2024 has been yet another great year for gaming with tons of amazing games from AAA blockbusters to indie hits made by one person.
While big hitters like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Marvel's Wolverine may still be on the horizon, this year still provided excellent experiences from various genres for people of all ages to enjoy.
So whether a few of these games are already on your backlog or just have not got around to playing them, here are 10 great games from 2024 to play in 2025.
Disclaimer: I have not played every game this year so this is a personal selection of the great games from this year that I think others will enjoy.
1. Astro Bot
While this is not a ranked list, the reason I put Astro Bot as the first choice is because it is the game that will appeal to most people on this list.
This 3D platformer is the perfect game for all ages, whether it is your kid's first game or an adult reconnecting with their love of video games, Astro Bot ticks every box.
Whether it is the Twin-Frog gloves which allow you to swing and bash your away around or Barkster the Bulldog Booster which propels your forward like a jet pack, each level has a new ability that is more clever and joyful than the next.
Available on PS5
2. Helldivers 2
One of the biggest surprises of the year along with the Pokemon styled survival game Palworld, Helldivers 2 took the gaming world by storm in February.
This third person co-op shooter had people spreading "freedom and "managed democracy" all across the galaxy with up to three other friends.
In Starship trooper style, you are tasked with defending "Super Earth" and killing thousands of bugs and cyborgs. If you die, just call down another Helldiver and get back into the chaos of dropping bombs on bugs and cyborgs.
Available on PS5 and PC
3. Balatro
Who would have that a card game would be nominated for the 2024 Game Awards? For those who played the game it probably does not come as surprise.
This is an excellent poker roguelike that is incredibly addictive and for certain people might actually become a problem. The concept is pretty simple, you get points for different combinations of hands whether it is a two pair, a flush or three of a kind.
You have to reach a certain score such as 300 or 400 and it increases as you go. Joker cards are what help you get there as they multiply certain hands and boost different combinations. Buyer beware!
Available on mobile, PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S.
4. Stellar Blade
Made by Korean developers, Shift Up, Stellar Blade is one of the most stylish and slick action games of year.
You play as Eve, part of an airborne squad deployed to earth to kill monsters know as Naytiba and rescue the last remanining humans.
They are fearsome foes whether it is climatic boss fights or smaller skirmishes out in the world, it is a blast to play and visually stunning as well.
Available on PS5
5. Tekken 8
The iconic fighting franchise Tekken returned in 2024 after close to a decade of being away. With plenty of contenders like Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat or Dragom Ball: Sparking Zero, Tekken 8 manages to stand out and evolve in such a crowded space.
There is the traditional story mode The Dark Awakens, arcade battle, online modes and the quirky Tekken ball minigame all for you to enjoy.
Available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S
6. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The second instalment in this reimaging of the iconic rpg Final Fantasy VII, hit on almost every level. With a huge open world to explore, fantastic combat and a gripping story, Rebirth elevates the series to new heights.
While not every story element comes together, you will not find a better cast of characters this year and you are will be fully on board for every twists and turn this game takes.
Available on PS5
7. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
It is rare to get a game nowadays that is truly unique and original in gaming. Capcom's Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is exactly that and delivers a genuine a breath of fresh air.
This stunningly beautiful game seamlessly blends real-time strategy with tower defense mechanics. You are tasked with protecting the divine maiden Yoshiro who cleanses the corruption in the world as well Torii gates which block your way.
During day time you set up contraptions and can choose where to deploy the villagers, while at night evil spirits invade the village leaving you to defend Yoshiro from hostile attacks until sunrise.
Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and S
8. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
The sequel to the long awaited Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine came out in 2024. In many ways it delivered an old school hack and slack shooter.
With a robust campaign, co-op missions and muiltiplayer mode, it is an excellent overall package and brought Warhammer 40,000 back into the forefront.
It is an absolute blast slicing and dicing Tyranids (aliens) as huge battles take place around you.
Available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S
9.Palworld
By far the biggest surprise of the year was Palworld which launced back in January. This survival game which has you catching and utlising "Pals" which are eerily similar to Pokemon (hence the Nintendo lawsuit) blew up in January.
You can use these Pals to build up your village and protect it using various guns you collect. The islands are inhabited by over 100 different types of these creatures so you gotta catch 'em all!
Available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S
10. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
If you thought the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series could not get any crazier, developers Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio put the enigmatic Ichiban Kasuga in Hawaii.
There is an excellent turn-based system with hilarious jobs to inhabit like chef, pyrodancer and pop idol and of course in typical RGG style a wild story that goes places you never expect.
Available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S
