The future of gaming is looking incredibly bright, and we've been fortunate enough to get an early look at some of the year's most hotly anticipated titles. From sprawling open worlds to spine-chilling horror experiences, 2024 is set to be a landmark year for players. Here are the nine most exciting games we've already played.
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
The colossal expansion to the legendary RPG is everything fans could hope for. We ventured into the hauntingly beautiful Land of Shadow and found it to be a massive, dense, and punishingly difficult new realm. It's not just more Elden Ring—it's a refined, deeper, and even more mysterious chapter that will demand every ounce of your skill.
2. Star Wars Outlaws
Step into the boots of Kay Vess, a scoundrel trying to pull off one big score in a galaxy far, far away. This isn't just another Star Wars story; it's a gritty, ground-level look at the criminal underworld. The open-world gameplay feels immersive, and the promise of seamless travel between planets is a dream come true for any fan.
3. Black Myth: Wukong
This action RPG based on Chinese mythology is poised to be a visual and gameplay masterpiece. The combat is fast, fluid, and deeply challenging, reminiscent of the best Souls-like titles. The stunning visuals and epic boss battles we experienced suggest this could be 2024's biggest surprise hit.
4. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Ninja Theory's sequel is a harrowing and breathtaking audio-visual tour de force. The journey into Senua's mind is more intense and psychologically draining than ever, supported by cutting-edge graphics and immersive binaural audio that must be experienced with headphones.
5. Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment brings its signature world-building and choice-driven narrative to a first-person fantasy RPG. The vibrant world of the Living Lands is a joy to explore, and the flexible combat system, which allows for creative spell and weapon combinations, feels incredibly satisfying.
6. Little Nightmares III
The beloved horror-puzzle series returns, and for the first time, it features online co-op. We teamed up to navigate its grotesque and terrifying world, and the shared experience of fear adds a brilliant new layer to the franchise's signature eerie atmosphere.
7. Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creators of Persona, this game is a unique blend of high fantasy and modern RPG sensibilities. The combat system is a fascinating mix of real-time action and turn-based strategy, all set within a gorgeous and wholly original world.
8. Frostpunk 2
The city-building survival game gets a grand-scale sequel. This time, the challenge isn't just managing resources against the cold, but navigating the complex and often brutal politics of a society fighting for its future. It's a deeply strategic and morally complex experience.
9. Still Wakes the Deep
A terrifying narrative horror set on a collapsing oil rig in the North Sea. The claustrophobic environments and the relentless, unknowable horror chasing you create an almost unbearable level of tension. It's a short, sharp shock of pure terror that will stay with you.
This is just a taste of the incredible experiences heading to consoles and PC soon. Which one are you most excited to play?
