GOTY 2024: Chris Hyde - Investment Policy

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I must say that 2024 has been an extraordinary year for gaming. The titles that have graced our screens this year have truly outdone themselves, each one offering unique experiences that have left indelible marks on my gaming journey.

2024 has been a year filled with an overwhelming number of games, making it challenging to select those worthy of the Game of the Year (GOTY) list. Although I may have played fewer games in quantity this year, some of them were incredibly lengthy, and when I reflect on it, I’m amazed by the total hours I invested in a few of them. In essence, 2024 has been a year dominated by epic adventures for me.

As for thrilling experiences, let me tell you, 2024 has been quite the roller coaster ride! I feel compelled to express my heartfelt gratitude to the fantastic team at GodisaGeek, as well as our vibrant Patreon family who have made gaming a joy this year. Whether it’s the riotous multiplayer escapades or their clever exchanges throughout the past 12 months, you all have truly enlivened games for me. Sending warm wishes to each and every one of you, here’s to an amazing 2025!

But before then, a look back at 2024 for GOTY, and boy have there been some bangers!

GOTY 2024 Honourable Mentions

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes: Kick-starting an epic role-playing adventure, this game boasts a vast world teeming with personalities, captivating storylines, endearing appeal, and some top-notch, side-splitting voice performances.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Let’s crack some jokes about Dragon’s Dogma 1.5, but I found myself drawn into the realms of Vermund and Battahl for extended periods. The fighting is engaging, addictive even, and there’s always more to explore.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: This installment brings the series back to its roots, with non-stop action that has me hooked and finding it hard to break free.

Helldivers 2: Little did we know that the struggle for FREEDOM! would turn out to be both therapeutic and engaging. This exhilarating shooter game offers a unique twist with friendly fire incidents, and unexpected “hell bombs” lurking at every turn…

It doesn’t quite fit the 2024 Game of the Year list due to technicalities, as I’ve actually been playing it for a while rather than just recently. In terms of factory management, it’s an unquestionable success and offers a level of zen-like calmness that no other game has provided me before.

10. The Thaumaturge

If someone had told me at the beginning of the year that I’d be captivated by a game set in the gritty underworld of Russian-occupied Warsaw at the turn of the 20th century, you might have raised an eyebrow. However, the enigmatic storyline of Wiktor Szulski and his Thaumaturgical abilities quickly drew me in. The captivating plot, engaging characters, and innovative combat mechanics held my interest right up to the shocking finale.

9. Minishoot’ Adventures

Bypass the apostrophe, and you’ll find an engaging, reactive bullet-hell MetroidVania game that I found hard to put down. It’s brimming with secrets and is far less linear than its initial impression might suggest. You’ll be rewarded not just for skillful movement and shooting but also for a sharp eye and exploration, as rewards are often tucked away in the vast overworld or hidden within the numerous caverns and underground passages beneath. Give the demo a try, let yourself get hooked, and you won’t have any regrets.

GOTY 2024 8. Black Myth: Wukong

I’ve been drawn to Soulslike games for quite some time, as they tend to grip me tightly despite making me feel inept at gaming. Eager to test my skills, I delved into Black Myth: Wukong. To my surprise, I encountered quicker combat akin to Sekiro, yet without the traversal challenges. Moreover, the game offers a flexible build system that allows for constant respecing, making it more adaptable to your playstyle.

7. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

I find it hard to believe that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was released in 2024, given how long ago it feels since its release. After experiencing a resurgence in high-quality Metroidvanias last year, I was astonished by how significantly superior this game was. Accurate controls allowed for smooth navigation through intricate obstacle courses with ease and were rewarded with hidden treasures and collectibles. The powers you acquire are creatively utilized to advance the storyline, expand the map, and enhance your movement and combat skills. Notable boss battles add depth to the engaging combat system, making it a standout game throughout the entire year.

6. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Since I’m the one who compiled the list, the DLC (Downloadable Content) for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree definitely counts. To put it plainly, this DLC is massive, larger than many games on my list thus far. In my opinion, it deserves a spot on the list due to its impressive size. It’s not accurate to view it as merely an extension of Elden Ring, even though that’s certainly high praise. The magic of the original game is still present, but in a different world.

GOTY 2024 5. Astro Bot

This vibrant, 3D platformer exudes sheer delight at every turn – that’s Astro Bot for you! It’s a joyful tribute to Sony gaming that transcends the ordinary, and it’s as delightful as it seems. Sometimes we might overlook the fact that games are meant for entertainment, escape, and even a touch of heartwarming nostalgia. Astro Bot consistently remembers this, ensuring you don’t forget either. Its diverse levels brim with intricate details and imaginative concepts, making for an exciting adventure from start to finish. I challenge you to play this game without smiling!

4. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Among all the games on this list, Banishers: Ghost of New Eden took me by utter surprise. Other games in my top 5 were expected, but this game was a complete revelation. It’s a masterful blend of heart-wrenching storytelling about two deeply in love characters, Antea and Red, navigating the perilous world of New Eden to banish ghosts and demonic forces. The combat is satisfying, the narrative is captivating, and the choices you make along the way are heavy with consequence, shaping the outcome of the story dramatically. The voice acting is exceptional and drives the narrative towards its climactic end. A triumph from Don’t Nod that should not be overlooked.

3. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The Yakuza: Like a Dragon series is renowned for its unique ability to blend the absurdly eccentric with the touchingly heartfelt. In Infinite Wealth, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios once again demonstrates this knack as we delve into the vibrant underworld of sunny Hawaii. The characters Kiryu and Ichiban steer the narrative, continuing the overarching storyline of the series while also paying tribute to what has endeared it to fans. This game is jam-packed with content, offering more than one might expect given its scope. It even contains mini-games reminiscent of Animal Crossing and Pokemon, if that’s your preference. With so much to explore, engage in activities, and find joy in, Infinite Wealth is a game I found myself deeply attached to. It’s a blend of passion, emotion, and fun – a combination that seems unlikely but consistently works out well.

Additionally, I intentionally avoided watching the finale, as I wasn’t emotionally prepared yet. However, it turned out to be just right, even though it didn’t meet my initial expectations. It beautifully captured the essence of both characters, making us fall for them differently across the series, much like a well-crafted novel.

GOTY 2024 2. Dragon Age: The Veilguard

After a full ten years since the Inquisition, it’s accurate to say that my excitement for this game was clearly noticeable. Although the Dragon Age world was new to me through the Inquisition, I’ve grown so fond of its history, depth, and complexities, that I am deeply captivated by the world of Thedas, its various factions, and the intricacies involved. Consequently, I eagerly anticipated what would unfold with Solas, following his storyline from the Trespasser DLC of Inquisition.

The game “Veilguard” shares similarities with “Dragon Age,” yet it distinguishes itself in several aspects. While it retains the broad structure and mechanics, as well as the world setting and the reappearance of familiar characters, it offers unique twists. For instance, combat is primarily focused on your character Rook, rather than a party. This results in faster-paced, thrilling, and smooth combat that felt intuitive for the Rogue character I selected. Unlike some games, “Veilguard” doesn’t penalize respeccing your build, instead promoting experimentation with its expansive skill tree. This allows for various approaches to handle the numerous combat situations you’ll inevitably encounter throughout the game.

The main story is strong, and the revelations and main beats will be a joy for fans of the series, as the backstory of the Veil, the Fade, and even some of the main races themselves are intertwined with Solas, and his emotional history. The side quests bolster the feeling of northern Thedas feeling “lived in” full of factions, and political subterfuge. Coupled with more engaging and fleshed-out companion quests, there’s plenty to dig your teeth into. Dragon Age: The Veilguard was fun from start to finish, and well worth the wait.

1. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth

As someone who hasn’t experienced the original Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth held a unique allure for me. Although Remake was exceptional, Rebirth seems to be where the game’s broader concepts start taking shape and allows it to expand and express itself more freely. The freedom from Midgar opens up vast portions of the world, creating a sense of liberation that feels like a refreshing gust of wind.

This time around, the characters – some familiar faces and some new ones – seem as authentic as ever when they engage and contribute significantly to the plot, enhancing both the storyline and the sense of immersion. Furthermore, the combat has been elevated from its strong foundation in Remake, with the inclusion of synergy abilities that make it appear like various characters and team configurations are more versatile than ever before.

It looks gorgeous, sounds amazing, and is cathartic and enjoyable to play. I didn’t want it to end, and despite the natural cliff-hanger of being part 2 in a trilogy, I can’t think of much I’d rather do than play part 3, whenever that may be. Coming into this without knowledge of the original has been interesting, but a blessing, as I feel I get the best of both worlds; the story and characters of the original, but the fully-realised world and revitalised combat of these new titles, and I can’t get enough of it. Easily my GOTY for 2024.

We just don’t mention that story moment. It broke me.

2024-12-27 13:17