2023 ended with a bang for every gamer around. A whopping 25 video games scored 90 out of 100 or better on websites like Metacritic, including blockbusters like Resident Evil 4 or Tears of the Kingdom, which all but exceeded the towering expectations set by critics and diehard fans alike.

In a shocking twist, and despite its universal triumph, the latest Zelda installment no less failed to bag the Game of the Year award, as it was pit against rather exceptional competitors. Baldur’s Gate III, the surprise follow-up to a long-dormant RPG franchise, hit the nail on the head instead.

Perhaps the best year in gaming in decades, 2023 will arguably be hard to top. That said, many exciting releases are scheduled in the coming months. So, let’s dive into some of the most highly-awaited launches of 2024.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

The Prince of Persia series might seem long past its peak. When a new title in the cult franchise was announced, many fans were hoping for a remake of 2003’s Sands of Time – which already came out as a reboot of the original trilogy. Their hopes were slightly crushed when Ubisoft Montpellier revealed a brand-new cast and story.

Incidentally, several long-time fans feared a half-baked attempt at recapturing the magic of the series’ golden days. But the final preview that dropped in mid-December proved that the game’s developers were serious about breathing new life into the studio’s flagship Persian saga without merely copying what worked before nor compromising on the series’ roots.

The more footage emerged online, the more the hype grew about this side-scrolling adventure with ambitious Metroidvania elements. A true reinventing of the franchise, The Lost Crown is kicking off the year in style on January 18.

Star Wars Outlaws

Moviegoers might be starved of Star Wars content on the silver screen, but Star Wars TV is in full bloom. From The Acolyte to the final season of The Bad Batch, Disney+ has greenlit several intergalactic adventures in 2024. In addition to these highly-anticipated TV releases, one of the biggest gaming events of the year will take players to a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Outlaws does things differently than its televised counterparts, though, as it acts neither as a spin-off nor a direct sequel to any previous title. This original chapter in the saga, which takes place chronologically between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, follows the outer space odyssey of outlaw scoundrel Kay Vess and her companion Nix.

In a departure from massively popular entries like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, this action adventure will balance out daring escapes, clever stealth sequences, and intense shootouts. While no formal release date has transpired for this open-world instalment, it shall hit the shelves sometime in 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

A strong contender for most anticipated release of the year at The Game Awards, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is dropping on January 26. The insanity reaches new heights in this new chapter, which sees the return of Kazuma Kiryu alongside Ichiban Kasuga, who ends up in Hawaii to find his long-lost mother. The duo quickly discovers that many unsavoury characters are looking for her, and no sooner have they landed than brutal fist-fights ensue.

True to the series’ core formula, wacky side quests also await in the streets of Honolulu. In addition to classics like darts and karaoke, Infinite Wealth introduces new activities, such as an in-game management sim with an Animal Crossing vibe. Developers have also rejuvenated the obligatory casino minigames, introducing a fresh game called m HOLD’EM bound to thrill avid poker players. After feeling the heat virtually, some seasoned gamblers might even ditch this minigame to go all-in for real.

If so inclined, they can grab casino welcome bonuses to kickstart their online journey. Some websites publish updated lists of hundreds of sign-up bonuses that are up for grabs. Such packages usually include no deposit free spins or cashback bonuses. To find the one offer that best caters to their needs, players may cut through the noise with handy filters and comparison tools.

The past year has been phenomenal in the gaming department. While only time will tell if the upcoming year hits gamers with just as many top-notch titles, it is off to a strong start. Several hits in the making might also pop up in 2024, including the sequels to Hades, Hellblade, and The Wolf Among Us.