As we gear up for a possible return to form in 2025, without much ado let’s identify the most fun gaming experiences from 2024!
Published Date – 30 December 2024, 04:02 PM
Hyderabad: Just like that, 2024 comes to a close – a year that delivered some truly high-quality gaming experiences, reignited the purpose of the Metroidvania genre, introduced us to a variety of heartrending indie journeys, and reminded us that, at its core, nothing matters more than players simply having fun in games. The industry seems to be setting itself up for a return to good growth and a sense of excitement in 2025, as we ended the year with one of the busiest Decembers in recent memory. The positivity is palpable as we head into the new year, with new jobs, fresh IPs, and an encouraging willingness to fund creative projects. Hardware, while not groundbreaking this year, saw AMD solidify its lead over Intel, even as Sony’s PS5 Pro struggled to find meaning or value for most players. As we gear up for a possible return to form in 2025, without much ado let’s identify the most fun gaming experiences from 2024!
1. Best Metroidvania: Prince of Persia: The Last Crown
Launched right at the beginning of 2024, The Last Crown marked the triumphant return of the iconic Prince of Persia series in a format that fused the nostalgia of the classic Prince with Ubisoft’s refined, modern design elements. Featuring unique combat mechanics, a diverse range of enemies, brilliant puzzles, and players’ attention to detail, Sargon’s journey offers plenty to enjoy. Among a competitive field of other noteworthy games in the genre like Tales of Kenzera: Zau and Nine Sols, The Last Crown stands out for its meticulously designed levels and its innovative map system.
2. Best Indie Experience: Neva
From the makers of Gris comes Neva, one of the most beautiful and interpretative gaming experiences of the year. Set in a stunning world where you play as Alba, a young woman that accompanies and takes care of the wolf pup Neva, the game spans four seasons and requires you to fight the darkness and corruption in the world alongside Neva. Designed beautifully, the game offers brilliant music, a design aesthetic inspired by Monument Valley, some complex puzzles, and a simultaneously intricate and nimble combat system to form a cohesive experience. If there is just one game you could play from 2024, make sure you play Neva.
3. Best Role Playing Game: Dragon Age
The Veilguard –After the twin disasters of Andromeda and Anthem, Veilguard – Bioware’s return to form, was not just a return to the franchise that last won a game of the year in 2014, but also a retracing of its RPG roots. With a characteristically unique design choice, a commitment to offering diversity in terms of gender and sexuality among its characters and an open world that is equal parts ethereal and frustrating, Veilguard is both brilliant and flawed at the same time. With a redesigned dialogue wheel, some wonderful combat challenges at higher difficulties, and a team of characters that are both nuanced and detailed in their conception – this is a game that requires lots of emotional investment and exploration from the players. Please also make sure to note that the game’s stunning color palette is accompanied by music composed by Hans Zimmer!
4. Best Platformer: Astro-Bot (2024)
A successor to the perennial launch title that ships with every PlayStation, not much was expected of Astro Bot this year especially considering that the game was priced on par with the year’s leading flagships. However, Sony offers an experience that is not just fun, light, and immersive, but is also laced with critique and tongue-in-cheek humor alluding to some of the most iconic first-party games for the PlayStation. Add to that the coveted “Game of the Year” title from this year’s Game Awards, and this is no longer a novelty but one with sizable commercial and critical appeal.
Apart from these four blockbusters there are also a few honorable mentions across genres like: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and Star Wars Outlaws.
As 2025 beckons, please make sure to try these games if you haven’t already. Looking forward to seeing you in the new year!
