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The year 2023 was among the most successful years for gaming in recent history, so 2024 had a significant standard to uphold. Fortunately, over the last 12 months, we’ve witnessed yet another array of exceptional titles launched across platforms. From the PS5 to Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch to Steam Deck (or one of the finest gaming PCs), regardless of your choice of platform, there has been an impressive variety of options.
With so many high-caliber releases across genres and platforms, selecting the best games of 2024 is quite a challenge. Nevertheless, the Tom’s Guide team convened, and after vigorous discussions, we compiled a definitive list of our favorite games released this year. These selections encompass PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC, and if you overlooked any, now is the ideal moment to catch up before the first wave of new games debut in early 2025.
Best action game
Stellar Blade
Platform: PS5
Stellar Blade is one of the top hack-and-slash adventure games I’ve experienced in years due to its captivating combat systems, stunning visuals and immersive storyline. It doesn’t redefine any aspect of the genre, but the level of craftsmanship showcased confirms it as a genuine “AAA” title. There are multiple endings to discover and a range of outfits to unlock, which boost replay value. Furthermore, if you own a PS5 Pro, you can play the game at full 4K resolution and over 60 frames per second. Stellar Blade is a comprehensive and thrilling action game that every PS5 (and PS5 Pro) user should experience. — Tony Polanco
Runners-up: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Black Myth: Wukong
Best RPG
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Atlus has achieved quite a remarkable accomplishment with Metaphor Re: Fantazio. Not only did the studio create a completely new universe featuring intriguing characters in a gaming environment increasingly dominated by remasters and remakes, but it also blended the finest elements of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series into this 80-hour-long role-playing saga. The outcome is a combination of both games’ combat systems, along with Persona’s relationship development and time management set against a medieval yet futuristic backdrop. Metaphor’s artistic visuals and interfaces add real aesthetic appeal, and it performs smoothly on consoles and even older PCs. The game also addresses more mature themes and topics while integrating political and other substantial concepts into its plot. — Anthony Spadafora
Runners-up: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Dragon’s Dogma 2
Best racing/sports game
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
EA entered the season with immense expectations resting on its shoulders, perhaps too ambitious, but more than met them with the launch of the first college football title in over a decade. College Football 25 reintroduces NCAA football to consoles. EA could have simply re-released NCAA 14 with a graphics overhaul, but it’s evident that the developers at EA Orlando dedicated time and thoughtfulness to what defines an outstanding football game.
Admittedly, there are imperfections, but the seamless gameplay on the field along with the intricate systems off the gridiron create one of the best football games in years. The addition of different commentators based on the game’s quality is an impressive new feature. Furthermore, Dynasty could stand alone as a game with its comprehensive recruiting system and new coaching archetypes that feel akin to a small RPG embedded within a football simulator. With other franchises continuously trudging through repetitive releases, witnessing an old franchise make a comeback with a complete overhaul feels fresh and thrilling in the commonly predictable realm of sports games. Who needs Madden NFL 25? — Scott Younker
Runners-up: Top Spin 2K25, NHL 25
Best fighting game
Tekken 8
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Tekken 8 is the newest and potentially most outstanding installmentin the enduring combat game series. Showcasing a more attack-oriented gameplay compared to Tekken 7, this is a brawler for individuals who seek intensely dynamic bouts that can possibly conclude in moments. Additionally, it presents another exaggerated yet genuine storyline that advances the overarching plot in captivating ways. There’s a plethora of offline modes for solo players and effortlessly smooth online play if you wish to challenge others—granting this title significant replayability. Owing to its accurate combat mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and diverse gameplay options, Tekken 8 is undoubtedly the premier fighting game of 2024. — Tony Polanco
Runners-up: Under Night In-Birth II Sys: Celes, Rivals of Aether II
Best shooter game
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 adheres to a well-established framework. It’s segmented into three sections — multiplayer, zombies, and campaign, with each mode delivering the best that the series has offered in recent years (additionally, there’s Warzone, which has practically evolved into a standalone game). Ultimately, what distinguishes Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as the top shooter is the playing experience it offers. Call of Duty has consistently provided an exemplary standard in shooting mechanics and mobility. This installment elevates that experience with the introduction of the omni-movement system, giving it a distinct advantage over other first-person shooters released in 2024. — Dave LeClair
Runners-up: Helldivers 2, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Best family game
Astro Bot
Platforms: PS5
The PS5 debuted with an exceptional tech-demo platformer built around the foundational features of Sony’s immense new console (Astro’s Playroom). Four years later, Team Asobi has finally granted PlayStation’s latest mascot a full-fledged adventure, resulting in one of the most enjoyable titles on the system.
It’s a platformer that handles exceptionally well with playful enhancements and creative level designs, and serves as a tribute to nearly every significant PlayStation franchise while also infusing an abundance of character. Exuberant, imaginative, and delightfully entertaining, Astro Bot is a fantastic platforming journey that is brilliantly tailored for players of all ages. You’ll embark on an exhilarating adventure whether you are an experienced platform gamer able to navigate its realms swiftly, or Astro Bot marks your initial foray with a controller. — Martin Shore
Runners-up: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Super Mario Party Jamboree
Best VR game
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Platforms: Meta Quest 3/3S
Batman: Arkham Shadow realized a childhood aspiration of mine (and many other enthusiasts): Transforming into the Dark Knight. I found 2024 to be fairly lackluster for VR gaming overall. Sony overlooked the PSVR 2 as if it were the PS Vita and rumors regarding a sequel to Half-Life Alyx turned out to be mere whispers, but developer Camouflaj on Meta Quest 3 provided a superhero experience that served as a much-needed reminder of how exceptional VR gameplay can be.
Arkham Shadows isn’t a simplified version of the beloved Arkham series either. It’s as content-rich as its predecessors. This entails alternating between puzzle-solving (aided by the notorious Detective Vision), stealth sequences, and engaging in combat against street-level criminals with your bat-glove-encased fists. Featuring a new Batman narrative that involves an original antagonist along with some familiar faces, this Quest 3 exclusive truly allows you to embody the Bat. — Rory Mellon
Runners-up: Metro Awakening, Arizona Sunshine Remake
Best horror game
Still Wakes the Deep
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
When the Still Wakes the Deep trailer premiered at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2023, it instantly piqued my interest. I didn’t have high expectations going into it, but the horror genre typically captivates me. To my astonishment, this game significantly surpassed my anticipations. I was so engrossed that I completed it in a single session.
Still Wakes the Deep provides everything one could desire from a horror title: sheer dread, gore, and astonishing voice acting that enhances the experience tenfold. When combined with an environment that evokes fears such as vertigo, drowning, and claustrophobia, you’re in for a genuinely spine-chilling adventure. I would characterize Still Wakes the Deep as “The Thing” colliding with Dead Space, set against the eerie backdrop of a decaying oil rig in the North Sea during the 1970s. As an electrician trapped on the platform, you must navigate its impending collapse while striving to shield your crew from an otherworldly terror. — Alix Blackburn
Runners-up: Silent Hill 2, Crow Country
Best narrative
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Any RPG that expects you to commit numerous hours delving into its expansive universe and conversing with its myriad inhabitants must possess an engaging narrative to keep you invested, eager to uncover what unfolds next. In my view, Metaphor: ReFantazio had that aspect right from the beginning.
Replacing the Persona series’ contemporary environment with the steampunk/science-fantasy backdrop of the United Kingdom of Euchronia, Metaphor envelops players in an idealistic mission for justice and fairness. Euchronia is a richly designed world, laden with lore to discover and intriguing characters to meet (including some truly exceptional party members). The stakes are established early on, escalating as you progress. It’s a fulfilling, well-crafted fantasy narrative, and it constitutes an adventure worth experiencing. — Martin Shore
Runners-up: Silent Hill 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Best multiplayer game
Helldivers 2
Platforms: PC, PS5
Helldivers 2 is the sensible choice for this accolade for the straightforward reason that it creates unforgettable moments at a frequency that few other multiplayer games in 2024 could match. I can still remember the incident in my very first online experience with the third-person shooter when a teammate attempted to take down a gigantic bug using a rocket launcher, completely missed, and inadvertently blew up a fellow player instead. The memory continues to amuse me.
That singular event encapsulates the genius of Helldivers 2. I could easily compose an entire piece recalling my epic blunders and victorious moments. However, one aspect of Helldivers 2 that often remains underappreciated is the game’s community. In a frequently toxic gaming environment, the participants of Helldivers 2 are dependable partners always ready to join forces with newcomers and assist a new player in mastering the basics, which keeps me engaged even when my friends are offline. — Rory Mellon
Runners-up: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Marvel Rivals
Best independent game
Balatro
Platforms: Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
I joined the Balatro craze later than others. While friends and colleagues were extolling its virtues in spring, I didn’t express my interest until the mobile adaptation was launched in September. I could no longer disregard the intense buzz, so I freshened up on my poker skills, and after just one round, I was completely captivated by this roguelike deck-builder that blends poker principles with innovative mechanics to create something that feels both familiar and novel.
I adore Balatro to such an extent that the other week, while playing on a crowded train (which was so packed I had to stand), I was genuinely frustrated when we arrived at my stop because I didn’t want to stop playing. This delightful indie is the epitome of a “just one more round” experience, with its straightforward yet vivid artistic style enhancing its allure. I can’t overlook the fantastic soundtrack or the exceptional haptic feedback on mobile devices. — Rory Mellon
Runners-up: Palworld, Thank Goodness You’re Here
Best graphics
Black Myth: Wukong
Platforms: PC, PS5
The anticipation leading up to Black Myth: Wukong’s release was immense, and it proved entirely justified as the game offers an extraordinary experience bolstered by some of the most stunning visuals in gaming this year. Developer GameScience succeeded in bringing one of China’s most celebrated stories to life in a novel fashion utilizing Unreal Engine 5 effectively. The game places players in the role of an anthropomorphized ape, the ancestor of the legendary Sun Wukong, now on a journey to restore the surrounding environment to a harmonious state.
Whether you’re a supporter of Chinese folklore and the legend of the Monkey King or a Souls series veteran eager for something different while awaiting Elden Ring: Nightreign, Black Myth: Wukong satisfies that craving tenfold. Wukong’s tale is far easier to comprehend and follow compared to Elden Ring or Dark Souls, enhanced further by enticing shows of grandeur in its various cutscenes accented by breathtaking animations that follow each new chapter. — Ryan Epps
Runners-up: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Silent Hill 2
Game of the year 2024
Astro Bot
Platforms: PS5
Occasionally, a game arrives that not only resonates emotionally but also leaves a lasting impact, making it hard to avoid thinking about that game daily. This year’s Astro Bot, Sony’s response to a Super Mario Bros-like platformer guided by the talented Team Asobi, is one such title. It fittingly premiered on the 30th Anniversary of PlayStation, leading fans through a captivating world that serves as a homage to PlayStation’s extensive legacy.
Team Asobi crafted a masterpiece, which hopefully represents the beginning of an exhilarating new legacy for the diminutive mascot. Astro Bot takes you on an exhilarating journey featuring iconic characters from the PlayStation realm, from Nathan Drake to Kratos, and even Bloodborne’s Lady Maria!
Packed with delightful puzzles, engaging navigation through familiar realms, and incredible characters from PlayStation’s rich legacy, Astro Bot is the feel-good game PS5 fans have yearned for, and it rightly occupies the top position in this year’s impressive array. — Ryan Epps
Runners-up: Metaphor: Re Fantazio, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
More from Tom’s Guide
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