The Best Games of The First Half of 2024

By Arya Moghaddam

Six months of 2024 have passed and in this time, many different games have been released. In this article, we will take a look at the best games of the first half of 2024.

Although we are now in the middle of the ninth generation, we still haven’t seen as many big and significant games as we should have. On the one hand, the lifespan of the previous generation consoles is almost over, and it is not expected that any huge games will be released on these consoles from now on. On the other hand, we have faced a flood of remastered titles and various ports that, despite their quality, have never been able to replace a new and exciting IP.

2024 has not been an exception to this rule so far, and there is still no news of big titles that are incredibly effective and make the ninth generation more impressive than it is. However, this does not mean that we should ignore the quality games that have been released so far this year. If your heart is longing for a good game but you don’t have much time to search the internet and read various reviews, this article is written for you.

In this article, we have tried to name 10 of the top games of the first half of 2024 and give you an overview of these games so that if you are interested, you can experience these games until the release of more exciting games in the second half of the year. So these are the top 10 games of the first half of 2024.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Although Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown wasn’t exactly what the old fans of the series expected from a new Prince of Persia game, Ubisoft managed to bring players back to the mysterious and dangerous world of ancient Iran with a combination of engaging action and adventure, proving that it hasn’t completely forgotten this IP. This game, with its interesting graphic style and innovative mechanics, offers an exciting and challenging experience that is worth trying. The story of the game revolves around the main character, the prince, who must pass through numerous enemies and complex puzzles to reclaim the lost crown of the kingdom. With its diverse environments and beautiful design, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown can be considered one of the best games of the year so far.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is a sequel to the successful first game, focusing on multiplayer cooperation and tactical combat, offering an exciting experience of sci-fi battles. In this game, like the first one, players play the role of special forces called Helldivers, who are tasked with protecting the Earth and humanity against alien and foreign threats. Although many elements of this game may seem cliché, improved graphics, advanced weapons, and new features have made it possible for Helldivers 2 to repeat the success of this series once again. If you have a PS5 or a relatively powerful PC and enjoy online multiplayer games, give this game a try!

Tekken 8

The Tekken series, which is well-known to everyone, is one of the oldest fighting games that has many fans due to its unique character design and fast, exciting gameplay. Tekken 8 is the latest installment of the famous and popular Tekken franchise, which, while preserving the classic features of this series, has had remarkable improvements in graphics and gameplay. This game, using advanced graphic engines, portrays game characters and environments with amazing and realistic details. With the addition of new mechanics and improvements to the combat system, Tekken 8 brings a fresh and challenging experience for old and new fans that is definitely worth trying.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Elden Ring is Without a doubt one of the best games of recent years, once again proving that FromSoftware can’t produce a bad game! Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the latest expansion pack for the popular and successful game Elden Ring, which has expanded the vast and mysterious world of this game with fresh content and new challenges. In this expansion pack, players explore new, unknown, and dangerous areas that are under the influence of the dark shadows of the legendary Erdtree. Although some might consider including this DLC in the list as cheating, the addition of new enemies, tough bosses, and unique items makes Shadow of the Erdtree a complete game that offers hours of content to the fans. Shadow of the Erdtree, with new stories and a greater depth added to the game world, still emphasizes the element of exploration and challenging battles that the Soulslike series is known for, and without a doubt, it is one of the best experiences of 2024 so far.

Hades II

Remember the game Hades? The title that came a few years ago and won all the awards, is now back with its sequel to prove that the success of the first game was not accidental! Hades II, while retaining the popular elements of the first game, brings new features and a more engaging story. In this game, players take on the role of a new character named Melinoë, the daughter of Zeus and sister of Zagreus, and must pass through the underworld to face new threats awaiting them. Hades II, with beautiful and artistic graphics, captivating soundtrack, and smooth game mechanics, offers a rich and deep experience that is less common these days. With the addition of new powers and weapons, a more complex upgrade system, and a story that is still loyal to Greek myths, this game is considered one of the best of 2024.

Dragon Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a sequel to the popular RPG Dragon’s Dogma, inviting players to a vast and fantasy world filled with exciting adventures. This game, utilizing advanced graphic engines and significant improvements in gameplay, offers a richer and more realistic experience to enthusiasts this time. In the second version of Dragon’s Dogma, players can design their characters with more details and search in a world full of diverse enemies, tough bosses, and complex missions. The dynamic and strategic combat system, along with a deep and engaging story, has made this sequel one of the best RPGs of the year.

Stellar Blade

We come to one of the few completely exclusive Sony games in the ninth generation that, due to its cool gameplay and attractive main character, managed to get many people’s attention. Stellar Blade is an action role-playing game developed by Shift Up studio and published by Sony. This game takes place in a sci-fi world and puts players in the role of a hero who must fight strange and bizarre enemies. Exceptional graphics, a deep story, and an advanced combat system are the prominent features of this game. If you like games with a Bayonetta theme, you will probably enjoy this game as well. If you have a PS5, don’t miss this game!

The success of the remake of Final Fantasy VII led the creators to release the second part of this remake, named Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Like the first part, Square Enix has managed to recreate the fantasy and imaginary world of the Final Fantasy series in a unique way in this version as well. The game’s story follows the adventures of Cloud Strife and his friends who are trying to save the world from various threats and uncover the secrets of the past. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, with its attractive gameplay, popular characters, and vast world, has managed to attract the attention of many old and new fans of the series and is considered one of the best role-playing games of the year.

Animal Well

This year had a special game for Metroidvania fans, and that game was nothing but Animal Well. This game, designed and built by the anonymous studio Billy Basso, managed to receive a flood of 9 and 10 scores from reputable global sites as soon as it was released. Animal Well takes place in a mysterious world full of hidden wonders and invites players to search in different environments and solve complex puzzles. The pixel graphics of the game are beautifully and artistically designed and display a combination of vibrant colors and precise details. Players in this game face strange and bizarre creatures and must find a way to progress in the unknown world of the game using their abilities. Animal Well is a special and different experience from puzzle games and is definitely one of the best games of the first half of this year.

Among the high-budget games that are made every year by big studios, there are always independent titles that make their name in the list of the best games of the year! Indika is one of these games that has been made by a small studio called Odd Meter Games. This game takes place in a surreal and imaginary world and offers a combination of mystery and adventure genres. The story of the game is about a character named Indika who, in search of truth and answers to deep existential questions, begins a challenging and adventurous journey. Beautiful artistic graphics, impactful music, and engaging storytelling are some of the prominent features of this game. With its creative design and unique gaming experience, Indika has managed to attract the attention of fans of independent and story-driven games and is definitely one of the top games of the first half of 2024.