Best games of 2024 (Sportskeeda Gaming picks)

With another year done and dusted, we at Sportskeeda are back with our top video game picks for 2024. This year, we saw quite a few titles that pushed the limits of their genres while capturing the masses and garnering a following. Black Myth Wukong, Astro Bot, and Balatro are some of our top picks for this year.

As always, picking the best of the best is a difficult thing to do. We may end up adding something that others don't agree with. Nevertheless, these are Sportskeeda Gaming's top picks for 2024.

Black Myth Wukong (Image via Game Science)

Black Myth Wukong

• Developed by Game Science
• Available on PS5 and PC

"In many ways, Black Myth Wukong feels like a relic of the past, back when games didn't shy away from experimenting with their gameplay and storytelling systems." - Sportskeeda review

Black Myth Wukong's gorgeous visuals, stunning art style, intriguing story, and excellent combat system add up to an experience that players should not pass on. Inspired by the classic Chinese text Journey to the West, you will step in as The Destined One as you traverse through various settings, challenge increasingly difficult bosses, and uncover "the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past."

Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware)

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

• Developed by FromSoftware
• Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

"If Elden Ring was a gourmet meal, Shadow of the Erdtree would be the garnish. And not just any garnish, but one that enhances the taste of the meal while also imparting a lasting impression on the consumer. By all fronts, Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterpiece and as close to perfection as it gets." - Sportskeeda review

An expansion to the beloved Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree made a definitive stamp on any conversation regarding this year's best video games. Much like Phantom Liberty in 2023, the DLC managed to elevate the base game's experience while also providing its unique flavor to it.

Shadow of the Erdtree brings players to the Land of Shadow. There's much to explore there as you learn a bit more about the interconnected lore and history. Want to learn more about it? We encourage you to check out our review and then, of course, the game.

Balatro (Image via LocalThunk)

Balatro

• Developed by LocalThunk
• Available on Android, iOS, macOS

Balatro's basic premise takes on the well-defined premises of the Poker card game and then adds its frills to it in the guise of modifiers and joker cards. The result is an almost addictive experience with the gameplay loop pulling you back after each run.

The poker roguelike Balatro has been an interesting experience when we think of the gaming industry's recent insistence on focusing on live-service titles and bigger games. We wholeheartedly think this is one of the most unique games to come out in 2024 and one that could have just as easily picked up the GOTY award at TGA 2024.

Astro Bot (Image via Team Asobi)

Astro Bot

• Developed by Team Asobi
• Available on PS5

"Team Asobi put together an incredible 3D platformer that anyone who is a fan of the genre, or a Sony fan in general, should pick up. It has everything a game in the collectible-platformer genre needs: great graphics, fun stages, and optional challenges." - Sportskeeda review

Astro Bot can be a contentious pick for many. We did see a large pushback when it won GOTY at TGA 2024. But the game does deserve the accolades it is getting. Players have about 60 planets in six galaxies to explore while completing the 90 levels. Special mention should be given to the level designs and the sheer amount of collectibles available within the game.

Metaphor ReFantazio (Image via Atlus)

Metaphor: ReFantazio

• Developed by Studio Zero
• Available on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S

"It is the perfect synthesis of the studio's prior projects, perfectly combining the gameplay loop for Persona and Shin Megami Tensei. To say it is something short of a phenomenal game would be able to do it injustice. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a genre-defining JRPG that evolves on the already fantastic Persona Formula." - Sportskeeda review

Metaphor: ReFantazio is truly a testament to Atlus' journey over the years as the game brings together gameplay systems from yesteryear titles into delightful combinations. In-game, you step into the shoes of Will and journey forth to deal with a curse that has been placed on the prince of Euchronia. Particular praise should be levied on the game's characters, the combat system, and the music.

FFVII Rebirth (Image via Square Enix)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Developed by Square Enix
• Available on PS5 and PC

"Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is, by every metric, a masterpiece." - Sportskeeda review

Truth be told, FFVII Rebirth feels more like a reimagining than merely a remake. Objectively, it is the second in the planned remake trilogy of the 1997 OG and plays sequel to the 2020 FFVII Remake. Rebirth's world, mini-games, and gameplay are sure to draw you in as you marvel at the unforgettable story that lies in its core.

Helldivers 2 (Image via Arrowhead Game Studios)

Helldivers 2

• Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios.
• Available on PS5 and PC.

"Helldivers 2 is undoubtedly one of the best co-op shooters that you can play with your friends." - Sportskeeda review

Helldivers 2 is probably the multiplayer co-op experience that you should be immersing yourself in if shooters and environmental storytelling are what you are looking for. From tongue-in-cheek humor and overarching narrative to excellent combat and epic soundtracks, your battle to expand freedom and democracy will never be dull.

The devs are constantly in communication with the community. The game has seen several new content, cosmetic and otherwise. Recently, we saw the return of the Illuminates in the Omens of Tyranna patch. You will be hard-pressed to find a better title currently that gets the community to come together and complete objectives.

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown (Image via Ubisoft)

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

• Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier
• Available on PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, macOS, and PC

"The great art direction and engaging level design combine to create something that harkens back to the series' roots in all the right ways, despite its new Metroidvania makeover." - Sportskeeda review

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown exceeded the community's expectations. It may not be exactly what we have wanted Ubisoft to do with the series in recent years (remakes of the original trilogy) but it will absolutely appeal to die-hard series fans. Be it the visuals, the level design, or the combat system, The Lost Crown is a rare win for Ubisoft that we hope they capitalize on.

LAD: Infinite Wealth (Image via Sega)

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

• Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

"When Sega claimed that Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth was the largest game in the series, they definitely were not kidding, With two full parties of party members, tons of flashbacks, and plenty of twists and turns, the latest LAD title does not disappoint." - Sportskeeda review

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth improves upon Yakuza: Like a Dragon in most ways and the end result is an emotional game captured within a world that is intricately designed and gorgeously brought to life. Our review also showers praise on the game's updated job and battle systems that complement this team-up of Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu.

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Best of 2024 (Image via Sportskeeda)

That's it for Sportskeeda Gaming's top picks for 2024. From the looks of it, we already have a stellar year waiting ahead, with some of the most anticipated games from 2025 sure to draw huge player counts. For now, the team wishes our readers happy holidays!