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New year, new games. 2023 was a great year for gaming, thanks in large part to Baldur’s Gate 3, and it looks like 2024 is going to be another great one. This year’s most anticipated titles include Hades 2, a new World of Warcraft, and the return of an oldie, Paper Mario.
1. Hades 2
Hades 2 is scheduled for an Early Access release in Q2 2024 on Steam and the Epic Games Store. It marks Supergiant’s first direct sequel and introduces players to Melinoë, Zagreus’ sister, as the new protagonist.
Taking place after the events of the original game, the story follows Melinoë on a mission to rescue her father, Hades, and confront Chronos, the Titan of Time, who threatens Olympus. The game retains the roguelike dungeon-crawling elements but expands the mythic Underworld with new locations, challenges, and upgrade systems. Melinoë, a witch and sorceress, wields unique magical abilities and shadowy weapons, as showcased in the debut trailer.
2. Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero is an action RPG situated in a post-apocalyptic setting overrun by Hollows, spatial disruptions housing creatures known as Ethereal. The game unfolds in New Eridu, an urban enclave possibly among the last surviving human settlements, sustained by the extraction of Ether, a resource harvested from these Hollows. The narrative revolves around the survival strategies of New Eridu amid the encroaching threat of the Hollows and the Ethereal monsters.
As of now, no official release date has been announced for Zenless Zone Zero but it’s confirmed for release on PC, iOS, and Android.
3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has experienced a tumultuous development journey since its announcement in 2019. Recently, the game resurfaced under a new direction, now under the helm of The Chinese Room, known for titles like Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. The current release date for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is now slated for fall 2024.
The original announcement trailer established a darker ambiance and highlighted the game’s Seattle setting, which The Chinese Room has affirmed is retained in the current iteration. Hardsuit Labs showcased a 30-minute gameplay demo at Gamescom 2019, offering a glimpse into navigating the open world of Seattle as it existed in the earlier version of the game.
During Hardsuit Labs’ tenure, Paradox confirmed that five clans (Brujah, Tremere, Toreador, Ventrue, and Malkavians) would be playable in Bloodlines 2. Additionally, they detailed 11 different disciplines of vampire powers, such as Potency, Celerity, and Thaumaturgy, visible to some extent in the reveal trailer by The Chinese Room. However, the extent to which these disciplines and their related systems remain unchanged is unclear.
4. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown the newest installment in the beloved series, draws inspiration from its classic origins. As the release date for the game approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to navigate through this new action-adventure platformer, reminiscent of the legendary hazards encountered in previous titles.
The game is accessible on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PS4/5, offering players the chance to embark on a platform-hopping journey while evading perilous obstacles in this revitalized installment of the Prince of Persia series.
By the way!
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5. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Granblue Fantasy Relink is an upcoming action RPG boasting an anime aesthetic that aims to distinguish itself within the saturated JRPG genre. Scheduled for release on February 1st, 2024, the game will be available on PS5, PS4, and PC, developed and published by Cygames.
The game promises fast-paced combat in an Action-RPG format, allowing both solo and AI co-op party gameplay. Players can engage in online co-op with up to four participants, navigating a linear yet expansive world with open spaces. The main questline offers roughly 20 hours of gameplay, with additional endgame content extending the gameplay to over 100 hours, particularly in the hardest difficulty mode.
In Granblue Fantasy Relink players can recruit crewmates with unique abilities, fill the Link gauge to stun enemies, and utilize Skybound Arts to trigger Chain Bursts, amplifying damage alongside party members. Each character possesses distinct abilities and can learn new talents, featuring customizable weapons and sigils.
6. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a highly anticipated game set to release on February 29, 2024, exclusively on PS5. While the PS5 version has been confirmed, there’s speculation about potential releases on PC and Xbox platforms.
The game offers nearly 100 hours of gameplay, featuring expanded environments, mini-games at the Golden Saucer, and diverse combat mechanics. Characters like Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, and the new addition, Red 13, bring varied combat styles, with Red 13 introducing a unique ‘revenge gauge mechanic’ for battle abilities. The game emphasizes character bonds through ‘synergy moves’ and implements skill trees for character growth.
Additionally, a collector’s edition with exclusive content, priced at $350, has been announced.
7. World of Warcraft: The War Within
World of Warcraft: The War Within is the first installment of the WoW: Worldsoul Saga trilogy, following Dragonflight. It explores the subterranean world of Khaz Algar, introducing the Earthen race and confronting the Nerubians.
World of Warcraft: The War Within’s release is expected between August to October 2024. The expansion raises the level cap to 80, introduces four underground zones, and offers a new endgame activity called Delves, allowing solo or group play with NPCs. The Earthen, a new allied race, can be accessed by completing the expansion’s campaign. Additionally, ‘Warbands’ enable players to share progression among selected alts, while classes gain new talents. Dragonriding mechanics are also being revamped for greater accessibility.
8. Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft’s open-world adventure set in the Outer Rim, featuring the scoundrel Kay Vess navigating the galaxy’s criminal underworld alongside her companion Nix. Positioned between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi the game follows Kay’s journey to pull off a significant heist while evading the Empire, syndicates, and her past.
Star Wars Outlaws is scheduled for a 2024 release on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X, it introduces Toshara as a new Star Wars location. With Kay Vess as a fresh character in the franchise, players will experience an open-world adventure, engaging in stealth missions, blaster combat, and space travel. Ubisoft Massive, known for “The Division” series, is developing the game, promising a Rockstar-style experience within the Star Wars universe. The cast includes Humberly González as Kay Vess and Dee Bradley Baker as Nix.
9. Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga
Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga by Ninja Theory, set to release in 2024, is a highly anticipated action sequel developed on Unreal Engine 5 for Xbox Series X, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, with expected availability on Xbox Game Pass. Exclusive to Xbox Series X and PC due to Ninja Theory’s acquisition by Microsoft, the game promises remarkable visual fidelity and depth in combat, with expanded gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
The recent unveiling at The Game Awards 2023 suggests a potential imminent launch, amplifying the anticipation for an official release date. Players can look forward to a story-driven experience, continuing the journey of Senua amidst the Norse mythos, showcasing Iceland’s stunning landscapes and employing advanced photogrammetry techniques for immersive environments.
The game’s combat system is anticipated to be more nuanced and complex, backed by Ninja Theory’s extensive efforts in character development and gameplay refinement. With trailers teasing compelling visuals and an intense storyline, Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga is poised to be a flagship title for the Xbox Series X.
10. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
The highly anticipated remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a beloved installment in the Paper Mario franchise, has fans excited for its release in 2024.
While an official launch date for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has yet to be announced, it’s confirmed as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, though the impact or enhancements on the speculated Nintendo Switch 2 remains uncertain. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details on gameplay and improvements in this reimagined version.
11. Frostpunk 2
Frostpunk 2 the highly anticipated sequel by 11 Bit Studios, remains a mystery with limited details since its announcement. Promising a grander experience surpassing the original, the game places players as governors of an icy city, navigating harsh conditions for survival and progress.
Set 30 years after the original game, Frostpunk 2 challenges players to lead a resource-hungry city through a frozen landscape. The storyline involves governing a struggling community amid environmental chaos and societal conflicts.
The developers emphasize Frostpunk 2‘s significant changes, expanding on politics, society, and technological progress to offer a deeper experience with nuanced choices and consequences.
12. Little Nightmares 3
Little Nightmares 3 the highly anticipated third installment in the Little Nightmares series, is expected to be released in 2024. This indie horror game has generated significant excitement since its announcement in October 2021.
Little Nightmares 3 will be available across various platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. This wide range of platform availability ensures that a diverse gaming audience can delve into the chilling world of Little Nightmares 3 once it’s released next year.
