Album review
With long-awaited sequels and daring new IPs, 2024 looks set to be a great year for gaming. Next-generation hardware is pushing developers to new heights, and the lineup promises fresh experiences, reimagined classics, and some genre-defining moments. The 8 best titles you need to play in the new year based on early previews, critical impressions, and ongoing fan excitement.
1. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
A sequel to Final Fantasy VII Remake, Square Enix builds on the great foundation of the original. With Rebirth, players can escape Midgar’s claustrophobic skyline into lush open regions, more nuanced combat encounters, and a story that doesn’t hesitate to rewrite the rules of the original. The early builds have been praised for their confident storytelling and technical savvy, hinting that this chapter may be even better.
2. Tekken 8
The return of Tekken 8 to the King of Iron Fist Tournament is a big deal for fans. With Unreal Engine 5 and punishing combat, this entry refines fan-favorite mechanics and introduces new accessibility options. In early reviews, the game is praised for its gorgeous arenas, fluid animations, and finely tuned netcode, which makes each online match as exciting as a local fight.
3. Star Wars: Outlaws
A rogue’s life in a galaxy far, far away is captured in Ubisoft’s first open-world Star Wars game Outlaws. It’s all about branching narratives and morally gray decisions in a sprawling criminal underbelly. Its blend of stealth, action, and non-linear exploration makes it one of the most immersive narrative adventures of the year.
4. Dragon’s Dogma 2
A sequel to Capcom’s cult action RPG is out, and it’s got dynamic combat, towering mythical beasts, and deep character customizations. The AI pawns, strategic battle elements, and a world filled with secrets are praised by critics who’ve seen early segments. If Dragon’s Dogma 1 was a hidden gem, Dragon’s Dogma 2 puts it on the map.
5. Hades II
Hades II looks set to surpass expectations after one of the most acclaimed indie games ever released by Supergiant Games. Set in the same lush, mythological world, the sequel adds deeper narrative threads and a broader range of weapons and abilities. The game offers compelling new characters and layers of replayability that promise to eat up hours and hours of playtime.
6. Avowed
The fantasy RPG by Obsidian Entertainment takes players into Eora with first-person combat, spell casting, and a huge role-playing experience. Obsidian’s trademark narrative expertise is clearly on display in early previews of Avowed, which compares to the depth and choice-driven gameplay of The Elder Scrolls. Players are praising the colorful environments and player agency, which could mark this as the new high point for western RPGs.
7. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
With Infinite Wealth, Yakuza/Like a Dragon’s franchise takes another unpredictable turn. New locales set the stage for another heartfelt, funny, and sometimes surreal underworld adventure. Early hands-on impressions praise its evolving turn-based combat, the seamless integration of side activities, and the returning cast’s sharp storytelling, so it’s a title suitable for everyone.
8. Persona 3 Reload
A remastered soundtrack and improved quality of life are added to Atlus’ most revered JRPG, Persona 3 Reload. It’s got updated graphics, refined combat, and fleshed out story elements. There are reports that indicate this is a definitive version, delivering nostalgia for longtime fans and a stunning entry point for newcomers interested in the series’ social ties and psychological nuances.
