A look back at 2024's biggest video game releases
Updated
9Product Reviews
The summer holidays are a great chance to spend time with loved ones, hit the beach or take a vacation somewhere exotic – but more importantly, it's a chance to catch up on all the games you didn't have time to play during the year. And 2024 had plenty of great releases to get stuck into.
So if you got a shiny new console this Christmas or have a bit of extra spending money for the Boxing Day sales, here are the biggest games from 2024 you should check out.
Astro Bot (PlayStation 5)
9Product Reviews
Whether you're a veteran gamer or only just starting out, you'll probably find something to love about Astro Bot. The charming platformer sees you run and jump through tons of levels packed with creative power-ups and adorable cameos from more than 150 characters from PlayStation and gaming history. It's a joyful trip down memory lane and just fun, pure and simple.
Balatro (Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch)
A warning: this game may look simple, but it could quickly consume all your free time. Balatro puts a twist on the classic game of poker by adding rule-changing cards that give you new ways to chase higher and higher scores. These cards change every playthrough, making the temptation of playing one more round hard to resist. It's all the more impressive because only one person made the game!
Black Myth: Wukong (PlayStation 5, PC)
Inspired by Chinese mythology and one of the country's most famous novels, Black Myth: Wukong brings those classic tales to life as a spectacular and fast-paced action game that broke multiple records upon release. It's easily one of the most beautiful games to be released this year, but don't get too distracted by the scenery – your larger-than-life enemies can pack a punch if you're not careful.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC)
Already considered one of the best (and most difficult) games of all time, Elden Ring got even bigger this year with the release of Shadow of the Erdtree – an expansion that could almost be a whole sequel. It adds more weapons and spells, a whole new map of stunning locations to explore and even tougher enemies that will kick your butt over and over and over again. Sounds fun, right?
Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC)
A decade after the last game in the series, Dragon Age: The Veilguard returns with another fantasy epic that changes depending on the decisions you make – starting with the in-depth and inclusive character creator. Aside from its magical and tactical combat, the series' strength has always been the companions you meet and the relationships you build with them along the way, and Veilguard promises both returning favourites and some new faces to fall in love with.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PlayStation 5)
9Product Reviews
The name is a bit confusing (this is actually the second instalment in a trilogy of remakes of the original Final Fantasy VII) but Rebirth continues to reinvent the beloved game for both longtime fans and a new generation. There are new twists on iconic story moments, flashy fights and a wealth of activities to do outside of the main quest, from racing and music minigames to an addictive card game that you can easily spend hours in on its own.
Helldivers 2 (PlayStation 5, PC)
It's always fun playing video games with your friends, but Helldivers 2 proves it's even better when you can accidentally blow them up. Fighting off hordes of aliens with lasers, missiles and walking mechs is a blast but your weapons are just as effective against teammates so watch where you step! Packed with over-the-top action and tongue-in-cheek humour, Helldivers 2 is constantly getting new updates so there's always something new to check out.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Xbox, PC)
9Product Reviews
It shouldn't be a surprise that Indiana Jones makes for a great video game – after all, it's the inspiration for both the Uncharted and Tomb Raider series. Crack whips, punch bad guys and solve ancient mysteries in this globe-trotting tale that looks like a sequel to the big screen adventures. And while Harrison Ford doesn't return to voice Indy, veteran voice actor Troy Baker is more than capable of bringing him to life. If you already have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you can play this now for no extra cost.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Nintendo Switch)
9Product Reviews
Despite the series having her name in the title, we've never been able to play as the titular princess in a Legend of Zelda game until now. With usual hero Link in trouble, it's up to Zelda to save the day using a magic wand that can copy and conjure up all sorts of items and creatures, allowing you to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in whatever way your brain can imagine. It's a creative, modern spin on the series' classic formula.
Metaphor: ReFantazio (Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC)
From the creators of the hugely popular Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio swaps out high school drama for magical fantasy kingdoms but keeps the sleek art style, strategic turn-based combat and interesting characters that fans have come to love. Its story tackles philosophical issues like anxiety and politics, and there's a whole lot of gameplay to sink your teeth into; you could easily spend 100 hours trying to see and do everything.
Tekken 8 (Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC)
9Product Reviews
Fighting games have been having a bit of a renaissance as of late and this year was Tekken's turn in the spotlight. The fisticuffs in the latest entry in the franchise have never played or looked better, and newcomers have plenty of training tools at their disposal to help them compete with veteran fighters. If that wasn't enough, the roster of playable characters includes not one, but two bears!
READ NEXT: What makes a good mobile phone plan
