Among Us
Among Us dominated the gaming world in 2020 as the perfect, paranoid, quarantine pastime, even though it technically launched in 2018. As you and your fellow astronaut friends work together to fix your spaceship, secret saboteurs work to quietly kill you all. Whether you use good old-fashioned social manipulation to flush out the truth, or lie your head off to continue the ruse, trust nothing and no one.
Arena of Valor
On PCs, the MOBA market is completely dominated by Dota 2 and League of Legends. On mobile, however, the playing field is a little more even. Arena of Valor, from Chinese megacorporation Tencent, is one of the best ways you can enjoy this truly bizarre real-time strategy genre on the go.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
One of the most iconic games in the Castlevania series has found a home on Android phones. Take control of the vampire Alucard, and slay the demonic hordes that haunt the castle and scheme to resurrect Dracula. Symphony of the Night features an expansive RPG weapon and inventory system that’s chock full of unique gear, items, and spells. With a tremendous castle to explore, unique abilities to earn, and an encyclopedic list of monstrous punching bags to beat up, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a Konami classic that is well worth snatching up.
Chrono Trigger
One of the most iconic and beloved RPGs of all time can be played on your Android device. Embark upon a time-traveling RPG with seamless and strategic combat, great sprite-based visuals, and an utterly charming story. This mobile Chrono Trigger is based on the expanded Nintendo DS version, which features a much improved story translation over the SNES original. Touch controls can be a bit inaccurate, which can be annoying as the combat is faster-paced than your average turn-based RPG. Still, Chrono Trigger was a monumental RPG for its time, and remains shockingly engrossing today.
Crossy Road
Give me any device that plays Crossy Road, and I will absolutely try to get that chicken across the road again. The Frogger formula works wonderfully as a methodical endless runner. The colorful voxel look is iconic, and chickens are just inherently funny.
In addition to their technical prowess and captivating gameplay, the top five games for 2024 also reflect broader trends and themes within the gaming industry. One notable aspect is the increasing emphasis on player agency and choice, allowing gamers to shape their own experiences within richly detailed virtual worlds. Whether through branching narratives, dynamic ecosystems, or robust customization options, these games empower players to become active participants in crafting their own adventures.
Moreover, the top five games for 2024 highlight the growing convergence of gaming with other forms of media and technology. Many of these titles incorporate elements of augmented reality, virtual reality, or interactive storytelling, blurring the lines between traditional gaming and immersive experiences. This fusion of mediums not only enhances immersion but also opens up new possibilities for artistic expression and creative innovation.
Furthermore, the top five games for 2024 underscore the increasingly global nature of the gaming industry, with developers from diverse backgrounds and regions contributing to the rich tapestry of gaming culture. These games draw inspiration from a wide range of cultural influences, mythologies, and storytelling traditions, reflecting the interconnectedness of the global gaming community and the richness of human creativity.
Overall, the top five games for 2024 not only entertain and inspire players but also serve as a reflection of the evolving landscape of gaming, where innovation, creativity, and inclusivity reign supreme. As technology continues to advance and audiences grow ever more diverse, the future of gaming appears brighter than ever, promising even greater adventures and experiences yet to come.