Top 5 Hidden Gaming Gems of 2024!

Was 2024 another golden age of gaming?

There has never been a better time to be a gamer. Between the complex visual technology and detailed storytelling, games just continue to get better. Now that the year is getting near its end, we thought it was high time to look back on some of the games that changed the medium for the better. While art is subjective, we believe these games represent the best of what 2024 has to offer.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

FromSoftware is a legend in the gaming community. Its games push gamers to their limit and continually begs the question, is this even fun? What started as a niche genre enjoyed by only the most hardcore set of gamers exploded in popularity with the release of Elden Ring. This entry was milder than previous FromSoftware games while holding true to their dark aesthetic and worrisome lore.

The game was an overnight success that introduced the Soulsborn genre to a new world of players. However, the game’s DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, reintroduced the player base to the true nature of the series. This DLC featured increased difficulty, which many players had a hard time coming to terms with. While this may seem like a negative, it truly highlights FromSoftware's ability to keep players on their toes and present one of the biggest challenges in gaming.

The Depths Of Your Foolishness! - Midra, Lord Of Frenzied Flame

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Speaking of Soulsborn games, Dragon’s Dogma 2 proved that the genre has evolved beyond just FromSoftware releases. The past few years have seen a lot of great Soulsborn titles. Entries like Life of Pi changed the formula and proved that these games don’t have to be about knights and dragons. However, few games encompass the spirit of Soulsborn like Dragon’s Dogma 2.

This game takes everything from the original formula and improves on it. Not only do we get an amazing visual experience, but Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a unique twist on the standard storytelling aspect of the genre. This genre is typically set in some sort of post-apocalyptic world. However, Dragon’s Dogma 2 allows players to jump between time to get a glimpse of the world before the fall. This allows the game to truly stand out amongst the sea of Soulsborn clones.

Hades 2

Thankfully, indie games are finally getting the recognition they deserve. One of the best indie franchises in recent memory has to be Hades. This roguelike utilizes Greek mythology and brilliant visuals to create a compelling storyline in between runs. Not to mention it includes one of the best progression systems in the genre leading to a very satisfying gameplay loop.

Hades builds upon these aspects and adds more quality of life improvements. The game is still in early access, so it is too early to tell if it will outpace the original. However, based on the success of the original, it seems unlikely that Hades 2 will be anything but brilliant.

Helldivers 2

As much as people complain about politics in video games, Helldivers 2 proves that it can be successful. In a similar fashion to Starship Troopers, Helldivers 2 delves into fascism and propaganda. However, both pieces of entertainment focus on the people who have been brainwashed by these processes and believe that they are the good guys.

Not only that but Helldivers 2 provides one of the best shooter experiences in recent memory. Its team based missions provides a sense of community and allows for some fun times with friends. Unfortunately, the game suffered from a contractual obligation that hurt its player base. However, the game still stands as one of the best entries of the year.

Metaphor ReFantazio

Atlus just doesn’t miss. From the team that brought us the Person series comes a brand new type of fantasy with Metaphor ReFantazio. This game takes the best of what Persona had to offer while tightening up the gameplay. No longer are we a high school student living in a cruel and unjust world.

Now, we are a young man living in a much crueler and unjust fantasy world. As expected, Metaphor ReFantazio delivers a fantastic story. However, it provides the best combat experience of any Atlus game. If you haven’t already started playing Metaphor ReFantazio, now is the time to start.