2024 was a year of unforgettable adventures and groundbreaking stories across gaming, film, TV, and more. From the thrilling co-op chaos of Helldivers 2 to the rich narratives of Metaphor: ReFantazio and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Polygon’s Best of 2024 celebrates the standout moments that defined entertainment this year. Dive into our curated picks that capture the excitement, innovation, and artistry shaping the cultural landscape today.
We were delighted by the platforming possibilities in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Astro Bot, and the rich storytelling of RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. We loved the co-op fun of Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and unlocking the beguiling worlds of Animal Well and The Rise of the Golden Idol. And we really, really loved the breakaway success of Balatro and the infinite appeal of just one more run. And that just scratches the surface: 2024 has been full of games that thrilled, inspired, and captivated us to no end.
Movies like Challengers, Dune: Part Two, Hundreds of Beavers, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga delighted us at the theaters, and it was a particularly strong year for genre movies: horror, action, and science fiction all had standout years. Meanwhile, Shōgun set a new bar for television storytelling that others are still scrambling to match.
There were once again many video game adaptations this year, with varying degrees of success. The second and final season of Arcane wowed us, Prime’s Fallout show surprised us, and the Borderlands movie also came out.
Some of the biggest anime series in the world had thrilling new seasons, and there were plenty of excellent new shows that quickly grew their own dedicated fan bases. And the great books and tabletop games that came out this year will keep you occupied well into 2025.
Here’s our look at the best of the best 2024 had to offer in games and entertainment. We’ll continue to add stories to this package through Dec. 20, so keep your eyes on this space.
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Everything in AELGAMES’s Best of 2024
AELGAMES’s Best of 2024 highlights an exceptional lineup of games that defined the year, showcasing a diverse range of genres and innovative gameplay. From critically acclaimed titles like Astro Bot and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to surprise hits such as Balatro, which blends roguelite mechanics with poker strategy, the selection captures the vibrant creativity and high-quality experiences that marked 2024. This collection celebrates both blockbuster releases and indie gems, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of gaming this year.
What are the most exciting gaming experiences Polygon highlighted for 2024
Polygon highlighted several of the most exciting gaming experiences of 2024, including:
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Astro Bot, praised for its game design, artistic achievement, and technical achievement, winning multiple awards and scoring highly on Metacritic.
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Helldivers 2, recognized for its multiplayer experience, sound design, and action gameplay, making it a standout cooperative shooter of the year.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio, noted for its narrative depth and artistic direction, earning acclaim in role-playing and storytelling categories.
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Black Myth: Wukong, celebrated for its art direction, animation, and action gameplay, marking it as a visually stunning and engaging title.
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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, distinguished for its music and narrative, continuing the legacy of the iconic franchise with strong performances.
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Tekken 8, highlighted in the fighting game category for its competitive and polished experience.
These titles represent a diverse range of genres and innovations that defined the gaming landscape in 2024 according to Polygon’s coverage and awards recognition.
Which 2024 games won major awards according to Polygon’s highlights
The major 2024 games that won awards according to Polygon’s highlights from The Game Awards 2024 include:
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Astro Bot, which dominated the ceremony with four wins including the prestigious Game of the Year and Best Game Direction awards.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio, which won three awards including Best Narrative and Best Art Direction.
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Helldivers 2, awarded Best Ongoing Game and Best Multiplayer, recognized for its cooperative gameplay.
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Black Myth: Wukong, which won Best Action Game and was noted as the first Chinese-developed nominee for Game of the Year.
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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which received nominations and won in categories such as Best Performance (Briana White) and Games for Impact.
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Tekken 8, awarded Best Fighting Game for its competitive excellence.
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Balatro, an indie game that won Best Debut Indie Game and was nominated for Game of the Year.
These titles reflect the diversity and innovation celebrated at the 2024 Game Awards, with Astro Bot standing out as the most awarded game of the year.
