### The Games That Discovered Us in 2024: Exploring Underrated Treasures and Enduring Favorites
As 2024 comes to an end, the gaming community looks back at the year’s offerings and the myriad titles that have illuminated our screens. According to [SteamDB](https://steamdb.info/stats/releases/), more than 18,500 games launched on Steam this year—a remarkable figure that renders it impossible to experience, let alone assess, each one. Nevertheless, amidst the flood of fresh titles, many gamers are revisiting older games, ones that have undergone updates, reboots, or simply captured their interest at the perfect time. Although these titles may not make the “top of the year” lists, they occupy a cherished spot in our hearts for the enjoyment they provided in 2024.
Here’s a glimpse at some remarkable games from previous years that enchanted players this year, demonstrating that exceptional gaming moments know no temporal bounds.
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### **1. Stardew Valley (2016)**
**Developer:** ConcernedApe | **Platforms:** Nearly every platform imaginable
For countless players, *Stardew Valley* is a timeless classic, but for Ars Technica’s Lee Hutchinson, 2024 marked the year he finally embraced this farming simulator. After initially struggling with the game, Lee found comfort in its calming gameplay, especially during tumultuous flights. The appeal of the game lies in its capacity to align with the player’s rhythm, presenting a blend of farming, exploration, and social interaction. The addition of multiplayer brought fresh hilarity, as Lee and his cousin shared laughs over their farm animals’ delightfully inappropriate names. Whether new to the game or returning, *Stardew Valley* remains a sanctuary of creativity and tranquility.
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### **2. Grounded (2022)**
**Developer:** Obsidian Entertainment | **Platforms:** Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
Drawing inspiration from *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids*, *Grounded* miniaturizes players to insect size and releases them into a backyard filled with peril and exploration. Ars writer Andrew Cunningham discovered this survival crafting title as the ideal co-op option for his gaming crew. With its blend of exploration, base construction, and battling enormous bugs, *Grounded* offers a well-structured yet flexible adventure. The final content update in 2024 enhanced the experience, making it essential for genre enthusiasts.
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### **3. Fights in Tight Spaces (2021)**
**Developer:** Ground Shatter | **Platforms:** Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
For enthusiasts of action films and tactical games, *Fights in Tight Spaces* presents a fresh fusion of turn-based strategy and action-packed combat. Kevin Purdy, an Ars contributor, likened the game to an homage to martial arts cinema, where players utilize cards to orchestrate elaborate fight sequences in confined environments. The sleek art design and fluid animations lend significance to every action, while the varied difficulty settings ensure inclusivity for all players. With a sequel, *Knights in Tight Spaces*, on the way, now is an ideal moment to explore this overlooked treasure.
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### **4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)**
**Developer:** Bethesda Game Studios | **Platforms:** Windows, Xbox
Returning to *Morrowind* after twenty years, Samuel Axon discovered that the game’s daring inventiveness continues to captivate. In contrast to contemporary RPGs that frequently rely on conventional patterns, *Morrowind* presents an imaginative tapestry of bold experimentation, showcasing a world teeming with richness and the unconventional. Although its mechanics may seem outdated, the game’s scope and ambiance are matchless. For players willing to appreciate its quirks, *Morrowind* offers a window into a vanished period of gaming creativity.
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### **5. Tetrisweeper (2020)**
**Developer:** Kertis Jones Interactive | **Platforms:** [Itch.io](https://kertisjones.itch.io/tetrisweeper), Steam (Coming Soon)
What emerges when you merge the captivating gameplay of *Tetris* and *Minesweeper*? You get *Tetrisweeper*, a dynamic puzzle experience that challenges players to juggle falling blocks while navigating minefield puzzles. Kyle Orland stumbled upon this indie gem in 2024, discovering it to be both intellectually engaging and infinitely replayable. The game’s distinctive combination of mechanics crafts a multitasking trial that is as fulfilling as it is challenging. With a Steam launch approaching, *Tetrisweeper* is set to enchant even more players.
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### **6. Freelancer (2003)**
**Developer:** Digital Anvil | **Platforms:** Windows
Before *Star Citizen*, there was *Freelancer*, a space trading simulator that sought to make the genre more approachable. Samuel Axon revisited this classic in 2024.
