Copyright: GSC Game World, RGG Studios, Aspyr, Konami, Fool’s Theory
2024 seems like a calmer year for video games than 2023 on the surface, but there are a lot of titles to keep an eye on this year. I know it’s a little late for a ‘Year Ahead’ sort of post, but it’s the end of January. The news paints a picture of humanity on the verge of losing it all, covid is surging again (shoutout to my sick brother) and the novelty of 2024 is wearing off. I need motivation, a reminder of reasons to look forward to the year ahead instead of dread it, and I’m sure you do to. So. Video games. The only medium I’ve had the attention span for lately.
This isn’t going to be a list of every single 2024 video game. There are bigger sites that you could turn to for that. (Try Releases for a practically exhaustive list.) What I can do best is provide a unique sampler of the upcoming year that appeals to me. It seems like a decent place to start for this blog too, because it’ll give you an example of what I like, and what sort of media you can expect me to cover: well written stories, atmospheric action, classics, relaxed simulators, and gossip in the video game world. If any of those sound like they’re your niche too, then pull up a chair for a reminder of some genuine reasons to look forward to another year of video games.
Remakes, Remasters, and Re-Releases
If I had to use one word to sum up this year in the industry, it would be “remake”. This suits me just fine. I know the culture of constant remakes and sequels can get exhausting, but I have autism. I love repetition, and new things make me disproportionately anxious. Yes, even a new video game. It doesn’t make sense I know, but that’s okay. I love replaying classic games until the levels are burned into my eyes. So remakes are an exciting opportunity for me to enjoy the wave of social media hype for a new release while still remaining in my comfort zone.
On February 14th, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered launches. I’ve tried to play the original three Tomb Raider games before but unfortunately, I just didn’t grow up with them, and the aged controls never clicked for me. That wasn’t a fault in the games though. The fun in exploring the generously sized maps for hidden secrets, and the atmosphere crafted with excellent sound design in the dark, empty ruins were both still obvious to me. I could tell that it was just my own modern expectations standing in the way of a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to trying these games again and hoping that a refresh will balance out the issue of me being an ignorant child.
Not quite a remake but a ‘reboot’ of sorts targeting nostalgia, horror game Alone In The Dark launches March 20th with a celebrity cast (Jodie Comer, David Harper) and monster designs from Guy Davis, known for working with Guillermo del Toro. Aside from the cinematic star power both on and off the screen, this game returns to the setting of the very first Alone In The Dark game. It was delayed to avoid crunch for the staff, and I’d really like to see that kind of behaviour rewarded in this industry.
The two big hitters this year are, for me, one single event: The grand return of Konami to the stage. The Silent Hill 2 Remake, handled by Bloober Team, and Metal Gear Solid Delta, a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater are both expected this year via their inclusion in Sony’s 2024 hype reel. This is a huge moment for Konami. They need to demonstrate they can still make good games after so long out of the spotlight. Adding to the pressure, they’re making their return with big budget remakes, something their old rival Capcom have already perfected. I’ve never played anything from the Silent Hill franchise but I’m always excited to observe potential turning points in the industry.
Although I’m wary of touching a game I love as much as Metal Gear Solid 3, that can’t quite hamper my enthusiasm for its remake. I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker with simple needs when it comes to a game I love this much. As long as it works and plays smoothly, I’m sure the worst it will be is ‘okay’.
New Games For 2024
Speaking of franchises I need very little effort from, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is launching on January 26th. Like A Dragon’s story has, with few exceptions, always left me raw and emotional because it isn’t afraid to be raw and emotional. The honesty of its infectious passion and love for what it’s doing lets its more dramatic moments resonate in a way that not a lot of games can in an increasingly self-aware, self-depreciating culture. Like A Dragon games enjoy themselves, and I enjoy them. This one doesn’t seem like it will be any exception. (Though it doesn’t hurt to warn you of their controversial decision to lock New Game + behind a paywall.) If you already like the series, you don’t need a recommendation. If you’ve never played any of the games, the story in this one might be a little difficult for you to come into.
A game that I’m less sure what to expect from is S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2: Heart of Chornobyl, releasing Q1 2024 on Xbox and PC. I’ve never played any STALKER games but I’ve grown up hearing nothing but praise for them. (If you’ve also watched Hbomberguy’s extensive critique of Fallout 3, hi!) Chornobyl, the nuclear disaster, and the exclusion zone have been a long-lasting special interest for me, so I’m always eager to experience anything connected to that. Last year I played The Farm 51’s Chernobylite, and although it was a visually stunning game with interesting, unique gameplay – and, much to my joy, attention to detail in recreating the exclusion zone that included the use of 3D scans – it didn’t quite scratch the itch that the idea of the game started in my head. I’m hoping that the return of STALKER will satisfy me.
A game I’d like to see more excitement for is The Thaumaturge, launching February 20th. This is an RPG set in early 20th century Warsaw. It promises an intriguing story with unique twists on turn-based combat, character building, and “choices matter” gameplay as you investigate the supernatural beings plaguing the atmospherically rendered streets of Warsaw, where wealth and poverty clash with many cultures. I can never get enough of good RPGs, especially ones with unique, intensely developed settings.
On the opposite end of the spectrum of tone, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley adds some more variety to this year of games. Releasing in Q1 2024 for PC and console, Melody of Moominvalley’s charmingly true to source art style stands out from the crowd, as does its promise of “musical” storytelling. I’m expecting some gentle adventures in Moominvalley in this promising game. I hope it carries not just the art style of Tove Jansson’s world but the spirit of its quirky stories. The description suggests it will, and I can’t wait to menace cops with Snufkin.
Staying in the world of whimsy, cartoon animals, and standout art styles, Fruitbus also launches in 2024! Unlike the other titles on this list, this brand-new title doesn’t speak for itself. It’s a “cute culinary adventure” from Krillbite Studios, the developers of Among The Sleep, taking on a new direction. As you run your own food truck – a ‘fruit bus’ I guess – you’ll travel around a colourful archipelago, gather new ingredients, please your customers, learn their stories and local customs, and customise your truck to suit your own unique style. A relaxing, unique game from an accomplished indie developer is always welcome, and this is one I’m really looking forward to!
I was tempted to classify this as a ‘remake’, because Movies Tycoon, launching Q1 2024, bears that much similarity to Lionhead classic The Movies. Movies Tycoon is a classic tycoon game, where you’ll be running your own movie studio. Honestly, this probably wouldn’t have piqued my interest if I hadn’t seen screenshots that reminded me of core gameplay of The Movies. Time will tell if it’s a worthy successor, but I’m thrilled to see someone taking another stab at the formula. There have been many attempts to recapture Rollercoaster Tycoon, Theme Hospital, or Zoo Tycoon, and it seems a waste not to resurrect one of the more interactive tycoon games.
Gaming News To Look Out For
While there’s a lot of other games coming out this year, those are the confirmed titles I’m most excited for. Another aspect of the yearly calendar in video games that I live for, however, is the announcement season that used to be confined to the E3 summer season but has since spilled over unpredictably into the rest of the year. This is – although still a very exciting year – a quiet year compared to 2023’s almost wall to wall big releases. A quiet year in terms of releases usually means a busy year of announcements.
First of all, the biggest rumour (is it still just a rumour?) this year is the release of the Switch 2. If the console really is set to be announced – even released – this year, then we can expect the announcement of plenty of games to compliment the new hardware. As I said before, I’m not a huge Nintendo fan, but that doesn’t stop me from anticipating the fresh potential of a hardware upgrade for one of the industry giants.
(Maybe I just like news too much…)
Speaking of the console giants, Microsoft and Sony both have a pretty dwindling slate of upcoming first party launches. That’s not a problem of course, we have plenty of games launching for both consoles this year, but it’s hard to imagine they see it that way. Especially after 2023, where the “console war” animosity seemed worse than ever. I expect that, even if we have to wait several years to actually see the games, both studios will want to tease a new slate.
That was my prediction when I sat down to write this article. BEFORE the announcement of the Microsoft layoffs. Now I’m much less confident about when we can expect to see any ‘roadmap’ of upcoming releases from either party, given the demoralising state of the industry and how easily developing games can be cancelled. Hype building this year – especially from Microsoft – won’t be able to avoid a bitter aftertaste.
Now we get into my ‘desperate’ predictions. Icepick Lodge have been quietly developing the Bachelor route for Pathologic 2, their Not Quite Remake Not Quite Sequel to the gruelling Pathologic, for several years now. Pathologic 2 launched with only one of the original Pathologic’s three playable character options. It’s a niche game, known for its difficult gameplay and the complex psychological and philosophical content of its writing, and that’s exactly why I love it. Dankovsky – the Bachelor himself – is a fascinating character, striving to overcome death itself, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for more content in Pathologic’s deep world. Going by the recent development shared by Icepick, which included a new logo and photos taken in-game, that content could finally be on the horizon.
Speaking of long waits, surely 2024 has to be the year we finally hear of a Dragon Age 4 release date. Bioware has been working on that game for a long time now, but all we’ve really seen of it is concept art and logo designs. I can understand the desire to work on this game as long as possible. After all, Dragon Age 4 is looking increasingly like a do or die title for Bioware. But surely, surely this is the year for an announcement.
In a similar position sits Witchbrook. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this game since its announcement, and that was probably a mistake on my part considering how early into its development it was. I’m perfectly willing to wait to get a “magic school meets stardew valley” game from Chucklefish…. But still, every year I list this game as something I’d like to hear news about, just to keep the hope alive.
Summary
Like I said earlier, “remake” is my word of the year for video games. The titles I’m excited for that aren’t remakes are – largely – long awaited additions to nostalgic titles or continuations in some way. I stand by my pick of Metal Gear Solid Delta and Silent Hill 2 Remake as the biggest moments of the year, which makes this a pretty quiet year for me. I’m hoping that gives me more time for my backlog!
If you’ve got any games coming out that you’re excited about, feel free to let me know! Especially if you’d like to read a long ramble about their storytelling highs and lows. Other than that, I’ll be here throughout the year to talk about some of these games, and rant about several others.
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