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