While there are loads of big games set to drop in 2025 (Grand Theft Auto VI being the talk of the town) don't overlook 2024! Next year is packed with exciting highly anticipated titles that will thrill fans of long-running gaming franchises. Some of these fans have waited for more than 20 years(!) to return to the beloved worlds and characters they know and love. So without further ado here are the biggest games coming in 2024!

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - Ubisoft - January 18

The Prince of Persia series hasn't been as prominent since the release of The Forgotten Sands in 2010. But the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown might just bring the franchise back to life. This traditional 2D platformer draws inspiration from the original 1989 classic adding a Metroidvania-style exploration and progression. It's a match made in heaven!

Developed by the talented team at Ubisoft Montpellier known for their work on Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends The Lost Crown promises snappy action-packed gameplay. Get ready for fast-paced combat enemies with complex attack patterns and challenging traversal that will put your reflexes to the test. With any luck The Lost Crown will reignite the fire that made this franchise so popular.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio - January 25

One of the best ongoing gaming stories is the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's Like a Dragon/Yakuza series. The next chapter Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes protagonist Ichiban Kasuga on a search for his estranged mother in Hawaii. Along the way he's aided by series mainstay Kazuma Kiryu who not only beats up street thugs but also battles cancer.

The turn-based combat from Yakuza: Like a Dragon returns with some improvements allowing for more freedom of movement during fights. With the tropical setting players can expect fun mini-games and side hustles. But the real attraction is seeing how the Like a Dragon story continues to unfold. And with the addition of Daniel Dae Kim and Danny Trejo to the English voiceover cast this game is shaping up to be yet another gripping entry in the ongoing saga.

Tekken 8 - Bandai Namco Studios - January 26

Tekken 8 differentiates itself from other long-running series in the fighting game genre with its story mode. The game starts with a cinematic showdown between franchise stars Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima setting the stage for a campaign that goes beyond a mere afterthought. Tekken's ongoing story has always been a standout feature and the eighth entry promises to reach new heights.

Gameplay in Tekken has always been about finesse but Tekken 8 offers beginner players plenty of tools to help them ease into more sophisticated play. The Arcade Quest mode adds a meta-story involving in-game characters playing Tekken 8 in an arcade acting as an introduction to the fighting mechanics. Additionally the Special Style controls simplify inputs making special moves and combos easier to execute.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League - Rocksteady Studios - January 30

Rocksteady Studios known for the highly acclaimed Batman Arkham series is back with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. This game deviates from the grounded methodical gameplay of Arkham delivering a faster more open (and aerial) action gameplay experience. And the twist? You get to play as the unlikeliest heroes in the entire DC Universe.

Positioning Superman The Flash and the rest of the Justice League as the big bands of the story isn't entirely new but it adds a fun element when you can go head-to-head with these renowned heroes as Harley Quinn and company. With Rocksteady's reputation for curating stellar combat experiences Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is bound to be a thrilling adventure.

Helldivers 2 - Arrowhead Game Studios AB - February 8

Helldivers 2 is an exciting evolution of its predecessor moving from a top-down multiplayer shooter to a more immersive third-person shooter perspective. The game still supports four-player co-op and maintains its frenetic yet tactical gameplay. The Stratagem system allows players to call down various weapons and gadgets to obliterate hordes of enemies.

The original Helldivers' emphasis on team play made it incredibly addictive and the sequel aims to capture that same magic. While it may look considerably different from its predecessor Arrowhead Games promises to stay true to the core concepts that made the original game a cult hit.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Square Enix - February 29

Final Fantasy VII Remake took five years to release after its initial announcement in 2015 and it was well worth the wait. Square Enix expanded upon the original PS1 classic updating the visuals and gameplay without tarnishing the original experience. The result was a divergent yet lovingly faithful remake.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues the journey of Cloud Aerith Tifa and Barrett beyond Midgar. Familiar characters like Zack Cait Sith and Vincent make a return ensuring that Square Enix honors the original game while introducing it to a new generation of players. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Homeworld 3 - Blackbird Interactive - March 8

2024 seems to be the year of dormant series awakening from their slumbers and none have been asleep longer than Homeworld. The release of Homeworld 3's predecessor dates back to 2003 and the gaming landscape has since undergone significant changes. So why is now the right time for this classic RTS franchise to make its triumphant return?

The answer lies in technology. In a recent behind-the-scenes trailer Rob Cunningham co-founder and CEO of Blackbird Interactive and creative director on the original games explains that "Homeworld 3 was our original dream of Homeworld 2."

Back in the early 2000s PCs simply weren't powerful enough to support that vision. But now gaming machines can deliver the large-scale cinematic space battles that fans have eagerly awaited for over two decades.

Dragon's Dogma 2 - Capcom - March 22

After years of anticipation Dragon's Dogma 2 is finally set to release on March 22nd 2024 and it's already shaping up to be an epic adventure. The gameplay footage Capcom has revealed showcases massive battles and a captivating story of throne room intrigue warring kingdoms and of course fearsome dragons.

The sequel takes place in a parallel world to the first game allowing players to create a custom Arisen and choose from several vocations (including the new manipulative Trickster vocation).

The combat will feel familiar to fans of the original but the visuals have greatly improved thanks to Capcom's trusty RE Engine. Prepare to be rewarded for your patience as this highly awaited sequel hits the shelves.

Princess Peach Showtime!

 Nintendo is finally releasing a full-fledged Princess Peach game called "Princess Peach Showtime!" In this unique spin on the Mario side-scrolling formula Peach fights to protect the Mushroom Kingdom's Sparkle Theater from the invaders with the help of the guardian Stella.

She assumes different roles and personas to fend off the baddies. The game pays homage to the theater backdrop seen in previous Mario games.

Destiny 2

 The Final Shape: Bungie's "Destiny 2: The Final Shape" is the culmination of a seven-year saga. As the Guardian players will uncover what lies beyond the portal opened in the previous game and enter the Pale Heart of The Traveler to defeat the final threat. The game promises a spectacular ending and a challenging journey through the Pale Heart.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

 Heart of Chernobyl: After a delay due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict Ukrainian developer GSC Game World will finally release "S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl" in Q1 2024.

This first-person survival horror game is set in an alternate version of Chornobyl and features an open-world format. The game's brooding atmosphere will be powered by Unreal Engine 5 providing chilling depictions of real-world locations.

Hades II

 Supergiant Games "Hades II" is the highly anticipated follow-up to the stylish and replayable roguelike game. Players will control Melinoë the princess of the underworld as she ventures beyond the underworld.

The game's Early Access period was crucial in refining gameplay and the sequel aims to be a worthy successor to its popular predecessor.

Avowed

 Developed by Obsidian Entertainment "Avowed" takes players on a first-person high-fantasy RPG adventure in the Pillars of Eternity universe.

Set in the remote region of the Living Lands players investigate a dark plague. With deep lore and flexible gameplay "Avowed" promises to be an immersive and ambitious RPG experience.

Little Nightmares III

 The third entry in the "Little Nightmares" series expands on the dark and mysterious lore of The Nowhere. Supermassive Games has kept the connection between the three games a mystery allowing players to piece together the larger story. "Little Nightmares III" continues the moody and evocative gameplay with new creepy locations and the option for online co-op.

Senua’s Saga

Hellblade II

 "Senua’s Saga Hellblade II" from Ninja Theory promises stunning visuals and brutal combat. Set in a dark Norse mythology-inspired world players control Senua as she battles foes and explores eerie environments. The sequel builds upon the success of "Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice" and offers a bone-chilling experience.

Star Wars Outlaws

 "Star Wars Outlaws" presents the sandbox game that Star Wars fans have been waiting for. Developed by Massive Entertainment players can freely explore the Star Wars universe in a setting between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." The game follows smuggler Kay Vess and offers branching dialogue options and the possibility of familiar characters from the franchise.

The Wolf Among Us 2

 The long-awaited sequel to "The Wolf Among Us" by Telltale Games brings back the hand-drawn noir atmosphere and storytelling of the original. Despite delays and engine changes "The Wolf Among Us 2" holds promise and hopes to recapture the success of Telltale's early series.