2024 is looking like an epic year for gaming! No matter what you’re into – action, adventure, RPGs, fighting games, or simulations – there’s something on the horizon for every kind of gamer. Let’s dive into some of the most anticipated games set to drop this year and talk about why they’re getting everyone so excited.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Release Date: Feb 29, 2024
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second part of the remake trilogy of that legendary game, Final Fantasy VII, from way back in 1997. We enter the world of Cloud Strife, this ex-soldier who’s now mixed up with the rebel group AVALANCHE. They’re all about taking down this mega-corporation, Shinra, that’s sucking the life out of the planet. And it’s not just about battling the bad guys – Cloud’s running into old pals, making new friends, and dealing with this enigmatic dude, Sephiroth, who’s got some deep ties to his past.
The cool part is that Rebirth is building on everything from the first part that came out in 2020. There will be new places to explore, fresh faces to meet, and some twists in the story. The devs are even tweaking the combat system, mixing real-time action with some classic turn-based strategy. And guess what? You get to play as Sephiroth in parts of the game. The game is hitting PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Release Date: Jan 18, 2024
The latest Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a great throwback to the classic 1989 game but with a modern twist. Ubisoft Montpellier, the folks who made Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends, are behind it. It’s related to the Prince on the epic quest for the Lost Crown, this artifact that lets him control time. He has to navigate through a bunch of deadly traps, solve puzzles, and fight enemies while bumping into some familiar faces from the Prince of Persia world.
What’s really neat is that this game is like a revival of the series, which we haven’t seen much of since 2010. The graphics are all hand-drawn, the animations super smooth, and the soundtrack? It changes with what’s happening in the game, which is pretty nice. Moreover, it’s got this Metroidvania vibe where you unlock new abilities and explore new areas as you go along. It’s coming out on January 18, 2024, for almost every platform – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Tekken 8
- Release Date: Jan 26, 2024
Tekken 8 is the newest chapter in the Bandai Namco Studios’ iconic fighting game saga. This time around, we’re diving back into the drama of the Mishima clan. You know, the martial arts dynasty with that crazy feud over the Devil Gene, which gives them insane powers? The game’s roster is stacked with 32 characters – some are the old favorites we love, and there are a bunch of new challengers too, each bringing their own unique style and moves to the table.
But Tekken 8 isn’t just for hardcore fighters. Whether you’re just in it for fun or super competitive, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got a story mode that’s set to wrap up the whole Mishima saga, plus the usual arcade mode, versus, practice, and online modes. You can also customize your characters, changing up their looks and outfits. And the best part is that crossplay and cross-progression are in, so you can play across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Release Date: Jan 26, 2024
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an upcoming sequel to Yakuza: Like A Dragon in which we are back with Ichiban Kasuga, that ex-yakuza who turned into a kind of underworld hero. Kazuma Kiryu, the main guy from the earlier games, is back too, though he’s dealing with cancer. The story takes us from Japan all the way to Hawaii, where Kasuga is looking for his mom and Kiryu is trying to make the most of his days.
The gameplay’s got a cool turn-based combat system where you can pick different jobs and skills for the characters. And it’s not just fighting; there are tons of fun minigames and side stuff to do. Ever heard of Crazy Delivery or Sujimon Battle? Or how about Miss Match? They’re all in there. Further, there’s a new roguelike mode called No Return, and a Guitar Free Play mode where you use the DualSense controller’s touchpad to play guitar. Keep an eye out for it – it’s dropping on January 26, 2024, for PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Star Wars Outlaws
- Release Date: Late 2024
There’s a new game in town called Star Wars Outlaws, and it’s all about living that bounty hunter life in the Outer Rim. Imagine cruising around, taking on missions, hunting down targets, and tricking out your gear. This one’s coming from Respawn Entertainment – the same devs who brought us Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and the Titanfall series.
The game is set in that sweet spot between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. You’ll bump into characters and places you know from the Star Wars universe, all wrapped up in a really deep and engaging story. But you get to play the game your way – whether you love stealth, going in guns blazing, or something in between, it’s all up to you. And customization is a big thing here, you can tweak your look, and gear up your weapons, armor, and even your ship to suit your style. Furthermore, if you’re into multiplayer, you can either team up with other bounty hunters or go head-to-head in online battles. It will arrive on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC sometime in the later part of 2024.
Persona 3 Reload
- Release Date: Feb 2, 2024
Persona 3 Reload is a remake of the original Persona 3 and let me tell you, it’s not just a simple RPG. It’s a cool blend of social simulation and dungeon crawling. The story revolves around a bunch of high schoolers who have special powers, allowing them to summon ‘Personas’ – like their inner selves – to battle these creatures called Shadows. They come out during the mysterious time called the Dark Hour, which is sort of a hidden hour between one day and the next. The game dives deep into some heavy themes like life, death, and friendship, while the characters grapple with their own issues and try to uncover the secrets of the Dark Hour.
But here’s the exciting part: Persona 3 Reload isn’t just a rehash. It’s got all these upgrades like improved graphics, new music, and updated gameplay, so it feels right at home with the more recent Persona games. They’ve added new scenes, characters, and even some cool modes like a roguelike survival challenge and a guitar-free-play option. And it’s launching on February 2, 2024, across multiple platforms – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Persona 3 Reload is like a fresh take on a classic JRPG.
