Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2024

Formerly known as “Yakuza,” this Sega-published RPG series has grown more popular with every release. Although we just got a new entry with the 2023 spin-off, “The Man Who Erased His Name,” fans are understandably ecstatic for a mainline installment. “Infinite Wealth” follows the protagonist of 2020’s “Like A Dragon” as he teams up with the main character from the original series to find his missing mother. In addition to Japan, the game will take us to Hawaii as we undoubtedly navigate a criminal underbelly. However, the franchise’s whacky shenanigans and over-the-top mini-games will be out in full force. The franchise only seems to get better, so “Infinite Wealth” will be a great start to the gaming year when it launches in early 2024.

“Skyrim” might remain the king of first-person fantasy RPGs among a sea of copycats, but we’ve got a good feeling about “Avowed.” Announced back in 2020, the game is being developed by Obsidian Entertainment. The studio has an excellent track record, having given us gems like “Fallout: New Vegas” and “The Outer Worlds.” However, “Avowed” will also be set in the same universe as their beloved “Pillars of Eternity” series, which should please longtime fans. While there’s still a decent amount we don’t know, including a definitive release date, the studio’s caliber and the allure of another wondrously magical world to get lost in is enough for us.

While Princess Peach is often the damsel, Nintendo has let her join the heroes in several recent titles, including 2023’s “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” But with “Showtime!,” she’ll have a game all to herself. The stage play-themed adventure will only be the second solo game she’s received following 2005’s “Super Princess Peach.” Even if that wasn’t the case, we’d be delighted with what we’ve seen so far. With a new group of villains taking over a theater, Peach will wear various outfits with different abilities for each genre. Yes, it’s adorable. But it also seems incredibly imaginative. We’re expecting the same level of charm always found in “Mario,” and we doubt Nintendo will disappoint.

Not only was “Celeste” one of the best games of 2018, it was one of the best platformers in recent memory. So you can imagine our joy when we learned the studio was working on a Metroidvania. “Earthblade” will see players return to a desolate Earth and explore the ruins left behind. Utilizing a gorgeous pixel art style once again, and reteaming with genius composer Lena Raine, “Earthblade” looks to offer a bit more action than its predecessor. While the indie scene is a tad crowded with Metroidvanias, we’d be shocked if developer Extremely OK Games didn’t find a way to stand out. And we’re downright jittery with excitement to see how when it launches sometime next year.

“Star Wars” has one of the more unique criminal underworlds in pop culture. But letting us explore that while also being set right after “The Empire Strikes Back?” Sign us up. “Outlaws” follows Kay Vess as she’s pulled into an enticing heist plot. Published by Ubisoft and developed by Massive Entertainment, the studio behind “The Division,” it promises plenty of thrills to match the set-up. Trailers have shown high-speed chases, tense blaster action, and some branching dialogue paths to spice things up. The open world will take us to familiar locales as well as completely new ones. Hopefully, it’ll bring enough new and old to please the fanbase. Though it doesn’t have an exact release date, we stand at the ready.

With a focus on Norse mythology, a supremely-crafted atmosphere, and a stunning performance from Melina Juergens, the first “Hellblade” was an impressive display. Players have been waiting since the sequel’s 2019 announcement to get another taste and we pray to Odin that the wait is almost over. The first game did a fantastic job blending Norse elements with Senua’s psychosis, leading to trippy visuals and lending every area a definite sense of dread. The sequel sees Senua head to Iceland this time. And while a fair amount of the story remains a mystery, the less we know the better. As long as Ninja Theory brings the same caliber as the first, we’ll be pleased.

“Tekken” is one of the most enduring fighting franchises around. And by the looks of the eighth mainline installment, that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. The game picks up six months after the events in “Tekken 7” and offers several new promising features. Director Katsuhiro Harada has called this game more aggressive thanks to a Heat State mechanic, which can alter a fighter’s move set and deal extra damage. “Tekken 8” is also the first major fighter designed in the relatively-new Unreal Engine 5. Not only are the visuals incredible, but players will enjoy destructible environments as their fights progress. Thankfully, we won’t have much longer to wait as “Tekken 8” launches January 26th.

From “Dead or Alive” to “Nioh,” Team Ninja rarely misses. And the studio’s next looks to be one of its most thematically and narratively rich. In “Rise of the Ronin,” we’ll explore Japan during the late 19th century in the midst of a Civil War. In addition to playing through this historic period, we’ll be able to alter the story by choosing who to side with. While the story sounds grounded, gameplay has the same level of flair the team is known for. Development started way back in 2015, and it’s been called the studio’s most ambitious game by director Fumihiko Yasuda. We’re currently in a new golden age of ninja and samurai games, so we’re excited to see what “Ronin” brings to the table.

The original “Final Fantasy VII” remains one of the strongest installments in the long-running franchise. And the first entry in the remake trilogy was a phenomenal effort in bringing it into the modern age. “Rebirth” picks back up on Cloud and the Avalanche Team as they continue their fight against Shinra. While the first game mostly stuck to the events in Midgar, “Rebirth” will expand on the world outside its walls as seen in the original. Seeing how Square Enix revisited and changed elements from the groundbreaking title almost made it an entirely new experience. It was a wonderful mash-up, flooding players with nostalgia as well as excitement at the new possibilities. When “Rebirth” releases, we have no doubt it will be even better.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

An Indie Adventure With a Delightful Style

A Tactics RPG Inspired by Gems of the 90s

The Fan-Favorite Entry is Coming to Switch

After a Troubled Development Period, the Vampiric Action RPG Launches Late 2024

The Long-Awaited Next Chapter in the Alternate History FPS

While “Hades II” only has an early access release window for 2024, we couldn’t give the top spot to anything else. Supergiant Games knocked it out of the park with the first game in every single category. The roguelike mechanics offered plenty of variety with Godly boons, and each Greek figure was wonderfully characterized and voice-acted. The story about Hades’ son trying to escape the Underworld was a stroke of pure genius with this particular genre, as every death expanded on the narrative and relationships of the characters. The sequel follows Zagreus’ sister, Melinoë, as she hunts the Titan of Time, Cronus. Here’s hoping it isn’t in early access as long as the first, because everyone will want to get their hands on it.

Which game are you most excited to play in 2024? Let us know in the comments and be sure to subscribe for more great gaming videos!