It’s almost 2024, and while 2023 was an exceptional year for games, somehow 2024 is looking even better. While Baldur’s Gate 3 is the reigning champion, we’re excited to see what the new year can deliver to measure up to Larian’s massive success.
Our co-director, Kaity, and editor, Hannah, compiled their three most anticipated titles of 2024.
Kaity’s Picks
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
I mean, obviously, right? I played Final Fantasy VII back in 1997 and I’m thrilled to still be playing it now. I was nervous about the concept of a remake of a beloved classic, but Remake left me stunned. It stayed true to the source material while giving a fresh new take and expansion on a game that is so special to so many people, myself included. With a stellar voice cast, better combat, and stunning graphics this was everything I could have ever hoped it to be and more. Rebirth is looking like it’s going to be even better, and I can’t wait. With the new characters and the walls of Midgar behind us, this game is going to be massive. In fact, it’s two discs, which has me reminiscing about the utter elation I felt as a kid when I got the notice to switch my disc with that 3-disc PlayStation version.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth releases exclusively on PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
I know, I know … When I saw this announced I was scratching my head. How much improvement were the graphics really going to get? Not much. But they got me with that No Return mode, and the fact that I’ll only have to pay $10 to upgrade it. As a diehard Joel Miller fan, I’m not running to redo the campaign anytime soon, but I will be racing to test my skills in No Return and enjoy more of the improved gameplay that Part II has over Part I. Perhaps when I play as Joel I can meet up with Abby as one of the six randomized bosses at the end of a run to exact my much-deserved revenge.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered releases exclusively on PlayStation 5 on January 19, 2024.
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash
New York Comic Con granted me the chance to test the gameplay of this one, and it got me excited. I love JUJUTSU KAISEN and I’m stoked to wail on Mahito with a Gojo/Nanami team like he deserves. It’s got both 2v2 and a campaign mode that takes players from Jujutsu Kaisen 0 through season 1 of the anime along with a DLC to unlock the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc of season 2. You can take the battles online, too, playing with up to four people as you take on one of the battle arenas. Playable characters include Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, Gojo, Panda, Maki, Toge, Nanami, Todo, Sukuna, Mahito, Jogo, Hanemi, and Eso & Kechizu, and they may not even be done announcing those (where is Yuta?).
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash releases on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S and One, Steam, and Nintendo Switch on February 2, 2024.
Hannah’s Picks
Star Wars: Outlaws
It didn’t take much to get me excited for the next Star Wars game beyond the words “open-world.” Coming from Ubisoft, a studio that is no stranger to creating immersive, stunning, and engaging maps, Star Wars: Outlaws is the first open-world game for the beloved franchise. Set during the height of galactic drama between the Empire and the Rebellion, the events of Outlaws take place between Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back, diving into a more down-to-earth part of the franchise by having players experience the story of rogue smuggler Kay Vess. Instead of further showing the Jedi and Sith struggle, Outlaws focuses on the grittier parts of the galaxy and rather than lightsaber duels and using the Force, players can expect blaster shootouts, a need for stealth as they avoid the Empire, and daring escapes when all doesn’t go exactly according to plan.
Star Wars: Outlaws is set for release in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, though an exact date has yet to be announced.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
With John Carpenter being a massive fan of gaming and with excellent taste at that, regularly passing compliments on to franchises like Fallout and Assassin’s Creed, it’s exciting to see the horror master’s name attached to an upcoming game release, Toxic Commando. In the co-op first person shooter inspired by 1980s horror and action, the buddy-movie vibe meets frenzied action with over-the-top gameplay as Toxic Commandos, as up to four players face off against hordes of mutated monsters. It’s got plenty of action, horror, and humor to keep players on their toes and interested in the storyline. Carpenter himself is optimistic toward audiences’ reactions to the upcoming game, saying, “Look, I really like shooting zombies. They keep telling me that they’re called ’the infected.’ Please. They’re ghouls, dude. They blow up real good and there are a ton of them. People are going to love this game.”
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando will release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC sometime in 2024.
The Casting of Frank Stone
A new haunting horror game set in the Dead By Daylight universe that promises a story that won’t soon be forgotten, the reveal trailer for The Casting of Frank Stone was unveiled at the Game Awards and had me on the edge of my seat for the just under two-minute run. Set in Cedar Hills, a town with the shadow of sadistic killer Frank Stone cast over it, The Casting of Frank Stone is said to be filled with mystery, grotesque horror, and spine-chilling twists to build an immersive and emotional gaming experience. Per the game’s official site, the decisions players make shape the story and determine the fate of the characters within it, “brimming with emotional gut-punches” as you discover how a decision can become a dilemma. Any opportunity for a further look behind the fog of the Dead By Daylight universe is exciting, and this game looks to be a fantastic expansion on the universe that I will happily allow my heart rate to increase over.
The Casting of Frank Stone will release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC sometime in 2024.
