Ars’ Timeless Picks: The Best Games of 2024 That Defied Their Release Dates!

So here’s a toast to you, Stardew Valley. You were one of the highlights of my 2024, and a game I already know I will revisit for years to come.

— Lee Hutchinson

Grounded

Obsidian; Windows, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation

This year, my top revelation has likely been Grounded, a survival crafting game released by Microsoft and developed by Obsidian Entertainment, originally launched in 2022 (2020 if you include the early access) and recently received its final scheduled content update in April.

You take on the role of one of four adventurous kids, shrunk down to less than an inch tall as part of a malicious scientific experiment. The game draws considerable inspiration from the 1989 classic Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, both in its ’80s aesthetic and graphical style. Roam the backyard, battle insects, discover new crafting materials, establish a base of operations, and enhance your abilities with unique items and progressively superior gear as you seek to uncover what transpired to you and return to your normal size.

Grounded came into the picture because I was in search of another game for the four-player group that has also engaged with Deep Rock Galactic and Raft. Similar to Raft, Grounded features a primary narrative with achievable goals and a conclusion, along with a diverse range of activities, ensuring everyone can find something enjoyable to do. Aside from some minor netcode issues, if you’re fond of survival crafting games yet prefer not to engage in Minecraft-style, open-ended gameplay, Grounded might just satisfy your cravings.

— Andrew Cunningham

Fights in Tight Spaces

Ground Shatter; Windows, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation

I have dedicated a substantial amount of time this year to exploring, playing, and contemplating roguelike deckbuilders. Steam’s suggestion algorithm took note and introduced me to 2021’s Fights in Tight Spaces. While enjoying a leisurely week’s vacation, equipped with a Steam Deck, I felt sufficiently distanced from the genre to perhaps dip a toe back in. Over 15 hours later, answering Steam’s “Is this relevant to you?” inquiry became straightforward.

Flying Guillotine, Drunken Master, and whatever I could procure from friends and rental outlets. I was captivated by rapid combat sequences taking place in tight, cluttered, or unique spaces. The thrill of witnessing the hero duck as one villain inadvertently strikes another, only to execute a backflip over a balcony for a dual-leg kick on an approaching foe? That’s the excitement I crave.