by SymphonieWe may only be a quarter of the way through 2024 but some big-hitting releases have already been unleashed into the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of the console or PC, there’s an abundance of new gameplay experiences to be had, from sequels to stand-alone titles. Whether it’s mortal combat, Norse mythology or first-person shooter, there’s something for everyone. Our guide looks at the latest releases to catch our attention, alongside a couple of old favorites to play in 2024.
God of War Ragnarök
This thrilling 2022 sequel from the developer, Santa Monica Studio, has you enthralled from the opening scene. The writing, performances and music are exceptional and bring this expansive Norse tapestry to life. It’s every bit as compelling as its Game of the Year 2018 predecessor, if not more so. It’s recommended that to understand all that has come before, you need to play the legendary first instalment. However, for those of you going in blind, there is a very brief recap at the start of God of War Ragnarök.
At the end of the first chapter, we saw the true nature of Kratos’ son Atreus unfold, as his father proudly watched his boy prove he is no longer a child in an epic hunting scene. During the intervening years, Atreus has been growing stronger, learning about his Giant name Loki and trying to convince his father to trust him. However, Kratos wishes to protect Atreus from the battles to come but his son is hell-bent on meeting them head-on, with the first step being to leave Midgard and find a missing Norse god…
Doom Eternal
For the old-school players among you, Doom Eternal is an absolute must. It takes everything from its 2016 prequel, Doom, and turns it up several notches. Developed by id Software, Doom Eternal (2020) is the seventh game of the series and is available on PC or console. True to form, the game offers blood-pumping intensity and plenty of gore-packed scenes with fabulous visuals and sounds.
This classic first-person shooter sees you trek into hell to face a never-ending stream of demons while trying to reclaim an overrun earth. Boosting your health sometimes needs you to literally rip monsters apart using whatever means possible. You may also need to be creative with your weapon of choice to overcome whatever dastardly demon confronts you.
With the latest software, it’s also possible to play Doom Eternal in 2v1 multiplayer mode, where one player becomes the slayer and the other two take on the roles of havoc-wreaking demons.
Mega Moolah
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The game plays out on a 5×3 layout with medium volatility and 88.12% RTP. The low RTP rate is not that surprising, considering its Mega Jackpot seeds at $1,000,000. There are four progressive jackpot prizes available – Mini, Minor, Major and Mega. During play, the jackpot bonus wheel will randomly appear, giving players the opportunity to spin and win one of these four amazing jackpots.
Other special features include doubling wilds, and free spins with 3x win multipliers. You can check out unbiased Mega Moolah slot review to find out more on it’s incredible success within the online casino scene.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
This blockbuster sequel sees the return of Cloud and friends as they continue to defy destiny. Released in 2024 by Square Enix, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the highly anticipated follow-up to the breathtaking Final Fantasy VII Remake. This time, there are huge open zones to explore, with dozens of activities to complete. You’ll find mini games around every corner, and side quests that give way more insight into each party member, adding intricate details to the main story. The game is gigantic and is full of very difficult challenges and hidden collectibles, if you’re interested in completing this game 100% and earning the Platinum Trophy, you should definitely check out our FF7 Rebirth Walkthrough.
Essentially, the back story revolves around the damage a parasitic corporation is doing to the planet by draining it of ‘mako’, which in turn is harming the ethereal energy that provides life. With this in mind, we join Cloud and Avalanche, who are effectively eco-terrorists, and their party to fight for the people and the world beyond Midgar.
Dragon’s Dogma II
New for 2024 is this unexpected sequel, Dragon’s Dogma II, from Capcom, re-telling and re-implementing those marvelous ideas from the 2012 cult classic. In this magical open-world adventure, no two trips down the same path are similar. Prepare for a dynamic world of intrigue and discovery in which the journey is just as important as the destination.
There’s no telling what may happen as you leave the safety of the latest village or city, but one thing’s for sure – it’ll have the potential to be spellbinding and well worth your time. Dragon’s Dogma II builds on the foundations laid by its prequel and shares an enchanting open-world RPG with exciting combat and extremely diverse quests, from rescuing a boy who has been taken by a pack of wolves to battling with a three-headed, magic-wielding chimera.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Following an era of 3D adventures, Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia returns to its 2D roots in this 2024 modernized Metroidvania sequel, The Lost Crown. Breaking with tradition, the player does not portray the Prince – in fact, you play as Sargon, the youngest member of the Immortals. The latter are a group of Avengers-like superheroes, a sort of Persian royal guard, if you like.
When one of your group kidnaps the Prince of Persia, you are dispatched to Mount Qaf with the others on a rescue mission. Already a fierce and fast warrior, Sargon is the youngest of the Immortals and faces an upward struggle in proving his rightful place among the group, while endeavoring to track down his mentor who is responsible for the kidnapping.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Eagerly awaited is the 2024 release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As a longstanding fan, you’ll be fully aware of the Yakuza and Like a Dragon games that provide compelling action and heartwarming storylines. This time, the game steps outside of Japan and accompanies Ichiban Kasuga, who we met in the 2020 Like a Dragon instalment, to Hawaii for a reunion with his mother after learning she is still alive.
However, it’s not quite the smooth-sailing reunion we hoped for, as he manages to get caught up in a huge conspiracy involving the Yakuza and various other criminal organizations. This instalment sees Ichiban pairing up with Kazuma Kiryu, the longstanding protagonist of the series. Get ready for a game filled with laughter, sadness, exciting combat and an extensive mini game, Dondoko Island.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 from Arrowhead Games has taken the gaming world by storm. This early 2024 release sees a modern multiplayer game that’s light on the storyline but heavy on blasting bugs and robots! Team up with three of your mates, head off to hostile planets and kill hundreds of enemies with whatever weaponry you can lay your hands on, from pistols or rifles to orbital strikes.
You’ll deploy powerful super weapons as you move from one objective to the next – anything to combat the bile-spewing bugs and laser-eyed robots! Will you make it out alive? Probably not, but there are hilarious friendly-fire mechanics and rewards for progression to the next devilish mission! You can enable cross play to join PS5 players or stick to PC gaming, whichever you prefer.
Tekken 8
In our opinion, the return of Tekken was long overdue, so the 2024 release is a welcome sight, pushing the well-established fighting game series forward with rewarding and aggressive gameplay. This latest instalment introduces new characters, innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, incredible animations and detailed environments.
In addition, you can open the doors to a comprehensive training mode that walks you through all the fundamentals – with replays to boot. Both of the story modes, Arcade Quest and The Dark Awakens, will update you on the history of the game. The improved animation makes you feel like each hit is a winner, whether it be a ten-hit combo or simple starter.
Elden Ring
Released in 2022 by FromSoftware, Elden Ring offers a vast open-world game experience with jaw-dropping vistas and incredible soundtracks. From the outset, you play as Tarnished and are compelled to travel the many interconnected regions of The Lands Between and become an Elden Lord. What this means, how you might do this and what the significance of the giant glowing tree is, nobody knows.
These are all things you will discover along the way. But which way, you may ask? Well, any way turns out to be the answer, as the game gives you the freedom to explore. You can follow the Light of Grace to the main path or find a hidden dungeon, fight the boss and pick up a cool weapon or two!
