With another year behind us, it’s time to reveal our games of the year for 2024. This year was packed with a variety of amazing titles, from big AAA releases to indie darlings. If it had a theme, it would be the year of the remake and the year of the RPG. Several titles here are one or the other, or even both, but all are great; and yes, we even have some DLC that made the list.
In creating this list, I reached out to each contributor at The Outerhaven to rank their top games. Each game would receive points corresponding to its ranking on each list. Honorable mentions and review scores broke any ties. Rankings proved exceptionally close this year, with so many quality games. We explored fantastical lands, took part in epic battles, and enjoyed revitalized remakes. And now, we share our 2024 games of the year with you.
10. World of Warcraft: The War Within
World of Warcraft underwent an unfathomable transformation over the last several years. While Dragonflight laid the groundwork, World of Warcraft’s current expansion, The War Within, built on top of it. Issues are fixed faster than ever, feedback is being heard and acted upon, and logging into World of Warcraft no longer feels like a slog. It feels like there is always something to do. And each content patch continues to add to the choices players have. To go from a death spiral that would have very well ended the long-storied history of the franchise into recovering and becoming a whole new game that is enjoyable once again, World of Warcraft: The War Within built upon Dragonflight’s turning point and delivered a worthy Game of the Year performance! –Josh Piedra
It’s been a while since World of Warcraft has captured my interest at all, let alone enough of my attention that I would bother getting the newest expansion at launch. The return of Chris Metzen as the director and story writer has brought the depth of lore that World of Warcraft players have wanted since his departure. –Karl Smart
9. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
One of the most ambitious projects for the Dragon Ball brand in over a decade, Sparking Zero manages to do the impossible: Got me to care about playing through the Dragon Ball Z story mode for the millionth time. The episodes mode is a great way to keep the solo players going, with all the branching paths leading you into storylines we would never see in the series. Add this on top of a good player vs player experience and you have one of the best Dragon Ball games ever made. –Karl Smart
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the return of the highly acclaimed series Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi. It has returned with faster combat, more characters, and a new presentation for its story. Once you pick this game up you will not be able to leave it for a while. Playing this game is a huge amount of fun. There are so many new scenarios that can be created within its new custom mode too. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the most Dragon Ball game of all time! –Scott Adams
8. Persona 3 Reload
Persona is a series near and dear to my heart. So Persona 3 Reload is what I believe a remake should be. It has updated mechanics, a fresh coat of paint, and a timeless story of Memento Mori. Add to that a memorable cast and events that you can adapt into your character’s own day-to-day life. After all, you only live once. So face your life, go get it, and Burn your Dread. –William Kok
7. Astro Bot
Astro Bot is a masterpiece and a must-play title for any fan of the genre, appealing to both older and new PlayStation fans. Hopefully, it proves to Sony that regardless of the direction PlayStation takes next, there’s always room for a little youthful joy. With three successful games in the franchise, Team ASOBI has established Astro as a pillar of the brand. –Sean Garmer
6. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
For me, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best games this year. Not only because it improves on the turn-based foundation laid by the previous game, but because Infinite Wealth also tells an incredible story—a story that feels like both a culmination of the entire franchise up to this point and a new beginning. –Jordan Andow
5. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
When Elden Ring launched in 2022, I immediately felt it was FromSoftware’s crowning achievement—a perfect fusion of dark fantasy and open-world gameplay. I thought it was impossible for FromSoftware to replicate that magic—lightning couldn’t strike twice. And yet, it did, with the release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. While a more contained experience than the original, it feels anything but small. Packed with sprawling exploration, countless secrets to uncover, deep lore, and incredible boss battles, it managed to exceed expectations in every way.
While the expansion didn’t drastically overhaul the formula established by Elden Ring, the thoughtful additions and refinements gave the expansion a distinct identity, making it a standout in its own right. Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t just a great expansion—it’s one of the most memorable Soulslike experiences FromSoftware has delivered in years. I can’t imagine a time when this game won’t live rent-free in my mind. –Keith Mitchell
When I first heard about the Elden Ring DLC, I actually debated getting it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the base game greatly. But did I really want to relearn how to “get gud” again? The answer proved a resounding yes. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is just as tough as the main game, but also just as rewarding, beautiful, and Messmer-izing. –Andrew Agress
4. Silent Hill 2 Remake
Silent Hill 2 Remake is one of the biggest remakes to come out since Capcom released Resident Evil 2. The guys and girls at Bloober Team put a lot of effort into remaking Silent Hill 2, one of the most beloved horror games of the PlayStation 2 era, and making it feel both foreign and familiar at the same time. While the grifters on YouTube spent a lot of time trying to downplay this remake, the game itself goes beyond what people expected. It updated a classic while adding new touches to the gameplay and story that will allow this legendary game to live on for another generation. –Karl Smart
After many online doubted their ability to remake Silent Hill 2, Bloober Team is hopefully basking in their success. The studio tweaked just enough to provide some quality-of-life updates while preserving everything that made the original so iconic and eerie. Silent Hill 2 Remake is also a true survival horror game, with rationing supplies becoming an engaging puzzle onto itself. –Andrew Agress
3. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest 3 was a legendary entry into the highly esteemed Dragon Quest series. It was so popular, Square Enix mandated having the Dragon Quest games release on the weekend. This remake does a fantastic job of capturing the magic and adding even more love to the game. This game is worth your time and money, from the addition of the monster wrangler to all the new hidden secrets around the world map. –Scott Adams
In a gaming landscape where so many titles indulge in repetitive design, here comes Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is more than just a remake of the original. It brings back a fully complete classic class-based RPG Experience. Customize your crew and grind your way to save the world. Dragon Quest 3 HD 2D Remake will make you appreciate class/job-based RPG systems you’ve seen in the modern era and even DRPGs (Dungeon RPGS). –Matthew Paul
2. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is the accumulation of the highest points of the Atlus games. It has a story and a world asking some of the hardest questions, and a cast willing to show their resolve to the very end. This is a game that knows how to write an engaging story. The combat also takes notes from the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei games, making it the best battle system Atlus has made thus far. Metaphor: ReFantazio may be a long game, but it will make you dread leaving it. –Scott Adams
Metaphor: ReFantazio brings a new narrative from ATLUS that is absolutely striking. It focuses on the ideals that we create and strive for. Even its world is not too far off from our own reality. From its known style, refined gameplay, and cast of characters, Metaphor: Refantazio asks hard questions. Are the imagination and ideals you have all metaphors? Or do they hold power in reality? Metaphor: ReFantazio is a must-play for any RPG fan. –William Kok
1. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second part in an epic three-part trilogy that is the Final Fantasy VII Remake. It enhances the combat, mechanics, and scope of the first game. You now have the world map at your fingertips with plenty of exotic and amazing locales to traverse. This entry hosts some of the most iconic beats from the original game with a very impressive voice cast and set pieces. The soundtrack will have you gushing in tears and smiles all throughout your time through its lifestream. –Scott Adams
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth retells a classic tale with a classic world to explore. It has timely events involving Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, Red 13, Yuffie, and crew, fast-paced action gameplay, and a myriad of minigames that one can enjoy. From the timeless moments to the new direction the story is moving in, Rebirth is a solid title that should be experienced by any RPG fan. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a must-have in anyone’s library. –William Kok
I loved Final Fantasy VII Remake, with its endearing cast of characters, riveting story, and fast-paced gameplay. And then Final Fantasy VII Rebirth came along and improved upon it on just about every front. The first several chapters—encompassing a madcap dash across the planet—offer some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a game. Rebirth‘s world is a joy to explore, from gorgeous grasslands and scenic seaports to mystical mountains and kooky casinos. Even the Queen’s Blood minigame proves more engaging than many standalone titles. I won’t say that it was fate… but Final Fantasy VII Rebirth felt like a strong contender when it came out early this year. Winning our top game of the year spot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth deserves a victory fanfare. –Andrew Agress
