Hidden Gems: 12 Games You Might Have Missed in 2024
2024 has been a phenomenal year for gaming, with blockbusters like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Elden Ring: Shadow of teh Erdtree, and Astro Bot grabbing headlines. But amidst the highly anticipated releases, some astonishing games flew under the radar.
Don’t miss out on these hidden gems. From a stylish side-scrolling revival to a Lovecraftian horror on an oil rig, and even a brilliant iOS port of a modern classic, ther’s something for every gamer here.
prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost crown Review
Despite my love for Metroidvania games, I only recently (December) got around to playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. After over 15 hours, I’m kicking myself for waiting so long; it’s easily one of my top games of the year. This fresh take on the Prince of Persia franchise offers fast-paced melee combat, agile platforming, and a difficulty curve that perfectly encourages players to keep pushing for “just one more try.” While the story might not be its strongest point, the stylish and challenging gameplay makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 Review: Fighting Fun for Everyone
“It’s understandable that when most people think of fighting games, they think of the super-competitive world of online ranked matches. but Tekken 8 and other recent fighting games show there’s a lot of fun to be had even if you can’t string two hits together when you begin.”
— Richard PridaySand Land: A New RPG Adventure From Akira Toriyama
Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind the beloved “Dragon Ball” franchise, has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming and entertainment. from prehistoric dinosaurs to whimsical beings, Toriyama’s art style speaks volumes about his incredible world-building prowess. While “Dragon Ball” might be his most celebrated work, his 2000 one-shot manga “sand Land” stands as a shining example of his creative genius.
(Image credit: bandai Namco)
When Bandai Namco unveiled a “Sand Land” game, a third-person RPG developed by ILCA, excitement rippled through the gaming community. This new interpretation promises a thrilling experience filled with tank battles and a wealth of adventure, faithful to the spirit of Toriyama’s unique world.platforms:
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S.Hades 2 takes the Roguelike Throne in Early Access
Hades 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Supergiant Games’ acclaimed Hades, is making waves in the gaming world. While still in early access on Steam, this roguelike action RPG is already proving to be a strong contender for the best games of 2024, exceeding expectations and captivating players with its refined gameplay and rich narrative.
Early Access Excellence
Despite being in early access, Hades 2 already feels incredibly polished. The gameplay is addictively fun, the art style is breathtaking, and the soundtrack is as memorable as the original. With the continued support of Supergiant Games, Hades 2 promises to be a truly unforgettable gaming experience.Still Wakes the Deep, a masterful horror game from The Chinese Room, deserves far more recognition than it’s currently receiving.
This gripping experience, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, delivers everything a horror enthusiast could crave in a tightly crafted and unnerving narrative. From start to finish,Still Wakes the Deep kept me on the edge of my seat,leaving me thoroughly impressed.
While the game may not feature particularly challenging puzzles, its stellar voice acting, performed by a predominantly Scottish cast, elevates the experience to new heights.
The pacing can be a bit chaotic at times, but that only adds to the unsettling atmosphere that permeates the game.
Still Wakes the Deep takes body horror to unsettling new levels, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a chillingly immersive gaming experience.
“still Wakes the Deep takes body horror to unsettling new heights
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard on iOS Delivers Survival Horror on the Go
Capcom’s iconic survival horror title, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, has made its way to iOS devices, bringing its intense atmosphere and heart-pounding gameplay to the palm of your hand. The game throws players directly into the action, stranding them aboard a decaying oil rig overrun by a sinister, unknown substance. You take on the role of Caz, an electrician desperately fighting for survival as his crewmates fall victim to the encroaching horror. Prepare to navigate claustrophobic vents, creep through shadowy corridors, and even plunge beneath the waves in search of an escape route. along the way,you’ll receive harrowing phone calls from terrified crew members,adding an extra layer of emotional intensity to the experience.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its exceptional voice acting, which brings the desperation and terror of Caz and his crew to life in a truly immersive way.
” The plight of Caz and his crew [comes] to life in a way few games achieve.”
— Alix Blackburn
While Resident Evil might not be my go-to gaming franchise, there’s something intriguing about diving into a AAA title on my mobile device. Capcom’s survival horror series is a classic, and the prospect of experiencing a game like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard on the go with a mobile controller is quite appealing. It would allow me to eek out 15-minute gaming sessions during my commute without sacrificing my evening TV time.
Resident Evil 7, released in 2017, marks a return to the series’ horror roots after the action-heavy entries 5 and 6. While reviews are readily available, I did notice some frame rate dips during play, and the game does require a notable 33GB of storage space. It’s also worth noting that an iPhone 15 Pro or later is required to run the game.
If you’re looking for a more immersive mobile gaming experience than a simple puzzle game, Resident Evil 7 might be worth exploring.
Thank Goodness You’re Here
Thank Goodness You’re Here Delivers Slapstick Humor in a Charming Package
“Thank Goodness You’re Here” is a riotous two-hour romp that feels like a love letter to absurdist humor. Its charm lies in its vibrant hand-drawn animation and a script packed with puns and slapstick gags reminiscent of Monty Python or the irreverent British comic strip Viz.
Every inhabitant of the fictional town of barnsworth is a caricature, brimming with dry wit and slapstick charm. From the street signs riddled with cheeky innuendos to the hilarious animations filling every corner, the game doesn’t miss a beat. The voice cast is stellar, adding depth to the humor with authentic North England dialects, including a standout performance by Matt Berry (“What We Do in the Shadows”).
“Thank Goodness You’re Here” blends absurdity with clever commentary on the gaming world. Puzzles and minigames are laced with humor, frequently enough poking fun at conventional game tropes. In this quirky universe,your sole interaction with the world is a straightforward “slap,” highlighting the game’s delightfully unconventional approach.
“Forget scoreboards and achievements — developer coal Supper’s point-and-slap adventure is the most fun I’ve had playing a game this year.”
— Jack Ridsdale
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster: A Nostalgic Return to Willamette Mall
The 2006 zombie survival classic, Dead Rising, holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. For some, it sparked a lifelong love affair with the genre. I remember spending countless hours exploring the Willamette Parkview Mall in a demo version, dreaming of the full experience. While I eventually got to play the complete game (and loved it!), I couldn’t help but wonder what a modern revamp would look like.
Fortunately, the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster delivers on that wish, providing fans with the best way to relive the zombie-slaying action. this remaster, bordering on a full remake, breathes new life into the classic with stunning visual upgrades and refined character movement.
While some design elements feel dated in 2024 (missions frequently enough boil down to fetch quests, and boss battles can feel like tedious damage sponges), the core gameplay loop remains compelling. The game’s signature timer mechanic continues to inject a unique sense of tension, forcing players to make tough decisions and prioritize their actions.
“The blend of over-the-top gore and absurdist humor remains distinctive and gives Dead Rising its own identity in the genre,” remarks reviewer Rory Mellon, highlighting what makes this remaster such a unique experience.
Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer to the franchise, the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a must-play for anyone seeking a nostalgic thrill ride through a zombie-infested shopping mall.
Platforms:
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Final Fantasy Tactics is a legendary game, so any time a new title adds “Tactics” to its name, I’m eager to see how it measures up. That’s how I discovered Metal Slug Tactics, a spin-off of the iconic mid-90s arcade game. The original Metal Slug was a wild, run-and-gun experience, and this Tactics version brings that same exhilarating energy to the strategy genre.While many tactics games encourage a cautious approach, Metal Slug Tactics insists on constant movement and firefights, even on defense.
“Run and gun” is more than just a catchy phrase here; it’s a core gameplay mechanic.Prepare for an aggressive, action-packed experience, not a slow-paced, methodical affair like XCOM or a puzzle-solving challenge like Into the Breach.
true to its roots, Metal Slug Tactics is a visual and auditory delight, bursting with explosive action, vibrant colors, and a killer soundtrack. It does incorporate a roguelike element, which might not appeal to everyone, but the fast-paced and engaging battles make it work surprisingly well.
Does Metal Slug Tactics topple Final Fantasy Tactics from its throne? Not quite. But it’s a blast to play, offering a refreshingly different style of tactics gameplay that I’ll definitely revisit.
” — Scott Younker
Planet Coaster 2
Planet Coaster 2: Bigger,Better,and wetter!
Planet Coaster has been a staple on my Playstation 5 as the console debuted in November 2020. It looks like the eagerly-awaited sequel,Planet Coaster 2,will have a similarly long lifespan. This theme park construction simulator lets you build the rollercoasters and attractions of your dreams,but the exciting addition of fully-featured water parks is what truly makes this a worthy successor.Planet Coaster 2 is bigger, better, and wetter!
The vibrant graphics and catchy music are consistently delightful, making it the perfect game for shorter bursts of play between longer, immersive narrative experiences. The Planet Coaster experience has been expertly adapted to console controllers, though a mouse and keyboard on PC still offers the most precise control. It’s also encouraging to see developer Frontier actively refining the game with a major patch released earlier this month, bringing noticeable improvements.
” — Rory Mellon
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Mario & Luigi: Brothership Review: A Charming seaside Adventure
Mario & Luigi: Brothership invites players on a delightful journey across the high seas. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the Mario & Luigi series or a newcomer, this latest installment offers a charming and engaging RPG experience.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
In this adventure,the iconic brothers set sail on a quest to reconnect a chain of islands,using their very own Shipshape island,which cleverly doubles as their ship! The gameplay evokes a sense of nostalgia,reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker as players navigate various ocean currents and discover hidden islands. Each island presents a unique world filled with engaging characters, lively shops, and formidable foes. combat is turn-based, focusing solely on Mario and Luigi’s teamwork. They can attack individually or unleash impressive combo moves, adding a layer of strategic depth to battles. Originally released during a busy holiday season, Mario & luigi: Brothership might have been overshadowed by other big releases. However, now is the perfect prospect to dive into this charming RPG and discover the latest adventure in this beloved series.Platform
Nintendo SwitchLego Horizon adventures delivers Action-Packed Blocky Fun
The combination of a beloved post-apocalyptic adventure and the charming world of Lego bricks might sound unconventional, but Lego Horizon Adventures proves to be a surprisingly captivating experience. It’s a testament to the enduring power of both franchises that this unlikely pairing works so well.
Lego Horizon Adventures is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and PS5.
The game faithfully recreates the core elements of Horizon Zero Dawn, but with a delightful Lego twist.Players take control of Aloy, the skilled hunter, as she navigates a vibrant world populated by mechanical creatures and treacherous landscapes.
Expect engaging combat,challenging puzzles,and a heartwarming storyline,all wrapped up in the signature Lego charm. Whether you’re a seasoned Horizon fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Lego Horizon Adventures offers a fun and accessible experience for players of all ages.
Lego Horizon Adventures: A Delightful Mashup for All Ages
Lego Horizon Adventures is a delightful gaming experience that seamlessly blends the beloved building mechanics of Lego games with the strategic combat of the Horizon franchise. This charming title offers a fun-filled adventure suitable for players of all ages. While it may not introduce revolutionary gameplay mechanics, its endearing tone, captivating visuals, and impressive replayability make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the Lego game series.“While Lego Horizon Adventures isn’t ground-breaking, its charming tone, adorable graphics and substantial replayability make it a title to check out if you’ve enjoyed previous Lego games.”
— Tony Polanco
