May 20, 2024

Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2024

The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as 2024 promises a stellar lineup of highly anticipated games. With innovations in technology and storytelling, these upcoming titles are set to captivate players across various platforms. Here, we delve into some of the most awaited games that are expected to dominate the gaming scene this year.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, released in January 2024, brings back the acrobatic action-adventure gameplay the series is known for. This time, you take control of Sargon, a new protagonist wielding blades and mastering the art of time manipulation.

The game shines in its 2.5D side-scrolling platforming. Sargon's movements are fluid, allowing for stylish dashes, jumps, and wall clinging as you navigate the beautifully rendered mythological Persian world. Combat is equally engaging, with a focus on parrying and unleashing special abilities fueled by your "Athra's Glow."

Adding another dimension to the gameplay is Sargon's time-based powers. Rewinding time after a mistake or slowing down enemies adds a layer of strategic depth, especially during challenging platforming sections.

The Lost Crown isn't perfect. The story, while decent, might not be as captivating as past entries. However, it provides a solid foundation for this exciting new chapter in the Prince of Persia franchise.

In short:

Fluid and acrobatic platforming
Engaging combat with time-based powers
Beautiful mythological Persian setting
Story takes a backseat to the gameplay

If you're a fan of action-adventure platformers and the Prince of Persia series, The Lost Crown is a worthy addition to your collection.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is the best way to experience this narratively ambitious and graphically stunning game.

The Good

Enhanced Visuals and Performance: The jump to PS5 brings smoother frame rates and even crisper visuals, making an already gorgeous game even more impressive.
Compelling New Mode: "No Return" mode offers a challenging roguelike experience that will test your skills and keep you coming back for more.
Bonus Content: For returning players, there's new behind-the-scenes content and some cut levels to delve into.

The But

Limited Upgrades: If you already played the PS4 version, the core gameplay and story remain unchanged. The graphical improvements are nice, but some might not find them worth a full-price purchase.

Overall

Whether you're a newcomer or a fan revisiting this brutal world, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered offers the definitive experience. Just be prepared for a story that's as challenging as the gameplay.

Tekken 8

Tekken 8 packs a punch! It's a strong contender for both Tekken veterans and newcomers. Here's a quick breakdown:

Pros:

Refined Gameplay: Classic Tekken combat gets exciting additions like the "Heat" system for offensive bursts and a fantastic training mode.
Story Focus: The single-player story, "The Dark Awakens," is surprisingly good and packed with fan service.
New & Familiar: New characters shake things up, while the core roster remains for veterans to dominate with.
Improved Online: Tekken 8 boasts a smoother online experience for competitive play.

Cons:

Some Complexity: While more approachable, Tekken's depth can still be overwhelming for total beginners.
Menu Overload: The menu system might have a few too many options for casual players.

Overall, Tekken 8 is a fantastic fighting game that honors its legacy while innovating for the future. It's a must-play for fighting game fans and a great entry point for newcomers who want a deep and rewarding experience.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes Ichiban Kasuga and the crew to new heights, literally, with a trip to vibrant Honolulu alongside familiar stomping grounds in Japan. This sequel expands on the successful formula of its predecessor, offering a fresh location, engaging story twists, and exciting combat.

Highlights:

Dual Cities: Explore the bustling streets of Yokohama and the laid-back charm of Honolulu, each with its own unique atmosphere and activities.
Compelling Narrative: A new adventure pulls Ichiban back into the world of yakuza, this time with a surprising family mystery at its core.
RPG Goodness: Refined turn-based combat with the added fun of the Sujimon collection and management system keeps battles engaging.

Things to Consider:

Series Experience Preferred: While newcomers can jump in, veterans will appreciate the callbacks and character development.
Lengthy Commitment: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a sprawling journey, so be prepared to invest some serious playtime.

Overall:

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a satisfying sequel that builds upon the strengths of the Like a Dragon reboot. With a captivating story, stunning environments, and deep RPG elements, it's a must-play for fans and a great entry point for newcomers to the series.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League throws you headfirst into a wacky, open-world Metropolis. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, the creators of the Batman: Arkham series, this game offers an offbeat twist: you play as the villainous Suicide Squad, tasked with taking down the corrupted Justice League.

The action is a mix of gunplay, melee combat, and unique traversal abilities for each character. Harley Quinn zips around with her acrobatic agility, while King Shark dives through the water and chomps on enemies. Switching between these diverse styles keeps things fresh.

The open world is a highlight. A ravaged Metropolis provides a backdrop for exploration and chaotic battles. While the story has its moments, some may find the premise of taking down the Justice League a bit strange.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Pros: Fun and varied combat, unique character abilities, expansive Metropolis to explore
Cons: Story might not be for everyone, some repetitive elements

Overall, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a wild ride. It's a good choice for gamers looking for a unique action experience, especially if they're fans of the DC Comics characters.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a charming puzzle-platformer that injects a refreshing twist into the classic Mario formula. Instead of directly confronting Donkey Kong, you control Mario as he navigates through cleverly designed levels, collecting Mini-Marios and solving environmental puzzles to reach them.

The gameplay blends platforming elements with clever use of switches, conveyor belts, and other mechanics to manipulate the environment and guide Mario to his goals. The addition of co-op play in the recent Switch version makes things even more fun.

While the boss battles against Donkey Kong are a bit on the simple side, the main focus here is the engaging puzzle-solving and the satisfaction of rescuing all the Mini-Marios. With colorful visuals, catchy music, and a well-paced difficulty curve, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a delightful adventure for players of all ages.

Skull and Bones

Skull and Bones sails into a bit of a storm. The ship-to-ship combat can be exciting, with strategic customization and teamwork emphasized. However, the lack of a compelling story and repetitive missions leave many reviewers feeling like they're adrift. Technical problems like crashes and glitches don't help either.

If you crave a deep seafaring experience and love tinkering with your ship's build, Skull and Bones might be worth a look. But if you're looking for a swashbuckling pirate adventure, you'll likely want to set sail for a different game.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth isn't just a remake, it's a reimagining. It takes the beloved story of the original and injects it with fresh twists, surprises, and a whole lot of ambition.

The Good

Story that both respects and rewrites the classic: Familiar characters and locations feel new and exciting, while still retaining the core themes of the original.
Expanded world and activities: Explore a more open world filled with side quests, mini-games, and secrets to uncover.
Combat refined: The action-RPG system builds on Remake's foundation, offering a deeper and more strategic experience.

The Not-So-Good

Technical hiccups: While beautiful, the game can suffer from performance issues in some areas, especially on older consoles.
A mixed bag of side content: Some optional activities feel more engaging than others.
A cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more (a lot more): Be prepared to wait for the trilogy's conclusion!

Overall

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike. It's a sprawling adventure that honors its legacy while forging its own path. Just be prepared for a wild ride with a massive cliffhanger at the end.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a sequel that offers a strong foundation in challenging combat and a unique pawn system where you can recruit AI companions or share yours with others. The world is interesting to explore, but some may find the story basic and quests repetitive. Technical aspects like frame rate and camera can be clunky at times.

If you enjoyed the first Dragon's Dogma or crave action-RPG combat with a twist, this is worth a try. However, if you value a polished experience or deep narrative, you might want to wait for a sale.

Princess Peach: Showtime!

Princess Peach: Showtime!, released in March 2024 for the Nintendo Switch, is a breath of fresh air for the franchise. It marks Peach's return to the spotlight as the main playable character, offering an action-adventure experience.

You team up with Stella, the theater's guardian, to combat the villainous Grape and his Sour Bunch who are sabotaging the Sparkle Theater's productions. The core gameplay revolves around Peach's unique transformations. Each play grants her a new outfit and special abilities, like sword-wielding samurai or ice-skating champion. These transformations are the game's highlight, adding variety and keeping the combat engaging.

Reviews have been mixed. Some praise the charming concept and the fun of controlling Peach in action. Others criticise the repetitive level design and the somewhat easy difficulty. Overall, Princess Peach: Showtime! is a delightful diversion for Nintendo fans, especially those looking for a starring role for the princess.