As a passionate gamer, 2024 has been an exciting year filled with thrilling adventures, competitive battles, and immersive storytelling. I managed to play some HORRIBLE performative games, filled with bugs, but I also played (and re-played) some pretty interesting ones. After playing numerous games across different genres, I’ve ranked my top 10 favorites. From action-packed RPGs to intense fighting games, here are the titles that stood out the most this year!

10. Dying Light 2

Genre: Action RPG, Survival Horror
Release Date: February 4, 2022 (Updated in 2024)

I did not play this one during release, I let it pass, but when I got my hands in it? SHEESH. The mechanics, combat system, and of course, THE PARKOUR. They really got it right. I got to play this one with the updates and expansion. I really loved it, good character development, it was pretty amazing.

9. WWE 2K24

Genre: Sports, Fighting
Release Date: March 2024

It’s the first WWE game that I’ve dedicated myself into playing and engaging with the story since SmackDown vs RAW era (to be more precise, 2012). I loved the customized storyline. Having the Miz as a heel GM was golden. And the Women’s storyline is pretty dope. It’s like, indie god to main stage course. The roster is BIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. I liked the move set, the mix & match with it. Lovely.

8. Solo Leveling: ARISE

Genre: Action RPG
Release Date: 2024

Alright, this one is of course a cheat, because Solo Leveling is my favorite web toon OF. ALL. TIME. Making this was very exciting to me. Although gacha games aren’t my bread n’ butter (it’s just financially tiring, and pay-to-win system), I dedicated myself thanks to the world, the characters, weapon system, and playability. Should’ve been better, tho.

7. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Genre: Action RPG
Release Date: March 22, 2024

Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. A long-awaited sequel to the cult classic, DD2 is clearly an expansion on the open-world experience of the first one. Pretty good combat system. I love Final Fantasy-esque Dragoons, with buff-slapping speedy fighter role, and the Spear wielder skill was just gold, refined combat system. The AI companion, was an upgrade, I can say the least. Definitely one of the best RPG’s of the year.

6. Koudelka + Shadow Hearts

Genre: Horror RPG
Release Date: Originally released in 1999 & 2001 (Revived in 2024)

PlayStation classic. Yes. I have a knack of replaying my favorite videogames in my childhood. From PlayStation 1, 2, PSP, Game Boy, you name it. And on 2024, I replayed Koudelka and its offsprings, Shadow Hearts 1 and 2. I put them on the same spot because it has the same unique battle system, unique storytelling that offers a nostalgic yet refreshened experience for both longtime and newcomer fans.  

5. World of Warcraft

Genre: MMORPG
Release Date: November 23, 2004 (Ongoing updates in 2024)

This game is two decades old, but it is still engaging, innovative and amazing. I started replaying the Wrath Of The Lich King expansion on the Warmane private server. I own a Blood Death Knight tank. Maybe in 2025 I’ll be LoD (Light of Dawn title, which means kill the hardest boss, in the hardest difficulty).

4. League of Legends

Genre: MOBA
Release Date: October 27, 2009 (Continued updates in 2024)

Crack cocaine. It is still in my mind. Although its community is as toxic as caustic soda mixed with orange juice and garlic, the game is addictive. The constant updates and champion reworks keeps the game alive, with the competitive system still tweaking.

3. WATCH_DOGS 2

Genre: Open-World, Action-Adventure
Release Date: November 2016 (Still influential in 2024)

As someone who loves technologies, hacking and engaging combat mechanics, mixed with “gang culture” and hip hop, who could have NOT fall in love with this one? It is just amazing to replay this recently. I managed to get this with the focus of playing the DLC’s, its gripping storyline, urban exploration. This all makes it a standout title that I keep returning.

2. Football Manager 2024

Genre: Sports Simulation
Release Date: November 6, 2023

Being a soccer fan, with extensive tactical knowledge, this game is perfect for you. Football Manager 2K24 is the ultimate management experience. Its enhanced AI, tactical depth, and realistic player interactions (I loved gassing up Viktor Gyokeres this season. Ended with 55+ goals in 30 games on its second season) makes every decision crucial. Spent 100+ hours in a single save, already.

1. Tekken 8

Genre: Fighting
Release Date: January 26, 2024

I bet you guys saw this one coming right? My friends, families, EVERYONE knows I am a Tekken head. And it clearly was my favorite game of the year. With stunning visuals, an expanded roster (Reina was a good substitute for Heihachi, although he is still back), and refined mechanics (I did not enjoy the heat system at first, but now I understood the assignment), it delivers the best fighting game in years. Beat Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 by a long shot, making it a MUST PLAY  for competitive games.

2024 has been a fantastic year for gaming, and these titles truly made an impact on me. Whether it was the nostalgia of revisiting classics, the thrill of intense battles, or the excitement of new adventures, each game offered something special. What were your favorite games of 2024? Let me know in the comments below!