The time has rolled around once again for us to wrap up the year that was and summarise 2023’s best games. It never gets any easier, but we’ve had to extend this year’s list out to 10 games as opposed to the usual 5.
That being said, let’s hit the ground running and jump straight into the best games that 2024 has to offer. Be sure to click on any of these titles for our full, in-depth review.
Honourable Mention – Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
We get it; Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is not a standalone game and is indeed DLC for the already fantastic Elden Ring. It gets the standalone honourable mention because it does fall into its unique category.
We’ve admittedly played games on this list that are indeed smaller and shorter than this DLC, and in turn feel that if this was a standalone game, it would certainly have qualified for this official list. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best expansions we’ve ever played.
10. Metro Awakening
We always want to give some love to VR games here, as they seem to get lost in the haze, given not as many people either own or embrace VR hardware.
That being said, Metro Awakening does stand out as one of the best VR games in recent memory. Packing in some functional mechanics and a constant sense of dread, soaked in that classic, creepy Metro atmosphere, it’s really hard not to love.
9. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Undoubtedly one of the best action games of 2024, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 brings justice to the franchise as a worthy sequel that packs in as much high-octane action as it can, at breakneck speeds.
Not to mention the engaging narrative and gorgeous environments, players might find this is one of the best ways to either enjoy or enter the Warhammer 40,000 franchise anew, with a riveting good time.
8. Helldivers 2
Regardless of what players think now, we have to give a spot to Helldivers 2 for simply getting everyone on board. Chaotic launch aside, Helldivers 2 provided small, bite-sized pockets of action with stellar cooperative play that made this one of the most popular games of the year.
With a live-service model that sees the world and its objectives constantly changing, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most engaging multiplayer experiences of 2024.
7. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
The term Metroidvania gets thrown around a whole lot these days, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a formula that sees multiple games each year, made in its image. But Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown feels different yet again. While remaining true to that formula, this is without a doubt greater than the sum of its parts, as one of the most polished experiences of 2024.
The fantastic traversal mechanics and punchy combat combine to make this one of the most rewarding games in recent memory, wrapped up in a gorgeous art style. While it’s a shame dwindling sales unfortunately disbanded the development team of Ubisoft Montpellier, we encourage you to circle back around and check this one out.
6. Silent Hill 2
A remake that sticks closely to its source material can still be fantastic. Enter Silent Hill 2. While it does feel like the 2001 classic in terms of its structure and narrative, it certainly feels like a fully realised version of what we played all those years ago.
Be it the fantastic visuals or multiple endings to explore, Silent Hill 2 plays with some relatively heavy themes that are treated with both grace and love. It’s simply the best survival horror game of the year.
5. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
After the fantastic Final Fantasy VII Remake, many would have been anticipating this one for a while. It was certainly worth the wait.
Expanding on its predecessor in almost every way, this sequel provides fantastic combat, new areas to explore and activities to partake in, while delving even deeper into the relationships and characters outlined in the previous chapter.
If you’re a Final Fantasy fan or even a casual observer looking to get invested, there’s never been a better time to jump on board.
4. Balatro
This is the only game on our list we have not officially reviewed, but we’re here to set the record straight. Balatro is not only one of the biggest surprises of the year, but it’s also a game I haven’t been able to shake since I started playing it. Merging simple poker hands with specific Joker cards that imbue your hands with specific abilities to achieve the highest score seems like a simple premise, but it’s so well made.
Merging the experience with rogue-like mechanics to achieve the longest run is also a fantastic idea. Given this game is available on almost every platform including mobile devices, there is simply no reason to skip on Balatro.
3. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio has been held in high regard by pretty much everyone this year, and it’s no surprise as to why. Mixing emotional and resonant themes with solid RPG mechanics and gorgeous worlds to explore seems like a winner in theory, but has been nailed in practice.
If Persona-related games or RPG experiences have ever appealed to you in any way, Metaphor: ReFantazio might pique your interest, as one of the best to ever do it.
2. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
I’m a massive Indiana Jones fan, but that’s not why Indiana Jones and the Great Circle sits so high on this list. As the latest entry on this list, this new Indy adventure simply presents itself in such a way that’s hard to ignore. An intriguing story and fantastic gameplay merge to make for one of the best Indiana Jones properties since the original trilogy of films.
The game manages to blend visceral hand-to-hand combat with meaningful traversal and clever puzzle-solving challenges that not only make you feel like Indiana Jones himself but also understand just how well a game can present when it’s made by those who love and understand the broader franchise.
1. Astro Bot
Here it is; our best game of 2024.
Astro Bot is many things. It’s a charming and functional platformer. It’s a gorgeous-looking and well-crafted homage to 30 glorious years of PlayStation. It’s packed with all sorts of challenges and collectibles to find and levels to replay. It’s incredibly engaging and accessible to younger audiences while challenging enough in parts to appeal to older players who have been around for PlayStation’s long-standing stardom, from mascots and consoles, to obscure add-ons and accessories.
But when all these things are tied together in a nice little bow? It’s the best game of 2024.
And that’s a wrap! Do you agree with these picks on our list? Did we mention one of your favourites?
Either way, we feel there’s no better time to try these if you haven’t! From all of us here at The AU Review, we would also like to take this time to wish you all a very Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2025!
