These were the best games of 2024 according to Metacritic

The year is coming to a close, and surely 2024 has seen the release of many top-notch video games. These include the likes of Astro Bot, a cute platform game for PS5 that brought a smile to PlayStation fans this year. Its gameplay is reminiscent of Nintendo’s games, and the sense of wonder while playing through each of the game’s stages made it clear this is one of the year’s best games.

But as good as Astro Bot is, some would say that Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is worth the top spot, despite it not being a standalone game.

Actually, according to review aggregator website Metacritic, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the top game release of the year.

The team at FromSoftware (led by Hidetaka Miyazaki) has created an expansion that feels at times like a real sequel to the 2022 action RPG according to some reviewers. This is because its quality and length rival that of most full games. So exploring Shadow of the Erdtree’s new setting (the Land of Shadow) as a Tarnished, going head to head with new, tougher enemies must have been a real treat for many this year, then.

Of course, there’s also Metaphor: ReFantazio, a medieval fantasy RPG by the people behind the Persona games. Its complex and dense plot that dabbles in politics might not be for everyone, but it also has Final Fantasy-style battles and side quests to play through, even if it’s still a text-heavy game with tons of dialogues to read as is the case of other Atlus’ games. But Metaphor: ReFantazio is still one of this year’s top games according to most though, ranking third amongst Metacritic’s best games of 2024.

And those craving another Final Fantasy game were in luck this year, as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth hit the shelves in February. This PS5 exclusive turned out to be just as good as expected, it also being a longer game that the earlier Final Fantasy VII Remake, with more combat to enjoy and a larger party of characters to command in its colorful fantasy world. Protagonist Cloud carries on his search for villain Sephiroth in this continuation of the Final Fantasy VII story.

It’s also great to see many indie games amongst the year’s best. These include the likes of Animal Well, a puzzle game which won much critical acclaim this year despite being made by just one person. Nonetheless, this Metroidvania-style game does have the charm, looks and gameplay to stand out according to most reviewers though.

There’s also Balatro, a devilishly fun card game with roguelike gameplay that got many hooked this year, this indie game being a darling for game critics in 2024. Other original games amongst Metacritic best games of 2024 include Satisfactory, a factory-building game set on an alien planet. A complex and satisfying PC-only game which has been praised by many, and one that should see a console release in the not too distant future.

Rounding out the top 10 is a remaster of one of 2020’s top video game blockbusters: The Last of Us Part II. It’s violent story and gritty setting won it numerous accolades back in 2020, but it’s now been updated for PS5 and it also includes the roguelike game mode “No Return”, making this an even better package.

Outside of Metacritic’s top 10 games, an honorable mention must go to Tekken 8, an impressive entry in the long-running fighting game series which once again stands heads and shoulders next to its rivals Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Also, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is possibly the best entry in the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series to date thanks to its varied gameplay, tons of content and a sunny Hawaiian setting.