As 2024 nears its end, opinions may vary on whether it flew by or seemed lengthy.

This year in gaming has showcased remarkable indie titles and fun games for all ages, also highlighting iconic female heroes.

While some standout titles from 2023 continued to captivate us (like “Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” “Baldur’s Gate 3,” “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” “Diablo IV,” “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2”), 2024 has also introduced many exciting new games with fresh adventures to undertake.

Here’s a list of some of the finest video games of 2024, presented in no specific order:

‘Astro Bot’ (PS5)

In “Astro Bot,” a 3D platformer by Team Asobi and released by Sony Interactive, players join Astro on a mission across the galaxy to save his fellow bots and reclaim the stolen PCU after their craft crash-lands on a desert planet.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of PlayStation, this game is a delightful homage. It’s filled with charm and humor, making up for its easier puzzles with enjoyable gameplay. Drawing parallels to titles like Super Mario and Kirby, “Astro Bot” stands out with its imaginative mechanics and stunning graphics, all while showcasing Astro’s vibrant character. Plus, it clinched the Game of the Year title at the 2024 Game Awards, among other accolades.

‘Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ (Switch)

“Echoes of Wisdom,” the latest chapter in the beloved Legend of Zelda series, finally places Princess Zelda in the spotlight. With Link and other villagers mysteriously disappearing through odd rifts across Hyrule, Zelda and her fairy-like companion Tri embark on a quest to uncover the truth and rescue the realm.

The new gameplay features and enchanting plot make this title a joy for players to enjoy and explore.

‘Tekken 8’ (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

What happens when a family gathering takes a turn for the worse? In this new entry in the long-standing Tekken series, characters Kazuya Mishima and his son Jin Kazama return for what is expected to be their final duel, with Jin’s mother, Jun Kazama, and other familiar fighters joining the fray. Along with beloved characters and their signature moves, “Tekken 8” brings innovative combat mechanics to the table, keeping the gameplay fresh.

‘Neva’ (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

“Neva,” an adventure game crafted by Nomada Studio and Devolver Digital, tells the tale of Alba, a young woman, and her wolf cub companion, Neva. After experiencing a devastating event, they embark on a journey through a fading world, tackling puzzles and combating tainted creatures. The game offers both an adventure mode and a narrative-focused mode, which is designed to be less complex.

Filled with emotion, “Neva” blends smooth gameplay with a poignant and beautifully crafted storyline.

‘Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’ (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

The latest game in the Prince of Persia franchise is a side-scrolling action adventure set in a stunningly designed world. In Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, you take on the role of Sargon, a brave warrior on a quest to save others. You’ll solve engaging puzzles, perform acrobatic moves (think parkour!) to traverse the environment, and battle numerous foes.

‘Animal Well’ (Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

In Animal Well, developed by Shared Memory and published by Bigmode, you control a blob exploring a mysterious subterranean world. This Metroidvania-style game is filled with puzzles and peculiar creatures, as you gather items and gain new abilities.

The game’s atmospheric experience, along with its beautifully crafted pixel-art graphics and sound design, enhances the exploration of the well’s secrets.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)

In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Mario is on a treasure hunt while also searching for Princess Peach. This remake of the beloved GameCube classic remains true to its roots but expands on the original gameplay, making it more appealing for both old fans and newcomers. Find out more about Paper Mario and what players should know about it.

‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ (PS5)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, an action RPG, continues the story following Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020). This game offers an engaging and gratifying experience as players explore a richly detailed world, making it difficult to stop playing. Fans eagerly await the third installment!

‘Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’ (PS5, Xbox Series S/X, PC)

Although the award-winning main game debuted in 2022, the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces such extensive content that it’s worth revisiting or discovering this title for the first time.

‘Honorable mention: Stardew Valley 1.6’ (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, PC)

While not a new game, the eagerly awaited 1.6 update for Stardew Valley was released in March for PC and will arrive in November for consoles and mobile. This update adds a wealth of new content, revitalizing this beloved cozy life simulator that many players never truly stopped enjoying. Stardew Valley remains a benchmark for cozy and farming simulation games.

Honorable mention: ‘Princess Peach: Showtime!’ (Switch)

The spotlight shines on Princess Peach in Princess Peach: Showtime!. Although the game may at times seem a bit hurried and overly simplistic, it remains entertaining overall. It’s a refreshing change to see Peach take on the main role.