Following a standout 2023, 2024 has been a quieter year in gaming, with many major franchises holding back until next year. Nonetheless, we’ve already seen an impressive lineup of games that have earned high marks, showcasing a variety of experiences. Here’s a look at some of the best titles released so far this year.
Review Score: 8 (“Great”)
These games leave a lasting impression through innovative gameplay, engaging characters, impressive visuals, and sound design. Even if they have some flaws, their strengths more than compensate.
Alan Wake 2: Night Springs
Alan Wake II: Night Springs offers a captivating mix of standalone narratives, ranging from intense shootouts to eerie survival horror. While the gameplay may not feel entirely fresh, the thrill of revisiting this universe outweighs any shortcomings, leaving players eager for more stories from this intriguing world.
Another Crab’s Treasure
This charming soulslike stands out for its vibrant aesthetics and unique mechanics, including a delightful shell-swapping system. The engaging story and memorable characters elevate the experience, making it a refreshing break from darker titles in the genre.
Black Myth: Wukong
As GameScience’s inaugural action title, Black Myth: Wukong delivers exhilarating combat and visually stunning environments. Despite some technical hiccups and reliance on prior knowledge of Journey to the West, the engaging boss battles and captivating world make it a compelling entry in the action genre.
Botany Manor
In Botany Manor, players solve puzzles in a delightful English garden setting, cultivating fantastical plants. The gameplay offers a relaxing experience with clever challenges, perfect for those looking to unwind while engaging their minds.
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
Bringing the Warzone experience to mobile, this game captures the essence of its console counterpart. While touch controls may pose challenges, the gameplay remains fun and accessible, allowing players to enjoy battle royale action on the go.
Capes
Capes reimagines tactical turn-based combat with a superhero twist. Players strategize to counter various enemy types while enjoying entertaining narratives. The optional stealth missions provide variety, even if they’re less effective than the main gameplay.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
This remastered version of Dead Rising retains the charm of the original while adding modern conveniences like auto-saving. Revisiting Willamette Parkview Mall highlights the game’s timeless appeal, providing nostalgic fun amidst the chaos.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor Early Access
Translating the essence of Deep Rock Galactic into a single-player roguelite, this title offers enjoyable gameplay despite its Early Access limitations. The thrill of battling foes and collecting loot in cavernous environments remains intact.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Over a year since its debut, Disney Dreamlight Valley continues to enchant players with its colorful world and beloved characters. While it still faces some issues from its Early Access phase, the joy of interacting with Disney’s iconic figures makes it a delightful escape.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
A reimagining of the beloved original, Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a dynamic world and engaging combat. Although it carries over some frustrating elements like erratic AI and technical glitches, its rewarding gameplay and expansive quests make it worth the investment.
Enshrouded Early Access
Enshrouded invites players to build and explore a fantasy realm with intuitive crafting tools. While the story and combat could use refinement, the game’s visually stunning environments and laid-back exploration make for an enjoyable journey.