June 28th 2024.
It's hard to believe, but we're already halfway through the year! Time flies when you're immersed in the world of video games. While the news may be filled with doom and gloom, there have been some amazing game releases in the past six months that have provided a much-needed escape from reality.
At first, it was hard to narrow down a list of 20 games worthy of recognition. As we began to compile our list, we realized there were many notable titles that didn't make the cut, such as Dragon's Dogma 2 and Rise Of The Rōnin, as well as numerous indie games like Dicefolk, Paper Trail, Hauntii, V Rising, Ultrawings 2, Freedom Planet 2, and Little Kitty, Big City.
We followed the same criteria as our yearly Top 20 list, which means we didn't include remasters, remakes, and DLC. This left out some exceptional games, including Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, as well as Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, Braid Anniversary Edition, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Persona 3 Reload.
It's safe to say that this has been an exceptional year for quality games. And while the second half of 2024 initially seemed lacking in promising titles, it is now filled with a diverse range of exciting releases, from Astro Bot and Star Wars Outlaws to Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure.
If you're wondering why there is such a stark contrast between the gaming world and the news, the answer is simple: games take a long time to develop. All of the games on our list were in progress long before the industry's recent setbacks and uncertainties. What happens in the future is uncertain, but for now, we can appreciate the fact that this has been one of the best years for gaming in recent history.
Now, let's take a closer look at some of the top games from the past six months.
20. F1 24
We always struggle with including yearly sports sequels on our lists, as they tend to have minimal changes from their predecessors. However, F1 24 is the best Formula One game from Codemasters so far. And despite the studio's recent acquisition by EA, the game has maintained its quality.
19. WWE 2K24
Similarly, Visual Concepts has been developing WWE games for years, and this year's installment is the best wrestling game in recent memory. The studio's redemption from the disaster that was WWE 2K20 is nothing short of impressive.
18. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
This old-school Japanese role-playing game boasts stunning artwork, fantastic combat, and co-op options. It may not be well-known, but it's definitely a hidden gem. It would have ranked even higher if it had a better script.
17. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Don't let the name fool you, this is a surprisingly clever detective game with cute visuals. It's reminiscent of Return Of The Obra Dinn, which is high praise. The engaging puzzles and characters make it a must-play.
16. RKGK / Rakugaki
Jet Set Radio has been a hot topic lately, with talks of a reboot and a remake, as well as last year's Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. RKGK may not borrow as heavily from the classic Sega game, but its graffiti-themed platforming is the best homage yet. It's also the debut title for new developer, Wabisabi Games.
15. Crow Country
Survival horror games often draw inspiration from the past, and Crow Country is no exception. This throwback to PS1-era classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill is a nostalgia trip. Although it may not be the scariest game, the eerie atmosphere is captivating.
14. Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown
It's been a long time since we've had a new Prince Of Persia game, and now we have two at once. While The Rogue Prince Of Persia is promising, The Lost Crown is currently the more enjoyable game. It's a creative Metroidvania with excellent combat and platforming, but it doesn't really align with the rest of the series.
13. Another Crab’s Treasure
One of the things that has always puzzled us about Soulslike games is their tendency to mimic FromSoftware's tone and visuals. Another Crab's Treasure proves that a different setting can make a game feel more unique. Plus, it has plenty of its own original ideas, like playing as a hermit crab.
12. Helldivers 2
Sony's first live service game of the year was a huge success, although its popularity has dwindled in recent months. However, its love for friendly fire and ever-changing meta still feels fresh and sets it apart from other co-op shooters.
11. Minishoot' Adventures
This charming game may have a silly name, but don't let that fool you. It's a surprisingly complex detective game with engaging puzzles and characters. It's also been compared to Return Of The Obra Dinn, which is high praise.
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's time to reflect on the past six months in the world of video games. And let us tell you, it's been quite the ride. From charming titles like Animal Well to the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the first half of 2024 has been filled with exceptional games.
But before we dive into the list of our top 20 games, we must address the elephant in the room: the state of the gaming industry. It's no secret that the news has been a constant stream of negativity, but we believe the best way to lift our spirits is to simply play the games we love.
As we compiled our list, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of amazing titles that were released in the first half of the year. In fact, there were so many notable games that we had to make some tough decisions and leave out some deserving ones. We couldn't include remasters, remakes, or DLC, which meant that games like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door didn't make the cut. And let's not forget about highly anticipated titles like Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, Braid Anniversary Edition, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Persona 3 Reload.
But fear not, because the second half of 2024 is looking just as promising. From Astro Bot and Star Wars Outlaws to Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, there's a diverse range of games to look forward to. And if you're wondering why there seems to be a disconnect between the games and the news, it's simply because game development takes time. These games were in the works long before the layoffs and uncertainty began. What happens in the future is uncertain, but for now, let's focus on the positive and enjoy what is shaping up to be one of the best years for gaming in recent memory.
Now, without further ado, here are our top 20 games of the first half of 2024.
20. F1 24
We always struggle with including yearly sports sequels in our lists, as they tend to not offer many significant changes from their predecessors. However, F1 24 from Codemasters is the best Formula One game they have ever made. And it's reassuring to see that their recent acquisition by EA hasn't had a negative impact on the game.
19. WWE 2K24
Similarly, Visual Concepts has been developing WWE games for years, and WWE 2K24 is not only the best wrestling game in recent years, but it also makes up for the disappointing WWE 2K20. It's a comeback story worthy of the real WWE.
18. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
This old-school Japanese role-playing game may not be well-known, but it's a hidden gem that shouldn't be overlooked. With beautiful art, engaging combat, and co-op options, it only falls short in its lackluster script.
17. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Despite its seemingly childish name, this detective game is surprisingly clever and funny. The cute visuals are deceiving, as this game offers complex puzzles and characters. In fact, it's been compared to the critically acclaimed Return of the Obra Dinn.
16. RKGK / Rakugaki
There's been a lot of buzz surrounding Jet Set Radio, with rumors of a remake and last year's Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. But RKGK takes inspiration from the classic Sega game in a more subtle way, making it the most successful homage yet. It's also an impressive debut for new developer Wabisabi Games.
15. Crow Country
Survival horror games often draw inspiration from the past, and Crow Country is no exception. With its PS1-era visuals and gameplay, this game transports players back in time. While it may not be the scariest game, the eerie atmosphere is captivating, even for those who haven't played the original inspirations.
14. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
It seems like we waited forever for a new Prince of Persia game, and now we have two to choose from. While The Rogue Prince of Persia is showing promise in early access, The Lost Crown is currently the more enjoyable of the two. It's a unique Metroidvania with smooth combat and platforming, even though it strays from the series' traditional elements.
13. Another Crab's Treasure
One thing that has always puzzled us about Soulslike games is their tendency to copy the tone and visuals of FromSoftware's games, in addition to the gameplay. But Another Crab's Treasure proves that a different setting can make all the difference. With its hermit crab hero and unique ideas, this game stands out in the genre.
12. Helldivers 2
Sony's first live service game of the year was a hit, and for good reason. It's constantly evolving meta and love for friendly fire keep the gameplay feeling fresh and exciting. While it may have lost some popularity in recent months, we have no doubt that it will bounce back.
11. Minishoot' Adventures
Last but not least, we have Minishoot' Adventures. This game may be small in size, but it packs a big punch. With its charming graphics and challenging gameplay, it's a must-play for fans of the genre.
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