Yet, they all have something in common that is more important than ever.
The best games of 2024 feel like misfit masterpieces.
Maybe thats because they are products of a bad environment.
In case you didnt know,the video game industryis not doing so great.
Hey, who is?
Bad investments into outdated ideas have led to mass layoffs.
Here isDen of Geeks ranking of the best games of the year.
If something separatesAnimal Wellfrom the pack, its the ways this game takes nothing for granted.
Thats because they so often are.
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15.
Thank Goodness Youre Here
Truly great comedy games are a rare beast.
Thats what makesThank Goodness Youre Herequite special.
Fundamentally,Like a Dragonoffers many of the same pleasures youll find in previous series installments.
Infinite Wealthrefines those fundamentals while showcasing developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios willingness to keep trying new things.
Is it the best game in the series?
Its a sad story that exemplifies the tragic state of the modern gaming industry.
Tekken 8
Its not easy to be a great fighting game these days.
So where doesTekken 8fit into that market melee?
Well, it just may be the best overall 3D fighting game in the world.
The fluidity ofTekkens gameplay shines in this masterful sequel that somehow improves upon nearly perfect combat.
Then again, to playTekkenis to loveTekken.
Dragons Dogma 2
Dragons Dogma 2is sloppy at best and arguably broken at worst.
It often feels like a series of concepts rather than an entirely finished product.
Does that occasionally result in something odd or awkward occurring?
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis alotof game.
Thats what ultimately makesRebirthso easy to admire.
For some, it will deliver an endless series of thrills across a massive adventure.
We expect every newZeldagame to shake the industry because they often do.
We certainly dont think its impact will be more substantial than what you get from playing it.
Strangely, thats also the games greatest strength.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2is a purely joyful gaming experience.
Then again, so was the originalHelldivers.
Its a classic formula for a good time.
However, some have always struggled to connect to the high school relationship/drama elements.
The results are incredible.
Palace intrigue and feuding kingdom factions prove to be an appropriate substitute for high school social shenanigans.
Its a complete JRPG triumph from a studio that often seems to be in a league of its own.
UFO 50
The word you keep hearing whenUFO 50is discussed is value.
That is not whatUFO 50offers.
Oh, its certainly that, but its so much more, too.
Good luck, babe.
But few games have cut through so much cynicism as quickly and eloquently as theSilent Hill 2remake.
Not since the originalResident Evilhas a horror game received a remake this good.
The problem was that their efforts always came with an asterisk.
So far, Astro Bot has been limited to VR titles, cameos, and elaborate pack-in demos.
Thats part of the reason why 2024sAstro Bottriggers reactions of pure joy that border on primal screams.
Balatro
Since the indie game boom, many years have brought us games likeBalatro.
Were talking about games likeStardew Valley,Super Meat Boy, andVampire Survivors.
The love that went into them is often as undeniable as the hours we put into them.
2024 is the year ofBalatro, though.
Its about more than that, though.
The AAA gaming industry is currently eating its tail in the homeless pursuit of infinite growth.
In a world on fire, we return toBalatro.
If there is going to be a future, we need to celebrate its brilliance in the present.
