Now that gaming is bigger than ever before, millions of fans regularly await big-name releases.
Some are sequels, while others are highly publicized new projects. Aside from the well-known new projects, the gaming world has also seen a rise in imaginative new projects from indie developers lately.
In fact, these are some of the world’s most highly acclaimed games, from Monument Valley to Cuphead. Best of all, new releases are available for just about every type of hardware, from gaming PCs to handhelds like the Steam Deck.
With so many releases constantly hitting the market and a wide range of gaming publications covering them, it’s easy for some titles to slip through the cracks. If you feel a little behind on the best games released over the last few years, then sample the titles below. They’re some of the best hits that gamers and critics are covering this year, along with a few classic choices.
Poker
Poker is far from a new hit. In fact, this game has been a popular choice for players since it first went online in the 1990s. But if you’re a gamer looking for a daring new choice, then start here—there’s a reason why the classics like Texas Hold’em poker have stood the test of time.
One reason why players still compete online is with the hopes of going pro and competing in live tournaments—just like eSports players. And with thirty years of experience, many virtual poker platforms have a straightforward and streamlined setup.
Slay the Spire
This video game is ramping up for a sequel—which has generated new interest in the roguelike deck-building game for 2024. Slay the Spire requires players to carefully build a deck of cards, which they’ll use to take down a series of terrifying creatures in the hopes of defeating the Spire.
Similar to poker, this is a card game. That makes it more accessible for gamers who are burned out on fast-moving and highly competitive titles. It includes plenty of fantasy elements, along with a roguelike approach that sees players travel through a dungeon-like world.
Disco Elysium
This RPG made waves when it was released back in 2019. Not only was its unique art style celebrated, but so was its unique gameplay and narrative. From just about every angle, in other words, Disco Elysium was a hit. Unfortunately, it flew under the radar for many gamers.
This year, it’s seeing a comeback. If you like oil paintings, you’ll enjoy this game. If you like murder mysteries and post-revolutionary political schemes, you’ll be thrilled with this release. If you like non-traditional setups, personality-based game mechanics, and more, then pick up Disco Elysium today.
Nine Sols
This game includes elements of Taoism set in a cyberpunk world—which is already intriguing enough. But if Taopunk characteristics don’t catch your intrigue, then maybe you’ll enjoy the more traditional elements of combat action-platformers. Similar to other hits on this list, Nine Sols also stands out thanks to its unique hand-drawn art style.
The game promises a short-and-sweet version of similar hits like Wukong: Black Myth. The game follows the journey of Yi, a legendary and ancient warrior who must overthrow a new tyrant in a mythical world. Uniquely, however, there are plenty of sci-fi and cyberpunk elements that differentiate Nine Sols from similar hits.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
This sequel is a follow-up to the award-winning and spine-tingling game that took players into the underworld as Senua, a hero on the hunt for her lost partner. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 follows the titular hero as she once again embarks on a terrifying journey—one that touches on concepts like mental health.
But the game also incorporates real-world historical and mythological references. The second installation is set in 9th-century Iceland, providing a glimpse into the past. But there’s plenty of intrigue thanks to the number of gods, goddesses, and demigods involved. Senua must work with them, battle them, trick them, and more if she wants to survive. The result is a highly engrossing and unique game.
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