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This year has been extraordinary for gaming, with titles such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Astro Bot, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Balatro, and Metaphor: ReFantazio justly capturing a great deal of attention. Nevertheless, with so numerous new releases every month, some games failed to receive the recognition they rightfully earned.
To make sure you don’t overlook any must-play adventures that came out in 2024, the team at Tom’s Guide has compiled a list of the 12 incredible games you (likely) missed over the last 12 months. These titles span from a chic side-scrolling revival of a franchise to a Lovecraftian horror set upon an offshore oil rig, as well as an exceptional iOS adaptation of a contemporary horror classic. There’s a diverse mix below. So, if you’ve already experienced all the GOTY contenders this year, be sure to check out these games that were a bit off the mainstream.
Top games you might have missed in 2024
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
As a Metroidvania enthusiast myself, I only recently began to play Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown this month (December). I’ve now invested over 15 hours and regret delaying it for this long; it’s genuinely one of my top games of the year.
This fresh installment in the previously inactive Prince of Persia series features brisk and smooth melee battles alongside agile platforming, with a difficulty progression that perfectly caters to that classic “one-more-go” mentality. Even if the narrative aspects detract somewhat, this is a sleek, demanding experience that fans of the genre should truly contemplate acquiring.
Although it received solid reviews, The Lost Crown reportedly struggled with sales (which likely explains why it has seen significant discounts throughout the majority of 2024), and Ubisoft confirmed back in October that “most” of the development team who worked on The Lost Crown has been reassigned to other projects. — Martin Shore
Tekken 8
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Fighting games can be intimidating, and 3D fighting games can be even more daunting. Even as a seasoned Street Fighter player, maintaining awareness of an additional dimension while managing spacing, combos, and other elements seemed like a nightmare. Nevertheless, I made the leap with Tekken 8 earlier this year and adored every second of it.
I’m not a professional player by any means, nor even an adept amateur, but the Arcade Quest mode, which functions both as a series of tutorials and a charming narrative about rising through the ranks in the fighting game community, explained all the game’s various concepts to me in a gradual and careful manner. While I initially connected with only one or two characters throughout that adventure, the story mode, overflowing with anime-style excitement and the culmination of decades of Tekken history, allows you to try out the entire roster throughout its duration.
It’s understandable that when most individuals think of fighting games, they envision the ultra-competitive realm of online ranked play. However, Tekken 8 and other recent fighting titles demonstrate that considerable enjoyment can be found even if you struggle to chain two hits together at the start. — Richard Priday
Sand Land
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
It’s challenging to measure the influence Akira Toriyama has had on the gaming sector, let alone across media as a whole. His artistic style speaks volumes, portraying numerous realms teeming with intrigue, ancient dinosaurs, and whimsical creatures—some human, others not. Although he is more widely recognized for creating “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Ball Z,” his 2000 one-shot “Sand Land” truly deserves recognition as one of the finest examples of Toriyama’s extraordinary world-building.
Therefore, when Bandai Namco unveiled a “Sand Land” game in the form of a third-person RPG developed by ILCA, I realized we were in for a special experience. Bursting with tank combat and abundant adventure, this new interpretation of Toriyama’s classic manga is a thrilling ride that remains faithful to its creator’s vision. Upon its release, it garnered mixed reviews and largely went unnoticed this year, but protagonist Beezlebub’s touching journey through the bleak wasteland deserves acknowledgment. — Ryan Epps
Hades 2
Platforms: PC
How does an early-access title on Steam compare to the remarkable full launches we’ve encountered in 2024? Remarkably, to be honest. Hades 2 builds upon everything that Supergiant Games’ initial outstanding roguelike action RPG accomplished so effectively and elevates it to the peaks of Olympus — and I genuinely mean that, especially with the recent Olympic update. This grand sequel intertwines a compelling narrative of retribution with a cast of superbly crafted characters, featuring recognized deities and moody embodiments. And yes, they can accompany you in a revitalizing hot spring soak.
This time, the eternal princess of the underworld, Melinoë, is in the spotlight, and her quest to confront the Titan of Time, Chronos, is just as exhilarating as the first installment — if not even more so — due to a nearly infinite array of weapon combinations enhanced with electrifying power-ups and advantages. This game isn’t even complete yet, but I continue to discover new narrative branches and thrilling methods to battle my way to the underworld. If you’re anticipating a full launch but possess a capable gaming PC, fret not; you don’t have to wait. — Darragh Murphy
Still Wakes the Deep
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
I’ve discussed Still Wakes the Deep multiple times, and it merits every ounce of attention. This title provides everything I yearn for in a meticulously designed horror experience, and has never let me down. However, what has left me disappointed is the absence of excitement surrounding it. As someone who completed it in a single session, I can confidently assert it deserves to be experienced by as many individuals as possible, even if you’re not typically an enthusiast of the genre. Sure, the pacing can seem a bit frantic at times, and it doesn’t present particularly challenging puzzles, but what truly enhances the game is the exceptional voice acting from its largely Scottish ensemble.
Still Wakes the Deep escalates body horror to disturbing new levels, plunging players straight into the midst of the action. Set on a sinking oil rig besieged by a mysterious, malevolent substance, you assume the role of Caz, an electrician desperately trying to escape while his colleagues are being devoured one by one. You’ll navigate through vents, stealthily traverse dimly lit hallways, and even plunge underwater to discover a means of escape from the collapsing rig, all while receiving harrowing phone calls from terrified crew members pleading for aid. The emotional resonance is largely attributed to the outstanding voice acting, which brings the struggles of Caz and his crew to life in a manner few games achieve. — Alix Blackburn
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (iOS)
Platforms: Mobile (iOS)
Resident Evil is not my preferred series, but I am intrigued enough by Capcom’s survival horror franchise to pick up and engage with a title occasionally. I overlooked Resident Evil 7: Biohazard at its 2017 release, and I love the concept of playing a triple-A game on a device I carry with me daily. Add one of the finest mobile controllers, and I’ll spend 15 minutes at a time during my commute chipping away at it without compromising quality evening time with the TV.
Resi 7 isn’t a brand-new title, so you don’t need me to delve into the details, but it marks a return to the franchise’s horror origins instead of the action-driven approach of installments 5 and 6. I did observe some frame rate dips and the game occupies a significant 33GB of storage — it also necessitates an iPhone 15 Pro or later to play. But if you’re seeking something slightly more immersive than Wordle for your phone, this is it. — Jeff Parsons
Thank Goodness You’re Here
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5
To put it simply, Thank Goodness You’re Here is the most hilarious game ever created. Showcasing delightful hand-drawn animation, its two-hour playtime is filled with the kind of absurdist comedy you’d expect from Monty Python or the cult British comic strip Viz. Each NPC animation is infused with slapstick humor, every street sign is embellished with cheeky puns, and every dialogue is enacted with genuine North England accents, thanks in no small measure to the fantastic voice cast featuring “What We Do in the Shadows’” Matt Berry.
Located in the fictional town of Barnsworth, the game’s uproarious jokes are delivered through a series of progressively more ludicrous puzzles and minigames. It also serves as a witty critique of the current state of video games as a medium — the town’s eccentric inhabitants are perpetually indebted to your player character’s presence despite your sole interact button being a slap. Forget scoreboards and achievements — developer Coal Supper’s point-and-slap adventure has provided me with the most enjoyment I’ve had playing a game this year. — Jack Ridsdale
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Dead Rising was a childhood fascination of mine. I didn’t even have access to the complete game, just a brief demo that came with a (now defunct) gaming magazine. Nevertheless, I spent countless hours decimating zombies in the Willamette Parkview Mall and dreaming about the full version. I eventually gained access to the entire experience once I reached adulthood (and loved it!), but I’ve often pondered how Dead Rising would appear with a new layer of polish.
Fortunately for me, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster addressed that inquiry with flair. Thisremaster — edging towards a complete remake — is now indisputably the finest way to engage with this Zombie-slaying classic, thanks to the revamped graphics and enhanced character movement mechanics. Although certain game design aspects seem antiquated in 2024 (missions are primarily elaborately disguised fetch quests and bosses function as damage sponges), the timer system continues to be fresh and infuses a unique stress factor into the experience. Additionally, the mixture of exaggerated gore and absurd humor remains unparalleled, providing Dead Rising with its own character within the genre. — Rory Mellon
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Final Fantasy Tactics is the elusive dragon I am eternally pursuing, thus whenever Tactics is added to a franchise, I feel compelled to investigate. Enter Metal Slug Tactics. The original Metal Slug is a fast-paced, side-scrolling run-and-gun arcade title from the mid-90s. It’s fantastic. The Tactics iteration infuses that same dynamism into a genre that typically favors less aggressive gameplay. The most significant twist that Metal Slug Tactics presents to turn-based tactics enthusiasts is its emphasis on continual movement and shooting, even while defending. It encourages you to run and gun; you must be assertive. This isn’t a methodical XCOM experience or a puzzle to tackle like Into The Breach.
The game bursts with explosive action, vibrant visuals, and a fantastic soundtrack as impressive as any previous Metal Slug. Unlike most tactics titles, it incorporates a roguelike element, which may deter some players as it seems to be the latest trend for every game, but the battles are swift and engaging, allowing it to sidestep that gimmick. Does Metal Slug Tactics dethrone Final Fantasy Tactics from its lofty position? No, but it’s incredibly enjoyable and offers a refreshing alternative. — Scott Younker
Planet Coaster 2
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Since the PS5 launch in November 2020, Planet Coaster has remained a staple on my hard drive, and it appears Planet Coaster 2 will enjoy a long tenure as well. Like its predecessor, this theme park building simulator allows you to create the rollercoasters and attractions of your dreams, but the new feature is the addition of water parks, which is everything I hoped for in a sequel. Planet Coaster 2 is larger, improved, and wetter!
The game’s vibrant graphics and cheerful music consistently bring joy, and I find it to be the ideal title to engage with during breaks from lengthy narrative-focused sessions. The Planet Coaster experience has been expertly adapted for a console controller (though a keyboard and mouse on PC remain the superior method of play). I also commend developer Frontier for diligently working on enhancing some rough patches, with the first significant patch released earlier this month, bringing noticeable improvements. — Rory Mellon
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Whether you grew up enjoying the Mario & Luigi titles on Nintendo’s prior handhelds or this is your introductory experience with the series, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is definitely worth your time. The substantial game has the brothers teaming up once more to traverse the open seas and reestablish a network of islands stemming from their own Shipshape Island, which also acts as a ship.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership resembles Mario’s version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker as you navigate various ocean flows on your ship while searching for isolated islands. Each island serves as a distinct world filled with intriguing characters, shops, and foes to conquer.
Combat unfolds in a turn-based manner, and unlike in Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, it’s solely Mario and Luigi partaking in the fighting. The brothers can strike independently or collaborate for some rather impressive combos. Mario & Luigi: Brothership was overshadowed by numerous other major releases leading up to the holiday season, so now presents an excellent opportunity to dive into this quirky RPG series’s latest installment. — Anthony Spadafora
Lego Horizon Adventures
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5
I cannot pinpoint where the concept for a Lego game inspired by Horizon Zero Dawn originated, but I’m grateful someone gave it the green light because Lego Horizon Adventures is an exceedingly enjoyable title. The brilliance of this game lies in its ability to expertly merge all the elements that make both franchises so cherished.
We receive the object-building mechanics characteristic of the Lego series coupled with the tactical combat from Horizon, all wrapped in a brief yet delightful adventure that can be enjoyed by individuals of any age. While Lego Horizon Adventures may not be revolutionary, its charming atmosphere, delightful graphics, and notable replay value make it a title worth exploring if you have appreciated past Lego games. — Tony Polanco
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