As the case has been for the last few years, 2024 was a rough one in all aspects. For the world as a whole, it goes without mention. In terms of gaming, the industry saw some of its worst moments, with thousands losing their jobs due to terrible decisions by higher-ups. It’s hard to see things getting better, worrying about picking a Game of the Year or three, but it would be good to kick off the new year with a sliver of hope that it’ll all somehow take a turn for clearer skies in 2025, right?
Until that happens, I hope you’ll enjoy this article. See you all soon!
My top 10 games of 2024
Balatro
Balatro is pretty much the equivalent of crack in the form of a game for me. Whenever I grab my Switch or sit down in front of my computer, I get an itch to start a match, and if I cave to that crave, hours go by without me even noticing. It’s simple, easy to understand, with a metric ton of depth and a variety of ways to be played. It’s no surprise it’s probably one of the most popular releases this year among our staff.
Pacific Drive
I have to admit that I didn’t start off really liking Pacific Drive. Its initial reliance on runs where I would lose everything I had whenever I failed threw me off. Then, it suddenly clicked and I couldn’t stop playing it until I got the platinum trophy on PS5. The sense of ambiance in this game is unmatched, and of course, all the gizmos and portals hit all my nerdy, Back to the Future-loving buttons as I upgraded my friend, the station wagon.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
As a life-long Indiana Jones fan, this game hit me hard. It unfortunately came out just as the year is closing, but it managed to leave a fantastic impression, featuring a mix of a bunch of different established gameplay models into one concise package that I simply could not put it down until it was over. Even though I do miss Wolfenstein, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was such an achievement for MachineGames that I hope they stick with the IP and keep making more of these! I’m sure B.J wouldn’t object to having someone else punching Nazis for a little while…
Minishoot’ Adventures
This one popped out of nowhere. I admit that I’m a little tired of games that are inspired by the work that Nintendo did initially, especially during the 8-bit generation. But the idea of having that going on PLUS all the charm it’s got going and a touch of bullet heaven made Minishoot’ Adventures feel particularly fresh this year. It’s adorable, well designed, and incredibly difficult to put down.
Persona 3 Reload
Getting to replay Persona 3 through such a well made remake opened up what would be the year of Atlus for me. I’m a sucker for the original PS2 version of this game, and I’ve even gone and played through the PSP re-release AND the recent port for Xbox One, so Reload was actually my fourth time playing. It felt great to see all my old friends under a fresh and very slick presentation in every fashion.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
After getting sucked into Persona 3 Reload and to a certain degree Unicorn Overlord, Metaphor came by and absolutely crushed me. Sure, there’s a lot to it that’s been borrowed from the latest Persona games, but I feel that its story and world are a step above Atlus’ golden egg goose’s. It brought characters I grew to know and love, and a sense of place, strife and political conflict that is far and away one of the best I’ve ever gotten to play in an RPG. The gameplay is also loads of fun, I had a fantastic time messing with all the archetypes especially!
Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door
This is another of the many remakes that we got this year. The original is among my top picks for GameCube, so it’s no big surprise that getting to replay it on the Switch would be a good time at least, but man, it turned out to be way better than simply that. The amount of care that has gone into Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door is clear, making what was already a game with a cast that really stuck on me even better. It’s downright gorgeous. Couldn’t put it down while I was playing it for review.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak
I’ve always had a soft spot for The Legend of Heroes and that surely didn’t change when this entry came about during 2024, which for all intents and purposes, is the start of a new chapter in the franchise. I had a blast meeting the new cast and getting to see how it all links up with the other series knowing that Calvard is an integral part of the saga. I’ll be playing the sequel next year.
Tetris Forever
Digital Eclipse has been on a roll with their “gamedocs”, delivering some of the most insightful releases this year. If I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be this one. I love Tetris, so I’m biased, but what the hell: it’s a fantastic package all around that even those who aren’t into the game are bound to eat up.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
It’s no secret that I tend to adore mostly everything that From Software has been putting out ever since Demon’s Souls was released. Elden Ring, admittedly, sits on the bottom half of my top list for their releases, but even then, considering the high bar the studio has set over the years, it’s still one hell of a game. I couldn’t pass up playing its DLC, and even though I haven’t beaten the final boss, I tip my hats to Miyazaki and crew. It’s among the best DLCs they have created so far.
And the Honorable Mentions…
The Thaumaturge
I dug what they’ve done with this one and appreciate the richness of its lore. It’s something I’ll be jumping back into in 2025.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
It took forever, but Capcom finally gave Western fans a chance to play a missing piece of the series. And it’s great!
Another Crab’s Treasure
An incredibly charming take on Soulslike. Can’t go wrong with a crab and a gun!
Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family
I get it, it’s a book… but it’s related to games and left a mark. Jordan Mechner and his family are talented storytellers and they have plenty to say.
Rise of the Ronin
Team Ninja’s attempt at mashing together their established Nioh formula to open-world turned out well, even if still a little shaky at spots. I loved its setting, though.
Tomb Raider I-III and The Legacy of Kain Remastered
Aspyr deserves recognition for their efforts in remastering these two classic series. Looking forward to seeing what comes out next.
Dragon Quest III 2D-HD Remake
Square Enix’s efforts in bringing back one of its biggest sagas started off quite well. The game is absolutely beautiful, even though it still carries all of the good (and bad) from the time back when it was released originally. Definitely looking forward to diving into part I and II in 2025.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Ichiban’s newest entry in the Yakuza Like a Dragon series is an epic one, but also long, VERY long to get through. I plan to finish it by the time Majima’s pirate escapade rolls around.
Know anything I missed and should circle back and play? Be sure to leave a comment! Have a great New Year!
