It’s mid-January, and though it’s a bit late, Happy New Year! 2024 was a whirlwind—chaotic yet intriguing. We had an election, a mix of disappointing and stellar game releases, and we watched some game companies push heavily for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) only to falter, while others thrived with their releases. I’m quite content with my current rig, so I haven’t kept up much with new hardware, but I’m eager to see what the next generation of video cards will bring this year.

Here are some games I’ve played extensively, though not all were released in 2024. Satisfactory has been a staple since the pandemic started, offering a factory-building experience that’s now nearly perfect after leaving early access. It’s fully optimized, runs smoothly, and remains incredibly engaging. Kingdom Eighties, released in 2023, captures the essence of the ’80s with its fun storyline, retro aesthetics, and addictive gameplay, giving off a “Stranger Things” vibe. Forza Horizon 5 was another favorite, where I spent much time driving around and customizing liveries in single-player mode. Palworld was a delightful surprise, and Retrowave World with its ’80s-inspired style and gameplay, made me feel nostalgic. Dave the Diver was another enjoyable title.

However, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 stood out for me. It felt like stepping back into the early 2000s with its action, graphics, and fun gameplay. The game did the lore justice, and playing it brought a wave of nostalgia. I’m excited to see what Saber Interactive will develop next.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I aim to tackle my backlog of games this year. While 2024 had its challenges, here’s hoping 2025 will be even better.