A list of standout video games played in 2024, including new releases and old favorites.
Fave Plays of 2024
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (COmplete Edition)
It has it’s quirks and some dated gameplay, but The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a medieval fantasy open-world I didn’t want to leave.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Complete Edition)
Developed and Published by CD Projekt RED
Published by Pullup Entertainment
Played on PlayStation 5
Released December 2022
Image courtesy of CD Projekt RED
A joyous celebration of PlayStation that’s gorgeous, innovative, and most of all, fun. Haters can hate all they want.
Astro bot
ASTRO BOT
Developed by ASOBI
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Played on PlayStation 5
Released October 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
A quirky, anti-capitalist, Zelda-lite that’s as silly as it is thought provoking.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Developed by Snoozy Kazoo
Published by Graffiti Games
Played on PlayStation 5
Released December 2022
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
I don’t know how to play poker and now I don’t care—there’s no way it can live up to Balatro’s addicting gameplay.
Balatro
Balatro
Developed by Local Thunk
Published by Playstack
Played on PlayStation 5
Released February 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
A timely story and timely upgrade to the Persona formula, Metaphor is another classic in the ouvre of Atlus’s RPGs.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Developed by Studio Zero
Published by Sega and Atlus
Played on PlayStation 5
Released October 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
The most campy slay diva boots game I’ve played (maybe ever), that somehow feels ahead of its time. They mothered a little too hard with this one.
Bayonetta
Bayonetta
Developed by PlatinumGames
Published by Sega
Played on PlayStation 5
Released February 2022
Image courtesy of PlatinumGames
The Last of US part II: Remastered
Just as devastating and powerful as the first time playing it.
The Last of Us Part II: Remastered
Developed by PlatinumGames
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Played on PlayStation 5
Released January 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
It may be bloated with content, but its main story offers surprising levels of emotional depth (and far less tedium) than its predecessor.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Developed and Published by Square Enix
Played on PlayStation 5
Released February 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
LIke a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
If I hadn’t spent probably 20+ hours playing on Dondoko Island, I’m not sure this would have made the list.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Published by Sega
Played on PlayStation 5
Released January 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
Not quite as campy or girliepop as Bayonetta, but Stellar Blade is still a fun time, with stylish combat, interesting themes, and plenty of outfits.
Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade
Developed by Shift Up
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Played on PlayStation 5
Released April 2024
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store
It still looks and runs like shit on the Switch, but Pokémon Violet won me over this year. All it took was a lobotomized expectations and an unexpectedly emotional DLC.
Pokémon Violet
Pokémon Violet
Developed by Game Freak
Published by Nintendo
Played on Nintendo Switch
Released November 2022
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Kingdom Hearts + Kingdom Hearts II
This year, the duo of Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II cemented themselves in the top slots of Favorite Games of All Time.
Kingdom Hearts I + Kingdom Hearts II (via Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 + II.5 ReMIX)
Developed and Published by Square Enix
Played on PlayStation 5
Released March 2017
Image courtesy of Sony via PlayStation Store