Geek Babble – My Most Anticipated 2024 Games

I haven’t written about my most anticipated upcoming games in some time. It’s rare these days that I get around to playing a game during its year of release. Actually finishing that game within the same year is even rarer. Although I have noticed these lists are a great way to keep track of games that catch my eye. For example, I got around to purchasing only two of the games that interested me last year– and those were partially gifts for my husband. A personal course correction seems appropriate.

Some of these titles don’t have release dates yet. Some may release near the end of the year, and others may see further delays.

 

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy | Developer: Capcom | Release Date: January 25

I own every single one of the games in this trilogy on DS and 3DS. That said, what grabbed my attention is the fact that Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy will see a physical release. That means I’ll finally have a chance to own Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice physically. It was a great injustice that the 3DS releases of these Phoenix Wright games were digital-only, but it was better than not being able to officially play the games at all. I also have unfinished business with Spirit of Justice, as I didn’t enjoy the game when I started my 3DS playthrough in 2018. I finished two of the cases, but decided I wasn’t in a good headspace to continue on. This wasn’t because the game itself was bad, but the politics of the time combined with the politics of the game in a way that frustrated me. Honestly, things haven’t gotten better, but I’d still like to take a swing at finishing this particular Ace Attorney.

 

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Developer: Square Enix | Release Date: February 29

Final Fantasy VII Remake was a game I purchased at launch. I played it for numerous hours, and it took some time to get adjusted to the gameplay. Then in a classic move, I stopped playing for a while and found myself distracted with other titles. FFVII Remake sat unfinished until I decided pick up the game again in 2021. The release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was the kick I needed. I enjoyed the game from start to finish, despite me leaving it on hold for months. I found the ending of Remake intriguing and I love how this retelling is setting up to be a soft sequel to the original Final Fantasy VII. The story deviations from the original game were so great that Remake doesn’t replace FFVII. I’m excited to see what story changes will be made in Rebirth. While this won’t be a day one purchase, I’ll eventually get the game before year’s end. Also, I need to overcome the little problem of not having a PlayStation 5.

 

Unicorn Overlord | Developer: Vanillaware | Release Date: March 8

The announcement of Unicorn Overlord blindsided me. I had no idea it was being developed. Nor did I figure that it would be releasing so soon after it was unveiled at The Game Awards. As it was being revealed, I knew immediately that it was a Vanillaware title. I have yet to play a game from this developer that I didn’t love. Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Dragon’s Crown, and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim were simply superb experiences. I also enjoy tactical RPGs, so this one instantly earned a spot on my list. In fact, Unicorn Overlord is the only game I’ve bothered to pre-order– collector’s edition and all.

 

Metaphor: ReFantazo | Developer: Atlus | Release Date: Fall 2024

From the moment Metaphor: ReFantazo was announced I knew I’d be purchasing and playing this game. This is doubly true because I’m taking a hard pass on Persona 3: Reload. After all, Atlus announced P3R only months after porting Persona 3 Portable to modern consoles. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad a port of P3P happened. Still, it should not have been so close to the announcement of an entire remake.) Given how Atlus tends to handle Persona, the idea of them working on a title that’s not related to their flagship franchise (or Megaten as a whole) is just exciting. I miss the days when Atlus took a chance on developing new IP. Character design and gameplay-wise, Metaphor looks like it could be a Persona title. That said, it’s a fantasy title and the little tidbits about the world are a stark departure from what this developer has released in the past. (If we’re not counting the Etrian Odyssey franchise, at least.) This is my most anticipated game of 2024.

 

The Wolf Among Us 2 | Developer: Telltale | Release Date: 2024?

Out of all the games on this list, The Wolf Among Us 2 is the title I’m feeling the least certain about in terms of an actual 2024 release. Part of me is still shocked that Telltale managed to rise from its grave and that a sequel to a title I loved is actually happening. The game was announced in 2019, slated for a 2023 release, and was ultimately delayed until 2024. That said, The wolf Among Us 2 still doesn’t have a solid release date or timeframe beyond well, 2024. The reasons for the delay were documented by Telltale, but I still find it concerning that a release date hasn’t been pinned down. Still, a delayed game is preferable to one that’s middling, bad, or had to be rushed out using crunch. At the very least, the trailer Telltale put out in 2022 looks good and hopefully the switch to Unreal Engine 5 will be worth the trouble it put the developers through. I’m also going to find it hilarious if the game does release this year, as my upcoming replay of The Wolf Among Us on Twitch is pure coincidence.

 

Other games that caught my eye include:

Mario vs. Donkey Kong — If I pick this one up, it would be a pure nostalgia trip. I’m not particularly excited about the game, but I am curious.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door — I have the GameCube version sitting on a shelf in my bedroom. TTYD has been on my pile of shame for nearly two decades at this point. I’m undecided if I want the Switch remake or if just sitting down to play the game I already own is good enough.

 

What are you most anticipated games of 2024?