Best new video games of 2024: FFVII, Helldivers, Infinite Wealth

The video game industry is in a state of flux: Studios haven’t eased off mass layoffs that began in 2023, nonsensical microtransactions continue to exist (adding unnecessary additional costs to already full-priced games), and the future of physical game media is unclear. (I’m the kind of gamer who buys as much physical media as possible, for the record.)

On the flip side, though, are the games themselves. For gamers, the first three months of 2024 have been bountiful. From a much-anticipated return to the world of Final Fantasy VII to a surprise hit that can only be described as a video game homage to “Starship Troopers,” gamers have plenty of worthwhile options to spend their time (and money) on.

Here are highlights of some of my favorite titles so far this year.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Price: $69.99

Rated: T for Teen, for blood, language, mild suggestive themes, use of alcohol and tobacco, violence

Available on: PlayStation 5

This massive sequel to 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake (the second part in a planned trilogy) continues taking players on a journey both familiar and fresh as protagonist Cloud and his companions race to save the world from the malevolence of Sephiroth. Much in Rebirth is similar to Remake: the combat, the visuals, the exploration, the music (which is so, so good!). The new draw here is the story. Remake’s conclusion set Cloud and Co. on a different path than the one they took in the original game from 1997. Rebirth continues down that path, and while many story beats will be familiar to FFVII fans, there’s so much more that will delight and surprise, making the dozens of hours of gameplay worthwhile. What comes next for Cloud in the final part of this trilogy remains to be seen, and there isn’t a release date yet for that game, but the excellence of Remake and Rebirth suggests an exciting and satisfying conclusion to this epic journey.

Helldivers II

Price: $39.99

Rated: M for Mature, for blood and gore, intense violence

Available on: PS5, PC

I would call this game the sleeper hit of 2024 so far. I sank many hours with a friend into the first game, a cooperative shooter that pitted your military character against alien bugs. At its core, the sequel by Arrowhead Game Studios is still all about you and your friends shooting big bugs — but cranked up to 11, showered in all the satirical patriotism of “Starship Troopers” and served with a steamin’ hot cup of Liber-Tea. Mechanically, the game, now a third-person shooter, is simply a blast: The weapons feel great, the bugs (and robots) are threatening, the co-op works wonderfully and the story … look, we’re saving Super-Earth, and that’s all that matters, OK? And if that means you have to deal with disgusting (but visually stunning) bug guts, that’s the price you pay for freedom.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Price: $69.99

Rated: M for Mature, for blood, intense violence, partial nudity, sexual themes, strong language

Available on: PS5/4, Xbox Series X/S, PC

I was a little leery of Infinite Wealth before launch: The previous game in the series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, had taken pains to pivot away from longtime series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu to focus on a new primary character, Ichiban Kasuga. In this sequel, though, we knew Kiryu would be returning and playing a major role. I’m of the thought that if you’re going to make such a major change, stick with it. However, this high-octane adventure to Hawaii (the first time the series has left Japan) more than alleviated my concerns. From the improved combat system to the amazing minigames (Crazy Taxi, anyone?) and another well-penned story that tempers the game’s outrageous shenanigans, Infinite Wealth is a highly enjoyable entry in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise.

If you want a few more new video games to consider, may I suggest:

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: A worthwhile, if somewhat overlong, return to Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia franchise. (PS5/4, XSX/S, Nintendo Switch, PC)
• Unicorn Overlord: If you’re seeking a tactical RPG you can sink your teeth (and dozens of hours) into, look no further than Vanillaware’s latest stunner. (PS5/4, XSX/S, Nintendo Switch)
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered: If you haven’t played the game yet, the remaster offers the perfect opportunity to dive into Naughty Dog’s mesmerizing sequel. (PS5)