🔥 Top 5 Games of 2024 (So Far): Hidden Gems & Blockbuster Hits 🎮
2024 started with a whisper in gaming, leaving many wondering if the year would be a dud after the rollercoaster of 2023. Let’s be honest, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League crashed harder than Harley Quinn on roller skates, and even the mighty Dragon’s Dogma 2 got a lukewarm reception (who knew pawns could be so… needy?).
But hold your horses, gamers, because this year is far from over! Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth proved the series still has that Ryu Ga Gotoku magic, Destiny 2: The Final Shape gave Guardians a reason to dust off their Gjallarhorns, and Princess Peach finally ditched the damsel-in-distress act in [Insert Official Peach Game Name Here] (seriously, Nintendo, what is that title?!).
And you know what else? The indie scene is straight-up thriving. We’re talking heart-stopping retro FPS action in Selaco, mind-bending noir puzzles in Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and… well, whatever the heck Palworld is supposed to be (cute monster pals with guns? Sign us up!).
So, buckle up buttercup, because we’re diving headfirst into the top 5 games of 2024 (so far!), and trust us, you won’t want to miss this:
Big-Budget Brawlers: AAA Titles That Delivered
1. Destiny 2: The Final Shape (Looter Shooter, Bungie)
- Overview: The Witness has arrived, Guardians. After years of build-up, Destiny 2’s Light and Darkness saga culminates in a battle for the fate of… well, everything.
- Detailed Review: Bungie pulled out all the stops. The Final Shape boasts stunning environments (that Traveler!), emotional story beats (we’re not crying, you’re crying!), and some of the most satisfying gunplay in the franchise’s history.
- Pros: Gorgeous visuals, gripping story, new subclass is fire, tons of endgame content.
- Cons: If you’re just jumping in now, good luck catching up on the lore. Also, prepare your wallet for those expansions.
- User Experiences: 9/10 on Steam with comments like, “Finally, a satisfying conclusion!” and “Bungie, you magnificent bastards, take my money!”
- Who it’s for: Destiny veterans, looter shooter addicts, anyone who loves a good space opera.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (First-Person Shooter, Sledgehammer Games)
- Overview: The iconic Modern Warfare sub-series returns with a sequel to the 2022 reboot, promising a gritty and intense single-player campaign alongside classic multiplayer action.
- Detailed Review: While information is still under wraps, early leaks suggest a return to the game’s signature frenetic action and a continuation of the rebooted storyline. Expect familiar faces and new threats in a globe-trotting campaign.
- Pros: Potentially the return of classic multiplayer maps, continuation of a successful reboot, refined gameplay mechanics.
- Cons: Could feel too familiar to players who experienced the 2022 reboot, potential for microtransaction-heavy multiplayer.
- User Experiences: Anticipation is high among the Call of Duty community, with many hoping for a return to the series’ roots while embracing modern gameplay enhancements.
- Who it’s for: Call of Duty veterans, fans of the Modern Warfare sub-series, anyone looking for a polished and action-packed FPS experience.
Indie Darlings Stealing the Show
3. Selaco (Retro FPS, Altered Orbit Studios)
- Overview: Remember the good old days of Doom and Quake? Selaco does, and it’s bringing back that frantic, high-octane FPS action with a vengeance.
- Detailed Review: This isn’t your grandpappy’s boomer shooter. Selaco boasts destructible environments, a surprising amount of tactical depth, and a story that’s more than just “shoot demons, save the day.”
- Pros: Fast, frenetic gameplay, amazing pixel art, surprisingly deep story.
- Cons: Can be brutally difficult, limited enemy variety.
- User Experiences: “Overwhelmingly Positive” on Steam, with players praising the “intense action” and “surprisingly engaging story.”
- Who it’s for: Old-school FPS fans, speedrunners, anyone who loves a good challenge (and a healthy dose of nostalgia).
4. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (Puzzle, Simogo)
- Overview: Imagine if David Lynch directed a puzzle game set in a haunted European hotel. That’s Lorelei and the Laser Eyes in a nutshell.
- Detailed Review: This game is as stylish as it is perplexing. Solve bizarre puzzles, uncover a cryptic narrative, and try not to lose your mind in the process.
- Pros: Unique and stylish presentation, challenging but rewarding puzzles, haunting atmosphere.
- Cons: Very abstract and obtuse, not for the faint of heart (or those with motion sickness).
- User Experiences: 8/10 on Nintendo Life, praised for its “mind-bending puzzles” and “unforgettable atmosphere.”
- Who it’s for: Puzzle veterans, fans of surreal storytelling, anyone who likes their games with a side of existential dread.
5. EA Sports College Football 25 (Sports, EA Sports)
- Overview: The return of the king? After over a decade, EA Sports brings back its beloved college football franchise, promising updated rosters, enhanced graphics, and the thrill of gridiron glory.
- Detailed Review: While specific details are scarce, expectations are high for a return to form with modern gameplay mechanics, dynamic commentary, and potentially even a deep dynasty mode.
- Pros: Nostalgia factor for long-time fans, potential for authentic college football experience, updated gameplay and graphics.
- Cons: Concerns over player likeness rights and potential microtransactions, risk of not living up to the hype.
- User Experiences: College football fans are eagerly awaiting the game’s release, with forums buzzing about potential features and the return of rivalries.
- Who it’s for: College football enthusiasts, sports game fans, anyone looking for a realistic and engaging gridiron experience.
2024 Games: Who’s Who at a Glance
With games like EA Sports College Football 25 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on the horizon, we decided to update our table to better reflect the current gaming landscape:
Game | Genre | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Platforms |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Destiny 2: The Final Shape | Looter Shooter | New subclass, raid, story missions, weapons & gear | Stunning visuals, gripping story | Can be overwhelming for newcomers | PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Stadia |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 | First-Person Shooter | Gritty single-player campaign, classic multiplayer action, refined gameplay | Potentially classic maps, continuation of a successful reboot | Could feel too familiar to some, potential for microtransactions | PlayStation, Xbox, PC |
Selaco | Retro FPS | Fast-paced action, destructible environments | Intense gameplay, amazing pixel art | Can be brutally difficult | PC |
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes | Puzzle | Mind-bending puzzles, surreal narrative | Unique presentation, challenging puzzles | Abstract and obtuse, not for everyone | Switch, PC |
EA Sports College Football 25 | Sports | Updated rosters, enhanced graphics, college football experience | Nostalgia factor, potential for authenticity | Concerns over player likeness rights, potential microtransactions | Platforms TBA |
The Adventure Continues…
And the best part? This is just the beginning! With Alan Wake 2, Avowed, and Sonic Superstars on the horizon, the rest of 2024 promises even more gaming goodness.
So tell us, which games have you glued to your screens this year? Let’s discuss in the comments below!