Unique Gaming Experiences Of 2024
This post marks the final time of the year when we can reflect on important topics.
Specifically, video games.
I want to highlight the ones I personally enjoyed or where I had a memorable experience, a new adventure, or was surprised by the plot and story. You can check my previous post in this series from last year. So, letās begin.
In 2024, I didnāt have as much time for video games as I would have liked. Recently, I played Marvel Rivals and realized that Iām quite an addictive person, particularly when it comes to competitive games. By the way, itās a great game. I enjoy the competitive aspect, the thrill, and the tension, but ultimately, it feels very similar to Overwatch. After a while, it often seems like the same game. If youāve played Overwatch before, you will feel right at home in Marvel Rivals, but donāt expect any groundbreaking revelations. However, if you enjoyed Overwatch as I did, you will have a great time. Okay, letās get back to the main topic.
Letās start with a game that was released in 2023, one I was eager to play: Final Fantasy XVI. For those who played the fifteenth installment, this one places a greater emphasis on cinematic boss fights. If you want to see what modern consoles can achieve, I recommend playing this game because the boss battles are stellar. While it may not be revolutionary, it offers a significant and highly engaging experience, and the epic scenes unfolding on your TV are definitely worth a look.
Next up is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Itās a remake of the original game from the '90s, which I didnāt play when it first came out. The remake is exceptionally well-crafted: the characters are well-written, the side quests are engaging, and it includes a ton of mini-games. The most enjoyable aspect of this game was the universe. You can truly feel the love and dedication the creators poured into this project. For me, it represents the manifestation of the perfect game. If you have time for only one game next year, please play Final Fantasy VII.
As a big fan of horror games and the genre in general, I had heard a lot about Silent Hill 2 but never had the chance to play it. To some, itās considered a cult classic. So when I learned that a remake would be released soon, I was determined to play it in 2024. After a lengthy run, I must sayāwhat an amazing job the Bloober Team did. They have created another cult classic. Iām serious. The visuals are fantastic, and the twisted story instills a sense of anxiety and unease. Itās a great experience, not for enjoyment but for immersion. I believe the story told here (as well as in the original version) is one of the greatest stories ever told in video games. Without ruining the experience, Iāll simply say itās like Jacobās Ladder a video game, but even more profound. It's one of the strongest emotional experiences Iāve had this year.
Alright, I know this is getting a bit lengthy, and since it's Christmas time, I want to wrap up with something festive and light. Journey is a game from the PlayStation 3 era that feels more like interactive art than an actual game. Itās about people seeking the meaning of life, embarking on an infinite journey of self-reflection and continuous growth. The game uses very little to tell you so much, yet it is understood by few. Itās something you should experience for yourself, ideally in one sitting. What will be in the end of the journey? A New Year, perhaps?
