Many gamers consider 2023 to be one of the best years for video games ever. And, yes: From "Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" to "Baldur's Gate 3" to "Alan Wake 2", it felt like one game hit after another appeared. And at the same time, the indie market also produced many gems.
But there is no need to hide in 2024 either. A few games have already been released in the first few months of the year that are definitely worth picking up a controller for. We present eight current titles here.
»Dragon's Dogma 2«
Role-playing game from Capcom for Playstation 5, Xbox Series S/X and PC. USK for ages 16 and up, around 40 hours of playing time for the main story
Role-playing games now outdo each other in having the most comprehensive character editor. “Dragon's Dogma 2” is definitely at the forefront. There are different races and professions to choose from – and of course there are customization options for almost every part of the face and body. Fans were able to use the editor in the run-up to publication - and spread the sometimes bizarre results on the Internet.
Apart from that, it is above all the game world that makes “Dragon's Dogma 2” special. Because it requires the players to take time to travel and really explore the country. You shouldn't expect constant hopping back and forth through a number of fast travel functions here. However, if you want a good 40 hours of adventure in the fight against black magic and tracking down intrigues, this game is the right choice for you.
Particularly suitable for:
Role-playing game fans who like to take the time to really become part of a fantasy world
»Helldivers 2«
Shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios for Playstation 5 and PC. USK for ages 16 and up, around 50 hours for co-op mode
So far, 2024 has been a year of surprise hits. There was “Palworld” and “Enshrouded” presented below – and “Helldivers 2”. The shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios has already sold eight million copies, making it "far beyond expectations." But its success can also be explained by the fact that it is a very solid game in a positive sense.
In the title, which is designed for co-op mode, players are part of the elite Helldivers unit and have to fight against robots and aliens to protect the planet. That doesn't sound like anything special - but it all works. The gunplay feels right, the different classes, skills and weapons provide varied gameplay. And if you then play with your best friend, nothing can go wrong.
Particularly suitable for:
Shooter fans who like to fight together with others against hordes of opponents
»Final Fantasy VII Rebirth«
RPG from Square Enix for Playstation 5, about 45 hours for the main story
First of all, the most important message for everyone who played “Final Fantasy VII,” which was released in the 1990s: Yes,
that one scene
is in the game. The scene that, for many, may have forever changed the idea of what emotions video games can trigger.
And now a conclusion for everyone who has no prior knowledge: "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is a first-class Japanese role-playing game that you can also play without the 2020 predecessor "Final Fantasy VII Remake"
or to know the ancient original. Because this game goes its own way. Modernized gameplay, much more deeply told characters and significantly more scope, also through the open game world. The music and some key scenes alone will make the game a special treat for early gamers.
Particularly suitable for
: Fans of Japanese role-playing games with a lot of pathos
»Sons of the Forest«
Survival horror from Newnight for PC. USK without age rating, about 15 hours of playing time for the main story
»Sons of the Forest« brings together two genres that could hardly fit together better: survival and horror. On the one hand, the players have to strive to secure their own lives by looking for food or a suitable place to make a fire. On the other hand, mutants who inhabit the eponymous forest, which is located on a mysterious peninsula, are constantly on their trail.
“Sons of the Forest” is a sequel that does pretty much everything better than its predecessor “The Forest”. New features include seasons that also change the gameplay and cave systems in which players can easily get lost. But if you're clever, you can also find treasures there.
Particularly suitable for:
Fans of horror games in which nervous terror is a constant companion
»Unicorn Overlord«
Tactical role-playing game from Sega for Playstation 4 and 5, Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch. USK for ages 12 and up, about 55 hours for the main story
Oh, how funny: that's what you might think when you see a screenshot of this game. And yes, it's true: "Unicorn Overlord" is a very charming looking game that should appeal to many people simply because of its retro look. But hidden underneath is a pretty challenging tactical game. And just like the name of the game, the gameplay is also rather unusual.
The players put together their troops here and think about what characteristics are needed for what terrain or what type of enemy - and then the figures are sent into battle without any further influence. The battles are therefore automated, but based on what decisions were made before the battle. This approach is unconventional for today's games - and that's why it's refreshingly different.
Particularly suitable for:
Fans of tactical games like “Ogre Battle”
»Enshrouded«
Survival RPG from Keen Games for PC. USK for ages 12 and up, about 45 hours for the main story
An internationally successful game from Germany?! You don't read this headline often. It's all the more pleasing that another really good game, "Enshrouded," has made its big breakthrough. The work by Keen Games is an action role-playing game with survival elements.
The players have to survive in a hostile environment. In practical terms, this means collecting resources, building shelters, and forging the appropriate armor and weapons. The whole thing takes place in a world that is heavily based on the European Middle Ages - and in a world like that you can easily spend a few hours just setting up your own hut.
Particularly suitable for:
Fans of survival games who are willing to accept a few compromises in an early access game
»Rise of the Ronin«
Action role-playing game by Team Ninja for Playstation 5. Ages 18+, about 40 hours for the main story
In “Rise of the Ronin,” one part of the game particularly stands out: the combat system. The open world seems rather generic, and the same applies to the characters. The graphics are also more reminiscent of the Playstation 4 than the current generation of consoles. And yet: the successful combat system almost makes you forget all of it.
The players take on the role of a nameless warrior who follows his desire for revenge in 19th century Japan. He does so by pulling out different weapons, adopting different fighting styles and thus having the right attack for every opponent - or the perfect counterattack. The combat system is somewhat accessible, but at the same time offers a surprising amount of depth for people who really want to get involved.
Particularly suitable for:
Gamers who like to learn a combat system down to its furthest ramifications
“Princess Peach: Showtime!”
Action-adventure game from Good-Feel for Nintendo Switch. USK for ages 6 and up, around 10 hours to play through once
In »Princess Peach: Showtime!« the focus is on one thing: variety. The game is based on Princess Peach moving through a theater and taking on different roles and costumes - these in turn have an impact on the gameplay. Sometimes Peach is a swordsman, sometimes she is a detective.
Using their respective skills, the players can solve puzzles or overcome certain challenges in the individual levels. Because of all the different roles, the game also has a fairly high replay value - which makes up for the rather low level of difficulty.
Particularly suitable for
: Fans of colorful games who like to take on different roles
Reading tip:
In case you are looking for more current video game recommendations, my colleague Rainer Sigl has some very interesting fantasy games on offer here.