GOTY 2024: Chris White

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As a lifelong gamer and longtime contributor to God is a Geek, I can confidently say that 2024 was an exceptional year for video games. The titles that graced our screens this year were nothing short of extraordinary, each offering unique experiences that captivated me in their own special ways.

2024 has been an exceptional year for gaming, and while Baldur’s Gate 3 remains unsurpassed as my Game of the Year contender, I’ve had the pleasure of playing some truly remarkable games. Regrettably, due to time constraints, there were a few titles I didn’t get to explore as thoroughly as I would have liked. Had I more time with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it likely would have found its place among my top picks of 2024. But as always, the day only has so many hours.

2024’s wrap-up finds me reflecting on the year with a warm nostalgia, despite the past three months being challenging on a deeply personal note. Yet, one constant that never faltered was my sanctuary – video games. They offered me an escape for those precious hours, immersing me in captivating narratives and gameplay that few other things can match. Here’s a rundown of the games that made a lasting impact on me.

GOTY 2024 Honourable Mentions

The Mortuary Assistant: Ultimate Version – Rarely do I find myself genuinely scared by video games these days, but this title succeeded in doing so repeatedly, striking a perfect balance between an engaging gameplay structure and unexpected jumpscares that never seemed contrived.

In a nutshell, “Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden” is a game that I wished I could have delved into earlier in the year, but I’m thrilled I eventually got to play it. It boasts an exceptional narrative with two captivating main characters, and it truly excels.

Still Wakes the Deep: The Chinese Room has never disappointed me, and this was no different. While it was nerve-wracking at times, it also managed to retain the drama and the emotional impact of past releases from the developers.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remastered: This revamped version boasts enhanced graphics and a heartfelt narrative that continues to resonate. The gameplay keeps players hooked, while the climactic conclusion remains as impactful as ever.

Space Marine 2 offers an exhilarating experience where you can blast enemies and witness spectacular explosions – all while immersed in visually stunning environments with awe-inspiring set pieces.

10. Star Wars Outlaws


 

A game set in the Star Wars universe, offering open-world action-adventure, instantly grabbed my attention. Although it wasn’t flawless, I invested a significant amount of time enjoying its captivating narrative and intriguing characters. The freedom to tackle missions at my own pace, discover under-explored planets within the Star Wars galaxy, and marvel at stunning visuals, made it one of the standout games of the year. Adding to this experience was the presence of Nix, a remarkably adorable character that only added to the game’s appeal.

GOTY 2024: 9. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess


 

At the start of 2024, I knew very little about this particular game, but after visiting London, checking out previews, and spending some time with it, it quickly became one of the games I was most eager to play in the year. Once I finally got my hands on the full version for a review, I found myself captivated by its aesthetics. The blend of tower defense and action in Kunitsu-Gami created a tense fighter with a rich strategic depth, and the way it seamlessly integrated Japanese culture throughout only made it more alluring. It’s been a while since a game caught me off guard like this one did, and having it on my end-of-the-year list was not something I had anticipated.

8. Helldivers 2

For a solid month, Helldivers 2 was the only thing I wanted to play. I’m not a huge online gamer, but all I wanted to do was make a difference in the war against killer robots and alien bugs. Calling in air strikes and trying to survive when waves of enemies came calling became addictive, and the presentation was so damn good. It was something you could jump into for a game or two, but the best thing was spending a night completing objectives, waiting for extractions, and killing as much as you could over and over again. I’ll never forget seeing the Hell Bomb for the first time, making it one of the best moments of 2024.

7. Life is Strange: Double Exposure

2018 brought one of the most heartwarming gaming experiences for me – witnessing Max grow up and strive for a regular life after the events in Arcadia Bay. Despite some critics finding faults with this fresh narrative, I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. It injected novelty into the series with innovative mechanics, thoughtfully crafted puzzles, and an array of lovable new characters. The suspenseful chapter endings and superb soundtrack added to the overall experience. Although the ending wasn’t perfect, the excellent writing and commendable acting made up for it.

6. Batman: Arkham Shadow

It seems like a unique occasion for a VR game to appear on my lists, and within mere minutes of playing, I found myself deeply engrossed in the narrative. What truly stood out was the seamless transition from third-person gaming to virtual reality. This isn’t just a gimmick; it offers a fully developed single-player game where you assume the role of Batman. The action is pulse-pounding, movement is smooth and swift, and Gotham City has been meticulously recreated, filled with numerous fascinating Easter Eggs. I eagerly anticipate a sequel, as this VR experience ranks among the best in the genre.

GOTY 2024: 5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

From the opening section, I knew I was going to love Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Getting to play through the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark was cool enough, but it made you feel like Indy, using your whip to swing across chasms, solve environmental puzzles while exploring wonderous environments, all while Troy Baker makes you forget that this isn’t actually Harrison Ford immersed you in every facet of MachineGames’ fantastic take on the famous archaeologist. With some excellent set pieces and gameplay that almost always satisfied, I was so sad when the credits rolled because I could play this one forever.

4. Dragon Age: The Veilguard


 

Despite my initial reservations about Dragon Age: The Veilguard due to doubts about playing it this year, the anticipation grew as its release drew near, making me join the bandwagon of excitement just like everyone else. As the battle loomed, I found myself deeply smitten with Rook, forging a strong bond not only with him but also his comrades. Taash became my confidant and ally, and as we move towards our final missions, I’d go to great lengths to safeguard their well-being. This extended beyond them, encompassing everyone in my squad, and though I suffered just one loss, it left a deep mark. These characters and their tale captured my heart, and not only was the setting visually stunning, but the gameplay was exceptional as well. If only I could relive the experience all over again.

3. Silent Hill 2


 

Amongst horror remakes I’ve encountered, Silent Hill 2 stands out as the most impressive one I’ve played. It managed to capture the essence and atmosphere of Silent Hill perfectly, while also presenting itself as a fresh experience. The sound design was exceptional, creating an immersive environment that sent chills down my spine from the very beginning, with the controller emitting crackling sounds. Visually, it was stunning, and despite knowing what to expect, its story continued to surprise and captivate me. Although it could be overwhelming at times, the intense fear it evoked is exactly what I look for in a horror game. Bloober Team did an outstanding job, leaving me eagerly anticipating a new tale set within this universe someday.

GOTY 2024: 2. Astro Bot


 

Astro Bot stands out among gaming celebrations, presenting a delightful perspective on various games. It wasn’t solely about PlayStation history; it was an ode to all gaming experiences, skillfully incorporating robust platforming elements that continuously felt innovative. The addition of bots from diverse franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Yakuza, and Street Fighter added to its charm, but the game truly shone with its exceptional level design and clever mechanics. Some stages were challenging, yet always rewarding, making me eager to keep playing. If given a chance to replay any game from this year, Astro Bot would be my top pick.

1. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth


 

There’s no hiding my affection for the Yakuza series – it’s been a constant favorite since I began writing at God is a Geek 10 years ago. Over this period, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing numerous Yakuza titles on this fantastic platform. The latest release, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, surpassed its predecessor in every aspect, paving the way for a new era. Although Kiryu was present, the story primarily revolved around Ichiban Kasuga. He was an outstanding protagonist who truly depicted what it means to be a 40-year old. His character was filled with empathy towards his friends and family, and he lived every moment with vigor and zest.

I was dreading playing this in a weird way because of the big reveal that Kiryu was dying, but despite this sad story beat, I still adored just how intense the turn-based combat was, how gorgeous Hawaii was, and the sheer amount of things to do never made the 90 hours I spent with it feel like a chore. There were some incredible moments in the story featuring new and old friends, and as far as games go, they don’t get better than this. Knowing we have another Like a Dragon game coming in 2025 is exciting, but the likelihood of it topping this one is highly unlikely. I’m so grateful I got to play this in 2024, and despite a further eleven months of gaming following its release, nothing came close to knocking this off the top spot.

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2024-12-28 13:16