Last year, we decided to widen our Top Video Games of the Year list from 15 entries to 25. Well, the trend is here to stay. While 2024 has been a big year for the RPG genre from AAA studios, it’s also been a stacked year for independent games as well. Remakes, original stories, and even some solo developers are on our Top Video Games of 2024 list this time around, and it’s exciting.
The Top Video Games of 2024 list captures stunning sequels, vibrant reimagines, bold choices with new IP, and the return of a game that players have been waiting 11 years for. It’s time to look back at the top video games of 2024 as put together by our team of game reviewers.
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There are a couple of rules for this Top Video Games of 2024 list that we gave our writers as we did our round-up. First, the game had to be released in the calendar year (January through December) and be playable by the general public (this excludes BETA or press-access titles). Second, the game can’t be a port; however, remasters are allowed. Additionally, we didn’t allow the list to include Early Access titles, which sadly took two of our staff’s favorites, Hades 2 and Path of Exile 2, out of contention.
As you scroll through this list, we ask that you think about the people behind the video games on it. Remember that people make video games, and as the industry continues to lay off talented creatives, we owe it to them to ensure we celebrate them instead of just the companies. Additionally, we have to remember our peers in games media who have lost their jobs, shuttered their sites or left the industry altogether. All of you matter.
With that, our team pulled together our Top Video Games of 2024.
25. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“Dragon’s Dogma 2, the follow-up to the cult classic original, is more of a reboot than a true sequel. Bringing the janky mechanics and big monster battles forward to the latest generation is an enjoyable experience unlike anything else. It can deliberately slow you down, making the adventure more significant than the destination. When you encounter a massive cyclops or dragon wandering around, the following fight is always epic.
With plenty of different builds and classes, there’s a different way to play. I used a rogue, focusing on climbing the enemies and striking weak points. Initially, I had no hype for this, but after diving in, I was hooked. It shouldn’t be missed for fans of The Witcher or action RPGs.” —Matt Sowinski
24. Still Wakes the Deep
Developer: The Chinese Room
Publisher: Secret Mode
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“Still Wakes the Deep nails exploring a unique setting while finding ways to tell a compelling story. While enemies aren’t always a risk if you play it very cautiously, they are still terrifying. On top of building out a mystery that continuously ups the ante after every twist and turn, you will feel attached to Caz and want to see him succeed and get home to his family. Still Wakes the Deep should be a can’t-miss for die-hard horror fans.” —Mick Abrahamson
23. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Developer: Team Asano, Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch
“Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake made me a fan of Dragon Quest. This remake is an excellent introduction to Square Enix’s third RPG pillar, which will hopefully continue to grow with this and the 1 and 2 remakes coming next year.
All of the updates turn this classic 1980s RPG into one that feels modern and accessible. Even with some slight tech hiccups, you’ll not want to miss this stellar remake if you want to call yourself an RPG fan. Now excuse me while I go play Dragon Quest XI to make the wait for the other HD-2D Dragon Quest remakes to come out that much easier.” —Mick Abrahamson
22. Neva
Developer: Nomada Studio
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch
“Neva is a beautiful, heartfelt telling that showcases how grief takes many forms. From environmental decay to the bonds we form over time, grief is ever much a part of our lives. Within that, there is sadness in what once was, while beauty is simultaneously held for whatever is next. Neva carries players through its four seasons, much like the seasons of our lives. Each perfectly captures what is felt through its landscape and what cannot be spoken.” —Katherine Kong
21. 1000xResist
Developer: Sunset Visitor
Publisher: Fellow Traveller Games
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
“1000xRESIST starts with a bang as The Watcher runs a blade through the All-Mother. Even without any context, it hooks and draws the player in. While the action may slow down as the game flashes back, the level of tension never leaves you. What led The Watcher, a sister in an enclave at the end of the world, to kill the very leader of their home?
1000xRESIST manages to delve into a number of heavy and difficult topics, handling each with a level of grace and emotional maturity far beyond most games. Whether it’s racism, mental health, the Hong Kong riots, or anything else 1000xRESIST brings in, the story it tells is one that will stay with you. From the incredible graphics to the emotional and gripping story, 1000xRESIST is a constant reminder that games are art.” —Matt Sowinski
20. Persona 3 Reload
Developer: P-Studio
Publisher: SEGA/Atlus
Platform: PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One
“While darker than other games, the narrative is still incredibly engaging. It remains one of the most captivating stories in the series, even a decade and a half later… Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic remake with amazing features… While far from perfect, the game still stands out as one of the best remakes. It’s a title Persona fans will be proud of.” —Abdul Saad
19. Helldivers 2
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5, PC
“Helldivers 2 is an easy game to recommend. It’s fun solo, even better in multiplayer, and feels worth it at its price point. The gunplay is fantastic, the gameplay loop is satisfying, and the reward progression is consistent. Its live service plans are its biggest question moving forward, but right now, Helldivers 2 is a ton of fun. It really captures the old-school couch co-op madness that I felt with the original back in Korea, and I’m excited to keep bringing democracy to the galaxy.” —Matt Sowinski
18. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Developer: Saber St. Petersburg
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“Considering the entire package, Space Marine 2 sets a new high bar for Warhammer 40k games. It showcases the setting with more intricacy and beauty than even its most successful kin. Its gameplay is extremely rewarding and uniquely engaging. It has been a long wait for Space Marine 2, but the emperor is good, and the wait has proven more than worth it.” —Arron Kluz
17. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Developer: Saber St. Petersburg
Publisher: BANDAI-NAMCO Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“Dragon Ball Sparking Zero feels like a collective celebration for Akira Toriyama and the characters he created. I feel connected to others, reveling in the history of a franchise that is the cornerstone of shonen manga and anime and, for many of us, a gateway into international animation. And what better way to do this than with a return to the arena fighter structure anime fighters have been chasing? It may not be called Budokai Tenkaichi 4, but Dragon Ball Sparking Zero continues that legacy and brings all of us so very back.” —Kate Sánchez
16. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Developer: Surgent Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch
“Zau is always the grieving hero who wants to bring his father back from the dead. That doesn’t change by the end of the narrative, but he is changed. We will always want to be reunited with the people we love. Zau doesn’t lose that, the same way grief never truly dissipates. However, Kalunga teaches Zau how to understand, how to move forward, and how to allow himself to feel his vulnerability and reflect on the past. Zau cherishes his father’s memory.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a triumph of storytelling. It’s immersive and thoughtful in every element of Zau’s journey. But the narrative, for all of its impact, doesn’t stand alone. Instead, the difficulty and complexity of traversing Kenzera complement and add a tactile nature to the emotional endeavor of moving through grief.” —Kate Sánchez
15. Mouthwashing
Developer: Wrong Organ
Publisher: Critical Reflex
Platform: PC
“So yes, Mouthwashing is brutal to play. It is gory, chilling, and even scary (though, thankfully, it doesn’t lean into the jump-scares all too often). The use of lo-fi graphics helps build some of the unease, as well as the uncanny and surreal nature of some story moments. On sound design alone, Wrong Organ deserves some awards for this.
Mouthwashing is a must-play horror experience and has cemented Wrong Organ as a team to continue to watch moving forward. Beautiful, crushing, harrowing, resonant – Mouthwashing will sting in a way that sticks with you for some time.” —Eric Van Allen
14. Ara: History Untold
Developer: Oxide Games
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platform: PC
“By the time I reached the end of my journey, and my nation stood above all the rest, I was left with one of the most satisfying gaming victories I’ve ever experienced. While Ara: History Untold asks a lot of players, it rewards those willing to put in the hours with a deeply rich gameplay experience that makes them feel like every choice they made shaped their nation and helped their people achieve greatness. From large-scale design innovations to the smallest details, the game delivers an almost flawless experience.” —Charles Hartford
13. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
“In a game as tight as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, the scale of each boss is mythic, and as you stand below them, they really do feel insurmountable. The character designs for each boss are thoughtful in capturing different aspects of Iranian mythology and history, as are the designs of The Immortals and other gods you’ll see. But it’s in movement and their interaction with Sargon that it all comes to life expertly. Add in a rousing score that adds to the kinetic combat design and the atmosphere of each level, and Ubisoft Montpellier is firing on all cylinders…
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a vibrant reimaging of ancient Persian myth. It’s a turning of the page for a traditionally Orientalist franchise, and it never sacrifices gameplay to do so. The Lost Crown is the right mix of difficult ingenuity and self-pacing that makes the Metroidvania inspiration and the franchise a perfect pairing.” —Kate Sánchez
12. Astro Bot
Developer: Team Asobi
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5
“Team Asobi has been putting out quality, innovative platformers since Astro Bot: Rescue Mission on PSVR. Wildly creative level design with a major focus on taking the player on an adventure stuffed to the brim with joy, Asobi took the formula and amplified it with Astro Bot. Every level is a mini amusement park, plastering a smile across the player’s faces, regardless of how much they may connect with the decades of PlayStation IP. Even the power ups add layers onto each space, with the Dualsense in particular a huge impact.
The joy of encountering a beloved character never got old, and watching them run around together in the hub was like playing with a box full of your favorite toys. Each level brings fun surprises across gameplay and characters.
Astro Bot doesn’t just rest on the IP either, taking it and paying homage to classic games from PlayStation’s past. The level dedicated to God of War is a standout, giving little Astro the Leviathan Axe and a bit of rage on the side. Even outside of that, there are a ton of challenge levels, power-ups, bots to find, and every single instance makes you feel like a kid all over again.” —Matt Sowinski
11. Silent Hill 2
Developer: Bloober Team
Publisher: Konami
Platform: PlayStation 5, PC
“Bloober Team had a mountain to climb with Silent Hill 2. The original is a classic, one beloved by fans as one of the best horror games of all time. From the writing to the vocal delivery to the gameplay, it required a very specific touch to bring forward, one that easily could’ve gone sideways. Luckily, they nailed it, Silent Hill 2 (2024) being a terrifying expansion of the original. It adds to it and makes it bigger without ever losing what makes it special, somehow bringing the new to the same level as the old.
Silent Hill 2 proves that it still has exactly what it takes to be the king of horror titles. The atmosphere is heavy and thick, as the journey through the town weighs on Ethan, the protagonist, as much as it does the player. The story is incredibly told, honoring the original while adding new endings that fit. The gameplay overhaul is fantastic, making the original accessible in a way that it hasn’t been for years. It’s not just a great horror game. It’s a must-play.” —Matt Sowinski
10. Animal Well
Developer: Shared Memory (Billy Basso)
Publisher: Bigmode
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
“There is no narrative opening explaining why the player is setting off on the journey that Animal Well challenges them to. This was initially a problem for me, as narrative purpose is a big motivator for me. Looking back on my experience with the game, it feels like the perfect way to establish the game’s greatest strength: that it is what it is. There is not a single moment in Animal Well that feels like it’s there because it’s expected of the game. As the vision of a single developer, the game feels like a passion project in the truest form…
Animal Well delivers a gorgeous art style paired with unique gameplay and an uncompromising vision. While this vision enables something striking and memorable, it also causes its greatest failings. These failings will make it a pass for some players, but those looking for what the game excels at will revel in their time with everything Animal Well has to offer.” —Charles Hartford
9. Tekken 8
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Arika
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
“Every throw, every rage art, and every combo is brought to life through fluid animations that highlight every painstaking detail of each motion the characters execute… Tekken 8‘s cinematic camera work and Hollywood-grade cutscenes also magnificently enhance the game’s visual appeal. Close-ups and pivots around characters at key moments pull players into the fight while never clashing with the clarity of what is going on. No matter how much one plays it, the game never ceases to be cool to watch, thanks to the many gorgeous elements of its visual presentation.
Tekken 8 offers great gameplay through precise controls, gorgeous visuals, and audio that energizes the player. Combined with a bevy of play options, this game offers a tremendous amount of gameplay to both new and old fans of the series, as well as the fighting as a whole. With only a couple of minor hiccups, Bandai Namco has unleashed a monster onto the fighting game scene. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for fist to meet fate. ” —Charles Hartford
8. Unicorn Overlord
Developer: Vanillaware
Publisher: SEGA / Atlus
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
“The combat and story of Unicorn Overlord are a good package and are enhanced by a truly exquisite visual approach. Vanillaware has constantly delivered beautiful games, but what they have done here is next level. The character models are intricate and complex, bringing even the most basic of citizens to life. Each new location is dripping with detail and care that makes the world feel real.
Unicorn Overlord is an homage to classic tactical role-playing games with a well-crafted story, interesting combat, and a fascinating world to explore. Vanillaware delivers a comfortable and familiar game that is unique enough to warrant spending countless hours playing.” —Kyle Foley
7. Frostpunk 2
Developer:11 Bit Studios
Publisher: 11 Bit Studios
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“What is most impressive about Frostpunk 2 is how well it blends its emotional narratives with its gameplay mechanics. It challenges the player on an emotional and moral level while also challenging them to grapple with some of the most intricately linked and well-refined gameplay the strategy genre has seen in years. The world of Frostpunk 2 is one void of large-scale happy endings.
Humanity most likely won’t end up bringing the apocalypse to a close or returning to how life once was. But it uses that to highlight the beauty of the more minor victories—the achievement of surviving through the blizzard. The satisfaction of getting a critical law passed that you’re sure will help people. It isn’t a traditional power fantasy, but it enables you to see just how much power there is in getting through today, tomorrow, and the next day.” —Arron Kluz
6. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Developer: MachineGames
Publisher: Bethesda
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“The Great Circle is a massive game with a world that always feels like you’ve just scratched the surface, even as you scour every inch of the map. There is a lot to do and a lot to love, and more importantly, enough elements are introduced with each new area that none of it ever feels iterative of one concept.
The small touches added at every level of play are inescapable. MachineGames has shown that they understand why people love Indy and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best recent addition to the franchise. By looking to the past, the franchise keeps its solid footing in pop culture…
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle does what this franchise has always done best. It takes the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact and thrusts Indy into a cataclysmic mystery, ensuring that the charismatic man shines. Punch Nazis, celebrate history, explore the world, and then save it. What more could you ask for?” —Kate Sánchez
5. EA Sports College Football 25
Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
“This is the type of game that is impossible to put down because of the countless opportunities it gives players to create their own college football story. Future iterations of the franchise should build on this and make it even better, and they certainly have a great baseline to work from.
EA SPORTS College Football 25 adeptly brings the joy and chaos of college football to life in a breathtaking way. Nothing has ever captured that gameday feel quite like this, and fans should rejoice that the franchise they know and love is back and better than ever for them and new generations to enjoy.” —Kyle Foley
4. Like Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Developer:Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: SEGA
Platform: PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
“Despite all the threats Kiryu has faced over the past few decades, it seems his time is finally drawing to a close. The stoic former gangster initially seems resigned to his fate, but with the help of his friends, he’s tying up his loose ends. In-game, this presents itself as a bucket list—a checklist of random tasks and locations where Kiryu can reminisce about his past, all of which improve the strength of his Dragon of Dojima job.
Completing his bucket list also gives Kiryu access to a series of scenes related to his past. Even as a relative newcomer to the franchise myself, these scenes carried so much gravity that they quickly became the highlight of the time spent with Kiryu…
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth feels like a victory lap while simultaneously paving the way for the future of the franchise. Half of the story is a retrospective that feels like a proper send-off for Kazuma Kiryu, but Ichiban’s portion of the story isn’t weak for it. Instead, it feels stronger because Ichiban is part of that legacy, and he fights to create a bright future and build his own legacy of empathy and love. For now, though, their struggles have resulted in a masterpiece.” —Eddie De Santiago
3. Metaphor: Refantazio
Developer: Studio Zero
Publisher: SEGA/Atlus
Platform: PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
“Metaphor: Refantazio is the culmination of everything that came before it. It’s a mixture of Atlus’ RPG track record crafted into something bold and new. It takes stock of the fictional stories Atlus has told in the past and how people have resonated with them for years. It’s really easy to look at these works as escapism; if you do, it’s fine. But I’ve been thinking about how there’s so much more to dissect from these concepts and how when something strikes a chord with you, it gets tucked away into your personal core library for reference for the rest of your life.
So, is fantasy a powerless creation? No, and Metaphor makes a striking case for this over 70 hours. Fictional works like these are directly correlated to the time in which they were made, and if work can unlock something deep within its player or chip away at decades of cynicism, then it’s powerful enough to change the world.” —Jesse Vitelli
2. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation 4|5, PC
“There is so much attention to detail that gives even the most frustrating moments something worthwhile to experience. Whether it is small banter between characters or environmental discoveries, Square Enix does a good job of making every second captivating.
All of this is brought together by an incredible soundtrack from composers Masashi Hamauzu and Mitsuto Suzuki. Familiar themes are given new twists, while new pieces of music are introduced as well. Whether it is fast-paced battle music or the slower, more emotional pieces during the dramatic moments, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers an iconic soundtrack that stands out among the many amazing Final Fantasy scores throughout the decades.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a grand adventure that, despite minor pacing issues, is incredibly engaging and exciting. There are so many discoveries waiting to be uncovered, and every inch of the game is dripping with love and care. If this is how great part two is, I can’t wait to see how Square Enix finishes the trilogy.” —Kyle Foley
1. Balatro
Developer: LocalThunk
Publisher: Playstack
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, PC, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android, iOS
“Balatro is a roguelite poker game. By the description alone, it was nothing to write home about. I didn’t love poker enough to play it in video game form, but a single glance at the gameplay was enough to make me a believer. It starts simple, but a fortuitous run can turn your standard deck of cards into a mishmash of strategies that creates a high score so monstrous it deserves its own section in the Necronomicon.
It lacks the massive fire-breathing dragons or pulse-pounding soundtracks that other games this year provided, but at its core, it pushes and bends the rules of game design just enough that it’s fun, fair, and challenging. It reminds us that a game doesn’t have to be a 50+ hour epic to be memorable, and it scratches our brains in just the right way to see the multipliers ticking up explosively because we found just the right combination of Jokers.
Yet, in spite of its inspiration, Balatro refuses to nickel-and-dime players, eschewing the piecemeal monetization of other games and certainly the gambling that comes with its real-world counterpart. Balatro is a game that makes us rethink what game design is, and it’s such a basic concept that we can’t help but chant, “Money! Money! Money!” when the big number gets bigger.” —Eddie De Santiago
The year ended with a bang, which made picking our top video games of 2024 a tall task. From indie to AAA, console exclusives to mobile, we’re happy with everything we played. Did your favorite make our list of top video games for 2024? Let us know on social media @butwhytho.net on Blue Sky.
Descriptions for our list of top video games for 2024 were taken from our reviews or submitted by our writers.
