TOP-15 Cool Games of 2024 You Might Have Missed

The past year was rather lacking in major releases and blockbuster hits. As a result, many gamers (including us) formed the opinion that nothing substantial was released in 2024. But of course, that's not true. According to Steam statistics, more games were released last year than in 2023. Throughout the season, we mainly talked about the most important and loud releases and less about small projects that were unlucky with advertising and wide publicity. In this article, we've compiled 15 cool games that you definitely need to try. Perhaps these projects will be what you associate with 2024.

Not all of Ubisoft's games last year were bad. For example, the Metroidvania Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown turned out not just good, but very cool. However, due to ridiculous advertising with rap in the background, the unusual appearance of the main character, and a very weak PR campaign, many gamers ignored this release. The Lost Crown boasts interesting and well-thought-out locations, smooth animations, time manipulation, an excellent combat system, and cool boss battles. Critics and the few players were delighted with the experience. Many described the project as «the best Ubisoft game of the last decade». Unfortunately, the new Prince of Persia failed in sales, and we won't see its sequel.

Anger Foot is a dynamic first-person shooter with game design reminiscent of the iconic Hotline Miami. The game immerses players in the chaotic world of Shit City, where they, acting as a people's avenger, will fight various gangs using kicks and shooting. The main gameplay focuses on sharp movements and lightning-fast reactions. The main character's foot serves as the «primary tool» for breaking down doors, destroying obstacles, and eliminating enemies. Level clean-ups from opponents are accompanied by a powerful soundtrack that sets a special pace and immerses players in an «acidic» atmosphere. The game received positive reviews from the press and gave many unforgettable impressions. If you like Hotline Miami, then you'll definitely enjoy this game.

Nobody Wants to Die is a noir walking simulator set in a cyberpunk setting. As a detective, you must investigate a series of murders of the city's elite. The main gameplay revolves around exploring locations and making key narrative choices. The project has a very cool storyline, exploring themes of mortality, identity, and social inequality. Nobody Wants to Die received high scores from the press and good reviews from gamers. If you like projects like Observer and The Medium, then this release definitely won't disappoint.

Conscript is an atmospheric survival horror in the spirit of classic Resident Evil parts. The game is set during the First World War. Players must gather supplies, manage resources, solve complex puzzles, and confront enemies using melee and firearms. The project turned out atmospheric and quite creepy. It also features a non-linear storyline and multiple endings. Critics and gamers were impressed by the dark and tense atmosphere and praised it for the authentic portrayal of the exhausting and piercing struggle for survival.

Ravenswatch is a top-down action game with roguelike elements from the developers of Curse of the Dead Gods. Players, as heroes inspired by classic fairy tales and legends, must exterminate hordes of enemies and level up to eventually defeat the final boss. The project can be played solo or in co-op. The main gameplay combines large-scale battles, tactical build planning, and mastering the skills of different characters. The game also boasts good graphics and addictive gameplay. Perfect for gamers tired of waiting for the full release of Hades 2.

Rogue Waters is a tactical turn-based strategy with roguelike elements. The game is set in a pirate setting. You are the captain of a ship who, by managing the vessel and crew, must fight the spawn of a terrible curse and reach the final boss. The combat system is very versatile and allows for interaction with the environment in the spirit of Baldur's Gate 3. Despite the procedural generation of events, Rogue Waters has a full-fledged story campaign with unique bosses and unusual encounters. Unlike the dreadful Skull and Bones, this game will provide unforgettable emotions from exploring the vast seas and boarding enemy vessels.

Songs of Conquest is a turn-based strategy in the spirit of Heroes of Might and Magic 3, where you need to manage cities, explore maps, and participate in tactical battles. An excellent alternative to the iconic project that was liked by the press and a large number of gamers. The game offers both a single-player campaign with an interesting story and well-thought-out lore, as well as multiplayer modes. The visuals are done in stylish pixel art, which has become the hallmark of Songs of Conquest. If you are waiting for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, be sure to try this game as well.

Nine Sols is a two-dimensional platformer with souls-like elements from the developers of Detention and Devotion. The game combines elements of cyberpunk, Taiwanese mythology, and traditional East Asian aesthetics. The combat system is similar to Sekiro, with a focus on precision, timing, parrying, and counterattacks. Platforming sections are moderately challenging. The game also includes puzzles and tasks skillfully integrated into the exploration process. Nine Sols impresses with beautifully hand-drawn graphics with highly detailed animations. This project can be an excellent substitute for Hollow Knight: Silksong, which has yet to reach release.

MiSide is a story-driven adventure with psychological horror elements, developed by the Russian indie team AIHASTO. An indie game that has captivated Steam users and become a true event in the indie sphere. The main plot revolves around a programmer who downloads a mobile game with a virtual girl named Mita. After 37 in-game days, she pulls him inside the app and blocks the exit back to the real world. The player must solve several puzzles and complete all mini-games to find a way home. MiSide is done in the colorful aesthetic of Japanese cartoons, but the story presents a psychological horror. A «‎true gem» of 2024 that we recommend checking out.

Mouthwashing is an impressive psychological horror with a disturbing narrative and an unusual visual style in the spirit of PS One projects. The game takes place aboard a cargo spaceship stranded in open space with depleted food supplies. The narrative unfolds from two time periods, allowing you to appreciate the story from multiple perspectives. The gameplay focuses on exploring locations, making dialogue choices, and solving puzzles, which together serve as analogs to the genre's usual mechanics of combat and survival. Mouthwashing also boasts a captivating atmosphere, and the outdated visuals only enhance the horror elements. Fans of «Alien», «Event Horizon», and «John Carpenter’s The Thing» are recommended to check it out.

Mullet MadJack is a whirlwind first-person shooter where the health point mechanic is tied to a ticking timer. The main character finds himself in a show where he needs to quickly navigate locations within ten seconds. Eliminating enemies, drinking various potions, and completing mini-tasks extend the timer, adding strategic depth to the action. The project boasts a very cool 90s anime style and a lively soundtrack. Fans of Superhot, Ghostrunner, and Hotline Miami are advised to check out this masterpiece. Definitely the most stylish game of 2024.

Sulfur is an adventure first-person action game with roguelike elements. The game was liked by the press and audience for its unique visual style and polished gameplay. The premise is simple: explore procedurally generated dungeons and kill various enemies. Character progression, equipment selection, weapon upgrades, and multiple play styles contribute to replayability. The roguelike system makes each run unique and offers new challenges and rewards. The visuals are done in an unusual lo-fi style for the genre.

Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based tactics game where players must lead a team of renegade wizards in armor to uncover the secrets of a global conspiracy. The narrative offers a humorous spy thriller with elements of fantasy and magic. Critics and users alike praise the local story for its witty dialogues and charming characters. The gameplay resembles XCOM but with magical abilities. Each level is handcrafted, and the narrative has several branches.

Children of the Sun is an unusual puzzle game with action elements. Controlling a girl, players must eliminate all members of the «‎Children of the Sun» cult. The gameplay combines tactical shooting and puzzle-solving. You must destroy all opponents on the map with a single bullet. Thanks to telekinetic abilities, the player can change the bullet's trajectory and choose the optimal route. Additionally, Children of the Sun has a unique visual style and experimental soundtrack that make the project stand out among other indie games.

I Am Your Beast is a hardcore rhythm-based first-person shooter where a retired secret agent slaughters entire squads of elite fighters for disturbing his rest in the wilderness. Players must quickly navigate the location and exterminate enemies in the most sophisticated ways. The project features a very cool comic-style visual similar to XIII and a memorable soundtrack. The gameplay is somewhat reminiscent of Neon White and the repeatedly mentioned Hotline Miami. The perfect game to unwind from everyday affairs.