Galadrius the Mighty’s Top 15 Video Games of 2024

While 2024 no doubt had its problems, we got a ton of great games this year. Whether you preferred AAA triumphs or indie darlings, there were plenty to choose from.

But, as we must do with top end of year lists, we could only select a few as our golden favorites. So, with that, here are my top 15 picks of 2024 that I consider must-haves. So, yeah, go and get them and show these development teams some love. Because we could definitely use more next year, tell you what.

15. Akimbot

Who knew that the developers of Pumpkin Jack could make a loving tribute to Ratchet and Clank? Akimbotpacks a punch in all the right places, fitting right in with the games that inspired it. Not to mention it’s an amazing leap forward from their previous effort on the visual front. Let’s see what these guys can crank out next!

14. Castlevania Dominus Collection

Konami wins yet again with a neat collection of Nintendo DS favorites. What’s more, M2 made a system that lets you embrace the twin-screen format in the best way possible. But my favorite thing about Castlevania Dominus Collection? They justified Haunted Castle with a remastered version that hits the spot. Wait, what?!

13. Marvel Rivals

The fact that Netease got Milana Vayntrub to play Squirrel Girl is a winning factor in itself. But Marvel Rivalsgets so much more right than that. It’s an absolute blast to play, it doesn’t nickel and dime players to death, and it looks fantastic. Plus it’s loaded with content that casual players and comic book fans alike will love. Rivals assemble!

12. WWE 2K24

After an abysmal showing with WWE 2K20, Visual Concepts has come full circle with the franchise. WWE 2K24 feels like the best entry yet. Along with compelling storytelling, a loaded roster, and great mechanics, it just looks and sounds right too. Plus it gives younger wrestlers a chance to shine alongside the legends. Now that’s a story worth telling.

11. Sonic x Shadow Generations

This follow-up to one of Sonic’s best games from the previous era doesn’t disappoint. Along with a pristine port of the epic Sonic Generations, we also get Shadow the Hedgehog’s story. And it’s epic in its own right, with stellar level design and trailblazing speed. Plus it’s a lot of fun to play. Live and learn!

10. Tekken 8

Hey, Street Fighter 6 ruled and all, and showed a nice step forward for the franchise. But Tekken 8 went, “Hold my beer” and served up a fresh course in fighting. It simple feels fantastic throughout, and the story is ridiculously good. Not to mention the DLC characters adding a factor. The return of Heihachi, dude! That’s hard to resist.

9. Berserk Boy

The old-school retro days may be behind us, but apparently no one told the team at Berserkboy Games. Their debut effort, Berserk Boy, is an absolutely mesmerizing side-scrolling adventure. Packing stylish visuals, wild gameplay and tons of challenge, it’s the best kind of throwback. And don’t even get us started on that soundtrack. We’re still listening to it.

8. UFO 50

How did a compilation of 50 tiny video games end up in my best of 2024 list? Easy. Variety. There’s something for everyone in UFO 50, whether you like shooters, platformers or what have you. And each one has great value, literally giving to every type of player. And, hey, a few of these are absolute gems. We need a sequel. With 100 entries.

7. Parking Garage Rally Circuit

So, wait, a Sega Saturn inspired racing game in a garage is this good? In 2024?! Why, yes. Yes it is. Walaber pulled out all the stops with this piece of nostalgia, and it feels amazing. The trick system is off the charts, along with the course design and obstacles. Oh, and it’s just plain fun. Plus more content is coming – for free! Park this one in our collection, please.

6. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

And this, right here, is how you make an ultimate classic gaming collection for 2024. Capcom pulls out every stop it can with this multi-game package, complete with various fighting favorites and The Punisher. It’s a blast, loaded with options, and you can challenge the world via Crossplay as well. As the song goes, it’s going to take you for a ride.

5. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Talk about a criminal act. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown gave Ubisoft of its biggest victories for this year, and they went and shut the team down. Shame, because I want to see more adventures on this level. This one thrills at every turn, and revitalizes the franchise in every way possible. Please, Ubisoft, fix your mess and bring them back.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Not just content on working on stunning remasters of Soul Reaver and Tomb Raider, Saber Interactive hits Space Marine 2 out of the park. It remains an action opus for 2024, with unbelievable level design and thrilling set pieces. But it’s also a treat to play in either single-player or co-op alike. Really, more of this, please. We’ll wait a few years if we have to.

3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Microsoft didn’t exactly have the easiest of years. But it made the right call letting Machine Games work its magic on Indiana Jones. This game not only feels fresh, but also lovingly loyal to the hero we all know. Its puzzle and action design are well balanced, and, man, does Troy Baker put on a show as Indy. Easily one of the best Indiana Jones game since the LucasArts days.

2. Balatro

Damn it. How in the world does a poker game come so close to winning game of the year? By being Balatro of course. This roguelike is captivating in its sheer addictiveness, as you try to build up the best deck of Jokers to win. But there’s no clear path to victory, and learning actually makes you better. This one took up way too much of my time. And still is.

1. Astro Bot

Sony screwed up a lot this year. Like, how many remasters do we really need?! But one thing it got completely right was trusting Team Asobi to make a platformer paying tribute to its legacy. The end result is a magical affair that makes owning the PS5 worthwhile. Astro Bot is a delight, with gameplay variance galore, along with hidden Bots to track down and other goodies. Plus it looks and sounds nothing short of fantastic. If you don’t like this game, something is very wrong with you.

Want more 2024 wrap-up? Find out what the biggest disappointments of 2024 were!