After the year that was 2023, it’s time to move to 2024. I put all the games I’m interested in with firm release dates or list 2024 as a date and put them up against each other. These are the ten games I found myself most anticipating. Now, some obvious notes to remember. First, as is common in the world of video games, there will be delays. Second, many announcements will come through the year of games that would easily top this list if they were made before this article. Lastly, these are my top ten as of the publishing of this article (January 16, 2024).
#10 - Persona 3 Reload
Sega / Atlus
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series Consoles, PC
This would be much higher on the list if it weren’t for the fact that the expectation that I actually get to play this one is very low. I loved the heck out of Persona 5, and I want to play more Persona games. However, we all know how much time you have to put into these games. If the chance presents itself, I will jump on it and play it. I’ve heard great things about Persona 3, so this remake seems right up my alley.
#9 - Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door HD
Nintendo
Switch
I loved this game’s original release back in 2004. The first couple of Paper Mario games are gold, and I’m happy Nintendo finally listened to the fans, even if it comes in the form of a remake. The game looks beautiful, and I hope Nintendo has some secrets up its sleeve when it comes out and we get new content. If they time the release of this right, I have another great Mario RPG experience to add to my gaming memories in the span of one year.
#8 - Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Xbox Games Studios
Xbox Series Consoles, PC
I never played the first Hellblade, though I know its impact and what happens in the story. I am not as pumped up as others for this sequel, but there’s a nagging feeling in my head that this will be a Game of the Year contender, and its availability on Game Pass takes away my excuse not to try it out.
#7 - Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Sega
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series Consoles, PC
This game wasn’t on my radar until the last few months. I have never played a Yakuza game or spinoff. That being said, I have always wanted to try one out. The trailers began to sell me on the game, and that latest trailer with Druski pretty much put me over the top to go ahead and buy it. I feel this could be a good time.
#6 - Princess Peach Showtime!
Nintendo
Switch
I have wanted Princess Peach to have her own game for a very long time. I know there’s that DS game, but this one looks unique and interesting. The use of Broadway for the theming of the gameplay could produce some cool moments. I think this will surprise many people and have that Nintendo magic that gives you perfect relaxing games, similar to the Kirby franchise. It's been about time the princess broke away from being a damsel in distress, and I can’t wait to play her first true adventure.
#5 - Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft
PS5, Xbox Series Consoles, PC
I am a casual Star Wars fan who has mixed opinions on the franchise as a whole. Due to this, I never get hyped for the games that much. I know the Jedi Survivor games are good, but I have trouble hyping myself for them. However, Star Wars Outlaws calls to me. I don’t know what it is, but something tells me this will be a really good entry into the franchise’s video game adaptations. I expect this one to be a potential Game of the Year contender and a really good use of the IP.
#4 - The Plucky Squire
Devolver Digital
PS5, Xbox Series Consoles, Switch, PC
I think every gamer who has seen this game is excited about it. It has a charm to it mixed with a unique idea that screams potential core gaming memory. Sometimes, you see a game and know it’s going to be filled to the brim with cool moments and unique ideas, and The Plucky Squire is one of those for me. I do fear it will be delayed again, but I have hope it won’t.
#3 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Square Enix
PS5
No surprise here, as this is one of the most anticipated games of all time. The continuation of the trilogy remaking Final Fantasy VII. I would have this higher, but I still have some reservations about what they are doing with the story. Either way, I expect what the first remake game gave us on steroids. This one should be a solid way to start the year for JRPG fans.
#2 - Avowed
Xbox Games Studios
Xbox Series Consoles, PC
A few things are coming together to get me super excited for this game. First, Obsidian Entertainment’s quality track record. Second, I have never finished an Elder Scrolls game, so I want to have that feeling, and this is the closest I can get until Elder Scrolls VI comes out. Lastly, I like everything that has been shown, and many insiders have been telling people to prepare themselves for a damn good game. I have a lot of expectations and hope this will be one to remember.
#1 - Rise of the Ronin
Team Ninja / Sony Interactive Entertainment
PS5
Take two games in the growing samurai video game genre that I fell in love with (Sekiro: Shadows Twice and Ghost of Tsushima), and you get Rise of the Ronin. Every time I see any news updates on this game, I get more and more excited. A game with gameplay similar to Sekiro but has an easy option. A game that has the exploration and character growth of Tsushima but with more freedom for the decisions of the main character. This sounds like my game, 100% me, and I am going to be there on day one to play it.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of games that could’ve made the list and ones that nearly did, such as Tales of Kenzera, Earthblade, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, and Silksong. So, there’s plenty to get excited for in 2024. And, of course, we are going to get lots of reveals on the way that will change things up. Every few months, I’ll come out with a list updating my most anticipated games left in the year. I know if a new 3D Mario or Metroid Prime 4 is revealed, they will jump to number one. A lot to look forward to for us gamers.