The hit survival sim Valheim will be , ending years of speculation. The year is all we got, as developer Iron Gate AB didn’t announce an actual release date. Still, it’s better than nothing.
We do know that the PS5 version will feature full crossplay with all other platforms, so that’s good. Piktiv, a company that regularly assists Iron Gate with Valheim stuff, is working on the port so the main development team can focus its efforts on updates and DLC drops. To that end, there’s a massive expansion coming called that introduces a new biome.
For the uninitiated, Valheim is a popular survival sim based on Norse mythology with a strong emphasis on cooperative play. Players team up to hunt, build bases, explore and take down bosses.
It first popped up on Steam as an early access title at the beginning of 2021, where it . The game was released for . There are no current plans for a Switch 2 version.
Oliver Brandt is a Contributing Pop Culture Writer based in Tasmania, Australia. Their focus is reporting on video games, film, and TV. They have extensive knowledge of video game history and communities both in Australia and abroad, animated films and television shows, and international cinema. Oliver joined Newsweek in 2024 and has previously worked at Men’s Journal, Parade, and more. They are a graduate of Curtin University. You can get in touch with Oliver by emailing o.brandt@newsweek.com. You can find them on X and Bluesky @chocobalt. Languages: English.
While fans have been loving the sequel to the beloved metroidvania Hollow Knight, many have noted its intense difficulty, especially in the early game. In response to the early-game difficulty, developer Team Cherry has revealed that the game’s first patch is on the way, and it’s set to make the game easier for new players.
Protagonist Hornet faces off against multiple enemies in a promotional screenshot for Hollow Knight: Silksong. Protagonist Hornet faces off against multiple enemies in a promotional screenshot for Hollow Knight: Silksong. Team Cherry
The first post-release patch for Hollow Knight: Silksong is currently available on Steam in the public beta branch of the game, and is expected to roll out to other platforms mid next week. The update brings a host of bug fixes, including some soft locks in the early and late game, and Team Cherry says all fixes will apply retroactively, so if you’re stuck or something is broken, you can just wait for the update to fix it.
The more exciting part for some fans is the tweaks to difficulty in the early game. Among the fixes includes a reduction in difficulty for two early game bosses, Moorwing and Sister Splinter, as well as a reduction in damage from Sandcarvers. There’s also a reduction in the cost of a few mid-game benches, and an increase in rosary rewards from a couple of in-game activities.
Below are the full patch notes for Silksong’s first patch, courtesy of the Silksong Steam blog.
Hollow Knight: Silksong First Update Patch Notes
Fixed situation where players could remain cloakless after Slab escape sequence.
Fixed wish Infestation Operation often not being completable during the late game.
Fixed wish Beast in the Bells not being completable when Bell Beast is summoned at the Bilewater Bellway during the late game.
Fixed getting stuck floating after down-bouncing on certain projectiles.
Fixed courier deliveries sometimes being inaccessible in the late game.
Fixed craft bind behaving incorrectly when in memories.
Fixed Lace tool deflect soft-lock at start of battle in Deep Docks.
Fixed Silk Snippers in Chapel of the Reaper sometimes getting stuck out of bounds.
Fixed Claw Mirrors leaving Hornet inverted if taking damage during a specific moment while binding.
Fixed Snitch Pick not giving rosaries and shell shards as intended.
Removed float override input (down + jump, after player has Faydown Cloak).
Slight difficulty reduction in early game bosses Moorwing and Sister Splinter.
Reduction in damage from Sandcarvers.
Slight increase in pea pod collider scale.
Slight reduction in mid-game Bellway and Bell Bench prices.
Slight increase in rosary rewards from relics and psalm cylinders.
Increase in rosary rewards for courier deliveries.
Various additional fixes and tweaks.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Yooka-Replaylee, , will be available on October 9. It’ll be playable on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and Switch 2. It’s getting both a digital and physical release, and preorders for the physical versions are up right now.
Speaking of physical copies, the Switch 2 version will include the full game on the cartridge and no game-key card. Nintendo has given developers the option to release cartridges that are basically empty shells, called game-key cards, that require an immediate download upon being slotted in the console. Collectors aren’t exactly keen on this practice, so an actual cartridge release for Yooka-Replaylee is a welcome bit of news.
This is a remade and enhanced version of Yooka-Laylee, which was itself an like Banjo-Kazooie. Developer Playtonic is staffed with people who worked on Rare titles like the aforementioned Banjo and the Donkey Kong Country games.
Yooka-Replaylee brings some new features to the table, including updated challenges, a fully orchestral soundtrack and, of course, more stuff to collect. There’s also a bigger map, a refined story and enhanced graphics. It looks pretty nifty.
The digital version of the game will cost $30, while physical copies will cost $50. There’s a promotion going for long-time fans, as those who already own the game will get 30 percent off so long as they buy the remaster on the same platform family as the original. This means Switch to Switch 2, PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S.
The PlayStation 5 Pro is nearly here, as it hits retailers on November 7. If you’ve been on the fence about dropping a cool $700 , Sony just published a that will offer enhanced versions when the console launches later this week.
This list includes modern favorites like Baldur’s Gate 3, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarök. It also features newer games like NBA2K 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. All told, it’s a pretty decent start. The console will unlock all kinds of graphical enhancements, like advanced ray tracing, higher frame rates and Sony’s proprietary upscaling system called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution.
However, it’s also worth pointing out some games that aren’t on the list. Gran Turismo 7 is missing, despite an enhanced version already being announced. It must not be ready yet. Final Fantasy XVI is also absent from the list, and that one has . The same goes for both Returnal and Elden Ring. Now, just because these games aren’t on the launch list, doesn’t mean they won’t get enhanced versions down the line. It probably depends on .
The PS5 Pro offers more than just slight graphical upgrades to pre-existing titles. It boasts faster memory, support for Wi-Fi 7 and ships with a large 2TB SSD. Digital Foundry and also found 2GB of additional DDR5 RAM and a user-accessible battery bay. These are all nifty upgrades, though I’m still not sure if all of this adds up to me spending $700.
It’s been over a year since Peter Parker and Miles Morales joined forces for their epic crossover adventure game on the Sony PlayStation 5. Now they are swinging their way to PCs early next year.
Sony announced at New York Comic Con today that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is getting a PC release on January 30, 2025 on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The fans who got to hear the news first also witnessed the new trailer for the game’s PC remake.
The new release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will come in two different versions and both have plenty of extra features and perks for those very patient PC players. The “Standard Edition” comes with the full game and all the PS5 updates such as 14 new suits, “Ultimate Levels,” new styles of symbiote suits and an action figure mode in photo mode. The “Digital Deluxe Edition” also comes with five exclusive new suits for Peter and Miles each, early unlocks for Peter’s Arachknight suit, Miles, Shadow-Spirit suit and the web grabber gadget and additional items for photo mode.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 features the two most famous names from the Spider-Verse (not counting Stan Lee) in an expanded version of the Big Apple taking on one of the longest lists of villains in just about any comic book based game. The two take on bad guys like Kraven, Black Cat and Scorpion without giving away too many appearances. Of course, the one most of the fans looked forward to seeing is that deep voiced, slimy symbiote Venom.
Square Enix’s multiplayer shooter Foamstars is moving to a free-to-play model. The four-player team multiplayer melee officially turned into a free game today on Sony’s PlayStation 4 and 5 meaning you also won’t need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play it, according to a posting on .
If you purchased the game before Square Enix’s price change, the studio will send you a free “Legacy Gift” that includes 12 exclusive color-variant Bubble Beastie skins, an exclusive Slide Board design and a “Legacy” title. You’ll need to keep an eye on and to find out how to obtain your free “Legacy Gift.”
released earlier this year on Sony’s past and current gen consoles as a third-person multiplayer battle game. It’s basically a mix of the homebase building mechanic of Fortnite and Nintendo’s family friendly multiplayer shooter melee Splatoon. Teams use mounds of foam to build terrain for their shooters to traverse at high speeds or build higher vantage points to attack their enemies. You shouldn’t learn anymore about the game’s backstory and or at least not while you’re eating. Trust us on this one.
With this release, there have been four spin-off releases in the Earth Defense Force franchise (not counting the 4.1 Wing Diver game). I have various problems with Insect Armageddon and Iron Rain, but World Brothers is where I felt they nailed it. While the other two skewed too far from the core concept, World Brothers perfectly captured the EDF spirit. I was excited to see how a sequel would improve on the already excellent first game, and I was happy with what I found.
If you played Earth Defense Force 6 when it was released a few months ago, there are some sizeable differences between the two. In contrast to the mainline EDF games being on the grittier side and their stories being downers, World Brothers is all color and cheer. Whereas you control one character in the normal games, you craft have a squad of four characters in WB from various classes that you can quickly swap through in missions. The other biggest difference is graphics, as World Brothers looks like it was made in Minecraft.
All Earth Defense Force games provide excellent online co-op as well as split-screen multiplayer, which was the one thing World Brothers 1 was missing. The devs considered that this time, and it has returned in World Brothers 2, which should make players who skipped the first much happier. While it’s not something I often take advantage of, it does help with trophy hunting.
Image Source: Yuke’s via Twinfinite
World Brothers 2 picks up a year after Dark Tyrant split the (appropriately) Cube Earth apart, and a new adversary, Gaiarch, has now popped up to do the same thing. You play as the same non-speaking commander from the first game, but the supporting cast of characters is almost entirely new. You take command of Division 7, who, to fight back against Gaiarch, has to track down and defeat the mother ships from each mainline EDF title.
One of the things I love most about World Brothers 2 (and the first one) is that it feels like a love letter to the Earth Defense Force franchise. Between findable characters being soldiers from every single title to funny dialogue sticking up for the spin-offs, this game was clearly made by fans for fans.
At its heart, World Brothers 2 is another third-person shooter with increasingly silly/powerful weaponry. However, the sequel has graciously upgraded all characters to increase their usefulness massively. Not only do all characters have a special attack, but they also have an ability and a maneuverability skill.
The abilities can be things like extra attacks or even healing grenades. Meanwhile, maneuverability is something most characters lack in the previous game. Only certain EDF soldiers had a dodge roll, which made them clearly superior to the others. All characters have roughly equal usability this time, so it’s much easier to branch out and be a little more crazy with squad composition.
Weapons have also been greatly improved as they now level up their damage stats from being used. This means a level one weapon can outpace a brand new level two (or maybe higher) if you’ve been using it long enough. It helps maintain familiarity with a weapon without the need to be constantly swapping until you’re willing to take a temporary hit in output to level up a better weapon.
Image Source: Yuke’s via Twinfinite
I will also say the dialogue is better this time, as it felt far too corny in the first game. They leaned more into the meta jokes, such as the running gag with the whole “they look like people” about the bipedal frog monsters. My only sticking point was the operator character that gives tips during combat, but it couldn’t be turned off without eliminating all voices. By the end of the game, I was close to losing it if I was told one more time that I should swap squad members instead of waiting through reload times.
Missions are another area where it’s clear the developers had more confidence when crafting this sequel. Clearly, fans had reacted well to creativity in the first game, so that seemed to be a bigger focus this time. They didn’t just stick to recreating classic missions, which is what makes the game so great.
One unique mission was a beach invasion by massive tripedal enemies. The main method of offense was these tanks behind stacks of freight containers. These weren’t standard tanks; they only moved horizontally, and entering them changed to an almost top-down camera angle. This was all a reference to Space Invaders, and I loved that kind of stuff.
Image Source: Yuke’s via Twinfinite
The beauty of World Brothers 2 is that I am getting the best of both worlds. It plays much like a traditional EDF title while benefiting from new ideas. World Brothers 1 tried a few things that Earth Defense Force 6 later incorporated, so I am excited to see what is carried forward this time. If you’re looking for your next third-person shooter obsession or want to find a game to play with friends, I promise World Brothers 2 won’t disappoint you.
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2
World Brothers 2 provides excellent upgrades to mechanics from the first game to make this one feel even better to play.
Pros
Fun dialogue
Weapon damage is upgraded through use
Split screen co-op returns.
Creative missions.
Characters have better maneuverability through new skills.
Cons
Character that gives helpful tips during combat is incredibly annoying without any way to turn it off specifically
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PS5.
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The PS5 Pro improves on the four-year-old standard model with boosted internals. The upgrades start with a GPU with 67 percent more compute units and 28 percent faster RAM. These allow it to (at most) triple the PS5’s ray-tracing performance, leading to fancier lighting, reflections and shadows.
In the PS5 Pro, Sony introduces its AI-powered answer to Nvidia’s DLSS, called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Built for 4K TVs and displays, the tech upgrades lower-resolution frames to ultra-HD graphics “with astonishing detail.”
The console also promises more consistent frame rates (with less graphical sacrifice) and support for 60Hz and 120Hz displays. For games that aren’t updated for the new console, a PS5 Pro version of Game Boost will provide faster and smoother frame rates for over 8,500 supported titles, including “some of the PS4 and PS5 console’s greatest games.”
The console includes 2TB of storage, double the original’s capacity. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and 8K resolutions.
The PS5 Pro offers those upgrades in a familiar form factor: It has the same height as the original PS5 and the same width as the disc-less PS5 Slim. Like the latter, you’ll need to pay extra for a disc drive or a vertical stand.
The ripples from Concord’s seismic implosion are still fanning out since Sony decided to take the game offline earlier this month. Now, the game’s director has reportedly decided to bow out gracefully. reported that game director Ryan Ellis of Firewalk Studios told staff members that he’s stepping down from his position. Ellis, who cofounded Firewalk after a stint as the creative director of Destiny 2, will remain with the studio but only in a support role.
Meanwhile, the staff at Firewalk are still waiting to hear what Sony plans to do with their underperforming game. Just two weeks after Concord’s release, on September 6 and issued refunds to everyone who bought the game for the PlayStation 5 or PC from Steam and the Epic Games Store. Sony said in a statement that it pulled the game in order to “explore options, including those that will better reach our players.” Naturally, Kotaku reports that a lot of Firewalk’s staffers are worried about the status of their jobs in the wake of Concord’s disappointing release.
The extremely poor sales of Concord make it one of the biggest bombs in industry history. Analysts estimate that it only sold 25,000 copies on Steam and for PS5 in its first six days.
While getting through a tough trophy list can be rewarding, sometimes we all want an easygoing experience. We’ve dug through the PlayStation Store and used our own experiences to figure out what PS5 games in 2024 have an easy trophy list and platinum.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Image Source: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio via Twinfinite
Infinite Wealth puts players back in the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga as he attempts to help the ex-Yakuza after the previous game’s events. Though he must detour on that path, a new journey takes him (and the series) to America for the first time. He must now navigate the culture of Hawaii to unravel a whole new conspiracy.
Though the Yakuza-verse games are notorious for lengthy trophy lists, Infinite Wealth breaks that trend. You don’t have to deal with a difficulty trophy or worry about finishing out the completion list. Plus, the level 99 dungeon that cranked up the trophy difficulty in Yakuza 7 is also completely absent. Instead, you need to do a fair bit of side content, but by no means everything.
The game doesn’t even require you to complete every substory, so you only have to clear out 40. From the perspective of mainline titles, this one is even easier to platinum than Yakuza 6. The only difference is you’re probably looking at a pretty lengthy completion, but it is worth the ride. The hardest trophy is Legendary Dragon, which is for getting Kasuga to level 70. As enemy levels cap out at roughly 55, it’s a bit of a grind.
Tekken 8
Image Credit: Bandai Namco Entertainment
It’s pretty fitting that Tekken 8 belongs in here, as Tekken 7 is still one of the easiest fighting game platinum trophies I have ever gotten. The game picks up a few months after the end of the previous title and focuses on a different father-and-son clash between Jin and Kazuya. As you can expect with that family, things get pretty dicey.
Overall, you’re looking at a very easy path to platinum. You can play story mode The Dark Awakens in easy mode. While there isn’t an easy option for Arcade Quest, it isn’t all that difficult to begin with. Both of these modes will run you roughly two hours each and will probably be where you get the bulk of the miscellaneous trophies.
Other than those, you just need to finish out the Super Ghost Battles and the Character Episodes, which give more of the story. As for online-only trophies, you need to win one Ranked, Player, and Group match and then play 10 additional online matches that you don’t have to win. This isn’t a lengthy trophy list at all, and it can probably be knocked out in one eight-hour marathon.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Image Source: Ubisoft
It’s been 14 years since The Forgotten Sands was released, and the series has returned to its 2D roots with The Lost Crown. After the Persian prince has been kidnapped, the new hero, Sargon, must delve into the depths of Mount Qaf and the Citadel to bring him back home.
The Lost Crown platinum has two major things going for it. First, it lacks a difficulty trophy, so you can play the whole game on easy if you’d like. Second, there aren’t any missable trophies at all. Couple that with the game’s post-story free roam, and you can take this platinum at your own pace.
This means you are completely free to enjoy the narrative, and you can set out to pick up collectibles and complete sidequests at your own convenience. The average completion time for the story seems to be 25 hours or so, so cleaning up afterward (assuming you didn’t really do much) should take you less than half of that.
Resistance: Retribution
Image Source: Bend Studio via Twinfinite
The Classics Catalogue for February has added a PSP title that, when it was released, enhanced an already terrific PS3 FPS franchise. In Resistance: Retribution, you play as James Grayson, who joins the European faction of the resistance to avoid a court martial. Unlike the PS3 games, Retribution is a third-person shooter developed by the studio that later made Days Gone.
Resistance: Retribution continues a trend in which the classic games that get trophy support often get easy lists. Most of the list is simply for beating the game, as each mission/chapter has a trophy for completing it, and there isn’t a difficulty trophy. Otherwise, you just need to kill 50 enemies, use the Auger WS 100 times, die once, and use 10 different weapons.
The added benefit is that all classic games include a rewind function that lets you go back several steps if you make a mistake. This makes it incredibly easy to get the trophy for dying and then reset a little bit before that. Overall, the campaign takes about 10ish hours to complete, so it’s not a long platinum journey.
Rise of the Ronin
Image Source: Team Ninja via Twinfinite
This might seem like a weird place for a Soulslike, but Rise of the Ronin is a very unique one. For the first time, a mainstream game of the Soulslike genre offers difficulty options, and it is all the better for it. If it were not for the difficulty options, it would be an unlikely fit on this list, but it provides a fun and easy platinum worth earning.
In the game, you play as a member of the Veiled Edge, an elite group of warriors operating in Japan’s shadows to take down any threats. Every Veiled Edge warrior is trained alongside a Blade Twin. After a mission goes wrong, you are separated from your Blade Twin and venture out of the shadows and into the light of Japan to find them.
Just about every trophy can be gained before you even beat the story. Though every region across the game’s three maps has a to-do list of things to collect, there are only two things you need to collect for individual trophies. The toughest trophy is for finishing a mission on the hardest difficulty, Midnight, which is unlocked once you beat the game. However, you can do the tutorial mission on this difficulty, which is pretty simple.
Mystic Pillars Remastered
Image Source: Holy Cow Productions
Mystic Pillars was originally released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, though that still feels a little soon to be labeled a ‘remaster.’ This puzzle-game adventure takes players on a trip through ancient India, with plenty of colorful cutscenes. Players even have the choice to hear all dialogue spoken in the Kannada language. However, one trophy requires you to watch every cutscene in this language and not skip any, so it’s best not to change it.
Mystic Pillars has a pretty simple core mechanic. You are given a layout to follow as you move gold from one pillar to another. The game starts off easy enough but steadily builds as more pillars are involved, with a more confusing path to completion. There are 100 total levels to complete across several different regions.
If you aren’t too great at puzzle games, the trophy list might have one specific issue for you. There is a trophy for not using the restart more than 50 times across all 100 levels. I can’t tell if you can simply back out of a trophy instead of using the restart. If you find yourself stuck, there are plenty of guides out there to give you the needed solution.
Cat Quest III
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Cat Quest returns with a swashbuckling adventure that takes you to brand-new lands. Upon arriving, you find a special rune that your companion suggests might take you to the North Star Treasure. Your first boss battle victory gets you access to a ship that you can use to sail to nearby islands.
The world in Cat Quest III is a bit more fractured than in previous games due to the ship traversal aspect of the game. However, every other series staple continues with chests dotting various areas and plenty of dungeons to explore.
As you might expect, the trophy list is similar to the previous two games. Nothing is missable, and you’ll eventually be at the right level to tackle any dungeon you haven’t yet tried. Your final trophy will likely be one of those that requires you to collect all of a specific type of gear.
Vampire Survivors
Image Source: Poncle
Vampire Survivors exists for those gamers who are too familiar with bullet hell-type games. Instead of being the one dodging the endless projectiles and bullets, the enemies become the hunted. Every weapon in Vampire Survivors is designed to climb to insane heights until a combined (and maxed out) loadout entirely drowns out whatever is happening on screen.
You are only given access to one map when you first start Vampire Survivors, but the game is very generous with details to unlock further content. The goal from the start is simply to survive the endless hoards of enemies for 30 minutes as they get stronger and larger.
The trophies are very straightforward with what you need to do while taking on the game’s many maps. They are things like upgrading weapons to a certain level or finding the right item to evolve them into a better form. The game keeps track of all this for you in various menus, so you shouldn’t ever feel lost without an idea of what to do next.
The Plucky Squire
Image Source: All Possible Futures via Twinfinite
The Plucky Squire follows the story of Jot and his adventures and plays out within a storybook. Jot initially sets out on a mini-quest to find wax so Moonbeard can press more records. The game is unique and takes place in 2D and 3D, with storybook visuals and many different types of gameplay. Most of it takes place as if you were reading a picture book.
Most of the trophies are story-related, with the rest unlocked by finding all the collectibles. The game features a chapter select that can help you clean up anything you missed. To get all trophies, you do need to play the game on Adventure mode, but doing that from the start will help you avoid needing two playthroughs.
This shouldn’t be too difficult as long as you read through the trophy list to know what to look for with the miscellaneous trophies. The collectibles can be slightly hidden, but they are never obscured. If you finish everything, your final trophies should be for completing Adventure and Story modes, which should take around 8-10 hours.
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There is a kind of magic when reading a good book, where you find yourself transported into the worlds created by the author and wishing that the characters, setting, and the narrative could come alive right in front of your very eyes. That is precisely what you’ll get from The Plucky Squire. However, this irresistibly charming action adventure casts the storybook characters in the limelight instead of playing out from a reader’s perspective, and thus begins the page-turning journey of Jot and friends, one that proves quite hard to put down.
Image Source: Devolver Digital via Twinfinite
Like most fairytales, the story of Jot, the titular Plucky Squire himself, always ends with him on the winning side, saving the day by defeating the evil sorcerer Humgrump. But after discovering that there was an entire world outside of the storybook, the villain casts out our hero in a bid to rewrite his ending, and it will be up to players to right that wrong to ensure a happy ending.
Even before the action begins, the art direction and lovely design of The Plucky Squire instantly jump out at you, putting forth a vibrant world that is full of life and made better with the hand-drawn style. And when the action comes off the pages and into the actual world, I couldn’t help but smile at seeing everything in place. Everyday objects took on a whimsical sheen, becoming larger-than-life and yet being perfectly in place as they should be, and making any trek outside of the book enjoyable and exciting.
It doesn’t hurt that the colorful cast of characters is full of personality as well. While we have to make do with just the narrator’s masterful delivery, the likes of Jot, the mountain troll Thrash, trainee witch Violet and everyone else exude delightful magic at every turn with the writing and character design. There is clearly much love put into creating these characters as well as the various regions they reside in, and it makes your time spent there all the more pleasant. A shout-out to Moonbeard for his enchanting takes on breaking the fourth wall.
Image Source: Devolver Digital via Twinfinite
Of course, an action-adventure like The Plucky Squire has to have gameplay that matches up to the high visual bar, and thankfully, developer All Possible Futures is more than up to the task. Throughout Jot’s perilous trek to defeat Humgrump, players will be presented with plenty of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving opportunities, elements that are familiar to the genre.
Yet, it doesn’t feel anything close to being textbook, thanks to unique tweaks that constantly amaze and change how you approach the challenges ahead. Standard sword swings soon evolve to powerful spinning attacks and a boomerang-like sword throw, side-scrolling sections can tip over to become vertical platforming sequences, and not to mention the environmental puzzles that make full use of the realm-changing formula of The Plucky Squire. They are all excellent ways to shake things up.
From switching out keywords on the prose to transform the world literally to jumping out to use objects and powers to manipulate the book and affect the things on a page, it is such an inventive use of the storybook concept that it is hard to fathom that no one else has done it before. Venturing into the real world also gives players a chance to live out their Toy Story fantasies, and to appreciate the out-of-the-box thinking from the creators when creating platforming sequences out of actual objects, with the verticality involved a pleasant surprise too.
Image Source: Devolver Digital via Twinfinite
Furthermore, there are special mini-games thrown in for good measure in each distinct region. Think along the lines of a boxing fight, a turn-based roleplaying experience, or even a rhythm challenge—they all tie into the current predicament the crew find themselves in, helping to enrich the adventure rather than feel like they were forced additions. Therein lies the only issue with this astonishing action adventure. These magical interludes only last for that short while, and although the game has many of such gifts in place, it always left me wanting more throughout the 10-odd hours I spent in The Plucky Squire.
Hooking me right from the start and eliciting pure joy all the way to the end, The Plucky Squire has gone the extra mile in rewriting what should be expected out of an action-adventure such as this. By drawing from classic inspirations and adding its own spin on things, this is a game that leverages its creativity in all the good ways and ultimately writes a happy ending not just for Jot and his friends, but hopefully, also for the future of its creators.
The Plucky Squire
Hooking me right from the start and eliciting pure joy all the way to the end, The Plucky Squire has gone the extra mile in rewriting what should be expected out of an action-adventure such as this. By drawing from classic inspirations and adding its own spin on things, this is a game that leverages its creativity in all the good ways, and ultimately writes a happy ending not just for Jot and his friends, but hopefully, also for the future of its creators.
Pros
Excellent art direction and design
Charming characters and storytelling
Brilliant use of realm-swapping mechanics in level and puzzle design
Smart mini-games to spice things up
Cons
Unique mechanics are only used once
Adventure over too soon
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PC.
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Annualized sports games are always facing an uphill battle when convincing players to put down the cash for what many see as a roster update with minimal improvements. And often, that is the case, but with NBA 2K25, Visual Concepts and 2K Games have surpassed the subpar efforts of NBA 2K24, and once again becomes championship contenders in the world of video game basketball.
Image Source: 2K Games
This year’s most significant improvements come on the court, powered by ProPLAY, the technology that translates authentic movements from captured footage into actual, immersive gameplay. This means even more dribbling animations, signature shots, and off-ball movement that will make any coach happy. Needless to say, NBA 2K25 delivers the most true-to-life basketball experience you can have without lacing up your shoes.
It isn’t just the drives and the signature shots that catch the eye, the developers have also heeded feedback from the community regarding shooting the ball. The result is the ability to change up the shot timing profile to your liking, ranging from difficulty-based impact on user-timed shots to high-risk, high-reward mechanics, emphasizing the need for perfect timing to truly reflect the challenge in the sport. Similarly, you can adjust the timing for layups and free throws, too, as well as implement custom visual cues to suit your play style.
And if the already extensive shooting control methods weren’t enough, the new Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting option should be added to your consideration. Mimicking the movement of shooting, players using this method can pull down the shot stick to start a shot, and follow through to match the timing and speed of the push motion, making it almost feel like you are the one attempting to sink the basket. It certainly takes some getting used to, but mastering this new way is something the studio says will always beat the traditional method, so there’s food for thought for all the court generals out there.
Image Source: 2K Games
While offense is always something players will look forward to, there is also more meat for defensive players to sink their teeth into as well. A brand-new defensive cutoff system empowers those with good anticipation to be able to control their opponent, making dynamic shifts in directions to prevent an attack from gaining too much momentum. It is always a thrill to shut down the opposition this way, leading to easier steals and stupendous blocks that amp up the atmosphere.
Even contesting shots will feel different in NBA 2K25, with a new dynamic weighting system that tries to reflect the true impact of defense on a shot attempt. Strong defensive performances will now feel more rewarding than ever before, preventing shooters from raining hell on you if you manage to get your coverage right.
As the most obvious calling card, the graphical prowess and visual fidelity on show in NBA 2K25 is second to none, bringing its presentation to yet another level, approaching the authentic product fans can watch with every game. Player models are more detailed than ever before, and the fluid animations made possible by ProPLAY allow the game to ebb and flow naturally. Add to that arenas and courts put together with plenty of attention to detail, and to even the keenest of eyes, a game in action can look like the real deal.
Image Source: 2K Games
All of these can be experienced in a great selection of game modes that may be already familiar, but are nonetheless enjoyable to jump into. MyPLAYER and MyCAREER remain excellent ways of making your journey to the top of the NBA a fun-filled journey, with new bells and whistles to give players the ability to tweak their course and build a dynasty for the ages with or without their created player at the heart of things.
There’s also love for the WNBA in the form of The W, with the game’s rising stars of the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and more being a part of the competition to become the GOAT. The Pursuit of Greatness story mode is undoubtedly one to invest your time in, reflecting the growing status of the women’s game.
If you would rather head things up in the front office, then there are MyGM and MyNBA to look forward to. The former leans much more firmly into the roleplaying aspects, making it possible for a GM to grow in more distinct ways and impact their team accordingly. Become an offensive powerhouse with great offensive coaching, or use your charisma to negotiate better deals and maintain team morale, the choice is yours as you look to grow your organization and unlock even more perks as you level up. It is also nice to have more dynamic and impactful conversations with people who matter, and being able to do so in an actual free-roaming space is a nice touch but not entirely necessary, in my opinion.
Image Source: 2K Games
As for the latter, The Steph Era of the 2017 Golden State Warriors have been added into the mix, giving you the opportunity to either stop them or join them in a period of true NBA superstars leading their teams. Furthermore, flexible league expansion and contraction, the addition of the NBA Cup, and more streamlined MySTAFF management make it easier to play how you want as you shape the league.
Then there are the MyTEAM and The City, modes where you can play solo, but are best enjoyed online with other players. The idea of building a super team is still a sound one, and Visual Concepts continues to iterate on the formula with the return of the Auction House and four new game modes for MyTEAM. Whether that will shift the needle for those not particularly keen on the card-collecting mode remains to be seen, but fans will have more to enjoy regardless.
As for The City, it has been revamped to bring players closer to the game and the community, with more interactive spaces and more ways to show off your skills. The best part of it is the impending return of all four MyPARKS as events in the mode, adding that layer of nostalgia that is hard to match. The sun-drenched Sunset Beach park, the industrial Rivet City, the urban setting of the Old Town, and the upgraded Old Town MyPARK on the aircraft carrier are all being remastered, and it will be a delight to ball on them again.
While the plethora of modes can be overwhelming, NBA 2K25 is also constantly giving players the avenue to improve their understanding of the game and its mechanics. The robust Learn 2K mode covers everything from the basics to the most advanced of moves, and it is a godsend for those who are new to the franchise or just trying to get their hands warmed up again. There are also similar tutorial modes available in MyTEAM and The City too, so make sure you are all caught up first before taking on others.
Image Source: 2K Games
With so much basketball goodness awaiting players, there are still the dreaded microtransactions in NBA 2K25 to be discussed. Naturally, if you are playing offline, there is really little incentive to invest in any of the microtransactions. However, there is a stark difference when competing against other players online; those willing to stump up the cash will have a distinct advantage, not just for their cosmetic looks but also when it comes to players and their ratings. Similar to the likes of EA Sports FC, there appears to be no stopping the profitable momentum of microtransactions for the franchise, so be wary whenever online play is concerned; sometimes, even the best skills don’t guarantee you’ll win.
As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year’s offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-calibre franchise.
NBA 2K25
As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year’s offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-caliber franchise.
Pros
Visuals and audio presentation is top-notch.
Great customization options.
Plenty of game modes for every fan.
New ProPLAY technology a true revolution.
Cons
Microtransactions are here to stay.
Online play balance remain a question.
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PlayStation 5.
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We’re seeing an injection of fresh life into this year’s Madden thanks to the return of college football with EA Sports College Football 25’s release. The college football franchise comes off an 11-year hiatus, tying nicely into Madden 25’s pro football package. But the return of college football can only do so much for Madden 25, as this year’s experience feels more like a mechanical iteration from past entries rather than a comprehensive overhaul.
Surprisingly, the biggest innovations in this year’s Madden are found in nitty-gritty gameplay details rather than in modes or presentation. EA has been proudly campaigning its new BOOM Tech physics suite; a physics package that incorporates realistic tackles and individualized player movements. By extension, the iconic Madden Hit Stick has been re-engineered so that you can control your tackles through risk/reward hit timings. I’m a terrible tackler in these games and even I found the Hit Stick timings to be intuitive and fun to pull off, even if it sometimes resulted in the carrier breaking through a poorly timed hit.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
Thanks to the new physics suite, carrying the ball finally feels like it has some depth this year. You can set up combo jukes and spins through the right stick, and the overall movement feels more nuanced thanks to the physics overhaul. AI is improved, with a carrier’s center of mass and footing determining their balance and stability. Calculations like torque and rotation angles are all formulated into the enhanced physics suite to create more varied and realistic movement. As a personal anecdote, I can’t help but chuckle at the mountain of linemen squirming around to fumble the ball out of the carrier’s hands.
Players move individual pieces of their body per these new physics calculations, and it shows by the ragdoll-like movements after every hit. These newly enhanced physics do a great job of overcoming the rigidness and predictable player movements from previous games.
Unlike tackling and running, the passing game has remained largely untouched from previous iterations. I still enjoy leading receivers with passes and influencing whether it’s a bullet or lob, though the level of control still lags behind older sim-oriented titles like ESPN NFL 2K5.
That said, this is the most skill-based Madden we’ve seen in years, thanks in part to the new Hit Stick and physics. Player stats and abilities add that role-playing element to compliment the skill-based package nicely here, with skill trees for every team member and a perk system for each role. What’s even better is you can customize just how skill-based or RPG you want the experience to be through the extensive settings. Under the Player Skill tab, you can adjust a meter from 0 to 100 governing how accurate QBs are, reaction timing of catches, and a host of other parameters to make the experience as stat-dependant or skill-based as you wish.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
Of course, if you really want a role-playing experience, Franchise mode supplies that in good measure. I like the option to only play certain highlights of games, but I wish you could decide when to step in and play. Sadly, there’s still no way to watch a game play out in real-time and take control of players when you wish. You either play a full game or select highlights of said game with little manual input.
Thankfully, the strategic gameplay here has improved thanks to retooled playbooks and new pre-snap tools. You have more defensive options with disguised coverage shells, while offensively, you can lengthen route stems to crack through coverage holes. Franchise Mode still has a long way to go before it can match the depth of, say, NFL Head Coach, but it is iterating little by little to get more sim-like.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
On the presentation front, Madden 25 feels just as sterile and boring as it has in the past. The underwhelming Storylines interspersed throughout Franchise and Superstar do little to add to the intended liveliness and immersiveness of being a coach or star player. Storylines in Franchise mode consist of binary yes/no questions from a stiffly animated defensive coordinator or off-screen media interviewer. There’s no voice acting, of course, with large text font with mismatched colors functioning as the ‘dialogue’ between characters.
These Storylines feel like they have the budget of a browser or mobile game and don’t add much to the experience, other than the stat boosts from your answers. If NFL 2K5 could inject personality with a fully customizable crib and voiced media segments, why can’t EA do it with Madden with today’s tech? Likewise, the menus serve a purely utilitarian purpose with a clinical and clean UI completely lacking in style and personality.
One big upgrade with this year’s presentation is the addition of two new commentary teams. Yes, that’s right, eight long years of the Gaudin/Davis duo are finally at an end, kind of. Gaudin and Davis can still be your main cast of broadcasters if you wish. The three broadcast duos can be set to shuffle or you can manually select which ones you want on or off. The two new teams consist of Mike Turico/Greg Olsen, and Kate Scott/Brock Huard, and let me tell you, it’s a huge improvement over the old ones. I still heard plenty of repeated lines throughout my time, despite the supposed 42,000 new recordings, but EA has promised to add more recordings throughout the year with updates.
Superstar Mode gets the benefit of importing your player from College Football 25. Even though Madden doesn’t do anything to specifically recognize your college career, it’s still cool to finally live through a player’s journey from college to the Super Bowl. The character creator is pretty barebones, with only a handful of head templates and hairstyles to choose from, though it is nice to see some sliders for things like jawline etc. There’s a host of Abilities and Skills that you can allocate for your Superstar player, and for the first time, you can customize starting skills and physical ratings for a more tailormade experience.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
Similar to my disappointment with player Storylines, the NFL Draft and Super Bowl additions feel underwhelming and insignificant. Yes, they added a Rogel Goodell model that greets your superstar character into the NFL, and even went so far as to give your character custom-tailored suits for his media appearances. But these moments still feel too sterile and binary due to the lack of voices and boring dialogue font.
I do like the occasional live-action Maddencast videos that comment on pivotal moments throughout your superstar’s career. Sure, they don’t say your name outright, but the charisma of the crew and that feeling of being discussed on a live broadcast is a nice immersive touch. 15 new minigames join this year’s Madden, most of them carried over from EA Sports College Football 25. Even though this year’s Superstar Mode is largely untouched from previous years, I still had a blast role-playing as my rookie quarterback from college through an NFL career.
Image Source: EA SPORTS via Twinfinite
We’re at the end of the review and Ultimate Team hasn’t been mentioned yet, and that’s because there’s not much new here to comment on. You build a dream team from the ground up through a lengthy and substantial grind. There’s still a lot of depth to be had here with plenty of stats, skill trees, and training that you can do to improve each player. I still lament that Ultimate Team and Superstar remain online-only modes requiring integration with an EA account. Just as well, the monetization is as egregious as previous years. The MUT Coin virtual currency is used to purchase player cards, XP Boosters, and just about anything else they can find to nickel and dime the player.
Madden 25 offers a really solid football package for those who missed previous entries. There are a lot of smart improvements to the running and defensive game, and the physics overhaul is noticeable. These gameplay upgrades help Madden 25 stand out as one of the most mechanically impressive football games in recent memory. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing matches, the slight additions to each mode didn’t feel as substantial as was advertised. And the awkward voiceless ‘Storyline’ scenes ring hollow, despite their good intentions to add immersion. Madden 25 is a solid game with some much-needed mechanical improvements, but the modes feel largely the same as last year.
Madden NFL 25
Madden 25 offers a really solid football package for those who missed previous entries. There are a lot of smart improvements to the running and defensive game, and the physics overhaul is noticeable. Madden 25 is a solid game with some much-needed mechanical improvements, but the modes feel largely the same as last year.
Pros
Improved defensive and running game thanks to added Hit Stick depth and combo moves.
The enhanced physics make for smarter and more unpredictable AI.
Addition of two new sets of broadcast announcers lessens the repetition previous entries had.
Lots of fun RPG elements like skill trees and perks that add a layer of strategy to the skill-based gameplay.
Cons
Ultimate Team and Superstar mode are locked behind an EA account and always-online, and Monitization is just as predatory as previous entries.
Storylines were overpromised, consisting of little more than generic question/answer responses with large text on a screen.
Not enough changes to Franchise or Superstar modes.
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, Xbox One.
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Waves the size of skyscrapers explode beneath me as I creep across a busted metal beam in the middle of the North Sea, suspended at the base of an oil rig that’s in the process of collapsing. I’m crawling swiftly but carefully, knees sliding on the wet metal and eyes locked on the platform in front of me. Don’t look down.
I look down. The cold sea is boiling just inches from my beam, white spray reaching up, threatening to pull me under miles of suffocating darkness and pressure. Fuck.
The Chinese Room
In Still Wakes the Deep, horror comes in multiple forms. Violent creatures stalk the walkways on thin, too-long limbs that burst from their bodies like snapping bungee cords. Human-sized pustules and bloody ribbons grow along the corridors, emitting a sickly cosmic glow. The ocean is an unrelenting threat, wailing beneath every step. And then there’s the Beira D oil rig itself, a massive and mazelike industrial platform supported by slender tension legs in the middle of a raging sea, groaning and tilting as it’s ripped apart from the inside. Each of these elements is deadly; each one manifests a unique brand of terror.
Still Wakes the Deep is a first-person horror game from The Chinese Room, the studio behind Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. The game is set in the winter of 1975 and its action is contained to the Beira D, a hulking metal maze that offers mystery, a growing familiarity and death at every turn. The rig is filled with a rich cast of characters from the British Isles, most of them Scottish. Players assume the role of Caz, an electrician on the rig whose best friend is Roy, the cook.
The Chinese Room
Still Wakes the Deep feels like a hit from the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, devoid of modern AAA bloat. It’s restrained like the original Dead Space, with a core loop that serves the narrative and vice versa. The mechanics steadily evolve without becoming repetitive or cumbersome. Its monsters are murderous but not overplayed. In Still Wakes the Deep, the horror is unrelenting but its source is constantly shifting — vicious eldritch beasts, the crumbling rig, the angry North Sea — and this diversity infuses the game with a buzzing tension until the breathtaking final scene.
The game is fully voice acted and its crew members are incredibly charming. An undercurrent of good-natured ribbing belies every interaction, and the dialogue is earnest and legitimately funny, even in life-or-death situations. This skillful sense of character development only makes the carnage more disturbing once the monsters board the Beira D.
After the oil rig drills through a mysterious substance deep in the North Sea, a giant eldritch organism takes over the structure, crunching its metal corridors and infesting the bodies of some crew members. Caz is on a mission to survive the creatures and escape the rig — and help save Roy, whose body is fading fast because he can’t get to his insulin.
The Chinese Room
Gameplay in Still Wakes the Deep is traditional first-person horror fare, executed with elegance and expertise. The action involves leaping across broken platforms, balancing on thin ledges, running down corridors, climbing ladders, swimming through claustrophobic holes and hiding from monsters in vents and lockers. There are no guns on the Beira D, and Caz has just a screwdriver to help him break open locks and unscrew metal panels, placing the focus on pure survival rather than combat. Interactive materials tend to be highlighted in yellow, so it’s never a question of what to do or where to go, but rather how to get there without falling prey to the monsters, the sea or the rig.
Each input feels perfectly precise and responsive. Climbing a ladder, for instance, requires holding RT and pressing the analog stick in the proper direction — but if Caz slips, players need to suddenly press and hold LT as well, so he can regain his grasp in a quicktime event. In these moments of sudden panic, squeezing both triggers feels like the natural thing to do. It’s deeply satisfying to clasp the gamepad as tightly as Caz is holding the rungs of the ladder, player and character completely in sync in the aftermath of a sudden scare. Still Wakes the Deep is a prime example of intuitive game design.
The Chinese Room
It’s also just a gorgeous game. I stopped short multiple times while playing Still Wakes the Deep simply to admire the crisp lines, complex lighting and photorealism of specific scenes, but every frame is dense with thoughtful and well-rendered details. The otherworldly structures littering the rig cause Caz’s vision to bubble like a melting film reel, and multicolored circles overtake the screen every time he passes too close to a pustule — it’s disorienting and eerily pretty, much like the rest of the game.
Still Wakes the Deep is an instant horror classic. It’s filled with heart-pounding terror and laugh-out-loud dialogue, and it all takes place in a setting that’s rarely explored in interactive media. Amid the sneaking, swimming, running and climbing on the Beira D, Still Wakes the Deep manages to tell a heartfelt and powerful story about relationships and sacrifice. Caz and Roy have a special friendship, but they also have family back on shore and returning to these people — alive, ideally — is a constant driving force.
The Chinese Room
Still Wakes the Deep is available now on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and it’s included in Game Pass. It’s developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode.
This article contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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It’s beyond undeniable that 2023 was one of the most memorable years in recent history when it came to new game releases. From completely brand new IPs, to long-awaited sequels, to surprisingly refreshing remakes, there was something for just about literally everyone to try.
It puts just a little bit of pressure on this new year to keep that momentum going, but thankfully there are even more exciting new titles to look forward to, particularly on the PlayStation side of the field. If you’re wondering what all is on the docket this year for PS5 players, we’ve got you covered. Here is our list of all PS5 exclusives releasing in 2024.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Image Source: Naughty Dog
On the heels of giving the universally acclaimed The Last of Us Part I an incredible glow up with their new PS5 engine technology, Naughty Dog has understandably done the same for the sequel, which is set to release in just a couple of weeks now on the PS5. Revered as one of the most controversial and yet most successful sequels in the industry, The Last of Us Part II takes players back into the lives of Joel and Ellie a few years after the events of the first game, and the consequences of Joel’s decisions which have created a familial rift between the two of them.
This time around, players experience the journey ahead mostly through Ellie’s eyes, and even those of new characters she encounters along the way. The journey itself is perhaps one of the most emotionally palpable and devastating ones ever seen in modern gaming, and one that powerfully divided the fanbase of the series in the months and years following its release. If you’ve never played the sequel before, or want to relive it in its completely remastered version, this will be your chance. This version will also debut a brand new, roguelike survival mode called No Return mode for players to try out.
Helldivers II
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Image Source: Arrowhead Game Studios
Helldivers II, which releases on PS5 and PC early next month, looks to be a spectacular reimagining of the original game that debuted back in 2015, with far more explosive action that you can share with friends. While keeping the soul of the first game, the team at Arrowhead Game Studios set aside the top-down aesthetic and instead opted for a more immersive and modern style this time around as a third person shooter.
They’ve also promised plenty of “fast, frantic, and ferocious” action, albeit with a stroke of good humor on the side, as players are tasked with fending off ruthless alien invasions on various planets. You don’t have to face them all alone, however, as the game will feature online co-op, allowing you to team up with your friends against these dangerous threats.
Pacific Drive
Release Date: February 22, 2024
Image Source: Ironwood Studios
Pacific Drive is the very first IP out of Seattle-based Ironwood Studios, and if the trailers are anything to go by, it looks like a very promising and unique experience behind the wheel. An amazing soundtrack plays alongside the backdrop of a mysterious supernatural catastrophe that’s happened in the Pacific Northwest of the country. The region has since been renamed as the Olympic Exclusion Zone where outsiders aren’t permitted, but your character remains trapped within this treacherous, unforgiving landscape, and it’s all about personal survival while uncovering the source of what happened.
The key to actually surviving this supernatural catastrophe is your beloved station wagon, which you need to keep alive and running just as much as yourself. That requires venturing out into the wilderness of the Exclusion Zone to gather as many resources as you can, and each time you travel, new threats and mysteries await in the darkest shadows. Customize and upgrade your car in any way you see fit, with as many bells and whistles as you can, all in the hopes that you can discover the truth and finally escape. Pacific Drive pulls in for players everywhere on PS5 and PC at the end of February.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Release Date: February 29, 2024
Image Source: Square Enix via Twinfinite
After Final Fantasy VII Remake blew countless fans away with what turned out to be a dramatically immersive reimagining of merely the beginning of the iconic game’s original story, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set to be the next huge chapter of Cloud Strife’s epic adventure, emphasis on “huge”. After he breaks out of Midgar alongside Tifa, Barrett, Red XIII, and Aerith in order to pursue Sephiroth, the party now has the entire world of Gaia before them to explore. As beautifully vibrant as it is, Red XIII reminds them that the planet is actually on the precipice of death thanks to Shinra, as well as the machinations of Jenova and Sephiroth.
Along their journey, as revealed in the game’s latest trailers, the party will unite with familiar characters such as Vincent, Cait Sith, and Cid, as well as Yuffie whom players first got to play as in the Intergrade DLC. The gameplay will further evolve, with players able to seamlessly combine abilities between characters during battle. Plenty of open world exploration will mix with more linear storytelling as players are taken through an almost entirely new version of the story, with Cloud’s former friend Zack Fair mysteriously alive in another timeline. Not only that, it’s all but confirmed that arguably the most iconic scene in the game will occur, which has fans all the more anxious for what will truly happen.
Either way, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will finally release at the end of February as a timed exclusive on the PS5. A PC port will follow suit sometime after, as FFVII: Remake and the Intergrade DLC have since become available on Steam.
Rise of the Ronin
Release Date: March 22, 2024
Image Source: Team Ninja
If you’re someone who enjoys an action-packed, sword-wielding samurai adventure like Ghost of Tsushima, then Rise of the Ronin will probably hit that same sweet spot for you. Players will be able to create their very own customized character, whom will embark on a open-world journey across various iconic cities and countrysides of Japan during the final years of the Edo period, at the peak of the Bonshin War between the Tokugawa Shogunate and factions opposed to the Western influences coming into the country that’s been sealed off for years.
As an action-based RPG, while cutting down those who stand in your way, your character will come across important story-related decisions that will impact the outcome of the conflict one way or another. This is the most ambitious game Team Ninja has developed to date, going from more simplistic, linear titles to an immersive, higher tier RPG with the visual fidelity of previous, similar IPs like Ghost of Tsushima. Its open-world gameplay is bolstered with dynamic battle mechanics and an impressive variety of close-quarter and ranged weaponry. There’s also the transportation, which allows to you go by ground on horseback or by glider in the air, if you wish. That’s right, flying samurais, as if it wasn’t cool enough already.
Rise of the Ronin arrives in late March exclusively on the PS5.
Stellar Blade
Release Window: TBA 2024
Image Source: Shift Up Corporation
Originally marketed as Project EVE by Korean studio Shift Up, Stellar Blade is an action-packed and absolutely stylish hack-and-slash adventure that introduces us to the one and only Eve. After Earth is overwhelmingly invaded by an alien species known as NA:tives, Eve and her squad are tasked by the Colony with going down to Xion, the last standing city on Earth and repelling the invasion at all costs. While there, she meets the city’s residents, particularly a survivor named Adam, and eventually the elder Orcal, who each plead her for help in saving the planet.
With a vibe that definitely feels like Nier-meets-Bayonetta, Stellar Blade looks to make a name for itself in the hack-and-slash genre, and certainly promises plenty of stylish action for players to enjoy. While the game was initially supposed to release in 2023 for PS5, Shift Up announced a delay in December to 2024, with no exact date yet given. Once we know more, we’ll update that here.
Foamstars
Release Window: TBA 2024
Image Source: Toylogic
If you’re in the market for a more light-hearted, free-for-all online bonanza with a bunch of colorful foam cannonballs, then Square Enix’s aptly named ‘Foamstars’ is likely something you’ll want to check out. Since described by public opinion as a homage to the beloved Splatoon franchise, the game is a free-to-play (FTP), 4v4 online multiplayer game that brings much of what makes Splatoon great from the Switch to the heftier PlayStation console.
An open beta hit PS4 and PS5 in Fall of last year, giving players a firsthand look at the foam-based, third-person shooter, and the full game is slated to release sometime this year. Even if you’re on the fence about it, the game will be free to download, so you can decide for yourself with no strings attached.
Concord
Release Window: TBA 2024
Image Source: Firewalk Studios
Concord is the latest IP that comes from the minds of Firewalk Studios, who previously worked on the Horizon: Call of the Mountain VR game that released to critical acclaim. This time around, players will be zooming through the far reaches of space, at least according to the teaser trailer released last summer that didn’t give much away beyond that at the time.
We now know, however, that Concord is slated to be an online multiplayer FPS game that is also being developed in tandem with Bungie, the hub behind the Destiny franchise, and newcomer Haven Studios. Firewalk themselves has so far described the game as having a “unique universe of vibrant worlds” with a “rich” cast of “colorful characters”.
The game is set for a release sometime in 2024 on PS5 and PC, though even that may be tentative as the game isn’t available to wishlist yet on Steam. As soon as more details follow, we’ll update this.
Baby Steps
Release Window: Summer 2024
Image Source: Bennett Foddy
Bennett Foddy is back to both entertain and undoubtedly enrage us once again with his newest, hilarious project called Baby Steps. With the same inherent spirit as Getting Over It, the viral indie title that had many of the biggest streamers screaming and smashing their keyboards a few years ago, Baby Steps is the successor that will have us traversing a vibrant variety of environments, from mountains to jungles, with some very unbalanced footing and a snug onesie outfit to match.
Deadbeat Nate has quite the journey ahead of him, and players will have to get a handle on the unique physics gameplay as best they can, to ultimately put one foot in front of the other and avoid having Nate awkwardly plummet off cliffsides and any other embarrassing stumbles that can mean lost progress.
Baby Steps was first revealed during last year’s Summer Game Awards, and is currently slated to release summer 2024 on PS5 and PC.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
Release Window: TBA 2024
Image Source: Bloober Team
This one is probably a surprise to many, given that so little news has come out about the Silent Hill 2 remake since the teaser trailer first released a year ago in Jan 2023. The cat is now out of the bag, however, thanks to PlayStation’s new 2024 release reel that popped up on YouTube most recently, which briefly showcased the Silent Hill 2 remake among this year’s upcoming games. As soon as Bloober Team officially discloses a closer release window, we’ll update this entry promptly.
In similar fashion to other remakes like Capcom’s Resident Evil 4, this is a top-to-bottom, faithful reconstruction of Konami’s most iconic supernatural horror game, Silent Hill 2. Thanks to the creative minds of Bloober Team, and of course the reunion of Team Silent’s Masahiro Ito and Akira Yamaoka, players will get to relive the harrowing journey of James Sunderland as he returns to the eerie lakeside town of Silent Hill in search of his deceased wife, Mary. Along the way he comes across other mysterious characters, and encounters truly unsettling horrors that pull the curtain back on his own past.
That concludes our list of all upcoming PS5 Exclusives releasing in 2024. We hope you found this informative, and let us know which games on this list you’re looking forward to the most.
Be sure to check out all of our other guides and lists on releases for the new year, such as our list of upcoming JRPGs in 2024.
About the author
Stephanie Watel
Stephanie Watel is a freelance writer for Twinfinite. Stephanie has been with the site for a few months, and in the games media industry for about a year. Stephanie typically covers the latest news and a variety of gaming guides for the site, and loves gardening and being the bird lady of the neighborhood. She has a BA in Writing from Pace University in NY.
The trend of cranking out tons of remakes and remasters of old games continues in 2024; this year might take the crown as one of the most prolific. In fact, some of the most anticipated games in general for 2024 are remakes, such as the TGA award-winner Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Whether you’re annoyed at incessant re-releases like The Last of Us, or hyped for long-dormant games to finally get a fresh coat of paint, 2024 has you covered. Here are the 10 most anticipated remasters & remakes of 2024.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Image Source: Square Enix
As the award winner for TGA “Most Anticipated Game” it’s impossible not to put Final Fantasy VII Rebirth high on this list. But awards aren’t the sole reason it’s here. The recent gameplay demonstrations at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show have shown tremendous potential for the game-of-the year-candidate.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is the sequel to the Remake from 2020. The game takes place outside of the steampunk city of Midgar, finally exploring the wider world of Gaia. Rebirth features an open-world map and has a ton of exploration and mini-games to try out. The fields outside the city of Kalm are home to Chocobo Farms and more nooks and crannies than you can shake a chunk of Materia at. And let’s not forget that Rebirth is the chapter featuring the fan-favorite theme park chock full of minigames, the Golden Saucer.
We can’t wait to play the action RPG remake of Final Fantasy VII’s second chapter when it finally launches on February 29th.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Image Source: Nintendo
Word is still out whether or not the best Paper Mario game will end up being a remaster or a remake built from the ground up, but we’re beyond thrilled no matter the result. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is easily my favorite game on the Nintendo GameCube, and it’s been console-locked ever since its release. Add to that the frustration of rarity and high resell prices for physical copies of the game and you have a cult classic that few modern gamers have the opportunity to experience.
The console-locked status of The Thousand-Year Door ends in 2024. Word is still out when the concrete release date will be, but the recent ESRB rating for the game points to it coming very soon. Seriously, you’re gonna want to play this, if for any reason just to see Rock Hawk in the arena sequence or where the Vivian sensation originated from.
Persona 3 Reload
Image Source: Atlus
Persona 3 Reload is a full remake of the PS2 turn-based RPG that kicked off the Persona craze. This remake includes several new features such as gardening and new Junpei social links. There’s also a lot of new voice acting that will cover the large amounts of unspoken text the original had.
But what really has us excited is the graphical overhaul. Persona 3 Reload uses a modified engine that Atlus used for Persona 5, and we all know how mind-bendingly stylish Persona 5 is. The menus for Persona 3 now have transition animations and full HD swank, and the characters themselves even move their mouths when speaking. Battles are going to be fully redesigned with the modern engine to be fast-paced and masterfully animated as well. What we’ve seen of Persona 3 Reload from trailers and presentations has us confident the remake of Persona 3 will burn our bread more than it ever has before (come on, you get that reference, right?)
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered
Image Source: Aspyr
The original Tomb Raider games are classics, yes, but they’re also rough to go back to. Tank controls and janky PS1 graphics render these games difficult to recommend to new players. But that all changes with Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. With improved controls and HD clarity, these remasters of the three first Tomb Raider games may just become classics all over again in 2024.
One of the big reasons this is so high on this list is because it’s been a LONG time since we’ve had a classic Tomb Raider experience. Lara Croft’s adventures in the rebooted series from 2013 don’t feature the same platforming emphasis and general action gameplay the originals did. Fans of classic action games and platformer-puzzlers shouldn’t sleep on Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. I know I’ll want to revisit the glory days of Lara Croft in HD splendor come February 14th.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
Image Source: Hazelight Studios
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons was one of the breakaway indie hits of the early 2010s. It helped propel the trend of indie co-op story games such as A Way Out and TGA winner It Takes Two. There are several new features this remake is bringing to the table that make it one of 2024’s most anticipated. First, there’s the addition of full co-op, which the original didn’t have. Even though Brothers is focused on two siblings overcoming puzzles on an emotional journey, the game was originally strictly single-player.
We’re really excited to grab a partner this time around, especially since we’ll be journeying in full 4K glory. The Brothers remake is made in Unreal Engine 4 and has a much higher budget than the original. This is a ground-up remake that we’re looking forward to playing when it releases on February 28th.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Image via Capcom
The original trilogy of Ace Attorney games got a lovingly made remaster a while back, so the next trilogy in the series was a sure bet. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy contains the fourth, fifth, and sixth main games of the series in one remastered bundle. Several noteworthy additions earn this package a worthy spot on this list.
First, the translation from 3DS to console and PC. The original games featured a dual-screen interface and was locked on handheld systems, so this remaster is very welcome in that respect. There’s a new animation studio feature that puts custom scenes at the players’ fingertips with movable props and backgrounds. The orchestra hall and art library features provide full soundtracks and images to peruse in detailed menus. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is the definitive way to play these games and it releases on January 25th.
Gothic Remake
Image Source: THQ Nordic
Okay, I’ll be real with you, the Gothic Remake isn’t set in stone for a 2024 release, but it’s still projected for 2024, so we’ll let it fly. Gothic was a fascinating alternative to games like Morrowind and The Witcher when it was released in 2001. The complex mechanics and interconnected storytelling were ahead of their time and paved the way for all-time greats like The Witcher 3.
Gothic Remake is going to be built from the ground up with triple-A graphics and polished gameplay. The screenshots we’ve seen look mouth-watering, especially if you’re a fan of Western RPGs. While the exact release date is unknown at this time, the developers’ transparency through the development process has been refreshing and positive. Check out the latest Gothic Remake developer podcast from THQ Nordic to see how passionate they are about bringing the classic German RPG to a modern audience.
Braid: Anniversary Edition
Image Source: Thekla
I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t initially over the moon when I first heard about a Braid remaster, but then I read what it’ll include and now I’m sold. Braid Anniversary Edition is an updated remaster of the 2008 indie puzzle platformer Braid. Braid kinda started the indie game boom back in the day, and now it’s getting a fancy remaster on modern systems.
But it’s not just a straight port. Updated visuals, redone music, developer commentary, and all-new puzzles are featured in this remaster. Braid was known for its brilliant time reversal level design, so having new ones to play has me stoked. Braid Anniversary Edition releases on April 30th on all modern systems.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Image Credit: Naughty Dog
Hear me out, I don’t actually hate The Last of Us Part II; the only reason it’s this low on the list is because a remaster of a three-year-old game is just plain silly. I know Sony wants that The Last of Us cash, but come on.
This remastered version includes various enhancements catered specifically for the PS5 such as full DualSense functionality and visual upgrades. The biggest addition to this remaster is a new roguelike survival mode called No Return. Little is known about the new mode, but we don’t have to wait long since The Last of Us Part II Remastered comes out on January 19th.
Clock Tower
Image Source: WayForward
Horror game fans rejoice, the classic Clock Tower is finally releasing outside of Japan! What’s that? The first Clock Tower already came out on Playstation back in 1997? Well, no, that was actually Clock Tower 2. 1995’s Clock Tower 1 is getting a spruced-up remaster for the first time in the West. Clock Tower has you running away from the deadly Scissorman while navigating a dark mansion. It’s a point-and-click horror game that has you hiding, solving puzzles, and screaming in equal measure. Look forward to this updated Super Famicom horror game when it releases sometime in 2024.
That’s our list of 10 most anticipated remakes & remasters of 2024. There are obviously some games we didn’t add to this list, so let us know which ones you felt got snubbed. For all your reviews and guides for games in 2024 and beyond, check back here on Twinfinite!
About the author
Matthew Carmosino
Matthew Carmosino is a freelance writer for Twinfinite. He started gaming in the mid-90s where his love for SquareSoft RPGs like Chrono Trigger changed him forever. Matthew has been working in the game industry for two years covering everything from story-rich RPGs to puzzle-platformers.
Listening to piano music on a rainy day is his idea of a really good time, which probably explains his unnatural tolerance for level-grinding.
Quantities are limited. So take a look and purchase right away if you see any titles that you like. I’m not a big gamer, so please mention any good deals in the comments.
The holiday season is upon us and video game deals are ripe for the taking. Steam is famous for its seasonal sales, but PlayStation has surprised us this year with many of its best exclusives at the lowest price ever. The Black Friday PlayStation Store sale ends on November 27 at 11:59 PST, so strike the iron while it’s hot! Here are our carefully selected picks for the best PS Store Black Fridaydeals.
God of War Ragnarok ($39.89, -43%)
Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment
God of War Ragnarok marked the apocalyptic finale of Kratos’ Norse arc and was one of the best games in 2022. The storytelling reaches its zenith in the series with this entry. The visuals and spectacle are made all the more grandiose utilizing the PS5’s graphical prowess. God of War Ragnarok has been notoriously hard to find on sale over the past year. $39.89 is the cheapest we’ve ever seen it in its lifecycle, making this one of the best deals on the PlayStation Store’s Black Friday sale.
Resident Evil 4 Remake ($39.59, -34%)
Resident Evil 4 Remake is a 2023 Game Awards GOTY nominee, and for good reason. It’s a perfect remake of one of the most beloved games of all time. Capcom nailed it with this one, unlike their underwhelming attempt with Resident Evil 3. This technically marks the lowest sale price for Resident Evil 4 Remake since its launch. The last console sale for this was $40.99 back in September. We don’t foresee another sale until Winter and Spring, so now’s a great chance to relive Leon and Ashley’s adventurous romp in full PS5 splendor.
Mortal Kombat 1 ($48.99, -30%)
Released just a couple months ago, Mortal Kombat 1 is a 2023 GOTY contender for best fighting game. The brand new Kameo system is tremendous fun and the story is a twist on the original’s lore.
This Black Friday sale marks the first real big discount that Mortal Kombat 1 has had at a healthy 30% off. Mortal Kombat 1 would make for a perfect holiday gift, or even just a great party game for get-togethers with those who can stomach the most gruesome fatalities in the series.
EA FC 24 ($34.99, -50%)
Image via EA Sports
A whopping 50% off for the new totally-not-FIFA game is a good deal, objectively speaking. Many sports game enthusiasts regard this entry quite highly, despite some expected repetition. It’s certainly one of the more positively received soccer games in recent memory. If you’ve been a FIFA fan but fell off the series, now might be a good time to come back and give it another kick. EA FC 24 may never get a deal as good as this before the next one comes out.
Street Fighter 6 ($39.59, -34%)
Image Source: Capcom
Street Fighter 6 set the fighting game community ablaze when it launched in June of this year. It marked one of those very rare occasions when pretty much everyone who played it agreed on its high quality. It wouldn’t be presumptive to say that Street Fighter 6 is the most well-received game in the series to date.
This is yet another game at its lowest price since release with this Black Friday Sale. Street Fighter 6’s base price of $59.99 is cheaper than Mortal Kombat 1’s base price of $69.99, further reducing the price with this discount. It’s well worth it since there’s so much game here to sink your teeth into. The new created character campaign mode, inclusion of mini-games, and the all-around quality make this one of the most impressive fighting games in the last decade. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or a newbie, there’s a ton of interesting content here to welcome you in.
Hogwarts Legacy ($41.99, -40%)
Image Source: Portkey Games
Hogwarts Legacy had a wild ride since its launch back in February. But controversy and crazy expectations aside, it’s a satisfying game set in the Wizarding world. Hogwarts Legacy is another one of those high $69.99 price point games, so we’re glad to see its price go down 40% for Black Friday. The dialogue choices and wizarding school role-playing can be fun for both Harry Potter fans and gamers wanting something a bit different.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage ($39.99, -20%)
Image Source: Ubisoft Entertainment
20% off may not seem like a big deal, but it’s nothing to sneeze at for a major release that just came out in October. Considering that and the fact that its base price is just $49.99, the discount to $39.99 is really attractive. This low cost of entry may be the deciding factor for Assassin’s Creed fans on the fence about this more compact adventure.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage eschews the gargantuan open worlds of Valhalla and Odyssey and instead returns to basics with assassinations in tight alleyways. Reviewers generally say it’s a solid game through and through, even if it’s a bit dull compared to the likes of the Ezio trilogy. This is the first time the game’s been discounted, so we don’t blame you for wanting to get back in the animus to try the newest AC out.
Dead Space ($34.99, -50%)
Image Source: Electronic Arts
Last December saw the release of a faithfully done Remake of the original Dead Space. The game was overshadowed by others at the time, but it’s generally regarded as a masterpiece in the way it polishes up the original and enhances its already tense horror.
This is another one of those games with the base $69.99 price. But with this sale at 50% off, you just can’t go wrong. Experience one of the best horror games around with modern PS5 technology under the hood. We won’t blame you for leaving the lights on while playing.
Need for Speed Unbound ($13.99, -80%)
Image Source: Electronic Arts
I’m a Need for Speed Unbound defender and proud of it. The game really changes a lot from the disappointing Ghost Games entries and marks a strong return for Criterion. The cell-shaded graphics add a lot of visual flair to the characters and environments. Oh, and the campaign is the most properly difficult Need for Speed since Most Wanted. This is one of the most rewarding Need for Speed games and a racing game that deserves a bit more love than it gets. If you’ve been on the fence regarding Need for Speed for a while now, give this a shot while it’s 80% off.
Lies of P ($47.99, -20%)
Image Source: Neowiz Games
Finally, we have another very recent game release on sale now with the Bloodborne-inspired Pinocchio action game, Lies of P. Yeah, it’s basically Pinocchio Bloodborne, but it’s also got real meat on its bones to stand out from the ever-increasing Soulslike crowd. The boss fights in this are something you have to experience for yourself, even if the exploration isn’t nearly as strong as FromSoftware’s titles. Black Friday is the first time Lies of P has been on sale, so it’s the perfect opportunity to prove just how much you don’t suck at games again with this oddly charming Soulsborne game.
Honorable Mentions
Final Fantasy XVI ($41.99, -40%)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor ($41.99, -40%)
Diablo IV ($41.99, -40%)
The Crew Motorfest ($41.99, -40%)
Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition ($44.99, -25%)
Star Wars: Squadrons ($1.99, -95%)
Star Ocean: The Divine Force Digital Deluxe Edition (37.49, -50%)
Resident Evil Triple Pack ($11.89, -80%)
Wasteland 3 Colorado Edition ($12.49, -75%)
Bioshock: The Collection ($9.99, -80%)
Persona 5 Strikers ($17.99, -70%)
The Quarry ($17.99, -70%)
Sifu ($15.99, -60%)
Mass Effect Legendary Edition ($11.99, -80%)
The next PS Store sale likely won’t be until the end of the year, so now’s the perfect time to pick up some games you missed when they first launched.
About the author
Matthew Carmosino
Matthew Carmosino is a freelance writer for Twinfinite. He started gaming in the mid-90s where his love for SquareSoft RPGs like Chrono Trigger changed him forever. Matthew has been working in the game industry for two years covering everything from story-rich RPGs to puzzle-platformers.
Listening to piano music on a rainy day is his idea of a really good time, which probably explains his unnatural tolerance for level-grinding.
Try as we might, the yearly release hold can be inescapable for many of us. Especially when it comes to sports titles. For example, while the long-running EA Sports FIFA series may be under a new name – now aptly titled EA FC – a lot of its sameness lingers. There were some tweaks, sure, but nothing to truly enhance the overall experience. Which brings us to Football Manager.
20 years on, the partnership between Sports Interactive and SEGA is as strong as ever. And yet, although the past couple of entries were more often than not enjoyable – one need only glance at my play time to confirm – stagnation began setting in. The experience itself was still the best in the business and yet, there appeared to be little room left to grow. Nothing revolutionary, some minor tweaks, and perhaps a little lack of imagination.
So how have the folks behind the ever-popular managerial simulator responded this year? With more new features that you can shake a stick at. Noticeable upgrades to both the on-field physics and matchday lighting, which truth be told, feels like a night-and-day difference even from FM23. And, most importantly for some, even more choice when it comes to where you want to take your career.
Who Needs Reality Anyway?
Image Source: SEGA via Twinfinite
Look, I would be more than content to start every FM save from now until forever the same way. Would my play time be a little more sporadic? Likely. Even still, I know myself. Thankfully, FM24 has given its players all the more reason to throw their free time away.
Whether it’s the tried and true ‘Original,’ ramped-up reality of ‘Real World,’ or the alternate reality that could very well become ‘Your World,’ FM24 presents three career paths to consider as you begin managing. We’re not going to shame you for sticking with the ‘Original,’ at least not initially, but there’s something invigorating about taking the ridiculous riches of Todd Boehly’s Chelsea and getting every player imaginable off the books – at your own risk, of course.
You could simply stick to the ‘Original,’ but that would mean having to hold onto a lot of players you don’t necessarily want. And certainly, a whole host of those you didn’t recruit yourself. But if you’re looking for a stronger dose of mapped out realism, ‘Real World’ has you covered. Think about taking Tottenham Hotspur and realizing that on the day before the Premier League season begins, Harry Kane is leaving. Sure, you know it’s coming, but the question is: How are you going to adjust?
What if you’d rather start a save in which everyone is where they were? Well, that’s also an option! In this scenario, Christian Pulisic is still at Chelsea. Harry Kane hasn’t left. You can sell every Schalke 04 with a hint of value, enraging everyone. These are definitely not specific examples.
Whatever the case, the initial transfer window is there for you to shape. Almost entirely.
Rolling Saves Will Always Be a Game-Changer
Image Source: SEGA via Twinfinite
In Football Manager 23, I brought Ange-ball to Manchester United. Maybe it was out of pity. Perhaps it was because whatever it is that Erik ten Hag has them doing now, coupled with their even worse transfer business, made me think ‘Wait, I bet I could do better.’ And alas, I did! Because you see, Football Manager isn’t real life. Though, there is a case to be made that it is sometimes more enjoyable than real life.
All that is just a long way of saying that in Football Manager 24, I could bring those Ange-ball tactics and that very same Manchester United save to this year’s edition if I chose to do so. In the end, that wasn’t the direction taken. However, the fact that it is now a possibility feels like an important shift.
Suddenly, I long for my Schalke FM22 days when, within four seasons, I was able to sign the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer on free contracts. Sure, they were at the end of their careers, but this is Schalke we’re talking about.
Anyway, it’s good to know you don’t have to start from scratch if you don’t want to.
Various Ways to Rebuild Your Squad
Image Source: SEGA via Twinfinite
You don’t have to lie to us: We’ve all used the In-Game Editor at some point in our Football Manager careers. Am I projecting? Oh, most definitely. But am I right? Again, yes. Still, even at my lowest point, I only ever really used said editor to rid my club of players that just would not move. Sometimes there was interest, but no bids. Other times they’d be begging to leave, only to turn down seven different loan offers within a two-week period. So I moved them to a club with genuine interest, usually at half their in-game value, and that was that.
I know, I know; it’s sickening. The good news is that in Football Manager 24, there are multiple routes to take in order to remove some of the deadwood, as it were. Stirring up market interest with their agent (think Tobias Fünke talking himself up around the water cooler) is one way. Another way is by hiring an Intermediary Agent, and let me tell you, that option is a breath of fresh air.
There are pros and cons, of course. That player may not want to leave and this may cause unrest, but why should you care? They’re not in your plans, so it’s time to move them on. Simple as that, and I can say that with confidence because I know for a fact that I’ll never have to do something like this in real life. Though, it may also come at the expense of general squad morale, and that’s a little trickier to navigate.
If nothing else, making it a little easier on us to move some of our squad is a welcomed change, even if it’s not as easy and underhanded as using the editor to do so.
A Fresher, More Authentic Feel
Video Source: Football Manager YouTube Channel
I imagine most of us don’t typically pour hours upon hours into this series for the graphics. Even still, FM24 upped their game in terms of presentation this time around. Be it through in-game tactical progression or overall presentation, there are noticeable differences.
The Continental Competitions (UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and European Conference League) remain, as do their licenses. Those anthems are still bangers. Animations are genuinely crisper, from penalty shots to goalkeeper saves.
There have been minor bugs here and there – a la players suddenly giving up on the ball; ignoring tactical instructions; blurry images depending on the weather. Yet all in all, it’s another step up from last year’s edition. Sometimes, that’s all we’re really asking for.
At Its Core, FM24 Gives You Reasons to Keep Playing
For a while, admittedly, Football Manager could afford to coast. There are plenty of simulators out there, but when it comes to sports simulators, it’s difficult to find one more engrossing than this. Part of that is due to the sheer volume of clubs available. While it’s fun to save a struggling Premier League side from itself, it’s arguably even more fun to rise through the ranks (if you’re able) with a club from the sixth tier in English football (or the third tier in Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and so on).
No matter what, most of us were probably always going to pour hours into this game. But this time, Sports Interactive and SEGA have taken a large leap forward, improving on the tamer-yet-newer features of the past couple of entries while going all-in on a variety of fresh ways to greatly enhance the player experience. At a time when other franchises had a chance to retool and swing for the fences but didn’t, Football Manager went for it.
Not everything is going to come off, sure. Bugs will appear. Player moods will swing a little more wildly than they have in the past. At times, it will seem like no matter what you do against a certain club or player, it won’t work. That’s football, baby. You can always go somewhere else. You can always try something else. Maybe the Eredivisie if you find the larger leagues a little too stressful. Go to Iceland, Japan, or heck, bang your head against the wall while adjusting to the MLS registration rules.
There is no single way to play Football Manager 24, but then again, that’s been the charm of the entire franchise. There are several reasons to keep coming back for more, though, and it’s apparent the developers took that to heart this time around.
Football Manager 2024
Reviewer: Shaun Ranft
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros
The definitive Football Manager experience.
Multiple ways to enjoy a Career.
Available on all platforms.
Enhanced presentation.
Saves carry over.
Cons
Player mood swings seem a little more frequent, volatile. Press Conferences remain stale, repetitive, and tedious.
Release Date
Nov. 6, 2023
Developer
Sports Interactive
Consoles
PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Copy provided by Publisher
About the author
Shaun Ranft
Shaun Ranft is a Freelance Writer for Twinfinite, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who has been with the site and writing about games in general since 2022. While he typically covers any major sports title, he also cannot get enough of Telltale’s The Walking Dead, Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds, Arkham, and the Horizon series.
