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It's hard to understate how incredible having the whole world available feels and the amount of possibility it opens up.
There are times when you feel obliged to find faults no matter how minor, but in the ten-plus hours spent with Moon Studios' latest, there are none.
Rockstar continues to improve upon one of the greatest games of all time, not to mention getting over the hump that haunted them for the past seven years.
Fez was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining games I've experienced last year and the same thing applies with the PC version. It's a charming, charismatic adventure that will leave you with a smile across your face for the duration of your play. It's also incredibly cryptic and is far more than skin deep, introducing a deceivingly vague world. I can't decide if Phil Fish and his team are geniuses or completely out of their minds.
Rarely do you find games these days that could be described as a combination of "ambitious," "thought-provoking," "hard-hitting," "hilarious" and "extremely fun," but somehow Not For Broadcast delivers on that front.
Elden Ring is one of the best games in years, with a breathtaking vast world to explore, and one of the most satisfying combat systems in an RPG. This is the accumulation of FromSoftware's work over the last thirteen years and an evolution on its inspiring formula.
Gran Turismo 7 is the quintessential Gran Turismo and the best of what the series has accrued over its 25 years of existence.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition takes a nearly-perfect game and makes it better.
What likely started out as an Xbox and/or Bethesda executive thinking "Hey, wouldn't it be neat if we kept this game a secret and launched it during a special event?" has led to what could easily wind up as one of this year's GOTY contenders exploding onto the scene in spectacular fashion.
Already a masterstroke of design and execution on original release, Metroid Prime Remastered goes one better in cementing Retro's debut Metroid outing as one of gaming's greatest evolutions of a series.
Final Fantasy XVI will change what we think of the franchise moving forward.
Baldur's Gate III had extremely high expectations set for it and has exceeded them.
A constantly-rewarding, brilliantly-structured and simply mind-blowing series of rug-pulls, Void Stranger isn't just special, it's a phenomenal showcase of what might be some of the best design in a puzzle game for some time.
Moonstone Island is an addicting blend of various genres that still maintains its own identity.
Wielding nothing more than a deck of cards and a poker-themed twist on proceedings, developer LocalThunk has conjured something incredible and awe-inspiring with Balatro. What starts as a relatively-novel twist on the deckbuilding format quickly blossoms into an experience that's equal parts methodical, experimental, chaotic but satisfying all the same. A game that rewards clever thinking, mathematical meddling and having the courage to be just that bit braver in uncovering just how far one can push its systems at play. Wherein success and failure alike stand as equally memorable moments to build off. A paradigm for what roguelikes and deckbuilders should aspire towards, Balatro is addictive, expertly-crafted and the new front-runner for what is easily the best gaming experience of 2024.
A masterfully-orchestrated series of puzzles that are both stand-alone and interconnected alike, a brilliant use of a more-restricted color palette emboldening its art-style and aesthetic. And best of all: one of the most curious, perplexing but ultimately satisfying mysteries to see fully unraveled and revealed in its truest form. Combined, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes stands as Simogo's best work to date. Even with a portfolio as creative as theirs, a release deserving of that most lofty of titles: magnum opus.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is a beautifully-crafted experience that excels in storytelling, visual fidelity and auditory immersion. Ninja Theory’s dedication to a realistic and sensitive portrayal of psychosis sets a new standard in the industry. The accessibility features, cinematic approach and thoughtful combat mechanics ensure that it can be enjoyed by a diverse range of players. Whether you're a fan of the original Hellblade or a newcomer to the series, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 offers a deeply engaging and unforgettable experience. Its blend of realistic graphics, compelling narrative and innovative sound design makes it a standout title of the year.
The Last of Us Part II was terrific in 2020 and remains just as amazing in 2024 as The Last of Us Part II Remastered.
Tekken 8 is a bold direction in the fighter genre that ultimately leads to it being one of the greatest fighting games of all time. The amount of content that Bandai Namco is offering here is more than ever before seen in a fighting game. The Dark Awakens, while only a few hours long, focuses more on the narrative of Jin and Kazuya with cutscenes and comes close to jumping into JRPG territory. Tekken 8 is about the fighting, and the integration of the Heat System and changes to the fighting system propel the series forward while offering some of the most rewarding fights out there. The visuals and gameplay bring together an experience that's truly next generation. Tekken 7 was an excellent base to go off of for the next game, and Bandai Namco added so much more with Tekken 8. Fans of the long-running series will not only love the additions, but also newcomers to the series will have all the tools laid out for them to get properly acclimated with Tekken.
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay, offering players an unforgettable journey through the Star Wars universe. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this iconic first-person shooter is sure to leave a lasting impression and remind you why Star Wars continues to captivate audiences of all ages.