2024’s Hottest Games You Need to Play

2024 is queued up to be one of the biggest years in gaming, with some massive entries from big-name franchises, some highly-anticipated sequels, and long overdue releases from some exciting fresh developers. We’ve rounded up our most desired games that we can’t wait to get our hands on in 2024:

Price of Persia: The Lost Crown

Release date: 18 January 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

The Prince of Persia series has had a long hiatus but is returning with a new adventure with The Lost Crown. The game is a throwback, of sorts, to the side-scrolling origins of the series, but mixes things up with the time-altering gameplay mechanics, tricky combat, and puzzle-solving, not to mention a fresh take on the story. This time, you play as Sargon, a young warrior who is recruited to rescue the kidnapped Prince Ghassan.

Tekken 8

Release date: 26 January 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC)

The veteran fighting franchise is back after a long break, as Tekken 8 sees the light of day in January. Running on Unreal Engine 5, it comes with a host of changes, including a fighting system geared towards being more aggressive, as well as a more cinematic approach with destructible environments and changing stages. The roster of iconic fighters returns, along with some new faces to add to the chaos.

Rugby 24

Release date: 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

After a delay from late 2023, Rugby 24 is set to release sometime in 2024 and the game will feature 130 teams to choose from, as well as the URC, Top 14 and PRO D2 competition and participating clubs. Of course, it will include the RWC license, allowing you to play through the global tournament. Arguably the most exciting news is that Big Ant Studios has been developing the game. The Australian developer is best known for their work on the rugby league gaming franchise, Rugby League Live, which has evolved excellently over the years and has a huge fanbase.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Release date: 2 February 2024 (PS5 | Xbox Series X/S | PC)

Coming from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series, this Suicide Squad game sees players take control of Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark, who begrudgingly embark on a mission to take down Superman, The Flash, and the rest of The Justice League. Gameplay will be similar to that of the Arkham games and Gotham Knights, focusing on third-person exploration and combat, but players will have the ability to switch between the various supervillains in order to use their respective special powers.

Rise of the Ronin

Release date: 22 March 2024 (PS5)

Being developed by Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden, Nioh), Rise of the Ronin is an upcoming open-world action-RPG set in 19th century Edo period Japan. The game features some spectacular action, with a combat system that mixes swords and guns along with vertical traversal using a grappling hook and ancient flying machines. It looks like a lot of fun, and we can’t wait to see more of this slashing adventure when it arrives later this year.

Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga

Release date: 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PC)

The sequel to Ninja Theory’s stellar action-adventure is upon us, as Hellblade 2 continues Senua’s journey after losing her loved one. Now a fierce warrior, players will fight their way through nightmarish lands and enemies, all while battling Senua’s own internal demons. The game is visually sublime, and if the sequel has more tricks up its sleeve like the first entry did, we’re in for a memorable time.

Alone in the Dark

Release date: 20 March 2024 (PS5 | Xbox Series X/S | PC)

Fans of 90s horror will undoubtedly have fond memories of the original Alone in the Dark from 1992, and the franchise will see a reboot with a brand-new entry in 2024. It’s a reimagining of the original game in a similar style to the Resident Evil remakes, which leverage the latest technology and implement a third-person action survival approach, rather than a static camera like in the originals. The game is set in the 1920s, where players can choose to play as Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood, as they make their way through Derceto Mansion to uncover the mysteries and horrors within.

Warhammer: Space Marine 2

Release date: 9 September 2024 (PS5 | Xbox Series X/S | PC)

The underappreciated gem that was the first Space Marine game is getting a sequel this year, as Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive will drop Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. The third-person action title will allow you to explore iconic Warhammer lore environments and unleash deadly abilities and an arsenal of devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid hordes.

Star Wars: Outlaws

Release date: 30 August 2024 (PS5 | Xbox Series X/S | PC)

Developed by Massive Entertainment (The Division), Star Wars: Outlaws is the first-ever open-world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Players take control of outlaw scoundrel Kay Vess (portrayed by Humberly González) and her companion Nix (portrayed by Dee Bradley Baker) as they aim to pull off a massive heist. There are hints of Uncharted and other action games in there, and it looks to be a great detour from the usual Star Wars setting.

The Precinct

Release date: 15 August 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC)

While we have a lot of games on the market where you get to play a criminal, there aren’t too many police-focused games, and it’s a shame. Thankfully, indie title The Precinct is a love-letter to classic cop movies and indulges you in the life of an 80s rookie police officer, diving into a world of thrilling car chases, procedurally-generated crimes, and a healthy dose of gritty cop drama as you protect the populace and solve the mystery of your father’s murder.

Black Myth: Wukong

Release date: 20 August 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC)

Based on the ancient Journey to the West tale, Black Myth: Wukong is an action-adventure title powered by Unreal Engine 5 that’s packed full of martial arts combat, fantastical enemy designs, and drop-dead gorgeous visuals.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

Release date: 2024 (PS5 | Xbox Series X/S | PS4 | Xbox One | PC)

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn looks to be an interesting entry into the action-RPG genre, delivering an adventure that mixes guns, magic, and gods. You play as Nor Vanek, a member of the coalition army, who fights for humanity’s survival after a door to the afterlife has been opened.

Crimson Desert

Release date: Late 2024 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

Crimson Desert is a massive open-world action-RPG, but no one realised how big this game was until this new trailer dropped. The game follows a group of struggling mercenaries and the many characters who cross their paths in the vast continent of Pywel, and it looks absolutely stunning in action.

What games are you most looking forward to in 2024? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.