Five PlayStation Gaming Trends to Watch in 2024 – PlayStation.Blog

With the excitement of 2025’s gaming lineup looming just ahead, it’s still a great time to savor the incredible gaming experiences 2024 offered us. This past year has been a treasure trove for gamers, with offerings ranging from cutting-edge Bots and a nostalgic LEGO universe to epic fantasy quests and beloved classics reborn. In short, there was something to capture the imagination of every gamer.

### A Year of Expansive RPGs

This year was a dream come true for fans of sprawling, enchanting worlds brimming with spell-casting heroes and sky-high cities. Atlus, known for the Persona series, dared to innovate with Metaphor ReFantazio, earning widespread acclaim for its engaging combat system, slick visuals, and unforgettable battle themes.

On another note, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth managed to reimagine one of the most iconic RPGs, building on the previous success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake. Meanwhile, Granblue Fantasy: Relink brought fast-paced action and captivating co-op battles, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard completed its grand story arc with a stirring soundtrack by the legendary Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.

For players who prefer a more down-to-earth setting—relatively speaking—Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivered punches and kicks to satisfy RPG enthusiasts who enjoy street brawls over magic spells, expanding on the ever-popular Yakuza universe.

### A Year of Classic Remasters

This year wasn’t just about new experiences. An impressive lineup of classic games also made their return, often with impressive upgrades. Disney’s Epic Mickey brought a revitalized Mickey Mouse back to the scene with new abilities to match his refreshed appearance.

Lara Croft fans rejoiced with the Tomb Raider I–III Remastered collection, allowing players to rediscover treasures of the past. Likewise, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged invited us back into George Stobbart and Nico Collard’s world to unravel the mysteries of the Knights Templar, now in stunning 4K.

In space-faring realms, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition thrilled with modern upgrades. Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload satisfied fantasy RPG fans, while Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brought back zombie mayhem with a few clever tweaks. Speaking of thrills…

### A Year of Horror and Retro-Inspired Scares

For those seeking chills, several games returned to haunt us anew. Silent Hill 2 was masterfully revamped, plunging us once more into the eerie narrative involving Pyramid Head, with visuals that only deepened the psychological horror.

Among new spine-tingling experiences, Crow Country offered a dose of nostalgia, weaving classic survival horror into a retro ‘90s PlayStation vibe. Fear the Spotlight delivered an unsettling tale with an old-school feel, while Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game reimagined the cult 1988 movie with chaotic multiplayer antics.

For more contemporary frights, Still Wakes the Deep unnerved with its superbly crafted terror and psychological depth. Alien: Rogue Incursion in VR brought cosmic horrors uncomfortably close. Yes, everyone will hear you scream.

### A Year of Character Platformers

Platforming saw a renaissance in 2024 with Astro Bot leading the charge. Team Asobi’s delightful creation instantly became a classic, thanks to its innovative level design and the clever use of the DualSense controller’s features.

In addition to Astro Bot’s success, some under-the-radar gems like Another Crab’s Treasure offered a fresh take on the genre, starring a feisty hermit crab navigating a world filled with junk-turned-armor. Penny’s Big Breakaway gave a nod to energetic platformers of yesteryear with a colorful tale involving zany penguins.

### A Year of Creative Art Design

2024 spotlighted games with distinctive artistic flair. Harold Halibut captivated with its beautifully handcrafted stop-motion animation, reflecting a decade-long development process and providing a unique visual feast.

Neva impressed with its striking use of color and contrast in platforming puzzles, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! embraced absurd humor through a vibrant style reminiscent of vintage British comics.

Lastly, LEGO Horizon Adventures took visual creativity to new heights, allowing players to construct its digital world with genuine LEGO bricks—a playful and ingenious adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn.

As we look back on the gaming year that was, what games and trends stood out as your favorites in 2024?