We are halfway into 2024, and the gaming industry has already treated us to an impressive array of captivating video games. While last year’s slate of games, including Alan Wake, Baldur’s Gate 3, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, established an impressive benchmark, this year’s offerings have still managed to deliver. From chilling continuations of beloved franchises to innovative indie gems, 2024’s gaming landscape boasts something for every player.
Here are the best video games of 2024, so far…
#1. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is not for the faint of heart. This sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice dives even deeper into the tormented psyche of Senua. Prepare for a hauntingly beautiful and terrifying journey through Norse mythology, where the line between reality and psychosis blurs.
Shop here.
#2. Balatro
If you have a thing for cards, Balatro is the game for you. This deck-building rogue-like game tasks players to earn as many points as possible by playing different poker hands, and it delivers an addictive and highly replayable experience. The game provides a wealth of tools to stack the deck in your favor, such as Joker cards that multiply scores and Tarot cards that allow you to manipulate the suits and ranks of your cards. Balatro is sure to keep you engaged and hungry for “one more run.”
Shop here.
#3. Helldivers 2
Suit up, soldier! Helldivers is back, and this time it’s bigger and buggier than ever. And honestly, it is exactly how you’d imagine a Starship Troopers game to look. The game puts players in the boots of space marines fighting to spread “democracy” across alien worlds, blasting hordes of giant bugs, robots, and other extraterrestrial threats.
What makes Helldivers 2 stand out is its ability to revel in its own absurdity. Players are able to accidentally (or intentionally) gun down their own teammates in the chaos. Unsurprisingly, this adds a hilarious and chaotic element that encourages players to fully embrace the game’s militaristic, over-the-top experience. Overall, Helldivers 2 is pure, unadulterated fun, perfect for a night of laughs (and maybe a few screams).
Shop here.
#4. Dragon’s Dogma 2
The wait is finally over! Dragon’s Dogma 2 returns with a vengeance, offering a sprawling open world teeming with danger and loot. Choose your class, customize your character, and embark on a thrilling adventure, either alone or with your trusty AI companions, the Pawns. The organic unfolding of side quests, often initiated during casual exploration, is guaranteed to keep you engaged and excited about the potential adventures that await. For those seeking a challenging and unforgiving open-world RPG, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a must-play.
Shop here.
#5. SummerHouse
SummerHouse is a delightful casual game that allows players to build and customize their homes and neighborhoods in a relaxing and creative environment. The game features a variety of building blocks, and includes a day-night cycle and weather effects, allowing players to see their creations in different lighting conditions. SummerHouse is a great game for anyone looking for a relaxing and creative experience.
Shop here.
#6. Animal Well
Escape the ordinary and delve into the fantastical world of Animal Well. This video game follows a blob as it navigates a vast underground world, solving puzzles and uncovering secrets. The game’s atmosphere is creepy and immersive, with a focus on exploration and discovery.
Shop here.
#7. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the ninth mainline entry in the Like a Dragon series, featuring a dual storyline with Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga. The game’s narrative is ambitious, exploring themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. Infinite Wealth incorporates a unique blend of turn-based combat and tactical elements, making it a standout in the RPG genre. The game also features a variety of side activities, including creating an island resort and playing arcade games, which add to its replay value.
Shop here.
#8. Rise of the Ronin
Forge your own destiny in Rise of the Ronin, an open-world action-adventure RPG set in a brutal and unforgiving 19th-century feudal Japan. Choose your allegiance, hone your swordsmanship, and carve your path to legend in a world brimming with political intrigue and thrilling combat.
Shop here.
#9. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The highly anticipated sequel to 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake has finally arrived! Final Fantasy VII Rebirth picks up where the first game left off, thrusting Cloud Strife and his companions into a new chapter of their epic saga. Director Naoki Hamaguchi and his team have outdone themselves, crafting an expansive, open-world adventure that challenges players’ expectations.
Shop here.
#10. Princess Peach: Showtime!
Princess Peach, the beloved character from the Mario franchise, has finally received her first solo adventure in almost twenty years. In this action-packed video game, Princess Peach takes on various roles, each with unique abilities. She can become a swordfighter, a kung fu master, a pastry chef, and even a detective. Each transformation allows her to tackle different challenges and defeat enemies in creative ways. The game’s immersive theater setting adds a touch of magic, with Peach using Stella’s Ribbon Power to transform and save the day.
Shop here.
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