As 2024 comes to a close, we can’t help but look back at all the fun we enjoyed—and more specifically, all the video game fun. While there were months this past year that felt light on major releases, we still had tons of adventure and excitement to enjoy. We had nostalgic remakes, new installments in iconic franchises and terrifyingly good video games to dive into. And with only a few days left in the year, we highly suggest diving into one of these titles if you haven’t done so already. Let us know in the comments below or on social media what video games are on your must-play list from 2024.
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Alone in the Dark
We are kicking off this list with Pieces Interactive and THQ Nordic’s remake of Alone in the Dark. We didn’t need David Harbour and Jodie Comer to take on the roles of Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood, but it sure does make this video game that much better. The upgrade in graphics, combat and overall gameplay style helped uplift this remake and gave us an incredible playthrough. It gives us some of the most suspenseful gameplay we have had in a long time, and the story is so captivating that we struggled to take breaks. This is a must-play for horror and suspense fans before 2024 comes to a close.
Alone in the Dark is available now on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Princess Peach Showtime
Princess Peach: Showtime is a platformer from Good-Feel and Nintendo where the player steps into the various shoes of Princess Peach herself. As Peach attends a show at the prestigious Sparkle Theater, the evil Grape and her Sour Bunch take over the theater and ruin the show. Luckily, with the help of Stella, the theater’s magical guardian, Peach can transform into everything from a Sword Fighter to a Ninja. Use Peach’s new abilities to steal the show and restore the theater.
We were ecstatic to hear that for the first time since Super Princess Peach (2005), the spotlight is once again on our favorite video game, Princess. Overall, the levels in Showtime are short and simple but dynamic and loads of fun. Unlocking and mastering the different versions of Peach keeps you coming back for more. We had a blast with this one and were happy that we got to play with this butt-kicking version of Princess Peach.
Princess Peach: Showtime is now available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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Squirrel with a Gun
We love it when games don’t take themselves too seriously, and there’s nothing less serious than Squirrel with a Gun. Though this game was just released in August, it was a surprise hit in our household that ranks up on my list right alongside Goat Simulator and Kill it With Fire. This sandbox shooter has you up against the Father’s Agents as you collect nuts to upgrade your weapons. The logic-based puzzles are clever and intuitive, with often hilarious outcomes. The open-world aspect means you can spend as much time as you like on each level, and boss fights are challenging but not unfair. If you are looking for a funny, self-paced game you’ll go nuts for, then pick this up.
Squirrel with a Gun is available now on PC via Steam or Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
Children of the Sun
A surprise hit video game in 2024 for us came in the form of Devolver Digital’s Children of the Sun. We were intrigued by the game’s concept and overall art style, but initially, we weren’t sure exactly how long it would hold our interest. Well, all we can say is that it blew us out of the water. This game is challenging, but in a way that had us buckled down and focused on every shot. The concept of playing the bullet and having to change all of the little things in order to solve the “puzzle” was delightful. And we can’t help but add that the story told throughout was just as good. It never felt like an afterthought, but it helped add context and made the entire game feel like a truly epic journey.
Children of the Sun is available now on PC via Steam.
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Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
Khaos Reigns is the latest addition to the Mortal Kombat 1 story from NetherRealm Studios. Mortal Kombat 1 was on our favorites list last year, so seeing this expansion here should be no surprise. Liu Kang’s peaceful era is disrupted when Havik raids the timeline and promises chaos for all. While this type of storyline is nothing new to MK, Havik is a pretty cool enemy and the khaotic versions of classic characters were fun to see.
Right out of the gate, the DLC blessed us with Kombat Pack 2, which included reimagined versions of Cyrax and Sektor. Fan favorite, Noob Saibot, also debuted a new look as part of the initial release. Ghostface has recently joined the roster with the T-1000 from Terminator 2 and Conan the Barbarian coming soon. Best of all, Khaos Reigns also brought back Animalities for the first time since Mortal Kombat 3.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns is now available for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch.
Little Kitty Big City
Little Kitty Big City was a bit of a black horse for us when it came out. The graphics are cute, and the premise is intriguing, but after playing Stray, we didn’t think another cat simulator would stand out much. Boy, were we wrong? This open-world puzzle game puts you in the paws of a lost cat trying to gain enough strength to claw back up your building to go home. A city full of indifferent stray cats, rowdy dogs and unfriendly humans stands between you and your warm bed in the sun. The humor and simple puzzle mechanics remind us of The Untitled Goose Game, but the map is much less linear and has more character interaction. We are big on story elements, so we thought the dialogue was where this game shines.
Give a big stretch and pounce on Little Kitty Big City today on PC via Steam, Xbox X/S and Nintendo Switch.
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The Casting of Frank Stone
When we learned that Supermassive Games and Behaviour Interactive were working together to bring a terrifying story to PC and game consoles, we were stocked. And while we had struggles with gameplay being a bit buggy, similar to other Supermassive Games, it was never enough to actually force us to stop playing. This is truly a love letter to Dead by Daylight, and the team did a great job giving it that feel. This is one of those video games that we forgive the rough handling because we absolutely love the story being told.
The casting of Frank Stone is now available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is a newly released paid version of the original mobile game from Nintendo. In Pocket Camp, players take care of a campsite inhabited by their favorite adorable animal friends. Collect and craft cute items to decorate your campsite, cabin, and camper. All of your favorite Animal Crossing characters make an appearance, along with an endless roster of friendly new faces.
Pocket Camp Complete came out only a couple of weeks ago, but we fell in love the moment I played it. It removes microtransactions, making all items available to purchase with money earned in the game. Player creativity is no longer restricted by paywalls, and we could not be happier. This mobile version of Animal Crossing now compares to the quality of its console counterparts.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is available on the Play Store and the App Store until January 31, 2025. The price will increase to $19.99 next year, so grab it now if you can.
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Tavern Talk
Tavern Talk is the perfect cozy visual novel for Dungeons and Dragons nerds and anyone who has a season pass to their local Ren Fest. Starting on Kickstarter, this indie game from Gentle Troll Entertainment taps into the souls of gentle high fantasy fans. The ones who dream of brewing potions in an apothecary or making the perfect for weary heroes rather than fighting the dragons for themselves. We play a lot of visual novels, but this one stands out for its unique gameplay blend. While tending your tavern clientele, you’ll mix various drinks and potions for customers. Each recipe has different effects on the characters’ stats, which can influence their story. There are also options to post quests on the board for needed items and a light decorating element that takes this game from good to great.
Tavern Talk is available to play now on PC via Steam and the Nintendo Swtich. A new DLC will be dropping in 2025.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Historically, The Legend of Zelda franchise has had the player step into the role of Link, who often is tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda. But in Echoes of Wisdom, that formula is inverted, allowing Zelda herself to step into the protagonist role. With a world that evokes Link’s Awakening and plenty of familiar franchise faces, this game is unmistakably a Zelda game. But playing as Zelda isn’t the only distinguishing characteristic.
Using the power of the Tri-Rod, Zelda can create “echoes,” replicating objects and monsters to aid her in her quest. This novel ability allows players to solve puzzles in multiple different ways, a very cool feature. And like the popular cooking function from Breath of the Wild, Zelda can craft delicious smoothies to refill hearts and impart various effects. Even in a franchise renowned for the high quality of its entries, Echoes of Wisdom is an especially memorable gaming experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is availble to play on the Nintendo Switch.
This article was written alongside Avery Kaplan, Cassie Holguin and Lauren Darnell.
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
