3 up, 3 down – October 2024
October 2024 was a very crazy month for video game releases! There were so many, and such a high percentage had a huge buzz behind them. Many of these games scored in the 75-85 range. In fact, it was difficult to create a Bad section this month, because everything was so good! Games like Metaphor: ReFantazio, which is probably my personal game of the year, didn't even make it into this article! Feel free to check out our Reviews section for more benefits. But for now, here are the three best (and worst) video games of October 2024:
the good
Dragon Age: Veil Guard
***click here to see our review***
The new Dragon Age game is amazing! Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a reimagining of Bioware's popular western role-playing game. It has a new visual identity, which looks like a lighter big fantasy film. The new combat system is real-time, but with frequent access to combat menus. The structure has also changed from open world to a hub with different levels. All of these changes are for the better and the entire package is incredibly polished. Our reviewer wrote “Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the most polished, bug-free AAA game I've played in a long time.” Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the first of 3 games with a score of 90 or higher in The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games as of October 2024.
Dragon Ball: Sparks! Zero
***click here to see our review***
Dragon Ball: Sparks! Zero is the newest game in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, which has been dormant since the PS2. Curiously, the Budokai and Tenkaichi titles were made for North America, and in Japan the games were labeled “Sparking” in English… sigh. Dragon Ball: Sparks! Zero has a roster of over 180 characters, stunning visuals, and a perfect modern update to the original games' fighting mechanics. It's not an incredibly balanced, tournament-ready fighting game, but if you consider it a “Dragon Ball Z battle simulator,” there's a lot to enjoy. The only flaw in this almost perfect game is the episodic story mode. Our reviewer wrote: “The scenes are barely animated and include many still shots with voiceovers.” But most players already know the story. If not, check out the excellent Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. Dragon Ball: Sparks! Zero is the highest-scoring game in The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games since October 2024.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
***click here to see our review***
The Silent Hill 2 Remake is faithful to the original! Modern gamers finally have a way to experience what is arguably the best horror game of all time. Some might give this praise to Resident Evil 4 for its significant gameplay, but many consider Silent Hill 2 to be the pinnacle of video game horror atmosphere and narrative. The audio and visual improvements are gorgeous, and the new gameplay removes the tank controls, without overempowering the player. Our reviewer concluded: “With improved combat, each encounter becomes more intense, increasing the visceral impact of each blow. “The stunning graphical overhaul captures the pervasive decay of the world, while the enhanced lighting magnifies the sense of menace, creating an anxiety-ridden experience.” Silent Hill 2 is a must-play for any horror game fan and an obvious inclusion in The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games coming out in October 2024.