Welcome to the first Paula’s Game Ramblings of the New Year; previous ramblings can be found here. A new year is upon us, so this is when I look ahead to some of the great games that will be released in 2024. These are only some of my most anticipated games, which I have been waiting to release for a while.
Of course, like other things in life, nothing is ever set in stone, and it’s the same in the gaming world, and release dates change constantly. I hope to see these games being released this year.
Laysara: Summit Kingdom
It feels like Laysara: Summit Kingdom has been on my Steam Wishlist for years, and I’ve played the demo numerous times. In Laysara: Summit Kingdom, you are tasked with building a prosperous city in a mountain environment that poses a significant challenge.
You’ll have to adapt your construction approach based on vegetation zones and extend your reach to remote mountain slopes for limited resources. You’ll also strategically plan production chains and meet the requirements of your three-tier society, all while navigating mountain hazards like weather disruptions and avalanches.
This game is a pure city-building experience focused on the economy, resource management and survival despite the inhospitable environment. Therefore, the game doesn’t feature combat or any other military aspect; it’s just my kind of game.
Europa
Europa is a peaceful game of adventure, exploration and meditation. Embark on a quest for answers in the character called Zee, an android, as you explore the lush, terraformed paradise of Europa on Jupiter’s moon. You can run, glide, and fly using the Zephyr jetpack as you traverse the remnants of a shattered utopia.
Plus, you can enhance your Zephyr jetpack over time, allowing yourself to fly higher through the air until you soar seamlessly into the sky. Again, much like Laysara, Europa offers a peaceful gaming experience of adventure, exploration, and meditation.
The Gecko Gods
This one caught my eye when I saw it on one of the Wholesome Directs during the year. I have a pet gecko, so I was naturally drawn to The Gecko Gods; geckos’ have such cute faces.
In the game, you play as a determined little lizard on a quest to rescue their friend. As a Gecko, you’ll solve ancient puzzles, scale cliffs, and indulge in bug feasts while navigating an island civilization lost to the ages. Explore hidden temples, investigate a wide-open island full of secrets and collectables, and dive into ancient tombs to complete the puzzles in ways only a wall-climbing lizard can.
Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is an adventure game where you are shipwrecked on a lost mythical island. Playing as backpacker Alex, you must befriend the forgotten gods of Greek mythology and restore their memories.
Stranded on Ambrosia Island, you’ll marvel at the ancient beauty surrounding you. The gods’ lost memories add a surreal twist to your backpacking escapade. Unsure how to navigate this mythic predicament, you will cautiously approach the divine gods, who all have much to say for themselves; you hope they can shed light on your journey and point you in the right direction.
I played the Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island demo last year; you can find our demo impressions of the game here.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is another of my most anticipated games for this year and a game I’ve played the demo of many times. It’s been on my Steam Wishlist for so long that I think it’s taken root. The game is based on The Moomins, who are central characters in a series of books and comic strips written by Finnish-Swedish writer and artist Tove Jansson between 1945 and 1980.
As the protagonist in this cosy adventure, your task is to wield the power of music to restore Moominvalley to its original beauty.
Embarking on the quest, Snufkin journeys through Moominvalley, restoring harmony disrupted by grotesque parks. In this ambient adventure, you’ll solve puzzles, employ stealth, and explore an open world to restore the valley’s natural balance. The blend of enchanting melodies creates a wholesome experience, catering to kids and adults as they immerse themselves in the magical restoration of Moominvalley’s atmosphere.
Distant Bloom
Distant Bloom is a cosy management and exploration game far away from home. Following an extensive space expedition, you and your crew touch down on an alien planet to create a new habitat for your species.
Embark on a journey across a lonely world, rejuvenating its once-vibrant past through the power of plants. You’ll cultivate diverse alien flora and discover the joy of nurturing life and shaping a flourishing ecosystem. Additionally, you’ll transform your harvest into recipes, tools, and items to enhance your home base. And roam the wilds to unveil the mysterious history behind scattered ruins on the peculiar planet.
So, these are some of my most anticipated games. Which games do you have in your sights?
I completely agree with you on Final Fantasy VII Remake! I’ve been waiting for it for so long, and I’m so hyped to play it finally. Great post!