With games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder topping the charts, it’s fair to say that 2023 was always going to be a tough act to follow.
However, despite one or two high-profile flops along the way (Suicide Squad and Star Wars Outlaws, for example), 2024 wasn’t actually too far behind.
As you can see from the top 10 list below (based on Metacritic scores), fans were treated to a nice mixture of triple-A blockbusters and indie hits in 2024.
This includes a brand new IP from the makers of Persona, a PS5 platformer on par with Mario, and a Poker game so addictive it should come with a warning.
It wasn’t a banner year for Nintendo fans, mind you, as no Nintendo Switch exclusives made it into the top 10 for 2024.
10. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
Launching early in 2024, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is the definitive version of a Naughty Dog classic.
Upgraded for the PS5, it adds 4K support in Fidelity mode, improved loading times, DualSense functionality and a host of other graphical and audio improvements.
More interesting, however, is the addition of playable deleted scenes, as well as developer commentary, Guitar free-play and the excellent roguelike survival mode.
(Image: SONY)
9. Balatro
Having racked up more than 50 hours of Balatro within just a couple of weeks, I’m surprised to see the Poker roguelike appear so low on the list.
The game sees players attempt to beat a target score by playing classic poker hands like flushes, full houses etc. The twist, however, is that you can pick up booster cards and modifiers that can multiply your score and money earned.
This includes Joker cards with special properties. One Joker may give you an extra card at the start of the round, while another will let you discard additional cards when building your hand.
(Image: BALATRO)
7. Animal Well
Animal Well is a Metroidvania with a difference. While most Metroidvania games see players shoot or slash their way through hordes of enemies, Animal Well is far more understated.
You’ll still need to discover items and upgrades to open new areas, only instead of powerful rockets and supernatural transformations, you’ll find flying discs to distract dogs and firecrackers to scare away ghosts.
Despite its simple art style, Animal Well is a hauntingly beautiful game with bags of atmosphere.
(Image: ANIMAL WELL)