It seems unlikely that we will experience another year in gaming quite like 2023 in the near future. Last year saw the release of exceptional games, including Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, alongside memorable sequels for some of our favorite franchises like Street Fighter 6 and Final Fantasy XVI. Finally, the long-awaited Alan Wake II made its debut, after years of anticipation.
Looking at the 2024 release schedule, there are definitely some games to be excited. Below, you’ll find our collective picks of the games we’re most looking forward to playing in 2024.
20. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
I wasn’t particularly impressed with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League when it was shown during the February 2023 Sony State of Play, and I wasn’t the only one. Following the lukewarm reception, it was announced that the game would be delayed to 2024 from its original release of May 28, 2023. So why is it one of our most anticipated games of 2024? I have faith in Rocksteady Studios’ ability to deliver a fun and competent game, at the very least. However, it has been nearly nine years since Rocksteady’s last title, Batman: Arkham Knight. A lot has changed in the gaming industry since then. I suppose I’m just more curious to see if Rocksteady Studios still has what it takes to create a great game.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launches February 2, 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
19. Tekken 8
Admittedly, I haven’t played a Tekken game in quite some time, but our resident fighting game expert, Chad Custodio, is very much looking forward to Tekken 8. I also intend to spend some time with it, as last year’s releases of Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 has me interested in fighting games once again. Tekken 8 also introduces a new single-player mode called Arcade Quest, which bears some resemblance to Street Fighter 6’s World Tour, which I praised in my review. In Arcade Quest, similar to World Tour, players can create a unique avatar and embark on a story-driven journey, challenging a variety of rivals across multiple arcades in Tekken 8.
Tekken 8 launches January 26, 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
18. Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story
While I’m not a huge fan of League of Legends, I do love Teamfight Tactics and yordles. So, I’m really looking forward to Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story. It’s being developed by Lazy Bear Games, known for the very excellent Graveyard Keeper. It’s another entry into what’s becoming known as the “cozy” genre, which basically blends farm and life simulation with light RPG aspects. In Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story, players step into the shoes of a shy yordle, fresh from completing a 101-year apprenticeship in knitting. There is an ultimate goal to the game, which is to reunite Bandle City.
Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story currently has no release date but will be launching on Switch and PC.
17. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Life is Strange turned me into a fan of the developer, Don’t Nod. So, despite Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden appearing somewhat generic, I’m curious to see how the team has evolved over the years. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is an action-RPG that is putting a heavy focus on decisions having consequences. In the game, players are tasked with solving haunting mysteries and combating supernatural entities, taking on the roles of two characters: Antea and Red.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden launches February 13, 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
16. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
The original Suikoden ranks among my favorite games from the original PlayStation era. While a remaster is on the horizon this year, I’m more interested in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, which was the highest-funded Kickstarter video game in 2020, aims to offer a contemporary twist on the classic JRPG formula. Drawing inspiration from Suikoden, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, as its name suggests, features a roster of over 100 playable characters.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes launches April 23, 2024 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
15. Princess Peach: Showtime!
If you grew up playing video games in the NES era like me, you know the quality to expect when it comes to first-party Nintendo games. This is especially true when the titles involve their most iconic characters. That’s why we’re excited to see what Nintendo is doing with Princess Peach starring in her own game, titled Princess Peach: Showtime! In this game, Princess Peach’s visit to the Sparkle Theater takes an unexpected turn as the villainous Grape and the Sour Bunch hijack the show. We’re looking forward to seeing how Nintendo implements the concept of Princess Peach adopting various throughout the game, such as kung fu master or a pastry chef.
Princess Peach: Showtime! launches March 22, 2024 exclusively on Switch.
14. Rise of the Rōnin
Team Ninja is another one of those developers that have earned a reputation over the years of delivering solid gaming experiences. From the excellent Ninja Gaiden games to Nioh and its sequel, Team Ninja knows what it takes to make a fun game. Rise of the Rōnin is particularly interesting because it’s Team Ninja’s first open-world title and the developer has openly admitted it has been a particular challenge. That’s because up until now, Team Ninja has only created linear, level-based games. Players will be able to create a custom character in this adventure, which will feature a wide array of weapons common during the Boshin war, including katanas and Boshin war firearms.
Princess Peach: Showtime! launches March 22, 2024 exclusively on Switch.
13. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Weird name aside, Metaphor: ReFantazio marks Atlus’s first major entry into full-scale fantasy RPGs. At the helm of this ambitious project is Katsura Hashino, renowned for directing Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. Metaphor is aiming to be the third RPG pillar for Atlus, standing alongside the acclaimed Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Set in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, the game’s narrative unfolds in a realm plunged into chaos and unrest following the assassination of the king. Its battle system blends action elements with and turn-based commands, and the gameplay is touted as an evolution of the realistic day-by-day journey of the Persona series.
Metaphor: ReFantazaio currently has no release date but will be launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
12. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was one of the most unique and memorable experiences I’ve ever had in gaming, which is why I’m looking forward to its sequel. In Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Senua returns to embark on a challenging journey in Viking Iceland, aiming to save those suffering from tyranny. I can’t wait to see the cinematic adventure the team at Ninja Theory has been crafting over the past few years. Hopefully, an actual release date will be announced soon.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II currently has no release date but will be launching on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
11. Visions of Mana
One of the most exciting announcements for me at The Game Awards 2023 was Visions of Mana. I have such fond memories of Secret of Mana that despite so many average entries in the series, I have hope that one day we’ll get something as magical and memorable as Secret of Mana. So far we’ve only seen a single trailer for Visions of Mana, but it looks very much like the Mana game I’ve been waiting years for. Please Square Enix, don’t disappoint my childhood self.
Visions of Mana currently has no release date but will be launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
10. Homeworld 3
he RTS genre hasn’t seen many standout entries in recent years, but I’m hopeful that Homeworld 3 will change this trend. I really enjoyed playing the Homeworld Remastered Collection and even Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak several years ago, and Homeworld 3 looks to really modernize the space-faring RTS. I’m particularly excited to experience the new co-op multiplayer mode that blends Homeworld’s RTS gameplay with roguelike elements.
Homeworld 3 launches May 13, 2024 on PC.
9. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Given how well-done Super Mario RPG was, I can’t wait to replay Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Originally released in 2004 for the GameCube, the game is slated for a remaster (or is it a remake?) on the Switch sometime this year. It’s still unclear how much Nintendo will add or change in this version, but it’s likely it’ll be similar to Super Mario RPG, which received several enhancements to its gameplay. Regardless of whether it’s a remaster or a remake, it’s an opportunity to play one of the best RPGs Nintendo has ever published. It also features one of the best versions of Yoshi.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door currently has no release date but will be launching exclusively on Switch.
8. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Over a decade since the original Dragon’s Dogma was released, we’re finally getting a sequel. Powered by Capcom’s highly successful and versatile RE Engine, Dragon’s Dogma 2 features an AI-driven Pawns system. Capcom claims this system will make you feel as if you’re accompanied by other players during your solo adventure. Based on what Capcom has revealed so far, the game might actually meet the high expectations of fans who have been patiently awaiting this sequel.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 launches March 22, 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
7. Star Wars Outlaws
I’m maintaining cautious expectations for Star Wars Outlaws, though I’ve enjoyed both Division games from Massive Entertainment. In addition, the recent success of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has me excited that this open-world Star Wars game will be an enjoyable one. In the game, players will assume the role of Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom and a new beginning, alongside her companion, Nix. Personally, I’m looking forward to a Star Wars game that doesn’t focus on being a Jedi, because there’s so much more to Star Wars than just lightsabers.
Star Wars Outlaws currently has no release date but will be launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
6. Last Epoch
Following my immense disappointment with Diablo IV last year, I discovered solace in Last Epoch. This action-RPG is set to finally exit Early Access this year, with Eleventh Hour Games planning to continue its support every few months through “Cycles.” If you, like me, feel that Diablo IV missed the mark, then I highly recommend checking out Last Epoch. It features interesting systems, classes, skills, and itemization. I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements and new classes that will be introduced to the game for its official launch.
Last Epoch exits Early Access February 21, 2024 on PC.
5. Unicorn Overlord
Yes, Unicorn Overlord might be one of the strangest names for a game, but I believe Vanillaware can do no wrong after experiencing 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, one of the best games I’ve ever played. Unicorn Overlord aims to combine tactical RPG with overworld exploration, featuring an innovative battle system and Vanillaware’s iconic art style. I’m hopeful that this game will fill the substantial void left by Square Enix’s reluctance to create another Final Fantasy Tactics game.
Unicorn Overlord launches March 8, 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
4. Persona 3 Reload
It’s almost unbelievable how long it’s been since the original release of Persona 3 on the PlayStation 2 in 2006. I remember calling every local video game store to hunt down a copy. and when I finally got my hands on it, I easily sunk over 100 hours into the game. After that, I went through Persona 3 FES and knew I was hooked on the Persona series. For many others, that experience wouldn’t come until Persona 5’s release, which is why I am so glad Persona 3 Reload is less than a month away. While the cast of Persona 5 is likable, I personally found the characters of Persona 3 to be more memorable. The overall story and tone are darker, resulting in what I consider a more mature experience. If you enjoyed Persona 5, I strongly suggest giving Persona 3 Reload a try.
Persona 3 Reload launches February 2, 2024 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
3. Hades II
Every few years, a game comes along that changes the industry by introducing mechanics and gameplay features that will influence future games for decades to come. Hades was such a game, leading to the creation of roguelike and roguelite spinoffs across almost every genre imaginable. The formula that Hades thoroughly refined became a template not only for new games but also for additional modes in existing games. It has served as an inspiration for many—take God of War Ragnarök’s Valhalla DLC as a recent example. I enjoyed Hades so much, that I consider it my favorite game to play on the Steam Deck.
Given this, it’s hardly a surprise that Hades II is among my most anticipated games of the year. Although it will launch in Early Access, the original Hades’ Early Access phase was pretty robust, so I expect there will be plenty of content to explore in Hades II at its release.
Hades II currently has no release date but will be launching Early Access on PC.
2. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
I make no secret of the fact that Final Fantasy is my favorite video game franchise. Although the original Final Fantasy VII isn’t my top pick in the series, this remake trilogy might take that top spot once it’s all said and done. I had a few issues with Final Fantasy VII Remake, but overall, it was a strong beginning to introducing this important game to a new generation. Everything revealed about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth looks excellent, and I am personally open to any crazy story ideas they may have baking in the oven. After all, I’m one of the three weirdos on this planet that actually enjoyed the crazy story of Kingdom Hearts.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches February 29, 2024 on PlayStation 5.
1. Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
It may sound hyperbolic, but I consider Final Fantasy XIV a true source of inspiration. The original launch of the game was absolutely terrible. It wasn’t just the worst Final Fantasy game I’ve ever played, it was one of the worst games of all time. I had purchased the most expensive Collector’s Edition for the game and taken a week of vacation, expecting it to be the next great MMORPG. It left such a bad taste in my mouth that I was almost entirely uninterested when I received my invitation to the closed beta for A Realm Reborn. But someway, somehow, Naoki Yoshida and his team have managed over the years to transform Final Fantasy XIV from one of the worst games I’ve ever played into one of the best.
I don’t anticipate Dawntrail being as good and emotional as Endwalker, given that it’s the beginning of a new story arc, while Endwalker was the culmination of years of storytelling. Then again, I didn’t think the team at Creative Business Unit III could top Shadowbringers. Nonetheless, that won’t stop me from making Dawntrail my most highly anticipated game of the year, even though it’s just an expansion for a long-running MMORPG. Most importantly though, I can’t wait to listen to another amazing soundtrack from Soken and team.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail currently has no release date but will be launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
