LifeIsXbox Eyes on the Year – 2024

It’s the end of another year full of amazing game releases, so we asked our LifeIsXbox crew about their favourites! Are you curious to find out which games stood out for our editors this year? The lists below are not limited to only Xbox releases, so you might see some titles mentioned that we didn’t cover 😉

Victoria

Genshin Impact (Released on Xbox in 2024)
I’m finding it pretty difficult to put into words just how much I adore Genshin Impact. I honestly didn’t think I would become this hooked but I haven’t been able to put the game down since release. The graphics are insane, the characters are out of this world, and the quests/content has been thoroughly enjoyable! I will definitely be continuing my adventure into the new year and can’t wait to see what’s to come.

The Casting of Frank Stone
Being a game set in the Dead by Daylight universe and made by one of my favourite developers Supermassive Games, it would have been impossible for me not to get involved with this. It expanded upon the lore of Dead by Daylight and delved deeper into the Entity being brought into the world. Decisions with consequences, quick time events, exploration and plenty of paths to uncover, The Casting of Frank Stone was a phenomenal addition to the gaming world.

The First Descendant
With my previous enjoyment for Warframe, it seemed unquestionable that I’d dive into The First Descendant. Although I didn’t get quite as attached, I had plenty of fun during the campaign and some tough encounters along the way. With plenty of chances to upgrade your weapons, gear and descendant, the game has great potential and engaging content which is easy to get engrossed in.


Robby

Balatro
I really like roguelike card games, but this is next-level addictive. I struggled at first to understand the flow of things and when it finally dawned on me how to play and manipulate the scores, I was hooked. This should have won game of the year if you ask me. I’ll keep it around on my Xbox for years to come and whenever I’m choosing what to play, there is a good chance “one more round of Balatro” will be among the conciderations.
Check out the review here: https://www.lifeisxbox.eu/review-balatro/

Astro Bot
A PS5 exclusive on my top 3? You bet ya! Astro bot just made me happy when playing it, even though most of the recent Playstation references went over my head (I didn’t even own a PS3 and played only very few PS4 games). It’s so good even, that when a friend of my kid accidentally deleted my close-to-100% savefile, that I started over from scratch and didn’t even mind the excuse to replay the entire game. I’ve spend well over 30 hours with our cheerful robot friend and don’t regret a minute of it.
Check out my video here: https://youtu.be/NWQAUJtGeu0

Invector Rhythm galaxy
Invector Rhythm Galaxy is the perfect follow-up to an already perfect rhythm game. Its eye-popping visuals light up my living room as its bass lines make my teeth chitter in pure glee. This game makes me happy and that is probably the best praise I can think of. I don’t foresee ever removing this from my hard-drive and it’ll be the go-to game to play against friends on the couch for many, many years to come!
Check the review here: https://www.lifeisxbox.eu/xbox-review-invector-rhythm-galaxy/

Honorable Mention: Aaero 2
If it wasn’t for Invector porting their game to Xbox this year, Aaero2 would have easily taken that 3rd spot! Two of my favourite rhythm games had a sequel in the same year? They sure did! and Aaero2 improved even more on its core concept, with better balanced gameplay and Co-op and versus options so you can play with friends. I’m a happy gamer!!
Check the review here: https://www.lifeisxbox.eu/xbox-review-aaero2


Thomas

Final Fantasy XIV- Dawntrail
It’s the first new expansion since I began my journey on Etheirys taking me all the way to the continent of Tural. I had an absolute blast for most of the story, and the new classes of Viper and Pictomancer are a lot of fun to play. There’s more side content and story continuations yet to come in the patches, but we’ll get those as they come.

Zenless Zone Zero
The third Mihoyo game I play, and the second one that got me to regularly play it. Between the stellar roster of characters, engaging story and fun as hell combat they have me and a lot of other players thoroughly hooked. I can heartily recommend it to everyone if just for the story.

Helldivers 2
This might be a bit of a hot pick for what transpired with Sony, but aside from that it does so many things right in terms of gameplay. Helldiving with a group of friends still puts a smile on my face like few other multiplayer focussed games have managed to in a long while. FOR SUPER EARTH!


Aaron

Metaphor: ReFantazio
For me, this represents some of Atlus’ best work. The game has a gorgeous art style while engaging you in a gripping story. It can sometimes be a while before it reaches its dizzy heights, but there is enough to keep you going for hours at a time given it’s cast of colourful characters that genuinely make you care for them.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Despite being a deviation from what the Yakuza series was known for, it offered a fresh take on the series while continuing to hone it’s new set of mechanics. Infinite Wealth also continues the story from The Man Who Erased His Name, which fans of the series will want to ensure they follow up on.

Helldivers 2
A satisfying multiplayer game that can be enjoyed with friends or solo. Helldivers 2 encapsulates a comedic story telling technique while offering up some of the most satisfying gunplay to date. There is a lot to be said about the unification of democracy found in the games undertones, & sheer determination of protecting your world from alien invasion with your brothers in arms.


Missi

Balatro
This is the game I played the most this past year. It is so addictive. I played it around the launch and fully fell in love with it, but I had to pull myself out of it to still be playing other games. However, last week, my colleague started playing it and talking about it. I felt right back in the rabbit hole again of being addicted. Bonus points for being able to play it while not behind my PC.

Caravan Sandwitch
An amazing adventure game without fighting. The story starts out full of mysteries, the puzzles are a lot of fun, and oh, the music. I love the music and have added it to my Spotify list. Another thing I love about this game is that it doesn’t overstay its welcome. It takes around 10 hours to play through the story.

Go-Go Town!
I’m such a fan of all the games Prideful Sloth made, but this one is my favorite. You’re building up a shopping district, hiring staff, and attracting tourist who spend their money in your little town.


Benny

Aaero2
This came out of nowhere for me, as I never even knew a sequel was in development. It has everything I love about music rhythm games: easy to pick up and play but tough to master, and great tracks that get tougher with each difficulty. Aaero 2 also now has couch and online co-op/versus modes, which are so much fun. 
Check out the Review: https://www.lifeisxbox.eu/xbox-review-aaero2/

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is the most immersive game I’ve ever experienced. It tells a really interesting story that keeps you gripped until the end. The audio is on another level (playing with a headset is a must). The visuals are photorealistic and help provide a truly cinematic experience. A must-play!
Check out the review: https://www.lifeisxbox.eu/xbox-review-senuas-saga-hellblade-2/

Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Finally, Kena: Bridge of Spirits arrived on Xbox, and I had a blast playing through this awesome game. I often felt like I was playing in a Pixar movie, thanks to the amazing visuals. The characters were unique and charming, with a great variety of gameplay mechanics and abilities at your disposal. The puzzles were challenging but always fun. There were some memorable boss encounters too that I won’t forget


Derek

Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth
I adore the Yakuza series, everything about the games is just wonderful and this was just so much more! plus add to it that it’s a perfect example of a JRPG as well. I’m still working my way through the numerous side quests and trying to create my own little island paradise.

Silent Hill 2
I love Silent Hill 2, it is exceptionally atmospheric and the horror hits at just the right levels for me. I highly recommend playing this one with headphones on as the soundscape is awesome. Bloober Team did a phenomenal job with this one, I can’t wait to see whatever they bring out, not been disappointed yet.

Ghostwire Tokyo
Horror and Japanese folklore? count me in!!! I’ll be honest, this one wasn’t on my radar to begin with but I got around to playing it and couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed learning the lore as I encountered the many different enemies and spirits in the game. I mean it’s not often you get an education into Japanese Yokai with a video game is it?


So, that’s 2024 for us! We’re already excited about what 2025 will bring us in gaming adventures! Which games were your favourites this year or what are you looking forward to most? Let us know on social media!