Big Names Returning to the Spotlight
The gaming world in 2024 is bringing back some of the biggest franchises and they’re not coming quietly. From beloved RPG sagas to explosive first person shooters, expect familiar titles to return with gameplay upgrades, deeper narratives, and cross generational appeal.
Franchises Making a Comeback
These major players are leading the charge in console gaming this year:
RPG Titans: Long awaited sequels from iconic series are dropping with revamped combat systems, open world exploration, and more player driven choices.
Fan Favorite Shooters: Classic first person franchises are reloading with faster mechanics, smarter AI, and competitive multiplayer modes rebuilt for next gen consoles.
Platform Legends: Mascot driven games are making returns with reimagined level design, co op modes, and polished graphics that appeal to veterans and newcomers alike.
What’s Fresh in Gameplay and Story
Several returning titles are refusing to rely on nostalgia alone. Developers are investing heavily in:
Advanced AI & Immersive Worldbuilding: Enemies adapt based on your actions, while open worlds feel more dynamic and reactive.
Branching Narrative Systems: Storylines evolve based on your decisions, allowing for multiple endings and greater replay value.
Seamless Cross Platform Play: Progression syncs across platforms, upping flexibility for multi console households.
Why It Matters for All Players
Whether you’re a franchise loyalist or a curious newcomer, 2024’s release lineup offers something meaningful:
Nostalgia Meets Innovation: Longtime fans will appreciate easter eggs and character arcs developed over years.
Smooth Onboarding: Tutorials and story recaps make it easy for new players to jump in without feeling lost.
Multiplayer Evolution: Updated social and matchmaking features blend casual and competitive gameplay more seamlessly than ever.
If you’re looking to revisit old favorites or discover what made them legendary, this year’s franchise revivals are not to be missed.
Hidden Gems and Indie Surprises
Not every great game drops with a trailer during the Super Bowl or a front page feature on a major site. Some of the most compelling titles this year are coming in under the radar and they’re absolutely worth your time. Take “Iron Seedling,” a moody top down farming sim with roguelike combat it shouldn’t work, but it does. Or “Static Vein,” a hand drawn action platformer that feels like a fever dream sent from the ‘90s but polished with today’s control schemes.
What sets these games apart isn’t budget it’s risk. Indies are experimenting where big studios can’t afford to. Think puzzle mechanics tied to musical rhythm, or narrative games where your dialogue choices physically change the environment. Visuals also aren’t playing it safe: expect lo fi pixel art smashed up with watercolor animation, or ultra minimalist styles that make you feel things without a single word.
Studios to watch this year: Glass Kite Games is doing eerie atmospheric exploration like no one else. EmberMock, a two person dev house, has a tactical RPG in early access that’s already punching above its weight. And keep your eye on North Hollow Lab their experimental storytelling engine might be a game changer in the literal sense.
If you’re only scanning for high profile releases, you’re missing the real frontier. These are the titles quietly moving the genre forward and the devs behind them might just be leading the next big wave.
Console Specific Highlights
Let’s be clear 2024 is a flex year for console hardware. Each system is leaning into its strengths, and game developers are responding in kind.
PlayStation is stacking wins with its PS5 exclusives. Titles like “EchoDepth” and “Granfall Rift” are built to take full advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptics and adaptive triggers stuff you just don’t get the same way anywhere else. Visuals are cranked to ultra settings without bending the frame rate, thanks to Sony’s upscaling pipeline and streamlined SSD.
On the Xbox side, Series X is still the powerhouse. Microsoft has leaned hard into Game Pass, but 2024 adds more titles that are truly optimized for Xbox hardware. “Iron Vale” and “Siege Protocol” both run beautifully here, especially in Performance Mode, where 60fps is no struggle. And the improved loading times mean more gameplay, less waiting.
Switch continues to do its own thing. It isn’t matching the muscle of its competition, but the Switch OLED’s portable experience is hard to beat. First party games like “Zelda: Wraiths of Hyrule” are tailored perfectly to the hybrid format and they know how to squeeze every advantage out of Nintendo’s architecture. That said, cross platform releases often come with visual compromises on Switch, so it’s best for titles built with mobility in mind.
Performance comparisons across platforms usually come down to priorities. Want raw 4K fidelity and surround sound? PS5 and Xbox Series X lead. Want pick up and play from your backpack? Switch stays dominant. Hardware upgrades like faster NVMe storage and refined cooling mean we’re seeing less compromise and more seamless performance across the board. Even load heavy open world games are running tighter.
No matter the console, this year proves one thing: devs are pushing hardware to meet players where they are at home, on the go, or somewhere in between.
Must Know Pre Order Perks
If you’re serious about console gaming in 2024, pre orders aren’t just about early bragging rights they’re a strategic move. More titles are launching with layered pre order incentives like limited edition bundles, exclusive DLC, and even early access windows that let you log in days before everyone else. Some of these bonuses won’t be available post launch, which turns a one click decision into a long term advantage for fans and collectors.
Timing matters. Popular editions can sell out fast, especially those featuring physical extras like art books, steel cases, or character figurines. And in the case of digital perks, pre loading and instant access could mean the difference between exploring the map spoiler free or showing up late to the party.
Whether you’re hunting for in game gear or looking to maximize value, it’s worth scouting the lineup in advance. Check out the available pre order options to see what to lock in before launch.
Release Calendar Cheatsheet
The release schedule for 2024 is packed, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Here’s a stripped down look at what’s hitting in each quarter so you can plan your time, your wallet, and your sick days wisely.
Q2 (April June) brings a sharp mix of genres. “Elder Flame IX” drops in late May, bringing open world magic to PS5 and Series X with massive co op modes. Also in the spotlight is “Circuit Havoc,” an indie racer with heavy retro vibes and couch multiplayer perfect for summer nights.
Q3 (July September) leans into narrative heavy titles. Watch for “Echo Drift,” a sci fi thriller landing mid August with branching storylines and a ton of replay value. Nintendo fans should mark mid July when “Super Mario Galaxy Reclaim” remasters a classic with 4 player chaos and tighter controls.
Then there’s Holiday Season (October December) where the big guns launch. “ChronoSpire: Reborn” hits right before Black Friday, with early previews signaling serious Game of the Year potential. And yes, “Titanfall: Lost Protocol” is real, and it’s dropping in early December. Cross play, wall running, the works. Expect it to dominate the charts and your group chats.
Bottom line: stagger your pre orders, don’t burn out early, and leave room in the schedule. A stacked year doesn’t mean playing everything it means choosing smart. Your time matters.
Final Picks Worth the Hype
A few titles have already seized the spotlight, and they’re not slowing down. Top of the mind is “Eclipse Protocol,” a tactical sci fi thriller that blends squad based combat with open world freedom. Early reviewers are calling it “XCOM meets Cyberpunk but polished.” Another standout: “Mythos Unbound,” a story driven RPG where mythology collides with modern tech. Streamers are loving the branching dialogue and real time decision making.
Playtest builds are generally strong across the board. “Steelrunner 2” impressed with its smoother mechanics and tighter campaign pacing. Meanwhile, sleeper hit “Wavelength Drift” an indie rhythm racer has picked up momentum thanks to electric visuals and sound design that doesn’t quit. Beta testers are calling it “addictive in the best way.”
If any of these are on your radar, don’t wait. Pre orders are already racking up for deluxe bundles and day one gear. Check out the full slate of pre order options to get ahead of the curve and lock in your picks.
Rutherick Friedmander is a passionate sports author providing in-depth analysis, match insights, and engaging coverage across major sports and competitive events.
