2024 was a whirlwind year for gaming. From long-awaited sequels to exciting new IPs, it felt like every month had something to offer. I tend to lean toward JRPGs, action-adventure games, and anything with a compelling story, but this year gave me plenty of opportunities to step out of my comfort zone. Whether I was exploring lush open worlds or battling foes in tightly designed arenas, these games reminded me why I love this medium so much.
Before diving into my list, I want to give a shoutout to a few honorable mentions. These are games that didn’t quite crack the top 10 but are absolutely worth checking out. First, Girls Frontline 2 is a tactical gacha game that offers incredible depth and strategy but just missed breaking into the top ranks for releasing so late in the year. Similarly, Mirage Feathers captured my attention with its beautiful and INSANE art and heartfelt storytelling, though its short length held it back slightly for me. With these mentions out of the way, let’s dive into my personal favorite games of 2024!
10. Bakeru
Developed by Good-Feel and published by Spike Chunsoft, Bakeru is a Japan-esque Wild Action/Platformer game that takes players on a vibrant journey across all 47 Japanese prefectures. As Bakeru, a tanuki protagonist, you utilize a mystical drum to purify evil spirits and restore peace to the land. The game blends modern Japan with traditional period drama aesthetics, creating a unique “Fairy Tale Japan” setting. With over 50 stages, players can transform into legendary Japanese heroes like Kintaro and Momotaro, each offering distinct abilities to overcome challenges.
The gameplay balances accessibility with variety, introducing new mechanics and obstacles as you progress, ensuring it never feels repetitive. The game’s art style is a fusion of modern and traditional Japanese elements, providing a visually engaging experience. Available on Nintendo Switch and Steam, Bakeru offers simple yet captivating gameplay that appeals to both casual and dedicated gamers. Each transformation offers unique mechanics, keeping the gameplay varied and exciting while maintaining its whimsical charm. It’s a love letter to Japanese folklore that feels both fresh and nostalgic, making it an unforgettable journey.
9. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves, developed by Kuro Game, is an open-world action RPG rich in narrative and offering a high degree of freedom. It came as one of the first games to take on Genshin’s format of gacha game, but it distinguished itself with an innovative approach to combat and exploration. Players awaken as the Rover, accompanied by a vibrant cast of Resonators, embarks on a journey to reclaim lost memories and confront the enigmatic Lament. The game features fluid combat mechanics that surpass its rival, with a focus on precision and timing that rewards skill.
The expansive open world is beautifully crafted, featuring diverse biomes, intricate puzzles, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. The narrative is compelling, weaving personal stories with grander themes of loss and redemption, keeping players engaged throughout. Scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on January 2, 2025, coinciding with the launch of Version 2.0, Wuthering Waves has garnered significant attention for its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. Its ability to blend fast-paced action with thoughtful storytelling cements it as a standout in the gacha RPG genre, making it a must-play for fans of immersive worlds and thrilling combat.
8. Stellar Blade
Developed by SHIFT UP, the same creators of Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, Stellar Blade is an action-packed game that has made significant waves in the gaming community. Combining stylish combat with a deeply emotional narrative, Stellar Blade is a masterclass in blending heart-pounding gameplay with storytelling that resonates. The game dominated the 2024 Korea Game Awards, securing seven major awards, including the prestigious Excellence Award, and receiving recognition for its achievements in Game Planning/Scenario, Graphics, Character Design, and Sound Design.
Initially released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, the developers have confirmed a PC release slated for 2025, aiming to expand the game’s reach to a broader audience. Stellar Blade’s combat is its crown jewel, featuring dynamic, combo-driven systems that challenge players to master timing and strategy. The game’s emotional core lies in its protagonist’s journey set against a backdrop of stunning visuals that showcase the capabilities of modern gaming hardware. Its ability to blend high-stakes action with moments of quiet reflection makes it a balanced and unforgettable experience. Stellar Blade is an emotional roller coaster that leaves a lasting impression.
7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the highly anticipated continuation of the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, and it does not disappoint. Building upon the foundations of the first game, Rebirth expands the world of Midgar into a sprawling epic that reimagines classic locations and introduces new ones. The game is currently available on PlayStation 5, with a PC release scheduled for January 23, 2025. Players embark on an epic RPG journey through the expansive world of the original, exploring iconic locations and experiencing pivotal moments we all know and love, reimagined with modern technology.
The game’s combat system has been refined, blending real-time action with strategic elements, offering depth for veteran players while remaining accessible to newcomers. With an impressive score of 92 on Metacritic, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth stands as one of the top-rated games of 2024, reflecting its critical acclaim and fan appreciation. The addition of new areas, expanded character arcs, and surprises for longtime fans enriches the experience, making it a must-play for anyone who loves RPGs. It is a testament to Square Enix’s ability to honor a legacy while forging a bold new path.
6. Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creative minds behind the first three Personas—3, 4, and 5 (just kidding)—comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy RPG developed by Atlus’s Studio Zero. Set in the Kingdom of Eucronia, the game presents a narrative rich in political intrigue and traditional fantasy elements. Players journey alongside a fairy companion, Gallica, to lift a curse from the kingdom’s lost prince. The game introduces an “Archetype” system, allowing players to unlock and combine abilities from various job classes, adding depth to the strategic turn-based combat.
Praised for its stunning visuals, complex storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio has been recognized as a dark fantasy masterpiece in the RPG genre. Its branching storylines and beautifully crafted dungeons make every moment feel significant and rewarding. The Kingdom of Eucronia feels alive, with richly detailed environments and lore inviting players to dive deeper into its world. With its stunning art direction and intricate character arcs, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a modern classic that demands attention from RPG enthusiasts.
5. Granblue Fantasy Relink
Granblue Fantasy: Relink, developed by Cygames, is an action RPG that brings the beloved Granblue Fantasy universe to life with stunning 3D visuals and dynamic gameplay. Players form a party of four from a roster of skyfarers, each with unique abilities and personalities, to engage in fast-paced, strategic combat. What makes Relink shine is its seamless blend of action and RPG elements. The lush, expansive world is brimming with secrets to uncover, and its story—deeply connected to the lore of the original mobile game—keeps players invested from start to finish.
Even for newcomers, this game offers an accessible entry point into the franchise. The cooperative multiplayer mode adds another layer of enjoyment, letting players strategize and battle alongside friends. With stunning environments, exhilarating boss battles, and a captivating story, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a tour de force that showcases the best of what modern action RPGs can offer.
4. Final Fantasy XVI – The Rising Tide
Final Fantasy XVI made a huge splash when it launched earlier this year, but its expansion, The Rising Tide, elevated the experience to new heights. Diving deeper into the rich lore and characters of Valisthea, the expansion adds new storylines, one of the most challenging bosses in the game, and a fresh perspective on its dark and mature themes. The combat system gets some love here too, with new Eikon powers and combos that add layers to an already polished system.
Fans of the base game will find plenty to sink their teeth into. It’s a brilliant continuation that does justice to an already perfect game. The additional exploration areas and new supporting characters make this a must-play for anyone who loved the original. With its expanded content and deeply emotional narrative, The Rising Tide is an evolution of the core game that enhances everything players loved about the one true Game of the Year of 2023.
3. Unicorn Overlord
Vanillaware has once again proven they’re masters of their craft with Unicorn Overlord, a tactical RPG that combines gorgeous hand-drawn art with complex, strategic gameplay. The story is a political drama wrapped in layers of mythology, featuring alliances, betrayals, and battles that feel as impactful as they look. The gameplay strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, making it a joy for both seasoned strategy veterans and newcomers to the genre.
Add in Vanillaware’s signature flair for lush, painterly visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and you’ve got one of the year’s most memorable experiences. Its branching choices and deep character customization make every playthrough unique and meaningful. Unicorn Overlord’s rich narrative and striking visuals make it not just a game but a work of art that stands out in a crowded genre. It’s a game that demands attention and rewards players with an unforgettable world.
2. Zenless Zone Zero
From the creators of Genshin Impact and the Honkai series, HoYoverse delivers another hit with Zenless Zone Zero. This stylish action RPG is set in a futuristic urban world teeming with charm, danger, and fast-paced combat. Zenless Zone Zero sets itself apart with its immersive narrative and cutting-edge graphics, crafting a vibrant cityscape that feels alive with detail. The game introduces an innovative combat system that focuses on seamlessly switching between characters to chain attacks, execute combos, and optimize strategies against various enemies.
Each playable character brings unique abilities and weapons to the table, encouraging players to experiment with different team compositions. The narrative is equally compelling, centering around a mysterious disaster and the enigmatic factions vying for control. Zenless Zone Zero has firmly established itself as HoYoverse’s most polished and exciting title with a perfect balance of storytelling, exploration, and action-packed gameplay.
1. Goddess of Victory: NIKKE
Goddess of Victory: NIKKE is an on-rails shooter that combines stunning Live 2D visuals, addictive gameplay, and an emotional story that’s far deeper than it first appears. What sets NIKKE apart is its cast of characters. Each one is lovingly crafted, with unique personalities and backstories that make them feel real and, ironically, more than human. The gameplay is equally impressive and challenging. It’s easy to pick up but offers plenty of depth for those who want to master its mechanics. The gacha elements are handled really well, making it rewarding to build your squad without feeling overly grindy.
And the story? Let’s just say it had me tearing up more than once. The game’s frequent updates and seasonal events ensure that there’s always something new to experience, keeping it fresh and engaging long after its initial release. NIKKE is more than just a gacha game; it’s an experience that stays with you, reminding you of the power of storytelling in gaming. If you’re looking for a game that’s as fun as it is heartfelt, NIKKE is a must-play and, quite likely, the best gacha game ever made.
