Top Games of 2024 : A Comprehensive Preview

Top Games of 2024

The gaming community is ready for an exciting trip as we enter 2024 with a number of eagerly awaited titles that are sure to cause waves. The next year promises to be a memorable one for gamers, with everything from the return of beloved franchises to innovative role-playing games. We explore the intricacies of several highly anticipated video games, such as “Star Wars Outlaws,” “Tekken 8,” “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” and more, in this extensive guide.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Jan. 18, release date)

 

“The Lost Crown” marks the return of the Prince of Persia franchise, which was put on hold following 2010’s “The Forgotten Sands.” The game returns to its side-scrolling roots and adds Sargon, a quick-witted warrior from the Immortals clan. Assuming the mission of freeing the abducted Prince Ghassan in the menacing Mount Qaf city, players may anticipate the traditional mix of obstacles and riddles along with eye-catching new abilities. The story adopts a progressive attitude by presenting a new protagonist on a mission and shattering patriarchal chains.

“Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” (January 26, Release Date)

In “Infinite Wealth,” the follow-up to 2020’s critically acclaimed “Yakuza: Like A Dragon,” players embark on a quest alongside Ichiban Kasuga in search of his mother. The game tells a moving tale without sacrificing the distinctive side activities that made its predecessor a pop culture legend. It is set in Hawaii and well-known Japanese locations. Hawaii is also the franchise’s first international location.

Tekken 8 (January 26, Release Date)

The next significant entry in the venerable arcade fighter series, “Tekken 8,” is released by Bandai Namco following a nine-year hiatus. The game, which has a demo available for PS5 users, promises nonstop action with well-known characters like King, Marshall Law, Panda, and more. “Tekken 8” maintains its combo-centric gameplay while utilizing improved graphics powered by the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, providing a skill-based challenge that is both accessible and challenging.

Pacific Drive (February 22, Release Date)

“Pacific Drive” challenges the conventional survival game storyline by putting the emphasis on a novel idea in which players are totally reliant on an automobile in the Pacific Northwest. As players navigate through metal beasts and apocalyptic storms, the game promises to offer a novel and exciting variation on the survival genre.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Release Date: February 29)

Continuing Square Enix’s tradition of massive FF remakes, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is a PS5 exclusive. The game takes place after the events of the Remake and combines real-time action with strategic and role-playing elements. In an epic adventure across the planet, players take control of Cloud Strife and AVALANCHE members as they try to stop Shinra from using the Lifestream as a source of energy. Along the way, they must battle the powerful Sephiroth.

Dragon’s Dogma II (March 22, Release Date)

The action RPG game, a follow-up to 2012’s “Dragon’s Dogma,” promises to take advantage of the capability of current-generation consoles to deliver an engaging experience of sword-swinging, magic-casting, and dragon-slaying unlike anything seen before. A visually spectacular and immersive environment awaits fans as they set off on yet another amazing journey.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Release Date: 2024 – TBA)

After “Senua’s Sacrifice” became a huge hit in 2017, “Hellblade II” is set to take the series to new heights. The game strives for immersion with realistic action cutscenes and painstaking attention to detail. Anticipated for release in 2024 (specific date to be confirmed), it is anticipated to outperform its predecessor in ways that are surprising.

Star Wars Outlaws (Release Date: 2024 – TBA)

“Star Wars Outlaws” is expected to offer a massive sandbox experience within the Star Wars world, with Ubisoft serving as the publisher. Assuming the role of Han Solo-like bandit Kay Vess and her sidekick Nix, players set out to pull off the greatest robbery in history. Space warfare, vehicle combat, and branching dialogues are all promised in the game, so fans of the franchise should expect an exciting experience.

In summary

With the release of these much awaited titles just around the corner, 2024 is looking to be a historic year for gaming. This year is sure to excite gamers on all platforms, from the inventiveness of new games to the sentimental comeback of beloved brands. Await these releases with anticipation, and get ready for a completely immersive gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which platforms and when will Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown be available for purchase?

  • Prince of Persia: Date of Release : The publication date of The Lost Crown is set for January 18, 2024.
  • Platforms: The PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch will all be able to play the game.

2. What kind of gameplay and plot can we anticipate from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?

  • Date of Release: The release date of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is scheduled for January 26, 2024.
  • Play and Narrative: In order to find his mother, Ichiban Kasuga will make a repeat visit to both Hawaii and well-known Japanese locations. The game maintains the distinctive side activities that helped make its predecessor famous, along with a promising narrative.

3. When will Tekken 8 ultimately be released, and on what platforms, after nine years?

  • Release Date: January 26, 2024 is when Tekken 8 is scheduled to be released.
  • Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S will all be able to play the game.

4. Could you elaborate on the special idea and location of Pacific Drive?

  • Date of Release: February 22, 2024 is when Pacific Drive is scheduled to be released.
  • Concept & Setting: Pacific Drive offers a unique perspective on the survival genre by placing players in the Pacific Northwest and relying solely on a car to go about amid metal creatures and cataclysmic storms. This is in contrast to standard survival games.

5. What is the release date of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and is it unique to a certain platform?

  • Date of Release: February 29, 2024 is the scheduled release date for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
  • Platform Exclusivity: Square Enix’s dedication to creating a magnificent Final Fantasy remake is evident in the game’s PS5 exclusivity.

6. Give us additional information about Dragon’s Dogma II, including the platforms it will be accessible on and the date of release.

  • Date of Release: March 22, 2024 is when Dragon’s Dogma II is scheduled to be released.
  • Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S will all be able to play the action-RPG game.

7. What details regarding Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’s release date and special features are known?

  • Date of Release: The release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is anticipated for 2024; the precise date will be disclosed.
  • Characteristics That Set It Apart: Realistic action cutscenes and an immersive experience, together with authentic clothing for unmatched realism, are what set this game apart from its predecessor.

8. What are the anticipated release dates and platforms for Star Wars Outlaws?

  • Release Date: The precise release date of Star Wars Outlaws is yet to be disclosed, although it is expected to occur in 2024.
  • Platforms: The game promises a massive sandbox experience in the Star Wars universe with engaging activities and branching dialogues. It will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 

Visual Studio 2022 .NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 

Visual Studio 2022 17.9 Preview 2 Released: Empowering Developers with Improved C++ #include Diagnostics and Build Insights

Visual Studio 2022.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
Visual Studio 2022
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2

 

Microsoft has published Visual Studio 2022 17.9 Preview 2, the last release of 2023 development activities. This update expands on the framework laid down by Preview 1 in November. Preview 2 includes enhancements and new capabilities for C++,.NET MAUI, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and many more.

In C++, significant enhancements have been made to the #include Diagnostics. This improvement offers more robust functioning by allowing developers to see how frequently each #include directive appears in their code.

As previously stated, particular references may be investigated by clicking on the reference count at the top of the directive, and developers can travel to any reference by simply double-clicking. Furthermore, following Build Insights, this functionality extends to disclose the compilation time of #include directives, offering useful insights into the codebase.

Another notable enhancement is the Auto Surround with Quotes or Brackets tool, which improves productivity. Developers may now just use bracket delimiters, such as double quotes, single quotes, and parentheses, to encapsulate a selection. This functionality may be turned on or off in Visual Studio by going to Tools > Options > Text Editor.

The inclusion of the Live Property Explorer (LPE) improves the.NET MAUI development experience. This tool is meant to make development easier by allowing developers to see XAML properties during debugging. When combined with XAML Live Preview and Live Visual Tree, Live Property Explorer provides a good solution for debugging, performance optimization, and property examination.

To use the Live Property Explorer, developers must first debug their.NET MAUI app and then navigate to Debug > Windows > Live Property Explorer. The Live Property Explorer, once started, allows developers to explore and change properties in real time during runtime.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
(Live Property Explorer Usage; Visual Studio Release Notes as the source)

 

As previously announced, Visual Studio 2022 now supports remote Linux unit testing in response to customer input. This addition allows unit tests for C++ applications targeting Linux to be run in the Test Explorer on WSL or remote computers. Concerning the limits, it is claimed that there are some with certain dev container circumstances that will be solved by 17.9 Preview 3.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
(Use of Remote Linux Unit Testing; Source: Blog Post Announcement for Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2)

 

Other notable changes in this edition include SQL/SSDT enhancements, such as the elimination of the red warning symbol for Username in ADDefaultAuthentication. In addition, three new authentication types have been created to conform to Subsystem standards: ActiveDirectoryManagedIdentity, ActiveDirectoryServicePrincipal, and ActiveDirectoryDefault. This domain has also received normal bug repairs and performance enhancements.

Visual Studio Enterprise and Professional subscribers will now notice a new Benefit Awareness Diamond symbol in the top right corner of the Visual Studio IDE, close to the identity picker. As previously stated, this feature is intended to enable simple access to information regarding included advantages and to permit future upgrades for paying users.

In terms of productivity, the Git Repository Window, branch and tag labels now resize dynamically for enhanced visibility in the Git graph, providing developers with a more user-friendly experience.

Finally, changes to the Microsoft Teams Toolkit now include support for specifying the dotnet framework version in toolkit templates. Furthermore, toolkit templates provide preview and debug features for Outlook and Office.com, further enhancing the toolkit’s capabilities and compatibility.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
(Developing a new Teams application using the dotnet framework; Visual Studio Release Notes)

 

Microsoft and the development team urge customers to submit feedback and share proposals for new features and enhancements, underlining their commitment to improving the Visual Studio experience on a continuous basis.

Finally, developers who want to learn more about this and other Visual Studio releases may read the release notes about additional improvements, modifications, and new features in the Visual Studio 2022 IDE.

FAQ for Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2

General

Q: What is the purpose of Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2?

A: Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 is a pre-release version of the forthcoming Visual Studio update that includes updates and new capabilities for C++,.NET MAUI, remote Linux testing, Teams Toolkit, and other areas.

Q: What’s new in this version?

A:

  • Key characteristics include:
  1. #include C++ Diagnostics
  2. Quotes or Brackets for Auto Surround
  3. MAUI Live Property Explorer for.NET
  4. C++ Remote Unit Testing on Linux
  5. SQL/SSDT enhancements
  6. Visual Studio Enterprise/Professional Advantage Awareness Diamond
  7. Git Repository Window with Responsive Ref Labels
  8. Enhancements to the Teams Toolkit

Q: When will Visual Studio 17.9’s final version be available?

A: The precise date has not yet been revealed, although it is believed to be in the first half of 2024.

C++ Advantages

Q: What changes have been made to include Diagnostics?

A: For enhanced code understanding, you can now view the frequency of each #include directive, investigate particular references, and see the compilation time of directives.

Q: How can I turn on/off Auto Surround with Quotes or Brackets?

A: Check or uncheck the “Automatically surround selections when typing quotes or brackets” option under Tools > Options > Text Editor.

Features of.NET MAUI

Q: What exactly is Live Property Explorer, and how can I make use of it?

A: During debugging, you may explore XAML properties using Live Property Explorer. Debug your.NET MAUI program and navigate to Debug > Windows > Live Property Explorer.

Q: Can I use Live Property Explorer in conjunction with other tools?

A: Yes, for debugging, performance optimization, and property analysis, it works well with XAML Live Preview and Live Visual Tree.

Linux Unit Testing from a Remote Location

Q: What are the drawbacks to remote Linux unit testing?

A: Certain dev container scenarios have some constraints, which will be addressed in Preview 3.

Q: On Linux, how can I run unit tests for C++ projects?

A; Use Visual Studio’s Test Explorer to target your tests for execution on WSL or remote computers.

Additional Features and Upgrades

Q: Which new authentication types are available in SQL/SSDT?

A: The red warning for the username in ADDefaultAuthentication is replaced by ActiveDirectoryManagedIdentity, ActiveDirectoryServicePrincipal, and ActiveDirectoryDefault, all of which comply with Subsystem requirements.

Q: Why would someone want a Benefit Awareness Diamond?

A: Through this symbol, Visual Studio Enterprise/Professional members may view details about included features and sign up for future upgrades.

Q: What has the Teams Toolkit added recently?

A: Enjoy enhanced features and compatibility, preview and debug Outlook and Office.com apps, and choose the dotnet framework version in templates.