2024 marked two key trends in the gaming industry: the release of numerous exciting projects and, unfortunately, a challenging situation for developers. Despite the early stage of the year, gamers have already received several fantastic releases, such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the unexpected hit, Balatro, which captivates for hours on end. On the other hand, developers continue to face difficulties – within the first three months of 2024, thousands of specialists lost their jobs due to mass layoffs. At least we can acknowledge the remarkable games created by these talented individuals. This list will be regularly updated, just like our ranking of the best games of 2023. Here are some of the pinnacles of gaming excellence in 2024 so far.
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Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: Reviving a Cult Franchise
It seems that the Prince of Persia is back! We’re not talking about the long-awaited remake of “The Sands of Time,” but Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – a solid continuation of the legendary series of platformers and time manipulation games. Released on January 18th, Lost Crown is a 2.5D action-adventure game in the “Metroidvania” genre with side-scrolling, where players must use time control to alter the past.
The game features interesting characters to interact with, a vibrant world with rich environments and intricate puzzles, as well as intense battles that will make your palms sweat and your pulse race. But most importantly, Lost Crown demonstrates that the brutal “Metroidvania” genre can be approachable while still maintaining its signature spirit. It’s a game that serves as both an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre and a deep experience for veterans looking to fill the void while awaiting Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth: A Criminal Epic in Gangster Chic Style
The stars of the Like a Dragon franchise are back, kiddos! The most memorable gangster in games, Kazuma Kiryu, teams up with Ichiban Kasuga – the main character of Like A Dragon 2020 – in an extensive and fun adventure on the island. In “Infinite Wealth,” Kiryu and Ichiban unravel the mystery of a Hawaiian cult supported by corrupt politicians and remnants of the criminal underworld. But it’s not just a heavy drama: Infinite Wealth is filled with quirky characters and whimsical side quests that the Yakuza series is beloved for.
This rich turn-based RPG offers dozens of hours of gameplay, but you’ll constantly be tempted to build your own resort in the style of Animal Crossing or simply photographing heroes on skateboards. The quest system and endless hordes of despicable villains turn every fight into a strategic and comedic delight.
The Epic Revival of the Legendary Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
When Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the remake trilogy by Square Enix, finally comes out, it will be something incredible. “Rebirth” presents an extended (from 30 to 80 hours) version of the mid-section of the original FF7 story, so players spend so much time with Cloud and his friends that they can’t help but grow attached to them. This means we see the most complete realization of these iconic characters here.
Focused on action, the team’s journey to stop Sephiroth – one of the best battle systems ever developed by Square. The additions in Rebirth infuse team battles with dynamics, style, and strategy, without sacrificing any of these elements. But the game also sparks controversies. Its mini-games and detailed plot put the remake in a difficult position in the overall project. By the time it approaches the finale, there’s a sense that Rebirth should quickly wrap up, but it doesn’t stop, instead (presumably) throwing us into new waters.
Perhaps when the third part comes out, these flaws will seem less glaring in the overall context. But even with them, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth maximizes its duration, creating truly memorable and touching moments. It’s a fan’s dream come true for FF7, and for those just getting into the series – an exciting project worth following.
The game also features stunning graphics and art style. Characters look incredibly realistic and detailed, while the surrounding worlds impress with their beauty and variety. From futuristic cities to picturesque rural landscapes – high-quality visualization is present everywhere.
The soundtrack also deserves separate praise. Epic orchestral scores perfectly complement the emotional atmosphere of each scene, whether it’s a tense battle or a heart-wrenching plot twist. The compositions linger on and evoke various feelings – from delight to sorrow.
Overall, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an incredibly ambitious and skillfully executed project, worthy of being among the best games of the year. Square Enix has not only recreated the spirit of the original but surpassed it by adding modern gaming elements and incredibly rich content. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find plenty of unforgettable experiences here.
