The best games to play in 2024
Before we dive in, let’s clarify what we’re talking about when it comes to the definition of ‘games’. We’re not talking about having fun in playgrounds or bingo halls, the games we’re looking at are video games.
Yes, the word ‘video’ may seem a little archaic (it literally means, ‘the recording, reproducing, or broadcasting of moving visual images’) but it's effective enough. It also helps us to get an idea of how popular these sorts of games are, because the phrase ‘video games’ hasn’t changed since the 70s.
According to data collated in January 2024, over 3.32 billion people around the world are active video gamers. And note ‘active’ we’re not even accounting for gamers that like the odd blast on megaways slots, say.
This figure of 3.32 billion has increased by over 1 billion in just eight years, which is arguably down to the advances in smartphone technology and mobile infrastructure: these days we can play games when and where we like.
Consider that just over 25 years ago, until the emergence of Nokia’s snake, this type of gaming didn’t even exist. Having said that, we’re not going to focus on mobile gaming apps today, we’re going to check out the latest glut of console-based games.
These are the games that are at the cutting edge of both technology and creativity, games that are unique, and original and represent the best examples of a video game. And maybe we’ll revisit a new twist on a few old favourites along the way.
Pacific Drive: PlayStation 5, PC. Out 22 February
But first, something new, fresh and frankly annoying for Xbox owners. This is a first-person survival-based game, but it’s also a little bit off the wall as it’s er, car-based survival.
That’s right folks, to survive you need to keep your motor in workable order or you’re not going to make it. Sure, it’s billed as a ‘survival horror’ but while it’s creepy, you could play it into the wee hours without having nightmares.
There is something old-school about the format of the game that makes it sort of comforting to play. We won’t say anymore because we don’t do spoilers, but if you’ve played ‘Everyone’s Gone to The Rapture’ you’ll love this.
Baby Steps: PlayStation 5, PC. Out this summer
Once in a while, a game shows up that changes the way we think about games. Not in a radical sense, but one that seamlessly blends two opposing poles as if they were naturally inclined to one another.
In this one, you play Nate, a chubby 35-year-old loser (in a onesie) who needs some serious help walking in his new weird, beautiful environment. Just read back that last sentence and understand that this game is decidedly strange, funny and actually ‘ha-ha’ funny.
The attention to sound detail is worth noting because it goes beyond normal expectations, adding another immersive twist to proceedings. And while this and other facets of the game
will be lost on some (Xbox owners don’t get a look in) those who ‘get it’ are in for a hell of a trip.
Still Wakes the Deep: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC, 2024
We mentioned ‘Everyone’s Gone to The Rapture’, BAFTA award-winning developers The Chinese Room were behind that and Still Wakes the Deep is their latest venture. And while the horror is kept on the comparatively subtle side, this one has a pervasive creepiness that gets right under the skin.
First off, the game looks fantastic, we’re on an oil rig which feels as tangibly grim as it sounds. Factor in that something is seriously not right inside and you have got a game that will probably give your nightmares a run for their money. And Xbox players get a look in too! Though they may well regret it…
Tekken 8: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC. Out 26 January
The first Tekken came out thirty -years ago, which means it even pre-dates Snake. It’s one of the earliest PlayStation games and its popularity has endured.
Tekken 8 pulls no punches if you’ll pardon the pun, it’s more of the same but looking better. One nice touch is the single-player mode that allows players to learn the ropes before being beaten senseless by a cyborg.
Final Fantasy VIII Rebirth: PlayStation 5. Out 29 February
If you thought Tekken was old, Final Fantasy is virtually prehistoric: it’ll be forty years old in 2027. Though there’s a twist to FF VIII Rebirth, it’s a remake of the 1997 original and it’s been a decade in the making.
There’s been quite a few remakes coming onto the market lately, so what does that tell us about the current state of video games? Well, the three games at the top of this page are neither sequels nor remakes, they’re just brilliant.
Enough said, really.
