The holiday season offers a rare opportunity for many to unwind and indulge in their favorite pastimes. One of the most popular activities is playing video games, especially with the plethora of new releases this year. If you're looking for some inspiration on which games to play during your break, here's a curated list of five standout titles from 2024 that are perfect for replaying or starting anew. The gaming world has seen an abundance of exciting launches, making it hard to choose just one. Whether you missed out on these earlier or want to revisit them, now is the ideal time to dive back in.
Exploring Expansive Worlds and New Challenges
For those who enjoy immersive worlds and challenging gameplay, there are two exceptional titles that stand out. One game offers a vast, ever-changing universe where players can explore different timelines and make choices that alter the course of history. Another invites adventurers into a dark fantasy realm with a significant expansion that promises even more depth and difficulty.
In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the holiday season provides the perfect excuse to return to the expansive world of The Lands Between. With the release of the Nightreign expansion, players can engage in solo or co-op play, tackling new challenges that are both extensive and demanding. Meanwhile, Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut presents a unique take on narrative-driven gameplay. Players find themselves in a Groundhog Day-like scenario, where their dialogue choices dramatically influence the story's outcome across multiple timelines. Each iteration offers fresh settings and characters, leading to vastly different endings depending on the player's decisions.
Deep Storylines and Engaging Mechanics
If you're after rich storytelling and intricate mechanics, three games from this year's lineup will keep you entertained for hours. From a beloved RPG franchise to an innovative deck-building experience, these titles offer a mix of nostalgia and innovation that will captivate both newcomers and seasoned gamers alike.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues to impress despite its shortcomings. This entry in the iconic RPG series delivers a wealth of content, including side quests, mini-games, and collectibles, ensuring that players remain engrossed for days. Meanwhile, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a massive RPG that revolves around the lives of Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu. With its turn-based battles and memorable minigames, this game is sure to consume all your free time. Lastly, Balatro stands out as a unique roguelike deck-building game with poker-inspired mechanics. Its unconventional approach has garnered praise from critics and fans, offering an engaging experience that could easily become your go-to game this holiday season.