Hey there, fellow gamers! The year 2024 was a visual feast! We saw some truly stunning visuals across the board, from the vibrant, hand-drawn beauty of Astro Bot to the haunting, otherworldly landscapes of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. These 12 games showcased an incredible diversity of artistic styles, proving that video games are a powerful medium for creative expression.
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Beauty is subjective, and judging a game solely on looks is shallow. But let’s be honest, visuals play a HUGE role in whether a game grabs your attention. These incredible visuals made these games visually stunning and helped immerse players in unique and unforgettable experiences. So, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just a casual player, I encourage you to check out this list of the best video games of 2024. You might find a new game that you love!
Let’s dive into the 12 most visually stunning games of 2024, a testament to the incredible artistry within the video game industry.
Best Video Games 2024: Where Gaming Met Art
| Game Title | Key Visual Features | Art Style |
| Astro Bot: Rescue Mission (VR) | Vibrant colors, playful design, miniature world, 3D audio | Cel-shaded |
| Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Stunning environments, detailed character models, dazzling magic effects | Realistic/Fantasy |
| Black Myth: Wukong | Jaw-dropping graphics, fluid animations, blend of traditional Chinese and modern aesthetics | Unique blend of styles |
| Animal Well | A unique blend of styles | Surreal/Atmospheric |
| Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree | Vast landscapes, detailed characters, impressive combat | Realistic/Fantasy |
| Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth | Stunning environments, detailed character models, over-the-top special effects | Realistic/Fantasy |
| Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | Exotic locations, authentic architecture, intense action sequences | Realistic/Adventure |
| Metaphor: ReFantazio | Hand-drawn aesthetic, vibrant colors, whimsical characters | Surreal/Dreamlike |
| The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom | Dreamlike environments, haunting soundtrack, a blend of 2D and 3D | Colorful/Fantasy |
| Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 | Unique art style, dark and oppressive atmosphere, disturbing imagery | Stylized/Surreal |
| Silent Hill 2 (2024) | Unique art style, photorealism with stylized elements, disturbing atmosphere | Horror/Stylized |
| Stellar Blade | Vibrant and futuristic world, unique art style, fluid animations | A vibrant and colorful world, detailed characters, clever puzzles |
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission (VR)
| Franchise | Astro Bot |
| Top Critic Rating | 97 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | Yes (97% positive reviews on Metacritic) |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation VR (PS4) |
| Released | October 3, 2018 |
| Developer(s) | Japan Studio (Team Asobi) |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, a PlayStation VR exclusive, was a masterpiece of vibrant color and playful design. This charming platformer transported players to a miniature world overflowing with vibrant colors, whimsical creatures, and ingenious level design. Each environment was a feast for the eyes, bursting with playful details and hidden surprises. The 3D audio and VR immersion further enhanced the experience, making it feel like you were truly shrunk to the size of a tiny robot, exploring a wondrous miniature world.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
| Franchise | Dragon Age |
| Top Critic Rating | 80/100 |
| Critics Recommend | Yes (Generally Favorable) |
| Platform(s) | Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation 5 |
| Released | October 31, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | BioWare |
| Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the latest entry in the beloved RPG series, delivered a visual spectacle worthy of high fantasy. The game boasted stunning environments, from the towering peaks of the Frostback Mountains to the lush, vibrant forests of the Emerald Plains. Character models were incredibly detailed, showcasing intricate armor, flowing hair, and expressive faces. The magic system was a visual treat, with dazzling spells and devastating AoE effects illuminating the screen with vibrant colors.
Black Myth: Wukong
| Franchise | Journey to the West |
| Top Critic Rating | 85 |
| Critics Recommend | Yes |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Released | August 20, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Game Science |
| Publisher(s) | Game Science |
Black Myth: Wukong, a stunning action-adventure game based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals. The game boasted jaw-dropping graphics, fluid animations, and a unique art style that seamlessly blended traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern technology. The settings were varied and enthralling, encompassing tranquil bamboo woods and flaming volcanic terrain. The combat was a visual feast, with fluid, acrobatic moves and spectacular special effects that showcased the power and agility of the Monkey King.
Animal Well
| Franchise | N/A (Standalone Game) |
| Top Critic Rating | 91/100 (Metacritic – PC version) |
| Critics Recommend | 98% (OpenCritic) |
| Platforms | PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 |
| Released | May 9, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Billy Basso, Shared Memory |
| Publisher(s) | Bigmode |
Animal Well, an atmospheric puzzle platformer, was a visual treat. Its dreamlike environments and haunting soundtrack created a truly immersive experience. The game featured a unique art style, blending 2D and 3D elements to create a surreal and captivating world. The lighting and shadows played a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere, creating a sense of mystery and wonder.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
| Franchise | Souls |
| Top Critic Rating | 94 |
| Critics Recommend | 98% |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 |
| Released | February 25, 2022 |
| Developer(s) | FromSoftware |
| Publisher(s) | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, continued to push the boundaries of open-world game design. The game featured vast and diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests and eerie swamps. The character models were incredibly detailed, with intricate armor and weapons. The battle featured stunning special effects and smooth animations, making it a visual extravaganza.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
| Franchise | Final Fantasy |
| Top Critic Rating | 93/100 (OpenCritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 99% |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 5 (February 29, 2024), Windows (January 23, 2025) |
| Developer(s) | Square Enix |
| Publisher(s) | Square Enix |
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second part of the highly anticipated remake trilogy, delivered a visual feast for fans of the classic RPG. The game featured stunning environments, from the bustling streets of Midgar to the vast, open world of Costa del Sol. Character models were incredibly detailed and expressive, bringing the beloved characters to life in a new and exciting way. The combat system was a visual spectacle, with fluid animations and over-the-top special effects.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
| Franchise | Indiana Jones |
| Top Critic Rating | 87/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 94% (OpenCritic) |
| Platform(s) | Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Released | December 9, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | MachineGames |
| Publisher(s) | Bethesda |
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a thrilling action-adventure game, brought the iconic archaeologist to life in stunning detail. The game featured a variety of exotic locations, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the treacherous jungles of South America. The environments were incredibly detailed, with authentic architecture and lush vegetation. The action sequences were a visual spectacle, with intense gunfights, thrilling chases, and impressive puzzle-solving.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
| Top Critic Rating | 94/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 98% (OpenCritic) |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S |
| Released | October 11, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Studio Zero |
| Publisher(s) | Atlus (Japan), Sega (Worldwide) |
Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique RPG with a distinctive art style, captivated players with surreal and dreamlike visuals. The game featured a hand-drawn aesthetic with vibrant colors and whimsical characters. The environments were diverse and imaginative, ranging from bustling cities to serene forests and otherworldly landscapes. The combat system was a visual treat, with fluid animations and over-the-top special effects.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
| Franchise | The Legend of Zelda |
| Top Critic Rating | 85/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 92% (OpenCritic) |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo Switch |
| Released | September 26, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Nintendo, Grezzo |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the latest entry in the beloved franchise, continued to deliver stunning visuals. The game featured a vibrant and colorful world with lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers. The character models were incredibly detailed and expressive, bringing Link and the other characters to life in a new and exciting way. The puzzles were a visual treat, with clever designs and intricate mechanisms.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
| Franchise | Senua’s Saga |
| Top Critic Rating | 95 (from GINX TV) |
| Critics Recommend | Yes |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X/S, PC (Windows 10+) |
| Released | May 21, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Ninja Theory |
| Publisher(s) | Xbox Game Studios |
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, delivered a truly terrifying and visually stunning experience. The game featured a unique art style, blending realistic graphics with stylized elements, creating a haunting atmosphere. The environments were dark and oppressive, filled with disturbing imagery and unsettling sounds. The battle included vicious executions and smooth animations, making it a visual spectacle.
Silent Hill 2 (2024)
| Franchise | Silent Hill |
| Top Critic Rating | 94 (example) |
| Critics Recommend | Yes |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Released | October 8, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Bloober Team |
| Publisher(s) | Konami |
The eagerly awaited Silent Hill 2 (2024) reboot of the renowned survival horror game was horrifying and breathtaking. The game featured a unique art style blending photorealism with stylized elements, creating a disturbing atmosphere. The environments were dark and oppressive, filled with unsettling imagery and haunting sounds. The monsters were truly terrifying, with grotesque designs and unsettling animations.
Stellar Blade
| Franchise | N/A (Standalone Game) |
| Top Critic Rating | 82/100 (OpenCritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 83% |
| Platform(s) | PS5 |
| Released | April 26, 2024 |
| Developer(s) | Shift Up |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment 1 |
Stellar Blade, a fast-paced action RPG, delivered a visually stunning experience with its vibrant and futuristic world. The game featured a unique art style that blended realistic graphics with stylized elements, creating a truly captivating atmosphere. The environments were diverse and impressive, ranging from bustling cities to desolate wastelands. The combat was a visual spectacle, with fluid animations and over-the-top special effects.
Conclusion
2024 was undoubtedly a year of visual splendor in the world of video games. These 15 titles showcased the incredible artistry and innovation within the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on screen. From the vibrant, cel-shaded worlds of Astro Bot to the dark and oppressive atmosphere of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, these games offered diverse visual experiences that captivated players worldwide.
These best video games in 2024 provided entertainment and served as a testament to the power of visual storytelling. By utilizing a variety of artistic styles and pushing the boundaries of technology, developers created immersive and unforgettable experiences that will continue to inspire and amaze for years to come.
FAQs: Best Video Games of 2024
- What are some of the best video games released in 2024?
You can find a list of the top 11 games on the BAFTA Games Awards longlist, which includes titles like “Tetris Forever” and “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. - What criteria are used to determine the best video games?
A combination of factors, such as gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, impressive graphics, and the overall player experience, are typically considered. Expert opinions and player feedback also play a significant role in determining a game’s ranking. - How can I find out more about these games?
You can easily research specific games online by visiting gaming news sites, reading reviews, and exploring forums dedicated to gaming. Platforms like Metacritic often provide aggregated reviews and scores, giving you a comprehensive overview of a game’s critical reception. - Where can I purchase these games?
Games are generally available for purchase through digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store. If you prefer physical copies, you can typically find them at major retail stores. - Are there any upcoming games to look forward to in 2024?
While the year is nearing its end, there might still be some exciting releases to anticipate. Staying updated with gaming news and announcements will help you stay informed about the latest releases and upcoming titles.
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