The year 2024 has been an interesting one for video game fans. With a lack of highly rated AAA games released, it truly has been a year for indie developers to shine — but indie games don’t look as they once did. Today, they’re pushing technical limits and some independent developers are at the forefront of the gaming industry.
When assessing video games, it’s important to consider a wide variety of factors, including critics’ reviews, feedback from players, and anything of note that sets it apart from the crowd.
Black Myth: Wukong
As one of last year’s most critically acclaimed AAA titles, Black Myth: Wukong is an all-action, role-playing game that heavily leans on Chinese mythology. In the game, players immerse themselves as the Destined One, a staff-wielding monkey on a mission to recover ancient relics.
Inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong won several accolades shortly after being released, including several Game of the Year awards and the Best Visual Design award at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards.
The game was praised by players for its challenging combat and the players’ need to adjust the gameplay and strategy depending on their opponent, as well as for its immersive storytelling, attention to detail, and commitment to real-world material.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 came early in the year and took the gaming community by storm. PlayStation 5 and PC players alike joined the good fight in droves in this action-packed co-op shooter — unfortunately, Xbox gamers will miss out on this one as the developers neglected to port it over to the platform.
If you love games that require a lot of teamwork and love the thrill of playing with friends, we’re sure you’ll have a blast playing Helldivers 2, especially when exploring the many exciting missions as you aim to complete the various objectives.
Winning accolades such as Best Multiplayer Game and the Critics Choice award at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards, it’s not hard to see why this game is still played by tens of thousands of gamers even a year after its release.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Perhaps the biggest AAA game of the year, industry titans Square Enix bring us Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — the second title in a trilogy of games remaking the 1997 game Final Fantasy VII, serving as a sequel to 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake.
While fans loved the game for a wide variety of reasons, the reworked in-game combat system was one feature that was common in many popular reviews. This new combat system introduces real-time fighting mechanics as opposed to the turn-based combat of the original. This allows players to become more immersed in the world as they make split-second decisions to win any given fight.
By remaking the original game into a new trilogy, there is a greater space for stronger character development and the building of a more intricate narrative that improves upon the original story. That’s the reason it won the Best Storytelling and Best Soundtrack awards at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards, which are seen as some of the most important in the video game industry.
Balatro
Despite being relatively minimalist, Balatro is an extremely engaging poker-centric video game with plenty of unique elements that help create an immersive and fun experience. With a truly special blend of poker features that we’re sure will be familiar to regular casino goers, the game is comforting yet engaging in a way only an indie game can be.
For those who value highly strategic video games that encourage players to think outside of the box and try new things, we’re sure Balatro will be incredibly popular. This sentiment was echoed by critics too, resulting in Balatro winning several awards at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards, including Best Indie Game and Breakthrough Game.
If gamers want to try other similar games, particularly those with strong casino or poker themes, why not visit https://www.johnslots.com/en/slots/popular/ and see what the most popular slot games are currently? With plenty of games to choose from — including Starburst, Big Bass Bonanza, and Gates of Olympus — we’re sure it won’t take long for players to choose a new favourite.
Video Games in 2025 and Beyond
While 2024 might not have been the most memorable year for gaming, with plenty of great titles being released all the time, it’s still fair to say that it was by no means a disappointment. From blockbuster titles to award-winning indie games, there were plenty of reasons to be pleased, while 2025 looks to be an even more exciting year.
With Grand Theft Auto 6, Mafia: The Old Country, and Elden Ring: Nightreign all rumoured to be set for release in 2025, gamers are rightfully excited for what this year has in store for them. Even if these AAA titles don’t release until next year, we’re sure there’ll be plenty of games for players to choose from.
