After a historic year of highly rated game releases, 2024 has some big boots to fill. Game of the Year contenders were plentiful in 2023, while dozens of quality games across a wide variety of genres were also released. So far, 2024 is off to a strong start as we’ve seen strong sequels and beloved classic games given the remake treatment. Barring any major delays, it looks like another year of genre-defining and must-play games are on the horizon as there are high expectations for upcoming titles like Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, to name a few.
Just like last year, we’ll be keeping track of the best of the best. For this list, a game has to earn a review score of at least 8 (which is pretty darn great!) or higher from GameSpot to make the cut. That’s not to say that games scoring lower (or that we didn’t manage to review) should be ignored, as there’s still plenty of fun to be had even if these titles didn’t meet this threshold. Expect this list to become loaded with excellent games as the year continues, and for a closer look at potential contenders, you can check out our features on the most anticipated games of 2024.
Animal Well — 9
It might look like a cute metroidvania at first glance, but the deeper you venture into Animal Well, the more surreal it becomes as you find yourself driven to reach the end. Created by solo developer Billy Basso, it’s a game of constant surprises as you find yourself driven to explore yet another room in its neon-soaked world.
Read our Animal Well review. Available on PC, PS5, and Switch.
Balatro — 9
Just when you think you’ve seen every possible combination from the roguelite genre, a game like Balatro comes along to deliver a pleasant surprise. Rapid-fire rounds of poker combined with deep deck-building mechanics and layers of intricacy beneath its deceptively simple facade, Balatro goes all in on its concept and is difficult to put down once it sinks its fangs into your free time.
Read our Balatro review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape — 9
There was a lot of pressure on Bungie to deliver a satisfying conclusion to Destiny’s Light and Darkness Saga, but The Final Shape didn’t just live up to those expectations, it stuck the landing with style. A thrilling story, impactful gameplay changes, and a finale that united its community helped push Destiny 2 to new heights.
Read our Destiny 2: The Final Shape review-in-progress. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 — 9
12 years after the first game came out, Dragon’s Dogma 2 builds on the best parts of that sweeping fantasy tale to deliver a magical open-world RPG. It might not be the most innovative sequel, but those core strengths are enhanced by emergent moments, technological leaps, and varied gameplay to create a thrilling sense of adventure.
Read our Dragon’s Dogma 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Hades 2 — 9
Even in early access, Hades 2 is already shaping up to be a strong game-of-the-year contender. Launching with a ton of content and right out of the gate, developer Supergiant Games has expanded on the ideas of the first game with an even deeper combat system and an engrossing story.
Read our Hades 2 review. Available on PC.
Helldivers 2 — 9
Switching from a top-down twin-stick shooter design to a third-person perspective, Helldivers 2 is an action-packed adventure across alien planets. In a crowded live-service environment, developer Arrowhead has delivered a fun romp that’s best enjoyed with friends, enhanced by satisfying gunplay, and feels constantly fresh thanks to some clever design.
Read our Helldivers 2 review. Available on PC and PS5.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes — 9
A psychological horror puzzle game, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is one of this year’s best cerebral workouts. Cryptic, puzzling, and challenging, the game doesn’t just push you to solve seemingly impossible riddles, it tells a heck of a great story with its unique artistic design;
Read our Lorelei and the Laser Eyes review. Available on Switch and PC.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door — 9
It’s a testament to the evergreen design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door that its gameplay still holds up beautifully, two decades after it was first released. With several meaningful quality-of-life updates woven into its rock-solid gaming DNA, beautiful HD visuals, and a delightful soundtrack full of clever remixes, this classic Mario game is still as much fun to play today as it was back in 2004.
Read our Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door review. Available on Switch.
Persona 3: Reload — 9
Long considered to be one of the best Persona games of all time, Persona 3: Reload is a complete remake for the modern age. The best way to experience an all-time classic and one of the darkest stories in the franchise, Persona 3: Reload is a comprehensive overhaul of the game that makes it combat more approachable, upgrades it visuals to provide a slick feast for the eyes, and bundles it all up with an unforgettable soundtrack.
Read our Persona 3: Reload review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown — 9
After an era of 3D adventures, Prince of Persia’s return to its 2D roots feels like a welcome breath of fresh air for the franchise. Smartly incorporating metroidvania elements into its design, The Lost Crown throws in pitch-perfect combat and a beautifully crafted world for good measure, combining them all into a cohesive whole. The Lost Crown isn’t just a thrilling metroidvania; it’s a finely-tuned entry in the genre that other games will be looking to for inspiration in the years to come.
Read our Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
Children of the Sun — 8
Just when you think you’ve seen it all in the sniper genre of games, along comes a title like Children of the Sun to surprise you. A short game that perfectly executes its concept of solving puzzles with headshots, this cerebral shooter is a satisfying blast of fun.
Read our Children of the Sun review. Available on PC.
Crow Country — 8
If you’ve been feeling jaded with recent horror games, Crow Country is just the nostalgic slice of terror you’ve been looking for. A throwback to pre-rendered environments, blocky character designs, and unnerving suspense, Crow Country mixes is a fun mix of ’90s-inspired horror and surprisingly modern doses of fear.
Read our Crow Country review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes — 8
After years of development following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes finally arrived this year. A spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden series, this retro JRPG is a comfortably familiar throwback to the past full of beautiful sprites, soul-stirring music, and unique characters.
Read our Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth — 8
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a blockbuster of a sequel, a bigger and bolder return of Cloud and friends as they continue to defy destiny. While the game makes a few fumbles, they don’t detract from the new chapter’s impressive visuals, finely honed combat, and exciting deviations from the established series lore.
Read our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review. Available on PS5.
Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide — 8
With the Rising Tide expansion, Final Fantasy 16’s grand story comes to a satisfying conclusion. A meaty expansion set before the grand finale, Rising Tide is a victory lap for the game as it shows off a different side of Final Fantasy 16, gives players powerful new Eikonic abilities to wield, and closes the curtain on this ambitious game in grand style.
Read our Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide review. Available on PS5.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — 8
When it comes to wild action, weird scenarios, and storytelling that’ll leave you emotionally devastated, few games can compare to the Like a Dragon series. The latest chapter in the mainline series builds on the RPG gameplay introduced in its predecessor, further fine-tuning and polishing the experience so that it can offer a more joyful experience. While the main story does meander in places, this swansong for the legendary Dragon of Dojima has its heart in the right place and offers an incredible amount of side content like Dondoko Island, Sujimon battles, and so much more.
Read our Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Indika — 8
We’ve had some terrific games big-budget this year, but Indika is that surprise indie hit that provides a welcome contrast to the blockbuster approach by AAA studios. A fascinating exploration of religion and philosophy, Indika pulls no punches with its examination of Christianity. Rich characters, a unique visual style, and top-notch voice-acting help make Indika one of this year’s best thought-provoking titles.
Read our Indika review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The Outlast Trials — 8
Red Barrels’ third Outlast game is a major departure from previous entries in the series, successfully evolving from single-player terror to a four-player PvE game of collective horror. A major shift into new territory, The Outlast Trials retains the core dread of its predecessors and reimagines that unique experience as a group immersion therapy session from hell with its spine-tingling story and clever gameplay systems.
Read our The Outlast Trials review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Pacific Drive — 8
We’ve seen plenty of roguelite spins on familiar genres over the years, but Ironwood Studio’s Pacific Drive is a different beast altogether. Challenging and atmospheric, it has fascinating mysteries to explore inside of a wonderfully weird world, while its upgrade mechanics are satisfyingly deep enough to keep any gearhead invested in this wild ride.
Read our Pacific Drive review. Available on PC and PS5.
Pepper Grinder — 8
Pepper Grinder will put a smile on your face thanks to its inventive gameplay mechanics, a graceful sense of motion, and an art direction full of personality. Short and sweet, it never outstays its welcome as you master its propulsive action and revel in its adorable pixel art.
Read our Pepper Grinder review. Available on PC and Switch.
Stellar Blade — 8
Inspired by the likes of Bayonetta and Nier: Automata, Stellar Blade is an ambitious action game with a few rough spots. If you can overlook them, there’s plenty of fun to have here thanks to the fun Souls-like combat, challenging enemies, and impressive graphics.
Read our Stellar Blade review. Available on PS5.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau — 8
We’ve seen plenty of metroidvanias over the years, but Tales of Kenzera: Zau builds on that genre foundation with a powerful narrative about coming to terms with loss. Combined with its African folklore inspirations and slick combat, this game uses its beautiful action-adventure design to tell a powerful story.
Read our Tales of Kenzera: Zau review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
Tekken 8 — 8
In the wake of new Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat games in 2023, the return of Tekken was long overdue. It might be fashionably late to the fisticuffs party, but Tekken 8 came out swinging this year with one of the best entries in the franchise. Stacked with an impressive roster on day one and flexing graphical muscles that allow you to see every sinew before a haymaker finds its mark, Tekken 8 pushes the series forward with rewarding and aggressive gameplay.
Read our Tekken 8 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Ultros — 8
As a metroidvania, Ultros makes a great impression with its psychedelic graphics and strong fundamentals. But where the game shines is in how it builds on this foundation by borrowing elements from several other genres, combining them into a winning recipe of flashy combat and thoughtful time loop gameplay mechanics. With a living network of biological levels to explore and a constant sense of reward the deeper you venture into its colorful underbelly, Ultros is a visually captivating and engrossing experience.
Read our Ultros review. Available on PC, PS5, and PS4.
Unicorn Overlord — 8
Unicorn Overlord might play it safe with a fairly standard fantasy tale, but everything else about this game is a delightful mix of elegant style and thrilling combat. Teamwork makes the dream work, and in this sophisticated showcase of assembling a ragtag group of warriors to help reclaim a kingdom ruled by an evil despot, Unicorn Overlord is another thrilling adventure from Vanillaware.
Read our Unicorn Overlord review. Available on PC, Switch, PS5, and PS4.
WWE 2K24 — 8
WWE games have been steadily improving since the series bounced back from the low point that was WWE 2K20, and this year’s sports entertainment simulator is a main event contender. With polished fundamentals, a wealth of content, and a Showcase mode featuring the best of Wrestlemania across the decades, WWE 2K24 is the undisputed champion of the pro wrestling genre.
Read our WWE 2K24 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
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