2024 has been a landmark year in gaming, offering an exceptional range of titles across genres for every type of player. Whether you're a fan of deep narrative-driven RPGs, high-stakes action, or engaging co-op experiences, this year's releases have been nothing short of stellar.

With some highly anticipated sequels and breakout new IPs, players were treated to a buffet of exciting and immersive worlds. We've selected seven of the most hyped and celebrated releases of the year, each one a defining experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Image: Square Enix

1. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (PS5)

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, released in 2024, continues the retelling of the iconic RPG saga, picking up where the 2020 Remake left off. As the second part of a trilogy, Rebirth takes Cloud and his allies beyond Midgar into the open world of Gaia, offering an immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Rebirth expands on familiar characters while introducing fresh twists, keeping even veteran players intrigued. The story explores bold, alternative paths while staying true to the emotional core of the original. The combat system, refined from Remake, blends real-time action with tactical command inputs. The ability to switch between characters mid-battle and seamlessly blend magic, melee attacks, and powerful summons creates a dynamic flow that is both challenging and rewarding.

Visually, Rebirth showcases the PS5's power with stunning environments and lifelike character animations that heighten the emotional impact. Square Enix has crafted a modern RPG masterpiece, balancing nostalgia with innovation, making Rebirth both familiar and fresh for all players.

Image: PlayStation Studios

2. Helldivers 2 (PS5, PC)

Set in a universe inspired by Starship Troopers, Helldivers 2 tasks players with defending humanity against an onslaught of alien threats. The game is built around teamwork, with up to four players joining forces to complete missions across hostile planets. 

Friendly fire is always enabled, adding a layer of strategic complexity to the chaotic firefights. Players must coordinate their movements and attacks carefully, lest they accidentally wipe out their own squad in the heat of battle. The game's procedurally generated missions ensure that no two playthroughs are alike, keeping the gameplay fresh and unpredictable. One moment, you might be defending a base from a horde of insect-like aliens and the next moment, you're escorting a convoy through a treacherous wasteland.

Combined with a deep progression system, the variety of mission types gives Helldivers 2 immense replayability. Customisation is another area where the game excels. Players can equip their Helldivers with a wide array of weapons, gadgets, and perks which allow gamers different playstyles and tactical approaches.

Whether you prefer to play as a heavy-hitting tank, a stealthy sniper, or a support role, the game offers plenty of options to tailor your loadout to your preferences.

Image: Atlus

3. Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC)

For fans of Atlus' Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio was one of the most anticipated titles of 2024, and it did not disappoint. Taking the signature style of the Persona franchise and applying it to a medieval fantasy setting, Metaphor offers a refreshing twist on the traditional JRPG formula while maintaining the depth and character-driven narratives that Atlus is known for.

Set in a world embroiled in political intrigue and mystical forces, Metaphor: ReFantazio follows a group of protagonists as they navigate a series of personal and political conflicts in a sprawling kingdom. Metaphor places a strong emphasis on character development and social dynamics. Players must build relationships with their allies, make difficult moral choices, and uncover the secrets of their pasts while battling powerful enemies in a turn-based combat system.

The game's combat is where Metaphor sets itself apart from other JRPGs. It introduces a new strategic layer, allowing players to exploit enemy weaknesses while managing elemental affinities and unique abilities. The blend of magic and medieval weaponry gives combat a dynamic feel, keeping each encounter engaging and tactical.

Visually, Metaphor is a feast for the eyes, with its striking character designs and fluid animations. The game's art direction brings its fantasy world to life, combining gothic architecture with lush forests and eerie dungeons.

Image: Capcom

4. Dragon's Dogma 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC)

Dragon's Dogma 2 showcases Capcom's talent for creating immersive, challenging open-world RPGs. Building on the original's cult following, the sequel expands its fantasy world with enhanced visuals, new mechanics, and more freedom to explore.

Set in a vast world of castles, forests, and dungeons, Dragon's Dogma 2 emphasizes player choice and dynamic combat. Players can choose from various 'vocations' like Rogue, Warrior, or Sorcerer, each offering distinct playstyles and deep customisation options. The game's combat system shines, rewarding precision and strategy over simple button-mashing. Players must learn enemy patterns, exploit weaknesses, and use the environment to gain an edge. AI-controlled 'pawn' companions, who adapt to the player's strategies, add further depth to the gameplay.

A standout feature is the 'Dragonsplague' system, where fallen party members may resurrect as enemies under this mysterious force, adding a layer of consequence to battles. With its rich, expansive world and challenging combat, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a must-play for open-world RPG fans, offering both depth and adventure in a beautifully crafted setting.

Image: GameScience

5. Black Myth: Wukong (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC)

One of the most highly anticipated games of 2024, Wukong has quickly captivated players with its breathtaking visuals and action-packed gameplay. Developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, Wukong is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, bringing the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, to life like never before.

In Wukong, players assume the role of Sun Wukong, a mythical figure with incredible powers, including shapeshifting and wielding the mystical Ruyi Jingu Bang staff. The game's combat system blends martial arts with mystical abilities, offering players the ability to transform into various creatures to gain new powers, essential for both combat and puzzle-solving. The transformation mechanic adds a unique twist, as players must strategically shift forms to tackle powerful enemies or solve complex puzzles.

The world of Wukong is visually stunning, showcasing advanced graphics that transport players into a mythical version of ancient China. From lush bamboo forests to ancient temples, every environment is meticulously crafted, immersing players in an atmosphere enhanced by realistic lighting, fluid animations, and a dynamic soundtrack.

Rich in lore, the game invites players to explore and uncover the deep narrative tied to Chinese mythology, making it a standout title for action RPG enthusiasts.

Image: Wuthering Waves official website

6. Wuthering Waves (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC)

Wuthering Waves is an open-world action RPG with a post-apocalyptic setting, blending fast-paced combat with deep storytelling. Developed by Kuro Games, it has drawn comparisons to titles like Genshin Impact but stands out with its darker, more mature narrative and complex character progression.

Players explore a sprawling world ravaged by catastrophe, uncovering secrets about humanity's downfall while battling powerful enemies using an innovative combat system. Wuthering Waves allows players to switch between characters mid-battle, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, giving it a fast and tactical feel. The game also features a rich world filled with hidden lore, side quests, and environmental storytelling, making exploration as rewarding as combat.

For those who enjoy open-world exploration with deep narratives, Wuthering Waves is a standout in 2024.

Image: Zenless Zone Zero official Facebook page

7. Zenless Zone Zero (PC, PS5)

From miHoYo, the creators of Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero is a fast-paced urban fantasy action RPG set in the futuristic city of New Eridu. The game follows the aftermath of a supernatural event that has caused chaos, leaving the world overrun by creatures known as Ethereal. Players assume the role of a 'Proxy', a special operative guiding survivors through perilous dungeons called Hollows.

What sets Zenless Zone Zero apart is its combo-driven combat system. Players can chain attacks and switch between characters mid-battle, with each character offering a unique fighting style, ranging from martial arts to futuristic weaponry. The real-time action is fast and fluid, complemented by stunning special effects that elevate the intensity of combat.

The game's urban setting, filled with neon-lit streets and high-tech architecture, creates a stark contrast to the supernatural elements that haunt the world. The vibrant art style and sleek visuals make the city of New Eridu feel both modern and chaotic, giving the game a distinctive identity.