5 Emerging PlayStation Gaming Trends to Watch in 2024 – PlayStation.Blog

As we gear up for the exciting new releases of 2025, let’s take a moment to appreciate the standout games that defined 2024. This year had something for everyone, from engaging robotic adventures and creative LEGO worlds to immersive fantasy epics and revamped classics.

### A Year of Expansive RPGs

These past 12 months have whisked us away to enchanting lands teeming with magic, fearless heroes, and iconic floating towns. Atlus, the masterminds behind Persona, ventured into new territory with Metaphor ReFantazio, earning accolades for its strategic combat, polished presentation, and captivating soundtrack.

Likewise, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth managed the impressive feat of reimagining one of gaming’s most iconic RPGs, continuing the success of its predecessor, the celebrated Final Fantasy VII Remake. On the action RPG front, Granblue Fantasy: Relink thrilled players with its cooperative combat and epic narrative, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard closed the year with an engrossing adventure, underscored by the majestic compositions of Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.

And for those who preferred street-level intrigue over magical quests, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth offered an action-packed journey through the Yakuza universe, blending its rich narrative with exhilarating combat.

### A Year of Classic Remasters

2024 wasn’t just about new titles; many beloved classics also received the remaster treatment, merging nostalgia with modern polish. Disney’s Epic Mickey returned in style, showcasing revamped graphics and enhanced capabilities for our favorite mouse.

Familiar archaeologist Lara Croft delighted fans in Tomb Raider I–III Remastered, while Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged brought George Stobbart and Nico Collard back for a high-definition quest filled with mystery and adventure.

On the sci-fi front, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition offered fresh experiences for both first-person shooter and action-adventure enthusiasts. RPG lovers could revel in the Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload. Zombie enthusiasts weren’t left out either, as Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster served up its own brand of undead excitement.

### A Year of Horror and Retro-inspired Scares

While some remasters were heartwarming, others aimed for the opposite—reviving classic scares. The remake of Silent Hill 2 emerged from the shadows, offering a haunting experience with its reimagined visuals and chilling atmosphere.

New titles also made waves, bringing heaps of retro horror. Crow Country embraced the survival horror style of the ’90s, while Fear the Spotlight used an old-school vibe to enhance its ghostly story. Nostalgia was further fueled by Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, delivering ‘80s-inspired chaos in a wildly entertaining multiplayer format.

For more contemporary thrills, Still Wakes the Deep crafted a well-crafted psychological horror that was both atmospheric and gripping. The intense VR escapade Alien: Rogue Incursion took cosmic horror to your living room, proving that in this case, everyone can hear you scream.

### A Year of Character Platformers

Creating a memorable platformer is no easy feat, yet 2024 set a new standard. Astro Bot, from Team Asobi, became an instant favorite with its creative levels, inventive use of the DualSense controller, and a parade of surprise cameos.

Among the year’s hidden gems was Another Crab’s Treasure, introducing us to Kril, a determined hermit crab navigating an oceanic world filled with customizable armaments. On a lighter note, Penny’s Big Breakaway captured the spirit of classic platformers with its colorful action-driven adventure.

### A Year of Creative Art Design

2024 also dazzled with visually striking games that melded artistry with gameplay. The long-awaited Harold Halibut featured stunning stop-motion animation crafted from physical dioramas, offering a unique aesthetic journey.

Neva stood out for its vibrant design, brilliantly weaving color and contrast into a compelling puzzle-platformer. Meanwhile, Thank Goodness You’re Here! charmed with its exaggerated visuals and quirky humor, echoing classic British comedy.

Finally, LEGO Horizon Adventures ingeniously transformed the familiar Horizon Zero Dawn into a LEGO marvel, where every brick and machine could be recreated with physical LEGO pieces.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, which games and trends from 2024 were your favorites?