Table of contents
2024 proved to be another stellar year for the gaming industry, showcasing a mix of groundbreaking new releases, stunning remakes, and unforgettable indie hits. Despite a slightly quieter year in terms of perfect scores, IGN awarded only one new game a coveted 10/10—a rare accolade that sparked significant discussion. Let’s dive into some of the highest-rated games and trends that defined the year.
Top RPGs of 2024
The first quarter of 2024 saw an impressive lineup of RPGs, with titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Persona 3 Reload, and Unicorn Overlord earning stellar reviews. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continued to dazzle fans, expanding upon the iconic story with a massive open world and hundreds of hours of content. Later in the year, releases like Dragon Age: The Veil Guard and Metaphor: Re Fantazio further enriched the RPG landscape. Square Enix’s Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake also turned heads with its gorgeous pixelated visuals, proving that nostalgia can be a powerful draw when executed well.
Simulator Standouts
Simulators made a strong showing in 2024. Satisfactory, a factory-building simulator, and Sons of the Forest, a survival thriller, offered unique and engaging experiences. Meanwhile, Microsoft Flight Simulator continued to soar, delivering unparalleled realism and earning a spot among the year’s best-reviewed games.
Indie Gems Shine Bright
Indie games had a banner year, with titles like Hades 2, Animal Well, and Batro captivating audiences. The latter, a roguelike poker game, stood out for its innovative mechanics and addictive gameplay. Notably, Stardew Valley received a re-review and earned a perfect 10, thanks to its robust updates and new features that kept the beloved farming simulator fresh and engaging nearly a decade after its initial release.
Big Returns for Iconic Series
This year also marked the triumphant return of beloved franchises. Tekken 8 revitalized the fighting game genre, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 impressed with a creative and varied single-player campaign. Life is Strange: Double Exposure revisited Max Caulfield’s story, delivering a poignant sequel to the original narrative-driven game. Even Sonic Shadow Generations breathed new life into its franchise with updated gameplay and the return of fan-favorite character Shadow.
Nintendo Surprises and Successes
Though quieter than in previous years, Nintendo offered pleasant surprises like the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and the new Mario Party game, Super Mario Party Jeree. The highlight, however, was The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which put Princess Zelda in the protagonist’s role for the first time, blending the art style of Link’s Awakening with the open-ended gameplay of Tears of the Kingdom.
The Crown Jewel: Elden Ring DLC
The year’s sole new 10/10 game was Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware’s first DLC for its critically acclaimed masterpiece. This expansion introduced a massive new area, fresh weapons, and combat styles like martial arts. The rich lore and storytelling further deepened the game’s world, solidifying its status as a monumental achievement in gaming.
Watch IGN Video
Conclusion
While 2024 may not have matched the sheer volume of high scores seen in 2023, it was a year marked by diversity and creativity. From epic RPGs and immersive simulators to groundbreaking indie titles and celebrated franchise revivals, gamers had plenty to enjoy. For a more detailed breakdown, including IGN’s full list of nominees and winners, check out their official awards page.
Stay tuned to Gamers Archives for more in-depth reviews, features, and everything you need to know about the world of gaming!