1. Astro Bot
Okay, so Astro Bot. This game is just pure, unadulterated fun. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a real highlight of the year for me. It’s a 3D platformer, and even if you’re not usually into that kind of thing, Astro Bot really pulls you in. It feels like a celebration of gaming itself, not just PlayStation, which is pretty neat.
The gameplay is just so solid. The platforming feels good, and the levels are designed in a way that keeps things interesting. You’re constantly finding new little things to do, and it never really gets old. Plus, there’s this whole thing where you rescue these other bots from different game series – finding them is a fun little side quest.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it special:
- Joyful Exploration: Each level is packed with secrets and challenges that reward you for looking around.
- Clever Mechanics: The game introduces new ways to play as you go, keeping the experience fresh.
- Nostalgic Touches: Spotting characters and references from other games is a real treat for long-time gamers.
And the DualSense controller? Man, it feels amazing in this game. It really adds to the whole experience. Astro Bot is the kind of game that just makes you happy while you play it. It’s bright, colorful, and just a blast from start to finish. If I had to pick one game to play over again from this year, it might just be this one.
2. Half-Life: Alyx
Okay, so Half-Life: Alyx. If you’ve got a VR headset, and you haven’t played this yet, what are you even doing? Seriously. I put off getting into it for ages, thinking ‘eh, it’s VR, how good can it really be?’ Turns out, it’s really good. This is the game that finally made VR feel like the future we were promised. It’s just so immersive, you forget you’re standing in your living room. The way you interact with the world, grabbing things with those gravity gloves, it feels so natural. And the gunplay? Super satisfying. Every shot feels impactful, and reloading your weapon feels like a real action, not just a button press.
It’s not just about shooting, though. The puzzles are clever, and the story actually pulls you in. You really feel like you’re part of the Half-Life universe, which is saying something. It’s the kind of game that makes you go ‘wow’ and makes you excited about what VR can do next. It’s a bit of a time commitment, usually clocking in around 12 hours, but honestly, it’s worth every minute. It’s the definition of a must-play for any VR owner.
3. Silent Hill 2
Okay, so the Silent Hill 2 remake. This one really surprised me, honestly. I went in with some serious reservations, you know how remakes can go. But Bloober Team actually nailed it. They managed to capture that unsettling, foggy atmosphere that Silent Hill is known for, but it also felt fresh. The sound design? Absolutely top-notch. It pulls you right into James Sunderland’s messed-up world from the moment you start playing. The controller buzzing or crackling with some creepy noise really adds to the tension. Visually, it’s stunning, and even though I knew the story beats, it still managed to shock and disturb me in all the right ways. It’s definitely a horror game that knows how to get under your skin, and I’m already hoping they do more with this universe. It’s a masterclass in how to handle a beloved horror classic.
4. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Okay, so Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This one’s a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. I liked the previous Dragon Age games, but this one felt… different. It’s like they tried to make it more like Mass Effect, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it lost some of that classic Dragon Age feel. The combat is okay, not amazing, but it gets the job done. What really stood out, though, were the character builds. There are some really interesting choices in the skill tree that actually change how you play, which is a nice touch.
Here’s a quick look at what I liked:
- Build Variety: The perk system offers some genuinely impactful choices, not just tiny stat boosts.
- Companion Focus: You really get to know your party members, and their stories feel important.
- Visuals: The game looks pretty good, with some nice environments to explore.
However, the story didn’t quite grab me the way I hoped. It felt a little generic at times, and it didn’t capture the magic of the older games. It’s a decent RPG, for sure, and definitely better than some of the previous entries, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s a game that came out, and it’s playable, but I was expecting more from the next Dragon Age.
5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Okay, so Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This one really felt like stepping into the shoes of the actual archaeologist, you know? From the get-go, it was clear they were going for that classic Indy vibe. Playing through a bit that felt like Raiders of the Lost Ark was a definite highlight. You’re swinging across gaps with your whip, messing with environmental puzzles, and just exploring these really cool places. Troy Baker does a pretty solid job voicing Indy, making you forget it’s not Harrison Ford himself. The set pieces were pretty awesome, and most of the gameplay just felt right. Honestly, I was bummed when it ended because I could have kept playing for ages.
It really captured that old-school adventure movie feel, which is something the recent films struggled with a bit. If you’re a fan of those original movies, this game should hit the spot.
Here’s a quick rundown of what made it stand out:
- Whip Mechanics: More than just a gimmick, the whip felt useful for traversal and solving puzzles.
- Environmental Puzzles: Cleverly integrated into the exploration, making you feel like a real archaeologist.
- Atmosphere and Exploration: The environments were detailed and invited you to poke around.
- Nostalgic Feel: It genuinely felt like a lost Indiana Jones adventure.
My only real gripes were that sometimes the character animations felt a little off compared to the otherwise good graphics, leading to some weird moments. And a couple of the cutscenes could have been more interactive. But overall, a really solid adventure.
6. Batman: Arkham Shadow
Okay, so I wasn’t expecting a VR game to make it onto this list, but Batman: Arkham Shadow really pulled it off. From the jump, I was hooked. It’s not just some tech demo; this is a full-on single-player experience where you actually get to be Batman. The way they translated the Arkham combat and movement into virtual reality is seriously impressive. It feels natural, fast, and super intense.
Gotham City looks amazing, too. They really nailed the atmosphere, and there are tons of little nods and Easter eggs for fans that make exploring feel rewarding.
Here’s what stood out:
- Intense, satisfying combat: You really feel the impact of every punch and gadget.
- Fluid traversal: Swinging through the city feels great, and you can move around quickly.
- Faithful Gotham: The city is detailed and feels like a real place, full of secrets.
Honestly, I’d love to see a sequel. It’s rare to find VR games that feel this polished and engaging. It genuinely felt like stepping into the cowl.
7. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure
Okay, so Life is Strange: Double Exposure. If you’re familiar with the series, you know what you’re getting into: a story-driven adventure with some serious emotional weight. This latest installment really leans into its strengths, focusing on mood and atmosphere to pull you into its world. The game does a fantastic job of making even the most ordinary moments feel significant, which is a hallmark of the franchise.
One of the coolest things about Life is Strange has always been the rewind mechanic, and Double Exposure uses it really well. It lets you play around with choices and see the immediate results, but you still have to live with the bigger consequences down the line. It’s a neat way to make you think about your decisions without getting bogged down in constant reloading. The voice acting is also top-notch, as usual, really bringing the characters to life.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:
- Atmospheric Storytelling: The game excels at creating a specific mood, making you feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.
- Clever Rewind Mechanic: This signature feature allows for experimentation with choices while still maintaining narrative consequence.
- Strong Character Performances: The voice acting is superb, adding a lot of depth and believability to the cast.
- Engaging Narrative: Expect a story that deals with themes of memory, regret, and trauma, presented in a compelling way.
8. Helldivers 2
Okay, so Helldivers 2. When this game first dropped, I’ll admit I was a little skeptical. It felt like Arrowhead, the studio behind the chaotic, friendly-fire-filled top-down shooters like Magicka, was trying to be something they weren’t. They ditched the old perspective for an over-the-shoulder view, and with Sony now involved, I worried they’d lost their quirky edge.
But man, was I wrong. The game is still packed with that signature slapstick humor and accidental team kills that made the first one so memorable. It turns out, those deliberately clunky controls are just begging for you to mess up, which, let’s be honest, is half the fun. It feels surprisingly physical, too. You really feel the weight of your actions, from carefully reloading your weapon mid-firefight to the sheer intensity of the battles. It’s this blend of serious combat and over-the-top absurdity that makes Helldivers 2 so special.
What’s also great is that it doesn’t feel like a grind. Sure, you can unlock new gear and cosmetics, but your starting loadout is pretty solid. I found myself playing for hours with weapons I got early on, and later unlocks were more of a fun change of pace than a necessity. The missions are also perfectly timed – you can jump in, complete a couple objectives, blow up some bugs or robots (and maybe a teammate or two by accident), and be back on your ship in about 15 minutes. It’s a blockbuster multiplayer game that actually fits into a busy schedule.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it tick:
- Cooperative Chaos: Team up with up to three friends to take on alien threats across the galaxy.
- Friendly Fire Fun: Accidental (or intentional) team kills are a regular, often hilarious, occurrence.
- Stratagem System: Call in powerful orbital strikes, support weapons, and defensive measures with unique button combinations.
- Dynamic Galactic War: Your actions contribute to a larger, ongoing war effort against the alien factions.
9. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Okay, so let’s talk about Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. This one’s a bit different from the others on our list, leaning heavily into Japanese folklore and a really unique art style. It’s a strategic action game where you play as a young priestess named Ushiromiya Ange, who’s basically the last of her line. She’s got this spirit warrior companion, and together they have to fight off these corrupted creatures called the "Kumo" that are spreading chaos.
What really sets this game apart is its visual presentation. It looks like a moving woodblock print, which is super cool and unlike anything else out there. The gameplay itself involves a mix of real-time combat and tactical planning. You’re directing your spirit warrior while also managing Ange’s abilities and positioning.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll be doing:
- Protecting Ange: Your main goal is to keep the priestess safe while she performs rituals or channels power.
- Commanding the Spirit Warrior: You’ll issue commands to your companion, telling them where to move and when to attack.
- Using Sacred Arts: Ange has special abilities that can heal, buff your warrior, or even damage enemies.
- Cleansing Corruption: You’ll need to push back the "Kumo" and purify the land.
The core loop is about balancing offense and defense, making sure your warrior is effective without leaving Ange vulnerable. It’s a challenging dance, and when you get it right, it feels really rewarding. The story touches on themes of duty, sacrifice, and the struggle against overwhelming darkness, all wrapped up in this beautiful, traditional aesthetic. It’s definitely a game that sticks with you after you’ve played it.
10. Star Wars: Outlaws
Alright, let’s talk about Star Wars: Outlaws. This game really tries to put you in the boots of a scoundrel in the Star Wars universe, and honestly, it nails the vibe. The look, the story, the characters – it all feels pretty spot-on for what it’s going for. You really get that feeling of being a nobody trying to make a name for yourself in the Outer Rim.
The biggest win here is how well it captures that classic Star Wars scoundrel fantasy. It’s like living out your own Han Solo-esque adventure, complete with shady dealings and narrow escapes.
However, the gameplay itself can be a bit of a mixed bag. When I played it, the combat wasn’t exactly thrilling, and the stealth mechanics felt a bit unpredictable. Sometimes it worked great, other times… not so much. It’s a shame because the story and the people you meet are genuinely interesting, making you wish the moment-to-moment gameplay was just as engaging.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- The Vibe: Captures the gritty, lived-in feel of the Star Wars underworld perfectly.
- Characters: A memorable cast that fits right into the scoundrel archetype.
- Story: A solid narrative that drives the scoundrel fantasy forward.
- Gameplay: Combat and stealth can be hit-or-miss, though patches might have improved things since release.
Despite some gameplay hiccups, Star Wars: Outlaws is definitely worth checking out if you’ve ever dreamed of being a space outlaw. It’s a game that, for all its flaws, offers a unique and enjoyable slice of the Star Wars galaxy that doesn’t get explored often.
Wrapping Up 2024’s Gaming Year
So, that’s a wrap on our look at the best games of 2024. It’s been a pretty wild year for gaming, with some real standouts and a bunch of games that just hit different. Whether you’re into epic stories, fast-paced action, or something totally new, there was definitely something for everyone. We saw some old favorites get a fresh coat of paint and some brand-new experiences that really surprised us. It’s always tough to pick just a few, but these are the ones that really stuck with us. Here’s hoping 2025 keeps up the momentum!
