2024’s Greatest Hits Sure Have Given A Lot Back To Gaming

It’s no surprise to claim that the first half of 2024 has been a fantastic time for gaming. We’ve seen diverse releases that cater to every genre in the best way possible. Such a fine selection is never wrong, but one can only play so many games at a single time. So, I’ve compiled a list of entries that appealed to me the most this year so far.

These are the greatest hits that you may want to clear from your backlog before newer ones come out. Whether you fancy a co-op multiplayer playthrough to protect humanity or a single-player experience to challenge the toughest of Souls-like bosses, you’ll find a bit of everything in this listicle. 

Here Are My Top 5 Favorite Games Of 2024 So Far

Before jumping right in, I’d love to point out that this list is based on my personal opinion and not in any particular order. 

1. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth

• Genre: Action RPG
• Platforms: PlayStation 5
• Developer: Square Enix

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues where the 2020 remake left off and recaptures the legacy of the 1997 classic at the same time. It’s an entry that both the veterans of the series and new players can enjoy, which has allowed it to become one of the greatest hits this year. The enhanced narrative, a lot of mini-games, and strong character development were other cherries on top that added to the real-time action gameplay.

The RPG is more of an open-world experience compared to its predecessors, allowing players to travel outside the city and ride across the green hills on Chocobos to discover secrets. The world feels more alive and densely packed with life, which was my biggest pet peeve with the previous release.

2. Helldivers 2

• Genre: Online Co-Op, and Third-Person Shooter
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, and PC
• Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios

Helldivers 2 was the biggest surprise for me this year. Arrowhead Game Studios has crafted an experience unlike anything I’ve ever seen in multiplayer games. To me, this title represents the best iteration of what a live service project should be like. My favorite feature is the game’s storyline, which continues to evolve naturally and dynamically over time since it uses a real game master for progression.

I’ve honestly written a couple of opinion pieces just praising the different aspects of this game. The satiric narrative tone, player-driven role-playing, friendly and engaged developers, excellent visuals, and combat are among some of the pluses that made me love this game. The online co-op shooter is my favorite greatest hit of 2024 so far.

3. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

• Genre: RPG
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC
• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is arguably one of the best titles to release in the entire series. It takes players to the sandy beaches of Hawaii in search of Kasuga’s biological mother. But the lore further spirals into a huge controversy involving local sects and crime syndicates. The writing and natural character development—with well-placed comic reliefs—genuinely make one fall in love with the characters.

4. Tekken 8

• Genre: Fighting
• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC
• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios, and Akira

Even during Tekken 8’s first announcement, I knew it was going to take the gaming world by storm. The entry is the series’ best of the best so far, both from the technical and gameplay perspectives. The mesmerizing visuals, fluid animations, satisfying PvP combat gameplay, and an engaging storyline for a fighting game leave nothing much to be desired.

A multitude of modes and the new heat system have made it stand above the other fighting titles that recently came out.

5. Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree 

• Genre: Action RPG, Fantasy, and Souls-Like
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC
• Developer: FromSoftware

Now I know this is technically not a separate game, but can you blame me? Shadow of the Erdtree is such a large DLC that it feels like its own thing. It even became the highest-rated expansion in all of gaming history. A plethora of new areas, bosses, secrets, a new weapon type, and much more await you in this less-than-forgiving experience. 

All in all, the first half of this year has been absolutely amazing, so writing this list had me scratching my head plenty of times. I think the coming months will also have enough awaited releases to reach players who are still unsatisfied with the year so far.