2024 gaming year highlights surprise hits and standout titles

The gaming year of 2024 has seen several surprise hits, overshadowing anticipated releases like *Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree* and *Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth*. Notable unexpected successes include *Helldivers 2* and *Thank Goodness You're Here*, alongside two new *Prince of Persia* games. GameSpot has highlighted the best games of the year, requiring a minimum review score of 8. Top-rated titles include *Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree* and *Metaphor ReFantazio*, both receiving perfect scores. Other standout games include *Astro Bot*, *Animal Well*, and *Dragon's Dogma 2*. The list features a mix of indie gems and major releases, showcasing a diverse range of genres. Games like *Hades 2* and *Silent Hill 2* remake have also garnered attention, reflecting a year rich in innovative and engaging gaming experiences.