis and Yukari were highlights, giving me resonant romance options throughout my journey. Some, like Tanaka and Mutsatsu, are weird and wonderful in other ways, giving moral ambiguity to the tale.

The exploration of themes like mortality, personal growth, and the power of human connection is a staple in the franchise, but it hits super hard in this game. I won’t spoil anything, but by the end of the story, I felt like my heart had been ripped out. As a player who loves storytelling in games above all else—this one is a must.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle by Jay Davis

INDIANNA

There might be a bit of recency bias in my pick given it came out on the 9 th of December, but I’ve plumped for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Balatro did run it a VERY close second, but I’ve gone with Indi for one reason in particular; it’s a game I never expected to like, much less really enjoy.

In fact, it’s a game I shouldn’t like at all, as I tend to have quite the aversion to stealth based games, and aside from Hitman I never do particularly well with them. I definitely favour the ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ approach to first and third person shooters, which makes me an easy target on the likes of Call of Duty, and flat out awful if sneaking is involved.

As a prime example, I couldn’t get on with the Dishonoured games at all and given this was from the same developer in Bethesda I feared the worst.

But Indiana Jones and the Great Circle only has elements of stealth, rather than it being the core gameplay mechanic, and it definitely feels like it belongs more on the Hitman side of things than anything else.

After an epilogue and a section where there is admittedly quite a bit of forced stealth, the game emerges into somewhat of an open world, where Mr. Jones can walk around quite freely so long as he has an outfit that matches the area he wants to explore.

What really struck me about this game though, is just how nice everything looks. There were even a few moments where I almost forgot it was a video game and I thought I was watching the latest instalment in the movie franchise.

Well, that’s not quite true as the storyline here is interesting and engaging, which isn’t something you can always say about the newer Indiana Jones films.

Bottom line though, is that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a must for any fans of the whip- cracking, Nazi-punching, snake-fearing archaeologist. Special credit has to go to Troy Baker too, as for the first hour or so of the game I was absolutely convinced they had persuaded Harrison Ford to do the voice over work.

Silent Hill 2 by Sophie Jones

Remasters are everywhere in gaming these days and honestly, who can complain? With so many incredible classics out there, it’s a joy to see them revived for a new audience, and for long-time fans to experience them in glorious HDR. When Bloober Team announced their Silent Hill 2 remaster, though, I was skeptical. As one of the most iconic horror games of all time, this felt like a project ripe for disaster.

Thankfully, I was wrong. Bloober delivered a remaster that not only honors the original but breathes new life into it. Silent Hill 2 didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them. As I crept through the hospital corridors clutching my trusty metal pipe, I was transported right back to 2001. The fear was as real and spine-chilling as ever, even though I already knew what was waiting in the fog.

Speaking of the fog, it’s been perfectly recreated, wrapping the world in an atmosphere that’s both oppressive and eerily beautiful. The haunting soundtrack remains as unforgettable as ever, drawing me deeper into the psychological horror. With recent remasters like Dead Space and Resident Evil setting the bar so high, I didn’t think Silent Hill 2 could stand alongside them. But all good things, it seems, come in threes.

If you’ve never played Silent Hill 2, this remaster is a flawless way to experience its psychological terror. From the stunning graphics to the grotesque enemies, it’s a masterclass in unsettling storytelling. For fans of the original, it’s a nostalgic yet fresh dive into one of gaming’s greatest horror experiences. Silent Hill 2 isn’t just a remaster, it’s a love letter to what made this game a cult classic.

Marvel Rivals by Lauren Skinner

MARVEL RIVALS

I could tell you about how Marvel Rivals is an exciting addition to the PVP hero shooter genre. I could say that it’s innovative and exciting to play as characters that you already know something about. I could even tell you how it’s taken my friend group by storm, giving us a multiplayer obsession that we haven’t had since lockdown.

Instead, I’m going to dive into some of my favourite heroes to play as. Marvel fans know that Scarlet Witch is OP. In Marvel Rivals, she dominates—as long as she stays away from the frontline. Her primary fire, Chaos Control, is a channelled energy beam that doesn’t require aiming. The point-and-click method may be sneaky, but it’s effective, especially as it deals an additional damage percentage based on the target’s max health, making it a great choice against all heroes, big or small. Just be careful with her ult, Reality Erasure—you need to get close to atomise enemies, making you a vulnerable target.

Squirrel Girl is another damage-heavy fave of mine. As a long-range specialist, she constantly bombards enemies with bouncing nuts that deal area-of-effect damage from afar. She can leap into the air for a better shot, or to get away from enemies, and she can trap opponents with angry squirrels for a short while. And speaking of squirrels: unleashing her Unbeatable Squirrel Tsunami causes a rodent stampede, seeking enemy players within range. Silly yet strong, Squirrel Girl is a fantastic choice for those wanting to cause chaos.

But it’s Peni Parker who takes my top spot for my current fave hero. As one of the Vanguards, she has a large health pool that’s only boosted by her spider webs, which heal over time as long as you’re in them. Her turret periodically releases landmines to deal AoE damage, she doesn’t need to reload, allowing her to deal unrelenting damage, and she can shoot out a web to stun opponents in place. As she’s amazing at holding a point and putting on the pressure, she’s often the perfect answer to an aggressive team.

The girls get it done, what can I say.

But there are so many fantastic heroes to try out. From speedy Starlord and trickster Loki to bulky Groot and cutiepie healer Jet the Land Shark, there’ll be something for you.

Astrobot by Tim Evans

Perhaps I am showing my age here, but in the era of battle royales and shooters dominating the gaming headlines, it was heartening to see that my personal favourite game of 2024 was also recognised as the Game Award game of the year as well.

One of my first ever gaming experiences as a child was turning on my parent’s old SEGA master system II, with the preloaded Alex Kidd in Miracle World platformer. Soon after I discovered 3D platformers such as Mario 64, Spyro and Crash Bandicoot as every console manufacturer tried to compete with one another to create their signature platforming mascot. The history books will certainly show a certain plumber came out on top here, but in recent years there has been a resurgence of competition, and I for one welcome it with open arms.

Sony first launched Astrobot into our gaming hearts with a little played VR title Astrobot Rescue mission in 2018, to rave reviews, and followed up with the preloaded Astros Playroom in 2020. The playroom in particular became a key launch title for the PS5 (being packed in the box only adding to the already nostalgia filled game), showing off what the Dualsense controller is capable of in a way few other titles have emulated since.

Fast forward to 2024 and we finally see an inevitable fully fledged title which brings together everything we have loved from 30 years of PlayStation gaming (in a cute bot sized form factor!) whilst giving Sony a new mascot for this modern age. The dualsense is used in more creative ways once again, and the creativity on display in level design, art direction and music will be sure to leave any gamer entranced.

Tricky platforming, Easter eggs, power ups, classic gaming in its element, with family friendly graphics and pick up and play attitude. I hope to see this become a renaissance for the genre, with Nintendo due to launch their new system and hopefully a new 3D Mario title in 2025, and Xbox now owning both the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot licenses following their acquisition of Activision.

Helldivers II by Sophie Jones

I’m always on the hunt for good cooperative multiplayer madness, and Helldivers II delivered that brilliantly. When it released, I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m so glad I gave it a shot. Teaming up with three friends, you drop onto hostile planets to blow up bugs, shoot down robots, and complete objectives before hunkering down at extraction for a final, chaotic showdown.

What sets Helldivers II apart is its sharp satirical edge. The narrative is hilariously driven by the over-the-top propaganda of Super Earth, and the cheesy soldier dialogue keeps the tone light. Even friendly fire, usually a pet peeve of mine, feels like it belongs here. Instead of fostering toxicity, accidental friendly fire or a stray stratagem attached to a rogue Charger often leads to laughs and frantic problem-solving, not frustration.

Speaking of stratagems, they’re the heart of the game’s chaotic fun. Few things are as satisfying as calling in a 500kg bomb to obliterate a horde or summoning an orbital laser to thin the masses. Add in unnecessary diving, quirky emotes, and general over-the-top carnage, and you’ve got a recipe for utter madness—the fun kind.

Helldivers II was an unexpected delight this year. I hadn’t anticipated much from it, yet it’s become a staple in my online rotation. I’ve lost entire Saturdays serving Super Earth, and I regret none of it. With the recent addition of the new enemy, Helldivers II promises to keep the world engaging and add new elements for us to work towards. Though I do find it hard to make a cuppa now without shouting, ‘Who wants a nice cup of LIBER-TEA?’

2024 was a great year for gaming, filled with unexpected gems, and countless reasons to stay glued to our screens. From the emotional highs of Persona 3 Reload to the chaotic fun of Helldivers II and the charming nostalgia of Astrobot, this year proved there’s something for everyone.

But as we look back on an incredible year, we can’t help but wonder, what’s next? Will 2025 deliver more platforming gems inspired by Astrobot’s success? Could Team Bloober surprise us with a long-awaited Silent Hill 3? Or perhaps Helldivers II will keep us hooked with even wilder enemies to conquer and planets to liberate.

Whatever comes next, it’s clear that 2025 has plenty to live up to—and even more potential to deliver unforgettable adventures, epic battles, and the stories that keep us coming back for more.