In terms of big video game releases, 2024 is a lighter year, but that isn’t to say there weren’t plenty of fantastic video games.

You can’t say that any big gaming franchises released a new game in 2024 unless you want to count some DLC, and none of the big three (Sony, Nintendo, Xbox) release massive titles either. It was all up for grabs this year, and we got some exciting smaller budgets and smaller games overall because of these things. One of the biggest games this year involved everyone learning how to play poker; another had played the history of a fake video game studio, and another tried to have a meeting with a mayor. However, these were all great games and paid with some bigger adventures, from the latest big thing from the Persona series creators to the next competitive FPS.

Here are our picks for the Top 30 Video Games released in 2024.

30.) Pepper Grinder

Pepper Grinder has great feelings of side-scrolling action, in which you slide in and out of terrain and propel yourself through the air and enemies. When you’re on a roll in this game, you’ll be flying across the screen, up, down, left, right, and it’s a sensation. With some small puzzles and boss fights mixed in, this was a charming game to play early in the year.

— Dylan Blight

29.) Steamworld Heist 2

The SteamWorld franchise has developed a reputation for really good games despite having entries in very different genres. SteamWorld Heist 2 does nothing to diminish that reputation as it expands greatly on the first side-scrolling turn-based tactics entry with a bigger world, more flexibility and choice for character builds and much more content that will have you shooting ricocheting shots all over the place.

— Ashley Hobley

28.) Tactical Breach Wizards

Imagine a turn-based tactics game with a military setting; you’re planning your entry to a room, making sure to kill key targets first and not get hit yourself. Every move you make counts. Now imagine all that except you play as wizards, and you can blast enemies into one another and cast lighting spells for measure. It’s an absolute blast.

— Dylan Blight

27.) Anger Foot

Anger Foot is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled action game that combines over-the-top combat with a unique, first-person perspective. The game is set in a neon-soaked city and ruled by a variety of bizarre criminal gangs. Players can kick, stomp, and shoot their way through hectic stages, bursting with thumping music and tense action. Its fast-paced gameplay demands quick reactions and rewards creativity, making every run feel new and stimulating. With its unique art style and unapologetically chaotic energy, Anger Foot delivers a gripping experience for fans of high-energy shooters.

— Jacob Hegarty

26.) Kill Knight

The twitch-based twin-shooter action in the arcade-inspired shooter KILL KNIGHT was like none other in 2024. It’ll test your reflexes and ability to think on your feet and have you saying, “One more go,” over and over again. Mastering KILL KNIGHT is a true skill test, but if the difficulty is a turnoff, just know that watching anyone play this game is panic-inducing… in all the right ways.

— Dylan Blight

25.) Rise of Ronin

Rise of Ronin is a breathtaking open-world action RPG set in late 19th-century Japan, a unique time marred by turmoil and transformation. Players step into the role of a ronin navigating a complex country on the edge of modernisation. The game features a fluid combat system inspired by samurai techniques. This is complemented by a strong narrative that explores the themes of loyalty, freedom, and tradition. The game also features stunning visuals and a sprawling world to explore.

— Jacob Hegarty

24.) Mario & Luigi: Brothership

The well-known and beloved Mario & Luigi return in Brothership, a charming and innovative take on the franchise’s signature RPG formula. This time, we see the brothers on a high-sea adventure, sailing a mystical ship between whimsical islands in a variety of quests. The game features an awesome blend of humour, tactical turn-based battles, and clever puzzles. Brothership brings a fresh nautical twist to its gameplay. The beautiful and vibrant art style, as well as the endearing character interactions, ensure this title has become a must-play for fans of the series and new players alike.

— Jacob Hegarty

23.) Stellar Blade

Combat in Stellar Blade is between a Souls game and a hack-and-slash, all mixed around a very anime character design. Part of the charm, however, are the characters, as silly as they may be, in the game in which you play as Eve, who is fighting back monsters on Aquest to save humanity on earth alongside the last remaining humans.

— Dylan Blight

22.) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl brings players back to the compellingly atmospheric Exclusion Zone, where danger and mystery lurk around every corner. This sequel has been long awaited, and after many delays, it now can expand on the series’ signature combination of survival horror, rich storytelling, and open-world exploration. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 now features cutting-edge graphics and AI, bringing the Zone to life like never before and immersing players into a world of intrigue and desolation. It is no wonder this game was hotly anticipated with promises of terrifying mutants to morally complex human factions, and where each encounter further forms the player’s journey in this definitive post-apocalyptic adventure.

— Jacob Hegarty

21.) Star Wars Outlaws

A new tale set in the expansive galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world blend of action, stealth, and story. Players take on the role of Kay Vess, a sly scoundrel navigating the criminal underworld, set in the timeline between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The engaging narrative, energetic combat, and the freedom to explore a variety of planets have Outlaws offering a new look at the Star Wars universe. It manages to blend stealth, action, and moral choices into every decision, and every decision has consequences, making it a truly immersive experience for fans and non-fans alike.

— Jacob Hegarty

20.) Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket

While Pokémon cards have been as popular as they had ever been, neither of Pokémon Trading Card Game Online nor Pokémon Trading Card Game Live made much of a dent in the mobile gaming space with the trading card game rules not lending themselves to the format. By shortening battles, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has created a version of the card game that allows players to play a match to completion in a few minutes. But the real magic of pocket that developers Creatures Inc. and DeNA have found is getting the capture the feeling of opening a real booster pack, a feeling that has me and many others logging in twice a day to feel again.

— Ashley Hobley

19.) Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Banishers: Ghost of New Eden comes from Don’t Nod, the team behind Life is Strange & Life is Strange 2, as well as Vampy and Twin Mirror. And taking all that the studios got great at, which is telling fantastic stories with interesting characters, Banishers follows two lovers and their quest to save the town of New Eden, but also one another after Antea Duarte is killed, leaving her as a ghost to join Red mac Raith on his quest. Their unique abilities and story here made it one of the year’s more unique releases.

— Dylan Blight

18.) UFO 50

Is it fair to nominate a game that has over 50 games in it? Because that’s what UFO 50 is—one of the most excellent video game projects ever. Developed by Mossmouth, the game imagines a fictional game studio named UFO Soft and contains the studio’s fifty games, presented for you to play in any order. Inside these games, there are secrets, signs of growth ideas from the studio, and tiny details that make you believe these games were all from a real studio. In another world, this could be ‘The Top 30 UFO 50 Games.’

— Dylan Blight

17.) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Easily the best Call of Duty game in some time, Black Ops 6 nails the third core gameplay pillars, and thanks to the addition of an ‘omnidirectional’ moment system, COD feels fresher than it ever has in single-player and multiplayer content.

— Dylan Blight

16.) The Plucky Squire

The Plucky Squire is a magical adventure game that effortlessly transitions between 2D storybook-style gameplay and a vibrant 3D world. Players will follow the tale of Jot, a young hero who can leap off the pages of his story to travel the larger world beyond. The game makes use of its innovative mechanics, alluring visuals, and heartwarming narrative, which have made it a standout indie title. Whether solving puzzles, engaging in lively combat, or marvelling at artistic transitions, The Plucky Squire will captivate players, young and old.

— Jacob Hegarty

15.) Neva

One of the most stunning games you could play, Neva takes the gorgeous art direction and game design that Nomada Studio first played around with in 2018’s GRIS, this time adding some combat while keeping the studio’s themes and ideas intact.

— Dylan Blight

14.) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

When MachineGames announced they would be working on an Indiana Jones game, everyone knew they’d nail the Nazi-killing parts, but what about the rest? Thankfully, they nailed the whole thing, as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best Indiana Jones story we’ve had since The Last Crusade. It has a great adventure, Indiana-inspired combat, and the cast and characters all ticking the boxes for a fantastic time.

— Dylan Blight

13.) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Space Marine 2 sees plays returning to the brutal battlefields of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players control Titus, the lieutenant of the Ultramarines, as they are taken on a gritty adventure that allows players to experience the true force of nature that the Space Marines are. Gameplay involves taking on hordes of Tyranids, as the game delivers visceral combat and stunning visuals that capture the magnitude and ferocity of the galaxy’s endless war. Space Marines 2 features refined mechanics, engaging co-op gameplay, and an epic story; you might say this is a love letter to the fans of the franchise and an exhilarating entry point for newcomers.

— Jacob Hegarty

12.) Thank Goodness You’re Here!

Barnsworth is the destination for all those wanting to experience the true absurdity of Thank Goodness you’re Here. The 4-hour experience gives many a reason for players to stop and smell the Fish n Chips with its colourful art style and northern English charm. Developers Coal Supper have given its community plenty to discuss with the variety of small touches and interactions that can be found all through the press of a single slap-filled button.

— Ciaran Marchant

11.) Hades 2 (Early Access)

As simple as it is to say, “Hades was fantastic, and Hades 2 is shaping up to be of the very same calibre,” I couldn’t just leave it at that, as tempting as it is. Still, Hades 2 builds upon everything that made the first game a GOTY contender, but this time, you’re playing as the Princess of the Underworld and sister of Zagreus. The game is still in early access, however, so it hasn’t entirely made it up our list this year as far as it could in the future. With the release of ‘The Olympic Update’ in October, Supergiant showed promise that they’re still working away on expanding the game in exciting directions, with the additions of characters, weapons and a new region.

— Dylan Blight

10.) Marvel Rivals

In a year where others failed in their foray into the hero shooter genre, NetEase succeeded in the dying embers of 2024 with Marel Rivals—launching with 33 characters direct from Marvel’s Gallery of heroes, each with their unique playstyles and team-ups across the destructible maps. With no signs of slowing down, it would seem that a new juggernaut in the hero shooter space has arisen to show that free-to-play games can be pro-consumer with their decisions while maintaining a competitive environment with a new approach to balance. While it is still early into Marvel’s Rivals lifecycle, it is not hard to see that there is plenty of room for growth and plenty for developers to learn how to utilise such an iconic IP best.

— Ciaran Marchant

9.) Path of Exile 2 (Early Access)

Path of Exile 2 lights a fire for lovers of the ARPG genre with endless possibilities for exploration and customisation. Players have been able to express themselves through the cast options for builds while Grinding Gears Games works on ever-evolving content, including new classes already on the way. Path of Exile does well at providing challenge after challenge for players in its end game, further encouraging this creative freedom to go beyond what many thought was possible for an ARPG.

— Ciaran Marchant

8.) Balatro

Often the most addictive games come from the simplest of ideas. A roguelike that utilises poker hands and various card-based power-ups is a really smart idea that is pulled off perfectly and is now just a great to play on your PC or console as it is to play on your tablet or phone. With near-infinite strategies and tactics to employ, Balatro will have you doing one more run, multiple times.

— Ashley Hobley

7.) Helldivers 2

In a year in which live-service or online games have failed one after another, Helldivers 2 was a massive success story with millions of players flocking to defend Super Earth from Bugs, Cyborgs, and Illuminate. Arrowhead Game Studios’s move to switch from top-down to third-person perspective paid off in spades as groups of players teamed up to complete operations, with the game’s fantastic gunplay and unique stratagems system, in the Galactic War. One of the best games to play with friends this year.

— Ashley Hobley

6.) Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Bioware needed a win after the shortcomings of Mass Effect Andromeda and Anthem. Whether EA seems it as that or not, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the beginning of the journey back to their former glory. Rook’s adventure to chase after Solas and the calamity of his actions gives life to a whole new cast of characters along with those returning to the franchise. With a refreshing take on combat and a stellar character creation suite, there was plenty to love about Veilguard and plenty more to make players want to keep coming back.

— Ciaran Marchant

5.) Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Following the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, there were plenty of questions about the direction of this game. Is this series now a remake, or is it telling its own story? As the game started and players took control of Zack Fair, it was a while until we got any semblance of answers to those answers. And for players looking for large worlds with lots to do, they discovered outside the wall of Midgar; it’s a huge world, with plenty of side-content, stories and characters to meet, alongside the dramatic story that continues as both a remake and something different.

— Dylan Blight

4.) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

After moving the franchise from action adventure to a turn-based RPG, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has gone even further with dual protagonists, dual locations and an epic narrative that not only continues the story of new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga but serves a potential conclusion to the story of Kazuma Kiryu that began in Yakuza (2005). With twists, turns and absurd sidequests, Infinite Wealth is everything a Like A Dragon Fan could want.

— Ashley Hobley

3.) Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

In this golden age of handheld gaming, Prince of Persia found its place to excel. Though the team behind The Lost Crown has been disbanded, they have left behind a masterpiece that has brought new life to the franchise. Prince of Persia had never had such a fantastic cast of characters before around the prince, along with such fluid gameplay that made exploring and returning to the Metroidvania-style levels a true delight.

— Ciaran Marchant

2.) Metaphor: ReFantazio

From problematic schoolyards to equally problematic Castles, Atlus has no issue letting Studio Zero cook, and the fruits of their Labor bore one of the greatest JRPGs of recent memory. Taking all their experience from the persona franchise to craft an experience like nothing else in Metaphor: ReFantazio. From their Iconic UI to their memorable characters, it was all on display throughout players’ journeys through Euchronia as it pushed the JRPG genre to new heights, including the heights of the Steam player counts.

— Ciaran Marchant

1.) Astro Bot

What is there left to say about Astro Bot that hasn’t been said by every gaming outlet and commentator? Team Asobi managed to make a spectacular 3D platformer that not only pays homage to other mascot platformers that came before it but is a beautiful tribute to the history of Playstation during its 30th anniversary. There was nothing this year that matched the satisfaction I felt when I completed some of the symbol levels, that made me feel like I had truly accomplished something. Playing Astro Bot was truly a magical experience this year.

— Ashley Hobley

Check out the rest of our Best of 2024 coverage over here now!