2024 has already been a fabulous year for game releases. Alan Wake 2 brought us back to a beloved horror franchise in what was a visual and narrative masterpiece. Astro Bot continues to make waves and is making a strong case for the surprise game of the year. Elden Ring and Destiny 2 both got excellent DLC additions while games like Helldivers 2 and College Football 25 have helped round out 2024 as a standout year in gaming. Yet, with over 3 months left, several big releases are set to take place. Will one of them make their case as the game of the year?

Gameplay Reveal Trailer (It looks amazing!) Credit to VG247.com

Stalker 2: 15 years of waiting, 15 years of built expectations. GSC Game World’s notable “Stalker” franchise makes its much-wanted return in November 2024. The “Stalker” franchise plays into first-person shooter survival-style gameplay, not far removed from the “Fallout” and “Metro” franchises. A release that has had to overcome delays, controversy, and a literal war, keep your eyes open for this apocalyptic shooter on November 20th.

Silent Hill 2 Remake: I'M NOT CRYING YOU ARE. 23 years. That’s not only how old I am but also how long I have waited for this release. Silent Hill 2 was my introduction to the PlayStation 2, and with that, it opened my eyes to a host of games and franchises that I still enjoy today. One of those franchises was “Silent Hill”, a Japanese horror franchise known for its macabre and odd visual storytelling. This revision of the Konami classic is sure to continue to horrify fans, both new and old. Keep your eyes out for this release on October 8th, 2024, just in time for Halloween.

Sonic X Shadow Generations: Sonic games have been… inconsistent to say the least. However, Sega’s new release sets to return the franchise to glory with a combination game that features both side-scrolling and 3D platforming. The game will feature the newly titled “Shadow Generations” and a remake of 2011’s “Sonic Generations”, allowing players to switch between the two. With a bold leap and attempt at fresh ideas with the franchise, will the hedgehog get back up to speed? Watch for this release on October 25th, 2024.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Another year, another Assassin’s Creed game. As a massive fan of the franchise, both new and old, I am quite excited for a new release. However, I do understand the concern among fans as the previous group of Assassin’s Creed games have been considered underwhelming. Shadows takes the Ubisoft franchise to the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japan, where players will have access to a revamped stealth and combat system. These changes along with the introduction of destructible environments show a huge step in progress from Ubisoft, will it pay off? Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases on November 15th, 2024. Edit: The game release has been pushed back to February 2025.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard: Dragon Age is back after 10 years, will the heavy hitter series continue it’s history of success? Releasing 10 years after “Dragon Age: Inquisition”, the game will also take place 10 years after the events of “Inquisition”. Dragon Age has always been known for its story-telling, world-building, and excellent RPG gameplay. With new technology and a new vision, Bioware’s masterpiece franchise will return to stores on October 31st, 2024.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Well I did not expect a full-fledged Indiana Jones adventure game in 2024 but I will not be complaining. The Spielberg franchise has always had the potential for a successful game, and despite failures, Bethesda and MachineGames have decided to try their hand. The game will take place between the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” movie and the “Last Cruicide” movie. The game will be mostly first-person and will attempt to replicate the wonder and joy of adventure that the movies brought audiences. This blockbuster turned Bethesda title will be released on December 9th, 2024.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Another year, another Zelda game that could dominate the Nintendo Switch market. Echoes of Wisdom puts the titular heroine Zelda at the forefront of the experience. Zelda will be the one saving Hyrule and Link this time around as Nintendo continues its cartoonish art style in this stylish-looking adventure title. Will Nintendo finally make a bad Legend of Zelda game? I wouldn’t hold my breathe as this title rolls around stores on September 26th, 2024.

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