2024 has surprised us all with its unconventional and groundbreaking video game releases. While 2023 was dominated by iconic franchises delivering expected hits, this year brings a refreshing twist to the gaming landscape.
Prepare for a year filled with bizarrely delightful titles, from a zany Pokémon parody to an immersive RPG featuring an ex-yakuza building quirky communities.
Below, we dive into the top five must-play video games of 2024, celebrating those that have defied expectations and captured our imaginations.
ANIMAL WELL
Animal Well is a captivating and enigmatic platformer that challenges players to navigate through a labyrinth of intricately designed puzzles and hauntingly beautiful sights.
Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC, this game dives into the unknown with a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of Twin Peaks. Developed by Billy Basso, Animal Well offers an immersive experience where every shadow and sound hints at deeper meanings yet leaves much to interpretation.
The low-fi aesthetic and haunting soundtrack enhance the sense of curiosity and wonder, making it an unforgettable journey into the surreal. Players must drink full and descend into its depths, uncovering secrets at every turn.
PRINCESS PEACH: SHOWTIME!
Princess Peach: Showtime! Marks the triumphant return of Princess Peach in her very own game, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Released in March 2024, this adventure sets Peach in a theater overtaken by villains, where she must shine as the lead in various plays to restore order.
The game keeps gameplay fresh and engaging by allowing Peach to don different costumes, each offering unique abilities. Whether she’s a swift ninja, a sharp-eyed detective, a creative pastry chef, or a rough-and-tumble cowgirl, Peach’s diverse roles promise endless fun and surprises.
DRAGON’S DOGMA 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a long-anticipated sequel, launching 12 years after the original, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC. This game expands the action-RPG framework of its predecessor while incorporating mechanics reminiscent of MMOs, yet remains flexible for various play styles.
Players can frequently change their class or vocation and assemble a party of pawns—NPC allies easily swapped out as needed. The open world encourages exploration by limiting fast travel, thus fostering a sense of familiarity with the terrain.
The diverse enemy roster combines low-level foes with massive, formidable creatures, offering an engaging mix of combat scenarios.
PACIFIC DRIVE
Available on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC, Pacific Drive stands out as an exhilarating blend of roguelike, survival, and station wagon driving simulator. Set in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, an irradiated and glitching reality in the Pacific Northwest, players must navigate this hazardous environment that resulted from a failed science experiment.
The game revolves around scavenging for resources to fortify your old car, transforming it into your lifeline against unpredictable dangers. Despite its difficulty, the evolving connection between player and vehicle fuels the persistence needed to tackle each challenge, making it a unique experience of man’s bond with the machine.
BANISHERS: GHOSTS OF NEW EDEN
Available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden invites players into a hauntingly beautiful RPG experience. Every love story is a ghost story, according to Australian novelist Christina Stead, a view that Banishers echoes.
Set in colonial New England, players assume the roles of exorcists Red and Antea, whose mission goes tragically wrong. Antea is killed, and Red is torn between love and duty, deciding whether to reunite with her or let her spirit rest.
The game’s narrative is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the supernatural, creating a deeply emotional journey.
THE BOTTOM LINE
2024 surprises us with its lineup of games that offer innovative gameplay and compelling narratives. From Animal Well’s surreal mystery to Banishers’ supernatural love story, these titles push the boundaries of what we expect from video games.
There are more games like HellDivers 2, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Tekken 8, Palworld, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Against the Storm that also deserve recognition. And if you’re more for the adrenaline rush, you should definitely play 88 fortunes asg slot by FanDuel Casino.
