In 2024, we were again delighted by numerous smaller titles. We have the most exciting hidden new releases from December 2024 for you – and a best of the whole year.
2024 is over – whether fortunately or unfortunately, you can judge for yourself. What is certain is that numerous fantastic games were released last year that didn’t get the spotlight on the big stages.
It is important to us to keep drawing attention to insider tips as well. Hence our monthly format, which of course also introduces you to the most exciting releases of December 2024.
Since, as usual, only a few games are released at the end of the year, we have extended the article this time by a second bonus page. There you will find a clear overview of the best insider tips that we have uncovered over the course of 2024! Many of them are currently on sale in the winter sales of the major stores Steam, Epic and GOG.
Schnellnavigation:
Symphonia
Genre: Action / Platformer
Developer: Sunny Peak
Release: December 5, 2024
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic, GOG), PS5, Xbox X/S
Steam rating: 95 percent positive (85 user reviews)
Translation: Yes, texts
Symphonia is a game without violence, but defyingly demanding. In this platformer, music and action mix: your instruments are also your means of transportation. You jump through the levels and play concerts along the way – so good speakers or a high-quality headset are worthwhile here!
Infinity Nikki
Genre: Role-playing
Developer: Infold Games
Release: December 5, 2024
Platforms: PC (Epic), PS5
Rating: 89 percent positive (OpenCritic)
Infinity Nikki is pure relaxation. Even though it takes place in a post-apocalypse. The most important game mechanic is changing your clothes, because style really is everything here! In the future, fights are mostly fought as a fashion contest rather than with violence – you’ll find out why as the amazingly profound story unfolds.
The game is basically Free2Play, but of course you can put a lot of money into in-game purchases. But you don’t have to to have fun. In our review of Infinity Nikki, you can find out whether it can keep up with Genshin Impact and Co.
Tankhead
Genre: Action
Developer: Alpha Channel Inc.
Release: December 11, 2024
Platforms: PC (Epic)
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (user review on Epic)
Tankhead; appeared as Shadowdrop after being revealed at Day of the Devs just before the Game Awards. The tank shooter looks impressive thanks to Unreal Engine 5. This is especially true of the huge machine bosses you face off against with your vehicle, which you control via drone.
Caves of Qud
Genre: Role-playing / Roguelike
Developer: Freehold Games
Release: December 5, 2024 (final release)
Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG)
Steam Rating: 95 percent positive (8,462 user reviews)
English Translation: No, only English
At first glance, Caves of Qud really doesn’t look like a hit among insider tips. But the rudimentary pixel graphics are deceiving. You are dealing here with an incredibly complex story simulation. Similar to Dwarf Fortress, procedural generation offers you almost unlimited possibilities for role-playing. For example, becoming the door. Team up with crabs. Or throw slime at enemies, causing them to fall in love with you.
Just get used to the idea that you’ll bite the dust quite often, Roguelike was the inspiration here.
On Your Tail
Genre: Life simulation
Developer: Memorable Games
Release: December 16, 2024
Platforms: PC (Steam)
Steam Rating: 84 percent positive (63 user reviews)
German Translation: Ja, Texte
On Your Tail is a cozy life sim and detective game in one. As writer Diana, you just want to take a vacation in the summer paradise of Borgo Marina, but you come across a mysterious thief there. Of course, you start your own investigation. With the help of a magical device, you can gain insights into the past and collect clues.
In between, you can make friends, cook, go fishing or swim in the sea, which is clearly inspired by Italian beaches.
Retrospective: The best insider tips of 2024
And here you will find the cream of the crop among all the insider tips that we have presented to you this year. All of the titles listed have received at least 90 percent positive user reviews and each one has earned a place on your wish lists.
Lil’ Guardsman: You are a gatekeeper in a fantasy world and decide which humans, elves or goblins are allowed into the castle.
Toy Shire: Tower defense, but with toys. Really fun, already in early access.
Another Crab’s Treasure: Soulslike, but you’re a crab living in a polluted ocean. A crazy and challenging game for when you’ve had enough of dark fantasy.
Indika: A Russian nun goes on a journey of self-discovery with the devil. A bizarre and fascinating story game set in an alternative Russia.
Crow Country: A horror game that deliberately looks like it came out of the PlayStation 1 era. It’s a pleasant throwback to the old Resident Evils, but it’s much more pleasant to play. You explore an old amusement park where a boy disappeared.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami: Wonderful little detective game in which you uncover a sausage conspiracy. As a duck. Inspired by the anime hit Aggretsuko, it was so successful that a sequel has already been announced.
Paper Trail: Puzzle-Adventure, in which you fold the world like paper. This results in ever new paths.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory: This hidden-gem role-playing game has our editorial team excited. It looks and plays like the very old RPGs, but is wonderfully balanced and gripping. If you miss old CRPGs with lots of text, this is the game for you.
Chained Together: A co-op game so popular that it is no longer strictly an insider tip. You chain yourself to your fellow players and try to climb out of hell together, always fighting against the laws of physics.
Dystopika: Urban sandbox where you build neon-lit cyberpunk settlements.
Anger Foot: Fast-paced shooter with a thumping soundtrack where your legs are your most powerful weapon.
Illusion Carnival: A disturbingly cute game about a cursed amusement park. A good touch of Alice in Wonderland. The first chapter is free to play, the next one doesn’t have a release date yet.
Dungeons of Hinterberg: Role-playing game set in the idyllic Alps. You have everything you need to fight the local monsters – snowboard, sword and guidebook.
The Star Named EOS: Beautifully hand-drawn adventure in which you take pictures and uncover the secret of your family. Reminiscent of the films of Studio Ghibli in style.
Farlands: You bought your own planet at a suspiciously low price, now you have to till the soil in the farming sim and explore the solar system.
Crypt Custodian: Metroidvania with an otherworldly setting. When you’re not fighting monsters, you’ll be spending time with other ghosts.
Neva: New platformer from the Gris developers. You roam a dying world in search of healing, side by side with a white wolf.
Worshippers of Cthulhu: You lead a cult of Cthulhu, take care of the needs of your followers and build settlements that are pleasing to the cosmic powers. In addition to production chains, you also have to keep an eye on dark rituals. Already really good in Early Access.
Zauberhandwerk Magicraft: Roguelike, in which there are almost an infinite number of magic effects that you combine yourself and then throw at ancient gods. A really creative and challenging game.
What was your personal favorite of the year? Feel free to write us the title in the comments! And please also tell us if you came across any new favorite games through our monthly format in 2024. We’re already looking forward to browsing Steam, Epic, and GOG again in 2025 to introduce you to exciting titles far from the AAA mainstream.
