A Year to Look Forward To
With 2023 about to enter the rearview, the gaming community is leaving a year of fantastic games behind them. Baldur’s Gate 3, Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Lethal Company, and more all blessed the various systems on which we play our games. Yet, just because one amazing year is behind us, doesn’t mean there isn’t far more to look forward to. In fact, 2024 is looking like it will shape up to be another amazing year for gaming. As such there is a lot to anticipate. Here at COGconnected, we have our very own list of our most anticipated games, from adventures in a galaxy far, far, away, to a return to the Lands Between.
Many new games are gracing the community in 2024. But here are the top ten games we here at COGconnected can’t wait to experience for ourselves. So, without further ado, here are COG’s top ten most anticipated games of 2024. Let’s count down from ten shall we?
10. Star Wars: Dark Forces (Remastered)
Next year a blast from the past is making a triumphant return. The classic FPS game Star Wars: Dark Forces is making a come back with a completely remastered version. Originally released in 1995 for the MS-DOS and ’96 for the PlayStation, this classic jump into the Star Wars universe is returning, completely remastered, in 2024.
Brought back to life by Nightdive Studios, the remaster of Star Wars: Dark Forces will have an abundance of graphical upgrades. For instance, the game can run on modern consoles at a 4K resolution at 120FPS. Of course, this means players will be able to enjoy Kyle Katarn’s mission to stop the Empire with a new sense of lighting and atmospheric direction. The game will be releasing on February 28th, 2024. We here at COGconnected can’t wait to jump back into a classic adventure in an iconic universe. What do you think about the Dark Forces Remaster?
9. Vampire: The Masquerade- Bloodlines 2
There are very few things cooler than vampires. Luckily 2024 sees the arrival of the next installment of Vampire: The Masquerade with the release of Bloodlines 2. This time, players are headed to a dark Seattle teetering on the brink of all out war in vampire society. Of course, COG couldn’t be more excited to get our hands on this bloody game.
Developed by The Chinese Room, with publisher Paradox Interactive, Vampire: The Masquerade- Bloodlines 2 is a return to the dark and dangerous world of the series. Importantly, players will be able to harness all of their vampire powers and feast upon the citizens of Seattle. Players will rise through vampire society as their very own vampire. Yet, will they choose to integrate with vampiric tradition or turn against it. Though there’s no release date yet, the fact that this game is coming in 2024 is exciting enough.
8. Black Myth: Wukong
The Summer of 2024 promises to be full of action and adventure. If you are into Chinese Mythology and RPGs like us here at COG then this game is bound to be on your list as well. Fast-paced, full of exploration, and adventure Black Myth: Wukong is bound to be an exciting story gamers shouldn’t miss.
Inviting players to step into the role of the titular character, Black Myth: Wukong allows players to face their destiny and become like a god. Of course, facing powerful foes and exploring a mythical world are all a part of the game. Developing the skills to face down even the most dangerous threat, getting new upgrades, and more are essential to following your path. This game was a no-brainer to make the most anticipated games list. The beauty of it alone should be enough to land it a spot, not to mention the gameplay.
7. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Any fan of the beloved and respected Metal Gear series most likely has their eyes on Konami’s next installment of the series. COG sure does. That’s exactly why it’s made our list. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is bringing fans the origin of everyone’s favorite commando, Snake. Not only does this game provide fans with the background of such an iconic character, but it will allow them to begin unravelling the plot of the entire series.
Inviting players to an immersive stealth experience in the world of Metal Gear, players can expect unprecedented graphics and action. Entering the jungles of the 1960’s players will put a stop to a weapon of mass destruction. Getting to experience Snake’s origin story in the next-generation of gaming is no doubt an exciting experience. That is but one of the reasons this game has earned its spot on this list.
6. Persona 3: Reload
Returning to another iconic and beloved world, Persona 3: Reload provides fans a reimagining of a beloved RPG experience. Of course COGconnected needs it on this list. With updated graphics, modernized quality of life features, and more, Persona fans can experience one of the defining games of the series like it’s brand-new.
Importantly, the game is returning players to the Dark Hour where they will look to uncover the mysteries of this mysterious world between. Experiencing all of the emotions, excitement, and lore of the narrative is simply one aspect to look forward to. Obviously, the gameplay itself is a defining feature of the game and getting to experience it in cutting edge new graphics is going to be great. That is why Persona 3: Reload is holding our 6th spot as a genre defining game reimagine and highly anticipated.
5. Elden Ring DLC
Honestly, it comes as no surprise that Elden Ring’s upcoming DLC makes this list. The FromSoftware giant erupted into the soulslike genre and took the world by storm. Winning game of the year in 2022, the open world RPG was instantly beloved. So, it’s no question that the upcoming DLC is a highly anticipated addition to the gaming community in the coming year.
Though the only thing known about the DLC right now is that it is coming, COGconnected couldn’t be more excited for it. Speculation and theories abound, as gamers wonder what the “Shadow of the Erdtree” could be about. Will we learn more about Michela? Will there be more influence from the Outer Gods? Part of the fun is the speculation, and it would be a crime to have the DLC coming in 2024 absent from this list.
4. Dragon’s Dogma 2
The fact that such a beloved and revered RPG adventure is getting its sequel in 2024 is fantastic. Obviously, that is why it is ending up on this list. Sequel to the 2012 hit game of the same title, Dragon’s Dogma 2, is aiming to reintroduce players to the beloved action and adventure of the first game.
Of course, with all that gamers have seen so far from the game, the hype builds. Introducing the same party mechanics with updated action and graphics with a whole new story and world to explore is exciting. The game appears just as immersive and full of life, and it seems essential to RPG lovers. Obviously, it would be criminal not to include such a genre-defining game on the most anticipated list for us here at COG. A brand new world awaits, and we can’t wait to explore it.
3. Hellblade 2
Sometimes a game leaves you wanting more in the best possible way. It immerses you in the world and the main character, making the player want to spend more time with this character who they have gone on a journey with. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was one such game. As the first game was so loved by us here at COGconnected, it’s obvious that the sequel releasing in 2024 makes our top three spot on this list.
Senua is making her return in this sequel to 2017’s Hellblade. This time she is diving even further into the mythology, darkness, and the mental struggles that made the first game great. Of course, paired up with the awesome and horrific action, these factors make the game eagerly awaited by the team here. The first game was a gem of an adventure, and from the trailers and what we have seen so far, it’s looking like the second will live up to it. If you haven’t played the lauded first game, play it, and get on board the hype train for Hellblade 2.
2. Star Wars: Outlaws
The second Star Wars game to grace this list of anticipation, and it is a must addition for any fans of the franchise. Obviously, the game is a Star Wars fan’s dream. Now, players get to experience the life of an outlaw in a galaxy far, far, away. One of the most anticipated things is that the game seems to be trying to deliver is another side of Star Wars, far from Jedi and Sith.
Introducing players to brand new characters, familiar and new settings, their very own ship, and daring missions the game allows players to experience Star Wars in a new way. To experience the beloved galaxy in such an open way is no doubt exciting. Getting in dogfights with the empire, smuggling illegal supplies, meeting seedy characters, and embracing the underworld of Star Wars is something fans have been wanting for some time. It’s no surprise that Star Wars: Outlaws takes our number two spot.
1. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
In a landslide victory for the list here at COGconnected, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth secures its number one spot for the most anticipated game of 2024. The second of the planned trilogy remaking the beloved 1997 game by Square Enix, the game will bring the next part of the graphically updated RPG.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is bound to make an impression as the remake of one of the most beloved Final Fantasy games ever. Already COG is more hyped than ever for this game. Of course, it is one of many games on the way that are highly anticipated. Yet, it deserves its spot here at number one.
Conclusion
There you have it. COGconnected’s most anticipated games of 2024. Thank you for coming along with us throughout 2023 as we explored all the games that made the year great. Of course, we hope you’ll visit us again in 2024 as we check out the games that will make next year just as fantastic. Happy New Year from all of us here at COG!