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By our reckoning, we dished out around eighty 4.5/5 review scores through 2024, from the early mainstays of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, to Planet Zoo: Console Edition, the summer drop of Humanity and the 20th Anniversary Edition of Beyond Good & Evil, to the year’s latter games like Just Crow Things, The Smurfs: Dreams and the eventual Xbox drop of Death Stranding Director’s Cut.
All eighty-odd of those games went close to finding a place on our Games of the Year 2024 list, but have ultimately come up a little short, missing out on the coveted 5/5 review scores, like those of Balatro, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Metaphor: ReFantazio.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be playing them. And so we’ve narrowed that initial list down to an unlucky 13; a smidge over a dozen of the finest Xbox games that have been snubbed for our Games of the Year list.
See them as games we think you shouldn’t miss – the Xbox games from 2024 that went oh-so-close…
Death Stranding Director’s Cut
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/death-stranding-directors-cut-review/
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is a unique experience, even if it falls short of Game of the Year status.
This post-apocalyptic adventure from Hideo Kojima casts you as Sam Bridges, a porter tasked with reconnecting a fractured America.
The gameplay focuses on traversing treacherous terrain and delivering vital cargo, building trust with isolated communities along the way. While the “FedEx simulator” label is somewhat reductive, the core loop of navigating the environment and managing resources is surprisingly compelling.
Kojima’s signature weirdness is on full display, with a surreal story, memorable characters, and bizarre paranormal encounters. Death Stranding has some shortcomings though – the combat is clunky, and the slow pace may not appeal to all players. However, for those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable gaming experience, Death Stranding Director’s Cut is well worth exploring.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/dragon-age-the-veilguard-review/
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a massive and immersive RPG that delivers a compelling story, stunning visuals, and satisfying combat. Players take on the role of Rook, a hero tasked with saving Thedas from a pair of powerful, Blight-tainted elven mages.
The game boasts a diverse cast of companions to recruit and build relationships with, alongside a vast world filled with quests and activities. Exploration is encouraged, and the rewarding combat system allows for experimentation with different abilities and party compositions.
While some minor graphical glitches and repetitive dialogue are present, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. It does mean that, for as good as Dragon Age: The Veilguard is, it doesn’t quite do enough to surpass the heights of Dragon Age: Origins.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/nikoderiko-the-magical-world-review/
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a charming and vibrant platformer that pays homage to classics like Crash Bandicoot and Rayman. Players control Niko or Luna, two mongooses on a quest to save their world from the evil Baron Grimbald.
The game shines in its varied level design, filled with secrets, collectibles, and challenging platforming sequences. From classic 2D stages to 3D sections and underwater areas, Nikoderiko keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
It’s helped by visuals which are bright and colourful, reminiscent of 90s platformers, while the soundtrack, composed by David Wise (Donkey Kong Country, Snake Pass), is a true highlight.
Yes, the story and dialogue may be a bit cheesy, but the core gameplay, with its tight controls, diverse challenges, and abundance of collectibles, will appeal to fans of classic platforming adventures. In all, Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a delightful and nostalgic experience that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
EA Sports FC 25
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/ea-sports-fc-25-review/
EA Sports FC 25 builds upon the success of its predecessor, delivering a more tactical and considered football experience. The new FC IQ system introduces Player Roles, allowing for deeper customisation and strategic depth, while HyperMotionV technology enhances player movements and animations.
A fresh game mode called Rush offers fast-paced 5v5 action, playable in both Clubs and Ultimate Team. The women’s leagues are now integrated into Manager and Player Career modes, and Clubs mode receives several upgrades, including customisable Virtual Pros and club budgets.
While the goalkeeper AI can be erratic and technical issues persist in the menus, the core gameplay is excellent. EA Sports FC 25 solidifies its position as a leading football game, satisfying both casual and hardcore fans alike.
Crossy Road Castle
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/crossy-road-castle-review/
Crossy Road Castle takes the addictive endless runner formula of the original Crossy Road and transforms it into a charming, yet challenging, vertical platformer.
The goal? To climb a procedurally generated castle, tackling a series of bite-sized levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and secrets. But it comes alive through the vibrant visuals and diverse themed worlds, from the classic Unihorse Castle to the quirky Space Station 115, helping keep the experience fresh and engaging. Unlocking new characters, skins, and hats through in-game currency and challenges adds to the replayability.
While the grind for unlocks can no doubt be repetitive at times, the swift nature of the levels and the constant introduction of new mechanics keep the gameplay loop satisfying. Local co-op multiplayer adds to the fun.
Overall, Crossy Road Castle is a delightful and addictive platformer that captures the spirit of the original Crossy Road while offering a fresh and engaging experience.
Just Crow Things
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/just-crow-things-review/
Just Crow Things from Unbound Creations, the creators of Rain on Your Parade, is another delightfully quirky and unique gaming experience.
This time around you play as Crowy, a young crow on a quest to retrieve her stolen sunglasses, embarking on a series of charming and humorous adventures.
The game features a variety of self-contained levels, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. It’s here where Crowy’s ability to fly, interact with objects, and cause mischief adds to the fun and freedom of exploration.
While the narrative is best experienced spoiler-free, expect clever level design, witty dialogue, and plenty of Easter eggs. Unlockables like hats and skins, along with a New Game+ and Sandbox mode, provide additional replay value.
Just Crow Things is a joy to play and is sure to leave a smile on your face.
CYGNI: All Guns Blazing
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/cygni-all-guns-blazing-review/
CYGNI: All Guns Blazing is a visually stunning and challenging shoot ’em up that harkens back to the glory days of the genre. With breathtaking graphics, and intense bullet hell action, CYGNI delivers a thrilling arcade experience.
The game introduces unique mechanics, such as the ability to switch between aerial and ground attacks, and a dynamic shield/firepower balancing system, adding depth and strategic decision-making to the gameplay.
Each level presents distinct challenges, culminating in spectacular boss encounters that will test your skills and reflexes. While the difficulty is unforgiving, even on the easiest setting, the ability to upgrade your ship offers a sense of progression and encourages persistence.
CYGNI: All Guns Blazing is about as close to a must-play for fans of shoot ’em ups as you can get, appealing to anyone seeking a thrilling and rewarding arcade experience.
Valorant
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/valorant-review/
The popular PC shooter from Riot Games, Valorant, makes a successful transition to consoles.
This tactical 5v5 hero shooter combines elements of Counter-Strike and Overwatch, offering intense, close-quarters combat with a low time-to-kill and unique agent abilities.
The game features a variety of modes, including unrated, competitive, deathmatch, and Swiftplay, catering to different playstyles and preferences. While mastering Valorant requires dedication and practice, the satisfying gunplay and strategic depth make it a rewarding experience.
The free-to-play model, with optional cosmetic purchases and a battle pass, allows players to jump in and enjoy the core gameplay without any upfront cost. And despite a steep learning curve and some limitations in custom game options, Valorant on console is a highly polished and engaging shooter.
Humanity
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/humanity-review/
Humanity is utterly unique, as it blends elements of Lemmings with a distinctive visual style and a thought-provoking narrative.
As a glowing Shiba Inu dog, you guide hordes of humans through intricate levels filled with obstacles and challenges. It’s here where the gameplay revolves around strategically placing commands to direct the flow of humans towards the exit, utilising a growing repertoire of actions like turning, jumping, and pushing.
With its unique premise, captivating visuals, and challenging puzzles, Humanity offers a compelling experience that starts off relaxing but gradually evolves into a true test of strategic thinking.
The only thing better than Humanity? Humanity in VR…
Harold Halibut
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/harold-halibut-review/
Harold Halibut is one of those narrative adventures that stands out, complete with a visual style of its oen, as well as a heartwarming story.
Developed over a decade using painstaking stop-motion animation and puppetry, the game presents a stunningly handcrafted world filled with memorable characters and enchanting environments.
Players step into the role of Harold, an odd-jobber living on a spaceship that crashed long ago on an alien ocean planet. The story unfolds with charm and wit, exploring themes of community, hope, and the search for a new home. But don’t think this is just ‘story’. While the gameplay primarily involves exploration and interaction, it is punctuated by creative puzzles and mini-games that keep the experience engaging. The only drawback is the amount of backtracking required, which can feel tedious at times.
However, the game’s true strength lies in its artistry. The visuals are breathtaking, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every scene. And that’s accompanied by some superb voice acting, bringing the characters to life with emotion and personality.
Harold Halibut is a testament to the power of creativity and dedication.
Planet Zoo: Console Edition
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/planet-zoo-console-edition-review/
Planet Zoo: Console Edition brings the acclaimed zoo simulation to consoles, offering an in-depth experience for animal lovers and management enthusiasts.
The game features a comprehensive tutorial that introduces the core mechanics, including animal care, habitat design, and guest management. While the controls can take some getting used to, the intuitive interface and helpful search function make navigating the menus relatively easy.
Planet Zoo offers a variety of modes, including Career, Sandbox, Challenge, and Franchise, providing diverse gameplay experiences. Franchise mode, in particular, allows players to build a zoo empire across different biomes, adding a layer of strategic depth to the simulation.
Despite occasional frustrations with object placement due to terrain intricacies, Planet Zoo: Console Edition is a triumph, as Frontier go about setting a new standard for zoo simulation games.
New Star GP
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/new-star-gp-review/
New Star GP – a thrilling, retro-inspired arcade racer that captures the excitement and nostalgia of classic Formula One.
The game features a variety of tracks inspired by iconic F1 circuits, along with a diverse roster of fictional drivers and teams. And that plays out through a career mode that spans five decades, allowing players to progress through different eras of motorsport and upgrade their cars as they climb the ranks.
New Star GP on Xbox strikes a neat balance between arcade accessibility and simulation depth, with realistic car handling, strategic pit stops, and a team management component. The lack of online multiplayer is a notable omission, but the extensive single-player content provides hours of entertainment.
In all, New Star GP is a must-play for fans of arcade racers and Formula One enthusiasts.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Our review – https://www.thexboxhub.com/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-review/
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown revitalises the classic franchise, but does so with a modern Metroidvania twist.
This action-packed adventure follows Sargon, a member of an elite group called The Immortals, as he ventures into the treacherous Mount Olaf to rescue the kidnapped Prince.
The game features fast and furious combat, requiring skillful parrying, dodging, and special attacks to overcome challenging enemies and bosses. Exploration is equally rewarding, with a sprawling 2D world filled with secrets, side quests, and challenging platforming sections.
While the narrative can be convoluted at times and the difficulty is quite challenging, the overall experience is a thrilling homage to the original Prince of Persia. In fact, Ubisoft very nearly nailed it.
So there you have it – 13 excellent Xbox games that, while they may not have topped our Games of the Year list, still offer fantastic experiences.
From epic adventures and quirky indie gems to intense shooters and relaxing simulations, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t let these hidden gems slip under your radar – dive into their full reviews, discover your next gaming obsession, and see for yourself why 2024 was such a stellar year for Xbox.
As always, we’d love to hear from you. Get into the comments…