Imagine diving into a vast ocean of games. According to SteamDB, over 18, 500 games splashed onto the PC gaming platform Steam in 2024 alone. That's a lot of games to swim through! With so many games released each year, it's easy to miss some real treasures. So, let's take a look at some games that weren't new in 2024 but caught our attention that year.

Stardew Valley, created by ConcernedApe, is one such gem. Released back in 2016, this game had been on everyone's radar for a while, but it wasn't until 2024 that it really hit home. The charm of Stardew Valley lies in its ability to be both a fun distraction and a great time killer. It's not just about farming; it's also about the soothing effect it has on players.

One of us, a nervous flyer, found Stardew Valley to be a powerful tool against airplane anxiety. With the game, flights became more bearable, even during turbulence. Who would have thought that a farming game could be so calming?

Multiplayer in Stardew Valley is also a hit. Despite not being a big fan of multiplayer games, it's hard to resist the fun of playing with friends. Weekends are now filled with farming sessions with cousins and even game designers like Paul Reiche III from Ur-Quan Masters. The competition to come up with the most creatively scatological names for farm animals adds an extra layer of laughter.

2024's Hidden Gems: Favorite Older Games Rediscovered

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