Anticipating the Top 20 Video Games of 2024

As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of highly anticipated titles in 2024, the year promises a diverse array of gaming experiences. From the mesmerizing world of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth to the thrilling narrative of The Wolf Among Us 2, here’s a glimpse into the top 20 games that have captured the attention of NPR and gaming enthusiasts alike.

• Persona 3 Reload, Feb. 2

• NPR Gaming Lead James Mastromarino looks forward to exploring the edgy teen aesthetic and RPG mechanics in this slick new version.

• Skull and Bones, Feb. 16

• Daniel Morgan anticipates swashbuckling piracy in this standalone game, set in the Indian Ocean and African coasts, offering story-rich quests with an MMO vibe.

• Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, Feb. 29

• The sequel to the 2020 Remake, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, promises a radically new retelling, leaving players quivering in anticipation of its hybrid real-time/turn-based combat.

• Life By You Early Access, March 5

• Paradox Interactive’s Life By You, led by former Sims head Rod Humble, aims to unseat The Sims with hyper-customizability, offering players control over everything from clothing to storylines.

• Homeworld 3, March 8

• Alex Curley, excited for an all-consuming real-time strategy game, looks forward to battling for galactic dominance and exploring roguelike missions in the new War Games mode.

• Unicorn Overlord, March 8

• James Mastromarino hopes Vanillaware’s tactical RPG will match the narrative ambition of 13 Sentinels and provide a captivating experience.

• Dragon’s Dogma 2, March 22

• James Mastromarino expresses optimism for Capcom’s sequel, expecting it to refine unique action RPG mechanics and capture a wider audience.

• Princess Peach: Showtime!, March 22

• Rakiesha Chase-Jackson is excited about Peach’s full Mario treatment, featuring fun transformations and unique power-ups.

• Rise of the Rōnin, March 22

• Justin Lucas anticipates Team Ninja’s return to Japan, expecting a high-quality experience from the team behind the Nioh series.

10. Manor Lords, April 26

• Alex Curley looks forward to donning the crown as a manor lord in this medieval European city-builder and strategy sim.

11. Black Myth: Wukong, Aug. 20

• Justin Lucas is intrigued by the AAA soulslike game with slick action and unique character design from relatively unknown developer Game Science.

12. Avowed (Undated 2024)

• Corey Bridges expects Obsidian Entertainment’s first-person fantasy game to provide a compelling substitute for Elder Scrolls 6.

13. Baby Steps (Undated 2024)

• James Mastromarino anticipates Bennett Foddy’s impish physics game, Baby Steps, offering hilariously challenging locomotion.

14. Camper Van: Make it Home (Undated 2024)

• Rakiesha Chase-Jackson is excited about the quintessential cozy game, allowing players to fulfill the dream of traveling the world in a camper van.

15. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (Undated 2024)

• James Mastromarino is confident that the upcoming expansion to Elden Ring will provide more reasons to explore the Lands Between.

16. Frostpunk 2 (Undated 2024)

• Alex Curley is eager to return to the outskirts of nuclear winter London, testing strategy and stability in 11 Bit Studios’ award-winning city-builder.

17. Hades 2 Early Access (Undated 2024)

• Megan Lim patiently awaits the Early Access release of Supergiant Games’ Hades 2, expecting enthralling romance and combat.

18. Hollow Knight: Silksong (Undated 2024)

• River Williamson expresses hope for Team Cherry’s sequel, understanding the challenges of game development and the studio’s commitment to quality.

19. Last Time I Saw You (Undated 2024)

• Rakiesha Chase-Jackson looks forward to publisher Chorus Worldwide’s interactive horror mystery, Last Time I Saw You, promising a mesmerizing story.

20. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl (Undated 2024)

• James Mastromarino acknowledges the delays in this Tarkovsky-inspired shooter series and anticipates its release in the first quarter of 2024.

As these games unfold throughout the year, gamers can expect a diverse and exciting array of experiences across various genres and platforms.