Have you been glued to your PS5 this year? Wondering what other games everyone’s been obsessing over? Look no further! We’re counting down the top 10 best-selling PS5 games of 2024 so far, revealing the titles that have taken the PlayStation world by storm. Get ready for some surprises, familiar favorites, and maybe even a game or two you need to add to your wishlist!
10. Hogwarts Legacy
Calling all witches, wizards, and everyone in between! Hogwarts Legacy has finally arrived, inviting gamers to step into the shoes of a student attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 1800s. Does this open-world adventure capture the magic of the Harry Potter universe, or is it merely a disillusionment charm in disguise? Let’s grab our wands and unfurl the Daily Prophet to investigate.
The Enchanting Spells:
Live Your Wizarding Dream: Hogwarts Legacy’s greatest strength is its immersion. Exploring the iconic castle, attending classes, and brewing potions feels like stepping right into the world of Harry Potter. The meticulous recreation of locations and the rich lore details will send shivers down the spines of Potterheads.
Become the Witch or Wizard You Always Imagined: Character creation offers a surprising amount of depth, allowing you to craft your ideal witch or wizard. Whether you’re a studious Ravenclaw or a daring Gryffindor, Hogwarts Legacy lets you forge your own magical path.
Spellbinding Combat: The combat system is surprisingly engaging. Dueling with fellow students or dark wizards feels dynamic and thrilling, with a wide range of spells at your disposal. Mastering these spells and discovering powerful combos is a rewarding experience.
Open-World Exploration: The vast open world surrounding Hogwarts is a joy to explore. Hidden secrets, challenging puzzles, and whimsical side quests await those who dare to venture beyond the castle walls. Discovering a hidden Hippogriff nest or unearthing a forgotten vault is pure magic.
The Befuddling Potions:
A Story That Fizzles: The main narrative, while serviceable, fails to live up to the magic of the surrounding world. The predictable plot and forgettable villain leave much to be desired.
Technical Tomes: The game suffers from occasional technical hiccups, including frame rate drops and glitches. While not game-breaking, these issues can disrupt the immersion.
Samey Side Quests: Many side quests feel repetitive, often revolving around fetch tasks or monster slaying. While some offer interesting lore tidbits, the overall lack of variety can become tedious.
Hogwarts Legacy is a double-edged sword. While it stumbles in its narrative and technical aspects, it excels at capturing the wonder and magic of the wizarding world. For Potter fans, exploring Hogwarts, attending classes, and casting spells is a dream come true. However, those seeking a deep and engaging story might be left wanting.
Recommendation:
If you’ve ever dreamed of receiving your Hogwarts letter, Hogwarts Legacy is a must-play, despite its flaws. Just be prepared for a narrative that doesn’t quite match the magic of the world itself. For those with more discerning tastes, it might be best to wait for a price drop or see if future updates improve the story and iron out the technical issues.
- Developer: Portkey Games
- Release Date: October 15, 2024
- Copies Sold: 5.3 million
- Profit: $600 million
9. Persona 3 Reload
Calling all nostalgia buffs and RPG aficionados! Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the beloved PS2 classic, has arrived on the scene, offering a chance to revisit a dark and compelling story with a modern makeover. But does this reimagining capture the magic of the original, or is it simply a retread of a well-worn path? Let’s dive into the Metaverse and find out!
The Good Stuff:
A Timeless Story Remastered: Persona 3’s narrative remains a highlight. It explores themes of mortality, friendship, and facing the inevitable in a way that’s both poignant and gripping. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making their struggles all the more impactful.
Modernized Mechanics: The turn-based combat system receives a welcome overhaul. Borrowing elements from Persona 5, it feels more streamlined and engaging, without losing the strategic depth that fans love.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears: The visuals are a massive upgrade. Persona 3 Reload boasts stunning character models and environments, bringing the world of Port Island to life in a way the PS2 could only dream of. The soundtrack remains a masterpiece, perfectly complementing the game’s atmosphere.
Quality of Life Improvements: Persona 3 Reload comes packed with features that make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. From a revamped social link system to auto-battle options, these improvements streamline the gameplay without compromising the core experience.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
A Touch of Repetition: Persona 3’s structure, with its repetitive dungeon crawling and school life segments, can feel dated compared to modern RPGs. While the story remains strong, it might not hold the attention of players accustomed to a faster pace.
Missing Content Woes: Some content from the original Persona 3 FES, like an expanded epilogue, is absent in Reload. This might be a sticking point for hardcore fans, especially considering the full-price tag.
The Verdict:
Persona 3 Reload is a solid remake that breathes new life into a classic RPG. The story is as captivating as ever, the gameplay is enjoyable, and the visuals are a treat. However, the repetitive structure and missing content might deter newcomers or returning players who crave a more complete experience.
Recommendation:
If you’re a Persona fan who never experienced Persona 3 or are looking for a darker, more mature RPG with a compelling story, Persona 3 Reload is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some repetition and the absence of certain content from the original.
- Developer: Atlus
- Release Date: May 10, 2024
- Copies Sold: 5.5 million
- Profit: $400 million
8. Madden NFL 24
Calling all armchair quarterbacks and gridiron enthusiasts! Madden NFL 24 steps onto the field, promising the most realistic simulation of America’s favorite sport yet. But does it deliver a winning touchdown, or fumble the pigskin on the goal line? Let’s huddle up and dissect the play.
The Good Stuff:
Gridiron Greatness on the Field: Madden NFL 24 shines on the virtual gridiron. The animations and player movements are more realistic than ever before, capturing the nuance and physicality of professional football. The improved AI makes for challenging and strategic competition, forcing you to think like a real coach.
Crossplay Camaraderie: For the first time ever, Madden NFL 24 features crossplay, allowing you to team up or trash-talk rivals across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This opens up a wider pool of players and makes online competition more vibrant.
Welcome to the Combine: The revamped scouting system in Franchise Mode adds depth and strategy. Evaluating college prospects with new combine drills and in-depth analysis feels more engaging, letting you build your dream team with a more informed eye.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
Déjà Vu in the Booth: While the on-field gameplay is improved, everything outside of it feels a bit stale. Menus, commentary, and presentation lack the innovation and polish seen in other sports titles.
Madden’s Monetization Madness: Madden NFL 24 leans heavily on microtransactions in Ultimate Team mode. Building a competitive squad can feel like a pay-to-win scenario, which is frustrating for players who prefer to earn their success on the field.
Bugs Blitz the Fun: Launch-day bugs and glitches can disrupt the gameplay experience. From fumbled passes (literally) to wonky animations, these technical issues can be a real downer.
The Verdict:
Madden NFL 24 is a game of two halves. On the field, it delivers some of the best virtual football ever seen. However, repetitive menus, a heavy monetization push, and technical issues hold it back from greatness.
Recommendation:
If you’re a die-hard football fan who craves the most realistic on-field experience, Madden NFL 24 might be worth a try, especially if you can snag it on sale. But if you’re looking for a fresh and innovative sports experience, you might want to wait for a patch or consider other options.
- Developer: EA Tiburon
- Release Date: August 20, 2024
- Copies Sold: 5.7 million
- Profit: $550 million
7. Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League
Calling all DC Comics fans and lovers of wacky squad-based shooters! Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has arrived, offering a unique premise: controlling Harley Quinn, Deadshot, King Shark, and Captain Boomerang as they take down Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League (yikes!). But does this ambitious concept translate into a fun and engaging experience? Let’s break it down:
The Good Stuff:
A Villainous Thrill Ride: The core concept of playing as the bad guys is undeniably cool. Wielding Harley Quinn’s mallet or Deadshot’s deadly aim is a satisfying power trip, especially when facing off against DC’s most iconic heroes (now turned bad guys!).
Unique Character Abilities: Each member of the Suicide Squad has their own distinct playstyle. From Harley’s acrobatic chaos to King Shark’s brutal strength, there’s a character for everyone.
A Detailed Metropolis: The open world of Metropolis is impressive, packed with secrets to uncover and side missions to complete. Exploring and causing mayhem is a blast, especially with a few friends by your side.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
Repetitive Grind: The core gameplay loop can get repetitive. Missions often feel similar, and the focus on loot can overshadow the story and character development.
Loot Woes: While the variety of weapons and gear is impressive, the loot system itself feels uninspired. Preparing for missions often boils down to tedious inventory management.
Technical Hiccups: The game can suffer from performance issues and occasional bugs, which can disrupt the flow of the action.
The Verdict:
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a mixed bag. The core concept is great, and the gameplay can be a lot of fun, especially in co-op. However, repetitive missions, an uninspired loot system, and technical issues hold the game back from reaching its full potential.
Recommendation:
If you’re a die-hard DC fan or crave a chaotic co-op experience, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League might be worth checking out, especially if you can snag it on sale. However, if you’re looking for a tightly-focused and polished experience, you might want to wait for a patch or consider other options.
- Developer: Rocksteady Studios
- Release Date: August 30, 2024
- Copies Sold: 5.9 million
- Profit: $700 million
6. Tekken 8
Calling all fighting game fans, button mashers, and anyone who appreciates a good digital brawl! Tekken 8 is here, and it’s a knockout in the best way possible. Whether you’ve been a Tekken loyalist since the arcade days or are just curious about what all the hype is about, Tekken 8 has something for everyone. Here’s the lowdown:
The Good Stuff:
Flawless Fighting: The core gameplay of Tekken 8 is what truly shines. The combat is smooth, responsive, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re pulling off epic combos or mastering throws, it feels great to dominate your opponent.
Newcomers Welcome: Tekken has a reputation for being complex, but Tekken 8 throws out the welcome mat for new players. A revamped training mode with tutorials and combo challenges helps you learn the ropes, while the “Heat” system lets you unleash powerful moves with a simple button press.
A Rage of New Features: Tekken 8 isn’t just a rehash. New mechanics like the “Rage” system add a layer of strategic depth, while the stunning visuals and revamped online features make the experience even more immersive.
Story Mode on Steroids: Tekken’s story mode has always been a bit…well, strange. Tekken 8 takes things up a notch with a more cinematic and engaging narrative that delves deeper into the characters’ motivations and rivalries.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
A Few Balance Issues: No fighting game is perfect, and Tekken 8 is no exception. There might be some balancing issues with certain characters at launch, but the developers are known for being responsive to community feedback.
Single Player, We See You: While the story mode is improved, some might crave more robust single-player options beyond the traditional arcade ladder.
Overall:
Tekken 8 is a fantastic fighting game that offers something for both seasoned veterans and curious newcomers. The core gameplay is phenomenal, the new features are exciting, and the visuals are stunning. Sure, there might be a few balancing issues to iron out, but Tekken 8 is a clear contender for the fighting game crown.
Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a deep, rewarding fighting game with tons of content, Tekken 8 is a must-play. It’s a beautiful, brutal, and accessible experience that will have you mashing buttons (or executing perfect combos) for hours on end.
- Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Release Date: February 15, 2024
- Copies Sold: 6.2 million
5. MLB The Show 24
Baseball fans, rejoice! MLB The Show 24 is here to swing you off your feet and deliver the most comprehensive baseball experience yet. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with a trophy case full of digital World Series rings, or a rookie stepping up to the plate for the first time, The Show 24 has something for everyone. Let’s delve into the features that will have you glued to your controller:
Own Your Baseball Legacy:
Create Your Baseball Legend: Craft your ideal ballplayer in Road to the Show, with more customization options than ever before. Ascend through the minor leagues, hone your skills, and carve your name into baseball history.
Lead Your Franchise to Glory: Take the reins of your favorite MLB team in Franchise Mode. Make strategic trades, draft the next generation of superstars, and build a dynasty that will dominate for years to come.
Relive Baseball’s Greatest Moments: Step into the shoes of legends with the expanded Storylines mode. Experience iconic games from baseball history, or relive Derek Jeter’s storied career in a brand new narrative experience (pre-order required).
Baseball for Everyone:
Welcome, Women! For the first time ever, create and play as a female ballplayer in Road to the Show, shattering barriers in the virtual world of baseball.
The Pitch Clock Arrives: Get ready for a more realistic baseball experience with the addition of the new Pitch Clock. Manage your time wisely on the mound, and keep the pressure on batters just like in real life.
Extended Seasons: Dive deeper into the grind with optional extended seasons in Franchise Mode, simulating the full 162-game schedule for the ultimate baseball challenge.
Diamond Dynasty Dreams: Build your ultimate baseball dream team in Diamond Dynasty, collecting cards featuring your favorite players, both past and present. Compete online, test your skills, and earn rewards to upgrade your squad.
Beyond the Features:
MLB The Show 24 isn’t just about features, it’s about capturing the essence of baseball. The game boasts stunning visuals that bring the stadiums and players to life. The presentation is top-notch, immersing you in the sights and sounds of the ballpark. Whether it’s the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, or the heated discussions between players and umpires, The Show 24 delivers an unparalleled baseball experience.
So, are you ready to step up to the plate? MLB The Show 24 is the ultimate baseball game, offering a wealth of features, unparalleled customization, and a love for the sport that shines through in every detail. Grab your bat, choose your team, and get ready to write your own baseball story!
- Developer: San Diego Studio
- Release Date: March 26, 2024
- Copies Sold: 6.5 million
- Profit: $500 million
4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Calling all Cloud Strife fans and RPG enthusiasts! Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has arrived, and it’s a wild ride back into the world of Sephiroth and Shinra.
The Good Stuff:
A Familiar World, Reimagined: Rebirth takes you on a thrilling journey through iconic locations from the original Final Fantasy VII, but with a fresh twist. Expect stunning visuals and a whole lot of nostalgia.
Action-Packed Battles: The combat system is a blast! It combines real-time action with strategic elements, making for exciting and dynamic battles.
Deeper Dives with Your Favorite Characters: Rebirth delves deeper into the stories of Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and the rest of the gang. You’ll learn more about their motivations and struggles, and forge even stronger bonds with them.
A World of Side Quests and Secrets: There’s a ton to discover beyond the main story. Explore sprawling open-world areas, complete side quests, and uncover hidden treasures.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
A Touch of Open-World Fatigue?: While vast and beautiful, the open world can feel a bit repetitive at times. Some may crave more focused exploration.
A Story Filled with Twists (and Maybe Turns): Rebirth’s narrative is full of surprises and deviations from the original game. This can be exciting for some, but confusing for others.
Overall:
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a faithful yet innovative sequel that captures the magic of the original. The combat is fantastic, the characters are well-developed, and the world is a joy to explore. However, the open-world elements and the story’s twists might not be for everyone.
Recommendation:
If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy VII and action RPGs, Rebirth is a must-play. Just be prepared for a wild and unpredictable journey through a beloved world.
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: July 7, 2024
- Copies Sold: 6.8 million
- Profit: $800 million
3. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Calling all monster slayers and adventure seekers! Dragon’s Dogma 2 is here to itch your fantasy RPG scratch. It’s a sequel to the original Dragon’s Dogma, but you don’t need to have played that one to jump in.
The Good Stuff:
Monster Hunter Meets The Witcher: Combat is intense and thrilling, with you climbing all over giant beasts to take them down. Think Monster Hunter meets The Witcher, with a dash of Shadow of the Colossus thrown in for good measure.
Choose Your Own Adventure: You can create your own character, or take a pre-made one for a spin. There are tons of skills and classes to choose from, so you can be a sword-swinging warrior, a spell-casting mage, or something in between.
Pawsome Companions: You’ll be joined by AI companions called Pawns. These aren’t just mindless followers – you can train them and even borrow other players’ Pawns for a helping hand (or three!).
A World Full of Wonder: The world is vast and full of secrets to uncover. Explore hidden dungeons, battle mythical creatures, and soak up the gorgeous landscapes.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
A Little Rough Around the Edges: The game can be a bit janky at times, with some frame rate issues and occasional glitches.
Story? What Story?: The plot isn’t exactly award-winning, but the gameplay is so much fun that you might not even care.
Overall:
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a wild, action-packed adventure that will keep you entertained for hours on end. If you’re looking for a deep and emotional story, this might not be the game for you. But if you want to slay giant monsters, explore a beautiful world, and have a blast doing it, then Dragon’s Dogma 2 is definitely worth checking out.
- Developer: Capcom
- Release Date: April 22, 2024
- Copies Sold: 7 million
- Profit: $420 million
2. Modern Warfare III
Modern Warfare 3 is back, and it’s like comfort food for Call of Duty fans. Captain Price and the gang are back to dish out some globe-trotting mayhem, alongside those classic maps we all know and love – Highrise, Rust, Afghan, you name it. It’s a nostalgia buffet!
But here’s the thing – can’t shake the feeling it’s more like a fancy map pack for Modern Warfare 2 than a full-fledged sequel. Maybe it’s because, well, rumors say that’s exactly what it was originally planned as! Seems Sledgehammer only had a year and a half to cook this up, half the usual time for a CoD feast.
Sure, there’s some new spice in the gameplay mechanics, but it comes with some questionable progression changes that leave you feeling a little hangry. Investing time doesn’t feel as rewarding as those epic Modern Warfare sequels we’ve come to expect.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (and it’s not a Juggernaut this time!). Apparently, even the game itself isn’t sure if it’s a sequel or an expansion. Booting it up throws an ad at you telling you to buy Modern Warfare 3 – even if you already did! Maybe the Activision launcher needs a trip to the tech fridge for some upgrades.
This map feels like it was yanked straight out of Warzone and shoved into Modern Warfare 3 without a single tweak. The lanes are huge, making the 6v6 matches feel sparse. Most of the action seems to happen around three buildings, which means a lot of running and getting sniped from across the map. Not exactly a recipe for a good time.
So, is Modern Warfare 3 a full-fledged sequel or a reheated serving? The jury’s still out. But one thing’s for sure – if you’re craving some classic Modern Warfare action, there’s definitely some fun to be had here. Just don’t expect a gourmet experience.
- Developer: Infinity Ward
- Release Date: November 10, 2023
- Copies Sold: 8.5 million (2024 sales)
- Profit: $750 million
1. Helldivers II
Greetings, soldier! Buckle up tight, because Helldivers II is here to redefine messy democracy. Forget quaint town hall meetings and polite debates – here, you’ll be defending freedom with a hail of bullets and a healthy dose of friendly fire (don’t worry, we’ll get to that later). This sequel to the cult classic throws you headfirst into the boots (and occasionally the charred remains) of a Helldiver, an elite soldier tasked with securing resources for Super Earth and purging the galaxy of some truly spectacularly grotesque alien threats.
A Bug Buffet (That Bites Back)
Helldivers II isn’t your grandpappy’s bug hunt. Prepare to face a wider array of enemy factions than ever before, each with their own brand of intergalactic unpleasantness. Hulking Cyborgs will test your defenses, while nimble Bugs scurry through the undergrowth, flanking your squad with lightning speed. Learning enemy weaknesses and strategizing with your squad is paramount – after all, who wants to be the one explaining how they single-handedly wiped out their entire team with a misplaced airstrike (it happens, trust us).
Weapons of Mass Democracy (and Destruction)
Fear not, fearless soldier, for your arsenal is more impressive than ever. The trusty assault rifle is back, joined by a cadre of new recruits. The arc thrower lets you channel your inner Sith Lord, while the repulsor cannon sends enemies flying like ragdolls (physics are both glorious and terrifying in Helldivers II). Don’t forget the classics – the ever-reliable shotgun and the satisfyingly brutal flamethrower are perfect for those close encounters of the bug kind (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
Beyond the Bullets:
Helldivers II isn’t just about point-and-shoot mayhem (although there’s plenty of that too). The revamped drop pod system allows you to rain down even more tactical goodies on the battlefield. Need a quick turret to fortify your position? Call one in! Running low on ammo? Air-drop a fresh supply (just try not to land it on your squadmate’s head). These stratagems add a layer of strategic depth, forcing you to think on your feet and adapt to the ever-changing battlefield.
Communication is Key (Especially When Apologizing)
New voice chat options and improved emotes make communication with your squad smoother than ever. Coordinating attacks, issuing warnings, and (most importantly) offering sincere apologies after a friendly fire incident – it’s all crucial for survival (and maintaining a healthy sense of camaraderie). Don’t worry, the learning curve is steep, but the laughter (and tears) shared with your squad will be legendary.
Warbonds and Beyond
Helldivers II embraces a “Warbond” system, offering a steady stream of new cosmetics, weapons, and challenges to keep the fight fresh. Think snazzy new jetpack trails, devastating experimental weaponry, and brutal new enemy mutations to test your mettle. But fear not, free-to-play troopers! The core Helldivers experience remains accessible, with plenty of ways to earn gear and progress without spending a dime (except maybe for therapy after a particularly brutal mission).
A Symphony of Carnage
Helldivers II doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of intergalactic warfare. Combat is a brutal ballet of blood and dismemberment. Enemy encampments are littered with the grisly remains of fallen comrades, and the battlefield itself tells a story of scorched earth and fallen civilizations. It’s a harsh reminder of the stakes – democracy may be messy, but it’s a hell of a lot better than the alternative.
So, soldier, are you ready to answer the call? Helldivers II awaits, promising a chaotic, cooperative experience that will test your courage, your teamwork, and most importantly, your ability to laugh in the face of certain doom. Remember, democracy needs you (and maybe a few extra bandages).
- Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
- Release Date: March 15, 2024
- Copies Sold: 10 million
- Profit: $600 million