Prepare for an epic year in gaming as 2024 sees the industry giants unleashing their most impressive creations yet.
Helldivers 2
(PS4, PS, VITA)
Gory, intergalactic combat against the onslaught of aliens is what Helldivers 2 is here to deliver. There’s a lot to look forward to. First off, if you’re a fan of the original version, Arrowhead Game Studios promises to unleash all the gore in this sequel. The creators have moved away from the traditional top-down view and opted for a third-person, squad-based shooter that offers a more intimate look at the game.
It comes with a powerful arsenal that provides a lot of room to customise your weaponry to your play style. It may yet become one of the best multiplayers through its sheer expansiveness and in-depth map and combat system.
Mario vs Donkey Kong
(Nintendo Switch)
Buckle-up for the ultimate reunion of the two iconic Nintendo heroes – Mario and Donkey Kong. While the franchise maintains its classic aesthetic charm, the game boasts enhanced graphics that bring these beloved characters to life.
The puzzles look incredible, and you’ll spend much time solving them to level-up. And there’s a beautiful twist that adds an extra layer of excitement to the adventure: a grumpy donkey determined to throw a wrench into your progress at every turn. Prepare to face tricky obstacles and outsmart this determined foe to triumph over each level.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
(Windows PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
Central to this game is a captivating narrative that delves into character depth, giving us a unique perspective on the Arkhamverse through the eyes of anti-heroes embarking on an impossible mission – to kill the Justice League.
The storyline alone has been enough to build anticipation for the game’s release. Yet, what truly sets Rocksteady Studios apart is its masterful use of every tool at its disposal to breathe life into these characters. Picture a third-person shooter experience set against the vibrant backdrop of Metropolis – a sprawling city offering a distinctive blend of enhanced traversal, gunplay and melee combat.
This combination creates a gameplay experience that not only stands out but also empowers players with a genuine sense of supervillain prowess. Get ready for an original and mind-blowing adventure.
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden
(STEAM, PLAYSTATION 5, XBOX)
If you’re a sucker for a good narrative, this one’s for you. Set in New Eden in 1695, it stars Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith. Together, they navigate the supernatural realm, hunting ghosts and spectres to safeguard the living from their lingering threats.
However, the plot takes an unexpected twist and Raith is forced to go on a mission to bring back his lover, adding a poignant layer to the unfolding tale. What makes this game stand out? Besides the heart wrenching narrative, it has some pretty epic features. A close third-person camera perspective, a great mix of environmental puzzles, a linear but-open level design, and hard-hitting melee combat. Sony has also injected a creative flair into the gaming experience, offering diverse ways to play and fight.
Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown
(PC, PLAYSTATION 5 AND XBOX SERIES X/S)
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the grand return of the franchise; no pressure to Ubisov to impress devoted enthusiasts! Fans thought they would be getting the remake of the Sands of Time, only to be surprised with a different game altogether that’s neither a sequel nor a prequel.
So that’s one thing to look forward to. The Lost Crown remains an action-adventure video game, featuring a protagonist described as a “gifted young warrior” with acrobatic, fast, and agile prowess. The sides scrolling, 2.5D platformer breaks away from the Sands of Time series, offering a fresh experience.
The game also comes with high-quality graphics, engaging cinematics, and a unique gameplay fluidity. While maintaining the essence of Prince of Persia (2008), The Lost Crown stands on its own, drawing inspiration from modern culture, urban influences, and fashion references.
Text: Nozuko Tshangela.
Photography: Courtesy Images
