20. The Last of Us: Part II - Remastered (PS5, PS4, PC)
It was after experiencing No Return for a couple hours and distracting myself with the lost levels that I tore through the game's story mode one more time. My thoughts on its message on the destructive power of vengeance remain unchanged. The original TLOU 2 already looked incredible, and while the remastered version looks better, it doesn't reset an already very high bar.
19. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5, XSX, PC)
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is an absolutely worthy sequel to the original game from Relic Entertainment. From the story to the combat system, the developers have done a good job of bringing over the strong elements of the first game and adding large hordes of enemies. The campaign's length feels good, and while the PvP aspect of the multiplayer will tickle the nostalgia bone, it is the PvE section of the multiplayer component and constant support that will keep the game installed on machines. Space Marine 2 is a great addition for anyone who's a fan of action games. Here's hoping that any potential sequel doesn't take another 13 years.
18. The Plucky Squire (Switch, PS5, XSX, PC)
With its aesthetics, tone, and gameplay, The Plucky Squire is a near-perfect game for younger kids, and I'd recommend it without hesitation. Add to that the boatload of charm, and it's very much a title that a parent can enjoy as much as their child does. It lacks the bite of a Zelda game, so if you need your games to be difficult, then this likely isn't for you. However, if you're just looking for the video game version of reading a charming storybook, then The Plucky Squire knocks it out of the park.
17. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics (Switch, PS4, XOne, PC)
When playing through Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, one is reminded of how good Capcom is at licensed games. Each of the games in this collection is a stone-cold classic, and even though more people will end up gravitating toward Marvel vs. Capcom 2 more than any other game, each title represents the kind of fighting game you wouldn't mind revisiting. There's still some tweaking that needs to be done, from the online performance tanking at times to having some more menu option explanations, but that doesn't take away this collection's overall quality. If you're a fan of 2D fighters, you need to have this game in your library.
16. Fantasian Neo Dimension (Switch, PS5, PS4, XSX, PC)
Fantasian: Neo Dimension is functionally a Final Fantasy title that doesn't bear the Final Fantasy name. It has a very similar tone and atmosphere to the older SNES titles in the franchise, but it has enough modern elements to stand on its own merits. The story can sometimes be simplistic in a very charming way. The game's only flaws are a difficulty level that might be a touch too high for some and the lingering remnants of its mobile release heritage. If you're a fan of older Final Fantasy games, you owe it to yourself to try Fantasian.
15. Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PS5, XSX, PC)
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is and isn't the game I wanted it to be. It's a rollicking fun story where you fight monsters, save lives, and lead your plucky team of adventurers against impossible odds. At the same time, it feels more like Mass Effect than Dragon Age, and since The Veilguard is the climax of a story, it might be difficult for newcomers to hop into. If I set aside my expectations, it's a pretty darn fun action-RPG that stands well on its own.
14. TIE - Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS5, PS4, XSX, XOne, PC) / Star Wars Outlaws (PS5, XSX, PC)
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an overall fantastic entry in the franchise. Stuffed to the gills with content, there isn't a more fully packaged RPG on the market. The plot is charming and heartfelt, the characters are lovable, and the gameplay incredibly fun. It doesn't matter if you're a longtime Kiryu fan or jumped into the franchise with Kasuga; it's everything a Like a Dragon game should be.
Overall, Star Wars: Outlaws delivers pretty much exactly what it promised. Players have the chance to take on the role of a smuggler to blast, sneak and fast-talk their way through the Star Wars universe. It does an excellent job of capturing the tone and feel of the franchise, and it feels like a Star Wars game should. It has its flaws and imperfections, but if you're looking for the chance to zoom around blasting TIE Fighters and outwitting the Hutts, it's exactly what you'd want.
When you get down to it, Pacific Drive is a quietly brilliant game. There's nothing that comes to mind that is like it, and it's an outwardly simple concept that also has a variety of layers. While out on a run, you deftly drive around anomalies and sometimes escape a junction with a tattered car by the skin of your teeth. Other times, you're outfitting your car in the garage while the jukebox is playing, carefully considering what to bring with you and which parts you should have on the car. This game is exactly what I had hoped it would be when I initially heard about it, and it's been a long time since I've played something so boldly different.
12. TIE - Castlevania Dominus Collection (Switch, PS5, XSX, PC) / Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5, PC)
Overall, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a fantastic collection of Castlevania games. The three DS titles alone are some of the best Metroidvania action to ever exist, and having them all in one convenient package is worth it. Some minor complaints aside, they are perfectly good ports of all three games. The arcade titles are less of a draw but a nice bonus. If you're a fan of Metroidvania titles, Castlevania, or blowing up vampires with cool powers, Castlevania Dominus Collection is one of the best purchases you can make.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth knocks it out of the park. It takes the already excellent first game and expands it to a bigger and more populated world. The combat has been improved, the dungeon design is better, the story hits a lot more than it misses, and from start to finish, it was pretty much everything I could've wanted. Only a few nagging problems keep it from perfection, and it's a love letter to everything that makes Final Fantasy VII great.
I did, however, play through Stellar Blade twice from start to finish. It wasn't just because of the combat or the story, but because it looked so damn good. I'm not saying that because of all the beautiful people in it — everything moves and looks either immaculate, terrifying, gross, majestic or awe-inspiring. It's one of the best-looking action games out there, and it's definitely worth your time … and some pain.
Editor's Note: Be sure to tune in tomorrow (Jan. 1, 2025) to see what WP considers to be the best game of 2024!
Update (Jan. 1, 2025): Don't miss our other Top Games of 2024 coverage: