In the ever-evolving world of video games, 2024 has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Some titles that havetaken the community by stormand others have left players scratching our heads. From the delightful surprises ofElden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeandDragon’s Dogma 2to the contentious receptions ofSuicide Squadand the anxious anticipation surrounding theSilent Hill 2 Remake, this year has proven that predicting a game’s success is as tricky as ever. This guide dives into the tales of 3 games that surpassed expectations and 3 that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Skull and Bones
Before diving into the unpredictable world of video games in 2024, ensure you have all the equipment you need to play these games. Considerthe best gaming controllers, which will let you jump into any of the titles mentioned, whether they surpassed expectations or left more to be desired. Get your game on!
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
WHERE TO PLAY
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and only DLC expansion for FromSoftware’s groundbreaking Elden Ring. It takes players to a whole new region, the Land of Shadow, where a new story awaits the Tarnished.
Two years ago, FromSoftware’s groundbreaking action role-playing gameElden Ringarrived on the scene. Fans of the game’s immersive open world now have a new DLC to put more hours into. If you’d like to continue your exploration ofElden Ring’suniverse by giving TheShadow of ErdtreeDLC a crack on a TV, monitor, orhandheld PC, then you won’t be disappointed one bit. The expansion takes you to a different place called the Land of the Shadow where each moment is unpredictable. While you could be enjoying a quiet time at some point, that calm could instantly turn into a beautifully crafted twist.
While most DLCs for games are a few hours long, Shadow of the Erdtree will take around 40 hours to beat, with multiple quests, a vast map, and a difficulty level that challenges you in innovative ways. Seeing as the DLC builds on the difficult boss fights of the base game, it’s recommended that your player is between the levels of 125 and 150 to give you a fighting chance. Although it first received mixed reviews on Steam following its release in June, the tides have changed, and it now has mostly positive reviews on the platform. Some players have complained about the DLC being considerably more difficult than the base game, though other players feel that its difficulty level makes it worthwhile to play.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Set forth on your grand adventure, Arisen!Dragon’s Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure.All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
The second installment of Capcom’sDragon’s Dogmawas released in March, 12 years after the first game hit the scene. Similar to the narrative-driven action role-playing style of the first game,Dragons Dogma 2allows you to create a character that you’ll use to explore a massive medieval open world filled with quests, enemies, and tons of customization opportunities. Although you are given just one character, Arisen, at the start of the game, you can leverage the availability of friendlies, which the game calls “Pawns”. While you can not control the pawns, they are pretty helpful and can give you an advantage in fighting monsters.
Some players have noted concerns about the game’s save system alongside the increased difficulty level, which makes the game feel unplayable at some points. In Game Rant’s review, it was noted that the game barely reaches 60FPS in the main city areas. While these issues may not appeal to everyone, those willing to give Dragon’s Dogma 2 a try will appreciate its improved combat mechanics and amazing emergent gameplay that’s reminiscent ofHelldivers2 andThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Helldivers 2
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
IntroducingHelldivers 2, a shooter game that pleasantly surprised a lot of players. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Helldivers 2 stands out as a squad-based third-person shooter that not only meets the expectations set by its predecessor but surpasses them. With its dynamic blend of solo and cooperative gameplay, players are thrust into an intergalactic struggle against alien threats, making each battle a thrilling cinematic experience.
However, at release, there were some initial hurdles like matchmaking issues and server instability. Yet, Helldivers 2 has captivated a vast audience, becoming a monumental success for PlayStation and PC. Its challenging and exciting gameplay are two important reasons why it’s surpassed gamers’ expectations. For a deeper dive into its universe, check out the full reviewhere.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
Play as the Suicide Squad to take down the World’s Greatest DC Super Heroes, The Justice League. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is a genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series.
Set in the aftermath ofBatman: Arkham Knight,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguethrusts players into the chaos of Metropolis with an unconventional team of antiheroes. The combination of Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Harley Quinn, and King Shark brings a fresh perspective to the action-adventure genre, offering players a mix of combat skills, weaponry, and teamwork challenges. So far, seems pretty good, right?
While the game’s narrative and character interactions stand out, it falls short in gameplay mechanics, presenting repetitive combat and underwhelming boss fights. Nevertheless, its attempt to blend an engaging story within the expansive cityscape of Metropolis shows promise. The mixed reception underscores the game’s potential, tainted by execution flaws, making it a polarizing title within Rocksteady Studios' portfolio. For more insights, check outour full review of the game.
Silent Hill 2
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.High-end Graphics and SoundWith ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the thick of it.Larger EnvironmentsExplore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.Over-the-shoulder CameraThe remake moves from the original’s fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective, putting you closer to what James sees, for a more thrilling, more immersive experience as you explore the town and come face-to-face with monsters.Evolved Combat GameplayFamiliar weapons like the steel pipe and handgun make their return, but now with an updated combat system. Avoid attacks with carefully timed dodges, aim down sights, and more, making monster encounters more engaging and nerve-wracking than ever.
Although not released just yet, theSilent Hill 2 Remake, developed by Bloober Team, modernizes a classic horror masterpiece with the latest Unreal Engine 5 technology. It aims to retain the soul-shuddering narrative and dense atmosphere that fans cherished, enhanced with today’s graphical capabilities. The promise of dynamic global illumination and improved visual fidelity sets high expectations for a deeper immersion into the foggy, mysterious town of Silent Hill.
However, the community holds its breath, balancing hope with skepticism. Concerns about Bloober Team’s previous works and the monumental task of living up to the original’s legacy have cast a shadow of doubt. Despite these worries, the potential for this remake to redefine psychological horror for a new generation remains immense. Depending on how the Bloober Team navigates the fine line between innovation and appreciation of the original, theSilent Hill 2 Remakecould either surpass expectations or epicly flop.
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
Players were all excited to set sail on the high seas withSkull & Bones, but have since been let down. This action-adventure title aimed to redefine naval warfare in video games, offering players a vast oceanic expanse to explore, pillage, and dominate. With its launch on July 03, 2025, the game promised a blend of historical piracy with a sprinkle of fantasy, navigating through the exotic locales of East Africa and Southeast Asia.
While the game’s naval battles and the depth of ship customization have been its treasured booty, sailing these waters hasn’t been all smooth. The reception to Skull & Bones has been lukewarm, reflecting in its “mixed or average” Metacritic scores and less-than-anticipated player engagement. Despite its high ambitions and being dubbed a ‘quadruple-A’ title by Ubisoft for its grandeur and scale, it seems the game couldn’t fully deliver on its promise of a comprehensive pirate adventure. This has left players yearning for more depth and polished live-service elements. For a detailed look into the swashbuckling world of Skull & Bones,check out our review.
Picking a Game that is a Winner or a Loser
Choosing the right video game in 2024 is more than just following the hype. It’s about understanding what makes a game worth your own time and investment. This section will explore a couple of considerations that should help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of gaming. Let’s make sure that you pick titles that align with your expectations and gaming style!
Research and Reviews
Diving deep into gameplay reviews and insight from critics is essential for gauging a game’s potential. For titles likeElden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeandHelldivers II, positive reviews showed a surprising level of depth and enjoyment, guiding players towards unexpected gems.
Community Feedback
Listening to the gaming community can provide a wealth of unfiltered opinions. For instance, the overall feedback of Suicide Squad could inform gamers that it might be a letdown to play.
Personal Preferences
Your gaming preferences play a crucial role in finding the right game. Whether you’re drawn to the role-playing elements ofDragon’s Dogma 2or the tactical challenges ofHelldivers 2, aligning game choices with your likes ensures a rewarding experience.
FAQ
Q: Why did Suicide Squad receive such negative feedback?
The anticipation surrounding Suicide Squad was met with disappointment due to gameplay and story elements not meeting fans' high expectations.
Q: Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 as hard as Elden Ring?
Yes, both games have high difficulty levels with players expected to survive in an open world filled with challenging boss fights.
