Play Games
4 months ago
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We do our best to keep up with all the video games that are coming every year. We really do. However, by the time we even finish this list, there will be more to add to it. For now, everything we can find in 2024 that looks awesome is on this document. Feel free to @ us on X (formerly known as Twitter) to tell us what we should add next!
Q1
Bulletstorm VR – January 18 [PSVR2/QUEST/PC]:
Ron Burke – Bulletstorm was all about style. Plenty of First Person Shooters out there reward the player with points, weapons, or other goodies, but with Bulletstorm the better you killed off the seemingly-endless parade of baddies, the more the game provided a constant drip of points for doing it in the most gratuitous way possible. The game is already in first person, and the whip mechanic that lets you pull baddies to you should translate perfectly to VR. This version should also benefit from the 4K glow-up the game received with the “Full Clip Edition” that came out in 2017.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – January 18 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown Hands on Preview
Ron Burke – This is a big step off the beaten path for the Prince of Persia series, but arguably a needed one. Re-introducing time mechanics, along with very tight platforming and all at a buttery-smooth 60fps regardless of platform, we’ve been impressed with The Lost Crown the multiple times we’ve gotten to play it. We won’t have to wait long as this one is right around the corner.
Another Code: Recollection – January 19 [SWITCH]:
David Flynn – This is one of those series that I’ve always meant to play but never got around to until it became expensive and hard to find. Another Code: REcollection is a full remake of the DS game, Trace Memory, as well as Journey into Lost Memories, the Wii sequel that never released in the US. I’ve heard great things about these cozy puzzle games, and the presentation looks to be edging towards realism with an anime spin.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy – January 25 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Jack Zustiak – I owe the Ace Attorney series more than a human being should probably owe a video game, so I can’t help but advocate for it whenever possible. The Apollo Justice trilogy follows up the original trilogy of Phoenix Wright games with brand new characters and mysteries. Unlike the original trilogy, these titles run a little less uniformly in terms of visual presentation and writing, but they are all strong entries in their own way. Things rarely go exactly how you expect in court, and the continuing story of Ace Attorney reflects exactly that. This collection skews more towards people who have already played the original trilogy of games, but you’ll discover plenty of evidence of fun no matter how much you know about Ace Attorney. Take this testimony as proof of my bias – these are some of the best visual novels available.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth – January 26 [XB/PS/PC]:
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | Bucket List Story Trailer
John Farrell – Like most fans of JRPGs, I have grown tired over the many years. Tired of the tropes, the lazy writing, the focus on teenage protagonists, the insincerity. Yakuza: Like A Dragon exploded onto the scene with heart, creativity, maturity mixed with gonzo energy, and a few rough edges that impacted my enjoyment without ruining it. With a few years of polish and lessons learned, Infinite Wealth is poised to right those wrongs and bring us back to the best in what a JRPG has to offer. Side content that doesn’t waste your time, a job system that doesn’t require tedious grinding, and likable characters that are old enough to carry their own histories. After all this time, I could not be more surprised at how excited I am for a new entry in this genre, sure to deliver on everything I need but nothing I expect.
Henry Viola – Yakuza: Like a Dragon was my surprise sleeper hit of 2020, and ever since completing the first journey of new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, I couldn’t wait for his next adventure. The surprise demo of Infinite Wealth at the end of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name definitely solidified my confidence in RGG Studio’s ability to deliver top notch projects. The heart wrenching narrative, the goofy mini-games, the addictive turn based combat are just a few of the highlights I’m looking forward to in the next mainline Yakuza game.
Tekken 8 – January 26 [XB/PS/PC]:
David Burdette – Where many remember Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat as the fighting game of their youth, my childhood is framed by Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Tekken has always been a wild one, with jaguar men fighting cyborgs. The eighth entry looks to be insane, with a massive roster that will offer a new building block for this tentpole fighting series.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – January 29 [PS/PC]:
David Flynn – With two fighting games under its belt now, it’s time for the mobile game franchise to be adapted into an action RPG. The characters already have me sold, but the combat looks fast and incredibly fun with a challenging endgame. With a large roster of playable characters and even multiplayer to try out, I can’t wait to see this take on the Granblue universe.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League – February 2 [XB/PS/PC]:
Suicide Squad World Premiere Trailer at The Game Awards 2023
Adam Moreno – I really don’t have much clue what to expect from Kill the Justice League at this stage, but I’ve been hyped for this game since its announcement. Looks like we’ll be getting some videos leading up to the title from the development team explaining how the game works and what changes they’ve made since the “interesting” gameplay reveal earlier this year. I was intrigued by playing as the villains for a change, well, anti-heroes? What is the Suicide Squad at this stage? But, come on, Kevin Conroy’s last performance as Batman. I’m simply not sure anything would stop me from being excited about this game in one form or fashion. I’m ready to see what the continuation of the Arkhamverse has to offer.
David Burdette – As long as we’ve been waiting for Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, one might not have any expectations for it. That said, I own every one of the Batman Arkham collector’s editions, and I love what Rocksteady can do. From the recent dev video showing off the gameplay, the crisp look of the gameplay has me interested. I think this one will have to be judged from a hands on experience, but the premise (along with the aforementioned last Conroy VO) has the opportunity to surprise.
Persona 3 Reload – February 2 [XB/PS/PC]:
David Flynn – Persona 3 is back and better than ever in this remake. Re-experience this classic adventure that redefined JRPGs in this remake, Persona 3 Reload. Persona 3 remains my favorite Persona game, and this remake looks to be taking the best parts of the original and mixing them with the style and quality of life 5 introduced. With how popular the series is now, I have no doubt this will be a heavy hitter RPG.
Helldivers 2 – February 8 [PS/PC]:
David Burdette – The first trailer sold me with its corporate/government political ad. The September gameplay video of the Bile Titan makes me think of Monster Hunter mixed with alien pest control, and that’s just a killer combination. Adding in four player co-op and tons of weapons to take on the alien horde and we’re about to be in for a good time. Just be careful where you’re aiming, friendly fire is on.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – February 13 [XB/PS/PC]:
David Burdette – I did the preview for Banishers last year, and while the gameplay will be familiar to third-person hack and slash fans, the world feels very unique. Two companions, a man and ghost wife, fighting to not only find her killer, but free the land of ghostly creatures. It has some Witcher and Greedfall vibes to it, and that speaks to me on a personal level.
Skull and Bones [XB/PS/PC]:
Skull & Bones - E3 2018 preview
Ron Burke – I played Skull and Bones back in 2017. I played it in 2018 as well. Somehow it’s 2024 now and we are still waiting on our Black Flag multiplayer pirate adventure. After numerous delays, rumors, and leaks, our time on deck is finally sailing into port. Recent closed betas were positive, so we are cautiously optimistic for Skull and Bones. If the timeline holds, we won’t have to wait long – we can see February 16th from the top of the crow’s nest.
Our preview! | Pre-order now!
Nightingale – February 22 [PC]:
Ron Burke – Nightingale is the kind of game that blends all of the best parts of the survival building genre with the best parts of gaslamp fantasy. Inflexion Games has taken their time, and it shows in the last closed betas. The gameplay is tight, and the world is wondrous, and we are only just now moving into Early Access. The realmwalker angle means that Nightingale can literally take us to anywhere we can imagine, and we can’t wait to get started.
Pacific Drive – February 22 [PS/PC]:
David Burdette – This one looks really unique. You’re driving a car around an apocalyptic Pacific Northwest in first-person, but having to survive whatever this weird zone throws at you. Swapping out car parts and repairing your station wagon will help you on each excursion. I haven’t seen anything like this before, and that alone makes this worth checking out.
Star Wars Dark Forces Remastered – February 28 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Adam Moreno – In 1995, Star Wars fans were introduced to Kyle Katarn in Star Wars: Dark Forces. Now, in 2024, we get to revisit the epic story of an Imperial defector who turns to a life of mercenary work and happens to run into the Rebel Alliance. As someone who played all the Dark Forces and Jedi Knight games back in the late 90’s / early 00’s, I can’t wait to replay this story with graphics up to 4K. If you haven’t played this classic, now will hopefully be the best way to play through it!
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – February 29 [PS]:
First Hands-On Preview: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for PS5 - Exclusive Gameplay & Features
David Burdette – I had the chance to preview Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and it captured my attention the entire hour I played it. As someone who didn’t put as much time into the first remake, what Square Enix has accomplished here is amazing. Not only is it gorgeous, but the systems in play are easy for a first time player (or with less experience) to pick up on. Coupled with an open-world setting that looks massive, this next chapter in the Final Fantasy VII saga looks fantastic. And did I forget to mention you get to play as SEPHIROTH?!
Henry Viola – This is probably my most anticipated game of the year, given I poured hundreds of hours into Final Fantasy VII Remake and the original FF7. I’m in love with practically everything about the game: the visuals, the characters, the narrative, the combat, and most importantly, the music. I’m so glad that Square Enix has chosen to remake a timeless classic so that a newer generation of gamers can appreciate what a masterpiece Final Fantasy VII is.
Alone in the Dark (2024) – March 20 [XB/PS/PC]:
Adam Moreno – Alone in the Dark is a series I have both played and watched playthroughs of the series. Alone in the Dark 2024 is a reimagining of the 1992 version of the same title. This time with updated graphics and performances by David Harbour and Jodie Comer. Set in the Gothic American South, there should be plenty of mystery and scares to go around. As THQ/Nordic has mentioned, this is a love-letter to the original while having an entirely new story to tell. We should see plenty of references to characters and situations we’d know if you played the game, but they’ve already said you don’t have to know the history of the franchise to enjoy this story.
Henry Viola – I’m a sucker for anything survival horror, and after attending the hands-off preview of Alone in the Dark a few months ago, I know this game is right up my alley. This cult classic revival of the original 1992 title is a reimagining of the original narrative and stars both David Harbour from Stranger Things as well as Jodie Comer. I’m a bit sad that this game got delayed from October 2023 to March 2024 but I have faith that the developers are taking their time to push the best version of the game at launch.
Princess Peach Showtime! – March 22 [SWITCH]:
David Flynn – Peach game? Peach game! If you know me, you know I’m a huge fan of Princess Peach. Super Princess Peach was one of my favorite DS games, and I always love to see her in a starring role or just playable in a Mario game. I just think she’s neat! We still don’t know much about Princess Peach Showtime, but what we have seen has me very excited for this weird little experiment.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 – March 22 [XB/PS/PC]:
Dragon's Dogma 2 - Main Trailer | PS5 Games
David Flynn – Dragon’s Dogma was a super weird, yet endearing game. It’s a low fantasy, medieval action RPG, but had a rocking J-Pop theme song that was unfortunately removed for the Dark Arisen release (look up Into Free, it’s super catchy). Creating and adventuring alongside your Pawn was a novel idea, and the class system was incredibly customizable. While Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes place in an alternate universe, you take up the role of the Arisen again to defeat the dragon who stole your heart – literally, not figuratively – but this time with cat people. We unfortunately missed out on the MMO, so I’m excited to see how the mechanics have improved.
Rise of the Ronin – March 22 [PS]:
Henry Viola – I’ve always been a fan of Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, especially from the Nioh franchise and the recent Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Their newest title: Rise of the Ronin is giving serious Ghost of Tsushima vibes and I’m all for it, and knowing how great the developers are at designing combat mechanics, I am confident this game will be a blast. I’m excited to explore the “Bakumatsu” period of Japan where East and West collide, and forge my own narrative with the difficult choices I have to make along the way.
South Park: Snow Day! – March 26 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Adam Moreno – I really enjoyed playing through Stick of Truth and Fractured But Whole, so any continuation of that series has me excited. This time, South Park is in 3D. Now, that may scare some of you because of the past 3D animated South Park game. I’m really hoping that this one follows the success of the 2014 and 2017 games and not the N64 game from 1998. Let’s see what Cartman and the gang have in store for us on this lovely Snow Day!
Q2
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU – April 23 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU World Premiere Trailer at The Game Awards 2023
David Burdette – What we saw when Abubakar Salim took the stage to introduce this game was true passion. These are the kinds of games you want to see made, telling a story from the heart of the development team. This is how Salim dealt with losing his father, and not only does it look like an interesting tale, but the gameplay looks fast and frantic in the best ways possible. I’m looking forward to getting hands-on time with Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.
Q3
Black Myth: Wukong – August 19 [XB/PS/PC]:
Henry Viola – Soulslike games are my cup of tea, and ever since Black Myth: Wukong’s teaser trailer over 3 years ago, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. 3rd party Soulslikes are a dime a dozen and most of them are misses instead of hits, but from the looks of Game Science’s debut project rooted in Chinese mythology, I have little doubts about this one. You play as the legendary monkey Sun Wukong as he embarks on his famous Journey to the West.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II – September 9 [XB/PS/PC]:
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Preview - [GamingTrend]
Ron Burke – While cleared of wrongdoing, suspicions of heresy sees Captain Titus busted back to Lieutenant for his part in the siege of the Forge World of Graia. Now, Lieutenant Titus faces a new threat. Taking place during the Fourth Tyranid War, the insectoid monsters threaten to overtake the entire universe with their ever-surging numbers. It’s a longer wait for this one as it heads our way on September 9th of 2024, but our hands-on time suggests it’ll be a blood-soaked good time.
2024
Another Crab’s Treasure [XB/PC/SWITCH]:
Noah Rigsby – It’s been refreshing to see other studios find success developing games in the ‘Soulslike’ genre that aren’t FromSoftware. Another Crab’s Treasure aims to continue that trend with platforming and boss fights while equipping trash as protection. The premise alone stands out but let’s break it down even further shall we? Players harness the fighting powers of a crab while wielding an eating utensil across the ocean floor looking for undiscovered treasure. How could you not be excited for this title?
Ark 2 [XB/PC]:
Ron Burke – What can I say? I’m a sucker for survival crafting games. Throw in dinosaurs and I’ve raised an eyebrow. Oh wait, I can ride those dinosaurs, and I can mount weapons on them and somehow Vin Diesel is involved? Now it’s bonkers. Ark 2 hasn’t shown us any gameplay yet, but this one should hit Early Access in 2024. The first Ark game went from strength to strength in the last few expansions, but this sequel should be the full reset this needs to take this dino crafter to the next level.
Avowed [XB/PC]:
David Burdette – I had a blast in the Halcyon systems in Outer Worlds and New Vegas in… New Vegas, so anything new from Obsidian is a win for me. Given the stylings we saw in the gameplay trailer, I feel like we’re about to see a similar take to what we got from Outer Worlds in a fantasy setting. Avowed could be a shorter experience, but I think Obsidian knows how to give you something meaty while not overstaying its welcome. A spot of Skyrim, but with a more comedic perspective, sounds like fun.
Behemoth [PSVR2/QUEST/PC]:
David Burdette – Well, we’ve got the trailer from a year ago to go on, but not much else. The snow-covered cinematic was certainly eye catching, and I’m still hopeful in something super dope. Between the Skyrim-like aesthetic and humongous boss creature at the end, Skydance has the opportunity to wow us in VR.
Blue Protocol [XB/PS/PC]:
Blue Protocol Hands-On at Summer Game Fest 2023 [Gaming Trend]
David Burdette – I tend to love the look of anime-themed games but have a hard time diving in. During Summer Games Fest I got a little hands on time with Blue Protocol, and what I played was very enjoyable. The visuals are outstanding, and the gameplay (the bit I played at least) feels tight. There’s a lot to like here, so hopefully Bandai Namco Online is able to build a great online game on that foundation.
Our preview! | Beta sign-up now!
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile [iOS/ANDROID]:
David Burdette – Ah Warzone. How I love and hate you. Seems like I’m about to have a lot more love and hate in my life, because Warzone Mobile looks like it’s going to be massive. Besides just the return of Verdansk, this mobile version will feature a multiplayer suite, allowing for some 6v6 fun alongside the battle royale. This, and full cross-progression, means you can take your Call of Duty challenges, battle pass, and overall grind with you everywhere. Now, if we could somehow get Zombies added to the package…
EA Sports College Football [XB/PS/PC]:
Adam Moreno – What I wouldn’t give for this to be the year that college football returns to the gaming realm. The NCAA Football line of games were so highly detailed, at times, that you could transfer whole draft classes from NCAA into Madden to continue the journey of your players or coach. The amount of time I spent going from OC for MTSU to head coach for the University of Tennessee then going professional with the Miami Dolphins? Hours. So IF this game comes out in 2024, you’ll see the happiest of Adam’s who will be able to once again live to glory of being a coach for college football. PLEASE!
FOAMSTARS [PS]:
Foamstars Summer Game Fest 2023 Announcement Trailer
David Burdette – Sure, it looks like a Splatoon knock off, but it is anything but. After some hands-on time during Summer Games Fest, I was ready to get back into the foam, but a pre-planned anniversary trip kept me from enjoying the open beta. I’m really surprised with how much fun it is, with an intriguing gameplay loop that really scratches the competitive itch. We don’t have an immediate date, but I’ll be there when the bubbles rise.
Frostpunk 2 [PC]:
Ron Burke – It’s one thing to make the player suffer, and it’s an entirely different thing to make them like it. Frostpunk is all about trying to huddle around the barely-functioning furnace to survive, but somehow turning it all around. If you do it well, only some of your people will suffer and freeze to death. If you do it poorly, your residents might string you up by your neck or just march you to your death at the end of town. Frostpunk is brutal, and I can’t wait to see what hell the sequel has in store for us.
Greedfall 2: The Dying World [PC]:
David Burdette – I was thoroughly engrossed in the first Greedfall, and I’m sure that will happen again when the sequel arrives. Call it what you like, colonial Mass Effect or Walmart Witcher, but the team at Spiders did an incredible job with the amazing world they built. It can be janky to play, but the immersion the story offers is far too great to pass up. Considering all the lessons they’ve learned, any improvement in the sequel might make this a surprise hit.
Hades 2 [PC]:
Hades II - Reveal Trailer
Corvo Rohwer – I’m a sucker for a good rogue-like, but Hades isn’t just good, it’s one of the best in its genre. Where the first game follows Zagreus as he battles his way out of the underworld with the assistance of Olympus, Hades 2 will lean more deeply into sorcery and witchcraft as you take on the Titan of Time. I’m excited to once again wield the power of gods, and maybe make a few underworld friends along the way.
Homeworld 3 [PC]:
Ron Burke – It’s hard to delineate all the ways Homeworld influenced the RTS genre, and its sequels somehow managed to turn it all upside down again. Homeworld 3 is going to add cover-based combat, a brand new co-op roguelike mode called Wargames, absolutely phenomenal visuals, an incredible soundtrack, and much more. Our hands-on times with the game have showcased what Relic is bringing to the table, and it looks like a revolution all over again.
Hyper Light Breaker [PC]:
David Burdette – Brought to you by Heart Machine, the same team behind beauties like Solar Ash and Hyper Light Drifter, comes another visually stunning game. Breaker will inhabit the same universe as Drifter, but things have changed. In comes a 3D shift, along with online co-op to play with friends! Everything I’ve seen of the gameplay makes me want to explore this world, so it may be time to pick up Drifter just to get in the mood.
Little Kitty, Big City [XB/PC/SWITCH]:
Little Kitty, Big City - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch
David Burdette – Give me a kitty cat game and I’m always happy. I loved Stray, and while charming, it was still much more serious than this one. Little Kitty, Big City has a more cutesy, comedic life to it, and that’s a perfect pairing. This one also seems to have a bit more sim elements to it, so being the cat will be even more lifelike. Ya know, at least in cartoon form.
Little Nightmares III [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Dominique McClain – The first one was great, the second one was wonderful, the third one will have multiplayer and I am already throwing my money at it. Tarsier Studios has made strides with the dark and atmospheric puzzle platformer that the Little Nightmares franchise encompasses. I never thought I would enjoy the thrill of following small and vulnerable characters through an aura of frightening, unsure environments and trying to make it through dynamic and eerie worlds.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD [SWITCH]:
David Burdette – I fondly remember the original Luigi’s Mansion, but I didn’t play it until after Luigi’s Mansion 2 (a.k.a. Dark Moon) on my 3DS. The sequel is an absolute delight, and I’m super excited to see it getting a re-release on the Switch. Making your way through the different mansions and capturing ghosts is a blast, and you can’t help but love Luigi. He’ll be out saving Mario again soon enough when this one drops in 2024.
Metaphor: ReFantazio [XB/PS/PC]:
Metaphor: ReFantazio — The Royal Tournament | Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
Jack Zustiak – People often hold the concept of “immersion” in high regard. Some games can truly make you feel like you’re actually spending time somewhere else. It’s more than a brief transplant, it’s an experience that you bring back with you into the world you actually live in. Persona 4 released at exactly the right time to have a big impact in how I viewed the world. The Persona series in general excels at immersing you in impactful worlds. Metaphor isn’t literally a Persona game, but it looks to continue that trend in every way that matters. All of the most key staff who made Persona what it is have moved on to do something a little different in a brand new setting. Frankly, I’d follow them to the ends of the Earth, even if it isn’t the Earth that I started on.
David Flynn – I don’t know much about this one, but that’s by design. Since the announcement that the Persona team wanted to make a fantasy RPG I knew I would play it, so why spoil myself with big gameplay and story trailers? The glimpses I have catched only make me more excited, particularly the mix between action and turn-based combat ala the most recent Trails games. The Persona team rarely misses, and I can’t wait to see them stretch their creative muscles in Metaphor.
Palworld [PC]:
Ron Burke – A magnificent world where you can farm, capture monsters, raise them, cross-breed them, build factories and staff them with your critters, set up farms, and then do all the survival crafting fun bits. Oh, and then there are guns. Lots and lots of guns. I think it’d be underselling what developer Pocketpair is doing here to call it a Pokemon knockoff. Up to four players can team up (32 on a dedicated server) in this multiplayer world, with more planned in future updates. Our adventures start in Early Access in January of 2024.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door [SWITCH]:
David Flynn – I never thought this day would come, but we’re finally getting a remake of a classic Paper Mario game, arguably the best one. As Mario, discover the secrets that hide behind the titular door as you solve puzzles, make new friends, and bash baddies in classic turn-based combat. This is a certified classic, and I hope this from the ground up remake does it justice.
Penny’s Big Breakaway [PC/XB/PS/SWITCH]:
David Flynn – Weird 3D platformers are my jam, and Penny’s Big Breakaway looks like it’ll scratch that itch perfectly. Swing around on your Yo-Yo to speed through levels and defeat Emperor Eddie’s army of penguins. From what I’ve seen, this reminds me of games like Billy Hatcher in the best way, and I have high hopes given this comes from the devs who made Sonic Mania.
REPLACED [XB/PC]:
REPLACED Official Trailer 2
David Burdette – I’m really surprised I haven’t heard more people talking about this one. REPLACED is an incredibly atmospheric 2.5D thriller set in a futuristic yet devastated U.S. The trailers we’ve seen ooze of a unique style, making this a platformer I need to get my hands on. There’s not been much from Sad Cat Studios on when to expect REPLACED to launch, but here’s hoping it drops soon in 2024.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl [XB/PC]:
David Burdette – We’ve been waiting for this sequel for a while, and every trailer that drops is more promising than the last. I’m a huge fan of the Metro titles, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. exhibits all of those great qualities, from setting, to graphical fidelity, to intensity. Kudos to the devs for continuing to work hard on Heart of Chernobyl in the middle of the war, and respect and condolences to the fallen who have defended their right to do it.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II [XB/PC]:
David Burdette – Here’s another that has been a long time coming. Announced with the Xbox Series X in 2019, you knew another game made sense. The original Hellblade released to critical acclaim, portraying psychosis and madness in a way no other game has been able to, but in an incredible Norse/Viking setting. At The Game Awards we finally saw some intense gameplay, and it’s looking to be another banger we’ll take Senua through… assuming more mind games don’t throw us off too much.
Star Wars Outlaws [XB/PS/PC]:
Star Wars Outlaws: Official World Premiere Trailer
Adam Moreno – Open. World. Star. Wars. For years we’ve been waiting for a Star Wars game that allows us to explore the galaxy freely. Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor gave us some grand adventure from a Jedi’s perspective. From the looks of it, Outlaws might be just what we’ve been asking for from a Star Wars video game, allowing us to see a non-force user’s experience in the galaxy. We’ve got a cool new protagonist in Kay Vess, her trusty (we hope) droid companion in ND-1, and a furry friend in Nix for us all to fall in love with throughout our journey. It’ll also be interesting to see how Outlaws fit into the greater plot of the Galaxy. Will we get cameos? Plus, with Dee Bradley Baker (Nix) involved and the ability to explore a new series of planets (and Tatooine, of course), I cannot be more excited for Outlaws.
David Burdette – Just like my cohort Adam, I too have been waiting for this kind of Star Wars game for a long time. The world-building in the Star Wars universe holds a lot of untapped potential; potential we’re beginning to see unearthed. Massive and Ubisoft seem to be hitting on the perfect idea – bringing a regular character in and letting her figure it out as you go along. With the lineup of planets to explore already looking exemplary, it’ll be amazing to see what else Massive has up their sleeves to show us. That, along with sci-fi action on both land and in space, promises to be an adventure worth experiencing.
Stellar Blade [PS]:
David Burdette – Referred to by many as the “booty game”, I’m sure Stellar Blade will be much more than a protagonist’s backside. Everything we’ve seen in gameplay looks gorgeous, with a fast and furious action pace that mimics Devil May Cry. The story beats are still vague, but if it plays as good as it looks, we’re in for a fun time. Sony recently featured it on their “Most Anticipated” list (finally acknowledging its move to 2024), and given it’s stuck in between Rise of the Ronin and Destiny 2’s Final Shape, I’m curious as to if it may arrive sooner than expected.
Still Wakes The Deep [XB/PS/PC]:
David Burdette – The first time I saw the trailer for Still Wakes The Deep, I thought it might be a creepy game. That was before I realized this is the same studio (The Chinese) behind Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture and Dear Esther. Both of those games manage to get under your skin with the absence of interactive characters, and it wears on your psyche. Still Wakes The Deep has a bit more in store if you believe the Xbox Partner Preview reveal, with a wailing, off-screen threat that makes me cringe with every scream. This one might not be for me, but it looks like they’ve nailed what they’re going for.
Tales of the Shire [PC]:
Tales of the Shire - Official Teaser
Adam Moreno – While we know close to nothing about the gameplay aspect of this game, I am so very excited for a chance to live my own life in Shire. They’re showcasing it as a “cozy and heartwarming game. That, my friends, might be all I need from a Lord of the Rings game right now. Farming? Exploring? Playing pranks on locals? I’m excited to hear more, but I’ll be playing it regardless.
Dominique McClain – As Lord of the Ring’s #1 fan, this game is going to be auto-bought as soon as it is available for preorder. Nothing is stopping me from the possibility of being a hobbit and living out my wonderful days in the beauty and coziness of the Shire. What looks like a game that will complement the likes of Stardew Valley, I am so ready for a second breakfast, smoking down a pip-weed, and hopefully, no wizards or dwarves come knocking on my cozy door.
The Alters [XB/PS/PC]:
David Burdette – So, a video game about multiple versions of yourself? That sounds like it could be hilarious yet fantastic. Our own Sean Weeks took a look at this one in a preview, and it sounds quite intriguing. Can you utilize another you properly? Will looking at their mistakes help you be better? Talking to yourself just took on a whole new meaning in 2024.
The Plucky Squire [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
The Plucky Squire | Devolver Holiday Special Spotlight
Noah Rigsby – The Plucky Squire has been on my radar since its first announcement, and is one I’ve mentioned as one of my most anticipated titles on the GamingTrend Podcast.. WIth the humble beginnings of a 2D side-scroller set in the pages of a storybook, The Plucky Squire breaks free of the confined pages, to set off a journey blending 2D and 3D gameplay with colorful characters, fun gameplay, and adorable backdrops. Like the trailer declares, it’s time for Jot and his friends to embark “Off the page and into adventure!”.
The Wolf Among Us 2 [XB/PS/PC]:
Corvo Rohwer – It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Bigby, making his Telltale debut all the way back in 2013. Despite being originally shelved when Telltale faced a studio closure, and following some further delays after being revived, we are hopefully at the finish line in 2024. I’ve been looking forward to returning to Fabletown for many years, and after the solid release of The Expanse I’m hopeful that Telltale is able to do this sequel justice.
Tom Clancy’s The Division Heartland [XB/PS/PC]:
Ron Burke – The Division Heartland is a free-to-play, PvEvP focused, survival-action shooter set in the mysterious rural town of Silver Creek. In it, players will need to find out what happened to cause a number of Division Agents to splinter off from the main body, forming rogue groups. With a full day and night cycle, and gameplay that changes with each, the risk/reward extraction system that made PvEvP popular in The Division is now free for everyone to try. This game just finished up a series of betas, so expect this one to hit very soon.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 [XB/PS/PC]:
Ron Burke – I cannot be more excited for Bloodlines 2. The World of Darkness has been too long without an entry into the incredible world that Troika Games gave us back in 2004. After a few fits and resets, this one is back on track with the incredible team at The Chinese Room at the helm. Masters of horror, that team should give us a world worthy of the name. Frankly I can’t wait to see them top the Ocean House Hotel.
Wishlist now! | Pre-order now!
World of Warcraft: The War Within [PC]:
The War Within Announce Cinematic | World of Warcraft
David Burdette – I’m not a World of Warcraft guy, but we can all agree the cinematics are incredible, right? The talk I’ve seen on the upcoming expansion has been largely positive, especially with the return of longtime Blizzard veteran Chris Metzen. There’s already a lot in store, with multiple upcoming expansions. If they can match the quality of these outstanding cinematics, WoW fans will be eating good for a long time.
Unknown and Hopeful
Concord [PS/PC]:
David Burdette – Honestly, we don’t know a lot of what Concord is. We know it’s a first-person shooter. We know it has some NASA-punk vibes going. There’s a spaceship going through what looks like hyperspace. What this all entails, who knows, but a new sci-fi PVP shooter is right up my alley.
Death Stranding 2 [PS]:
Death Stranding 2 (Working Title) - TGA 2022 Teaser Trailer | PS5 Games
Corvo Rohwer – Hideo Kojima is a master when it comes to crafting moving narratives, and Death Stranding turned me into a lifelong fan of his work. It’s a story of finding hope in a splintered and isolated world, while bearing witness to the horrors of the Last Stranding. I can’t wait to see Sam’s next steps following his journey across America, and learn more details as we hopefully approach a release date announcement.
Dune: Awakening [XB/PS/PC]:
David Burdette – I wondered how long it would take for us to get a proper Dune game. With Spice Wars bringing a cool take on the RTS/4X formula, you figured it wouldn’t be long before we walked the sand ourselves. In comes the team behind games like Conan: Exiles, with a survival style Dune game that fits the book and movie genre perfectly. Building your own character, traversing Arrakis, and fighting to survive makes sense and sounds amazing. Here’s hoping it drops in 2024.
Hollow Knight: Silksong [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
David Flynn – At this point, I’ll believe Hollow Knight: Silksong is real when and only when I have it in my hands. Team Cherry’s debut title, Hollow Knight, got me to finally understand and love the Search Action genre, and I fully trust them to hit a home run once more given enough time. Still… I just want to play the game already!
Little Devil Inside [PS/PC]:
Little Devil Inside - State of Play Oct 2021 Trailer | PS5
David Burdette – Here’s what I had to say last year: “We’ve not seen hide or hair of this delightful game in quite some time, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited for it. Little Devil Inside has encountered a few delays, but every time we see a new trailer what the game has grown into looks awesome. We know it’s single player and co-op, along with exploring a wonderful world and fighting all kinds of monsters. We just want it in hand. Hopefully, this is the year that happens.”
Persona 6 [?]:
David Flynn – With Persona 3 Reload coming out early in the year, there’s almost no chance we’ll hear anything about Persona 6 for a while yet… but we can dream! Given that Persona 5 was originally announced as a PS3 title (way back in 2014), this would be the first original Persona title to target modern platforms. After almost 10 years of the Phantom Thieves I think it’s time to move on to a new group, and I can’t wait to see what Atlus comes up with.
Pragmata [XB/PS/PC]:
Jack Zustiak – So little information exists about Pragmata that there is arguably little to actually anticipate. When it comes to this game, it’s more about the general idea: it’s something brand new, it’s an ambitious multi-year project, and it’s made by Capcom. From what little the teasers tease, there’s some futuristic space stuff going on and that’s about the extent of it. If there’s any company you can trust with vague premises, I’d happily hedge my bets on Capcom, so I’m at the very least anticipating hearing more about it whenever they’re ready to show it.
Silent Hill 2 Remake [XB/PS/PC]:
Silent Hill 2 Won't 'Miss The Point' Says Bloober Team
David Flynn – Silent Hill 2 is a work of art. Unfortunately, as the years pass, it becomes more and more difficult to actually experience the original work. The HD remaster has multiple caveats, the PS2 and 360 versions are incredibly expensive, and good luck getting the PC version to even run. This is a game that is begging for a proper rerelease, and I hope this remake can live up to the original.
Wolverine [PS]:
Adam Moreno – Wolverine has always been a top tier X-Men character for me alongside Nightcrawler, Gambit, and Kitty Pride. Now, we’ll have a chance to take Logan through a new story with the creators of Spider-Man, Miles Morales, and Spider-Man 2. With how much fun I had playing through all three, and the time the developers took with these games, I cannot begin to say how excited I am for Wolverine on PS5.
Jack Zustiak – Wolverine is so cool. He’s basically cool personified – gruff, tough, and a rough demeanor to match. I’d go as far as to say he’s almost as cool as Spider-Man! Like Spider-Man, he carries with him a compelling treasure trove of history to mine from. Unlike Spider-Man, he tends to solve his problems a little less heroically. Wolverine thrives in violence and savagery, which are areas that few comic book games are willing to travel. In light of their work on Spider-Man, I’m excited to see how Insomniac handles this very different kind of hero.
Bonus! DLC Offerings
Alan Wake 2: Night Springs & The Lake House [XB/PS/PC]:
David Burdette – Most know that Alan Wake 2 is my personal GOTY for 2023. So, with that in mind it should be no surprise that I’m super excited for the incoming DLC. Night Springs is supposed to be a trippy jaunt through the titular fake TV show from the original Alan Wake, featuring different playable characters. The Lake House might have a deeper draw for me, a journey into the facility the FBC built next to Cauldron Lake. Maybe we’ll get some hints as to Control 2? In any case, more Alan Wake 2 just means more phenomenal video game, and I’m here for it.
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred [XB/PS/PC]:
Diablo IV | Vessel of Hatred | Expansion Announce Trailer
Ron Burke – One of two planned expansion packs (so far!), Vessel of Hatred was just announced in November of 2023. Little is known, other than that it will take place in a region called Nahantu, and will concern the fate of Mephisto and his plans for Sanctuary. With the power vacuum created by the end of Lillith, there’s plenty of evil left in the world to fill the void. In the meantime, there’s plenty of fresh content hitting on the regular with Seasons coming fast and furious.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail [XB/PS/PC]:
David Flynn – This isn’t exactly a DLC in the traditional sense as it’s basically a full game expansion, but regardless we’re super excited for it. Dawntrail is billed as a “summer vacation” for the Warrior of Light, but of course we’re going to get caught up in a contest for succession and face off against the other scions to support our candidate. We’ll learn more come January’s Japan Fan Festival, but the Viper job alone has me chomping at the bit to play.
Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide [PS]:
FINAL FANTASY XVI DLC Trailer
David Flynn – Playing through Final Fantasy XVI’s first DLC when it shadow-dropped was a delight, but The Rising Tide will clearly be the real meat of the DLC offerings. We don’t know much about it from the single trailer, but it looks like Clive will gain access to the lost Eikon Leviathan’s powers and explore a brand new location.
Pre-order now via Expansion Pass!
Starfield: Shattered Space [XB/PC]:
David Flynn – 2024 is going to be the year of Starfield. Bethesda is planning a steady stream of updates, the long awaited release of the Creation Kit so modders can unleash the game’s potential, and of course the first expansion, Shattered Space. We don’t really know what this DLC will add or how it will continue the story, but on our wishlist is more about the Starborn, the Artifacts, and some pilotable mechs for good measure.
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That’s our list! We hope some of these incredible games make it onto yours as well. Stay tuned to GamingTrend for all the latest gaming news and info!
Avowed, Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Foamstars, Hades 2, Helldivers 2, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Little Devil Inside, Marvel's Wolverine, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona 3 Reload, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Rise of the Ronin, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Star Wars Outlaws, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Tekken 8
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