As a video game enthusiast who has been playing games since the days of Pong and Space Invaders, I can confidently say that 2024 was an exceptional year for gaming. Among all the fantastic titles released this year, one game stood out to me as the absolute best: Astro Bot.
It’s now that time of the year I eagerly look forward to: the moment for my Game of the Year (GOTY) 2024 list! With our bellies filled with holiday treats and spirits high, it’s also perfect timing to discuss the standout video games from 2024. The Greatest Indie Awards Game of the Year (GIAGGOTY) season is wrapping up, and we should rejoice in remembering the unforgettable gaming experiences that made this year remarkable.
2024 has been a momentous year for me on a personal level, filled with both triumphs and challenges. I tied the knot, adopted a new surname, and unexpectedly discovered an allergy to birds. Amidst these significant life transitions, I’ve also found solace in an abundance of captivating video games that kept me engaged. With so many new titles hitting the market, it became increasingly challenging to keep up. However, despite countless hours spent gaming, a select few titles truly captured my heart, and it’s time we delved into them. Shall we proceed?
Honourable mentions
Minishoot’s Escapades:
New Game Experience: Returning once more with an exciting new title, the most recent creation by Vanillaware offers a unique twist on strategy games unlike anything I’ve encountered before.
Still Wakes the Deep: This sensational horror game snuck onto my list fairly late in the year, but its eerie atmosphere, horrific monsters and gorgeous environments made it a game I won’t forget in a hurry.
Player Bo: Journey Along the Radiant Water Lily: A year ago, I eagerly anticipated this exceptional Metroidvania game, and it surpassed my expectations with its smooth navigation and exceptionally challenging boss battles.
As a Game Enthusiast: When I was tasked with reviewing this game, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into. But oh boy, I fell head over heels for the delightful 2D collectathon platformer that I came to cherish!
10. Thank Goodness You’re Here
A game that I called the funniest game ever made in my review, and I stand by this. Doing silly errands in this ridiculous fictional northern town was an experience I enjoyed so much I played it twice, and with impeccable voice acting and instantly recognisable British accents (including everyone’s favourite Matt Berry) Thank Goodness You’re Here made me laugh out loud more than any other game I can think of.
GOTY 2024: 9. One BTN Bosses
From my very first try, I was captivated by this game during a preview session where I played just one browser-based level. In this game, there’s only one button to dodge, but the boss fights in One BTN Bosses are massive and epic, spanning multiple stages. The screen is filled with an onslaught of bullets that will definitely make your heart race. With a campaign, leaderboards, and a Roguelike mode, you could easily sink hundreds of hours into this game – and I’m a testament to that fact!
8. ANTONBLAST
The latest addition to my top ten favorites is a dynamic platformer called ANTONBLAST, reminiscent of Wario Land. Mastering Anton’s movement skills turned out to be one of the most satisfying gaming journeys I embarked on in 2024. The ingenious levels and absurdly challenging boss battles made for an incredibly fun and exhilarating experience that was nothing short of explosively enjoyable.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
For years, I thought I had outgrown the Zelda games due to their open-world appeal not resonating with me like others. However, I found myself revisiting the classics and seeking solace in other series instead. But then came Echoes of Wisdom, a game that transported me back to why I fell for Zelda in the first place. Its dungeons were reminiscent of the structured experiences from my childhood, and the ability to copy enemies and objects introduced a level of creativity in combat that made me feel like a kid again. Granted, it’s not perfect, but for reviving the inner child in me with sheer delight, it’s definitely earned its spot on my favorite games list.
6. Animal Well
Among numerous captivating Metroidvania games last year, none stood out quite like the enigmatic Animal Well. Unlike its peers, this game eschews combat, instead offering unconventional means of traversing its world and boasting an intriguing subterranean motif. From the opening scene to the final moments, it held me spellbound. Moreover, it kept surprising me with secrets tucked away in peculiar locations post-credits, mysteries that defy description and must be experienced firsthand. Brimming with conundrums and peril, Animal Well has layers upon layers yet to be discovered. I found myself craving more of its unique charm.
GOTY 2024: 5. Cryptmaster
When you mix dungeon exploration, word games, and an amusingly absurd narrator, you end up with the initial game on my top list – Cryptmaster. I had no idea what to expect from this unusual fusion of RPG, crossword puzzle, and interactive comedy, but it brought me a great deal of pleasure when I eventually played its console version. This overlooked gem is worth discovering for its originality alone.
4. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Entering the latest Atlus JRPG, it was challenging to anticipate its quality would match the legendary status of the Persona series, yet in numerous aspects, it surpasses them. Few games as expansive as this epic journey maintain a pace as swift as Metaphor, but this globe-trotting narrative never slows down. The combat system is exceptionally impressive, with the switch from demon fusion in Persona to distinct classes offering a multitude of customization options, enhancing the gameplay experience. By the time Persona 6 is released, it will have high expectations to meet as Metaphor: ReFantazio delivers an exceptional overall package.
GOTY 2024: 3. UFO 50
For years, I’ve eagerly anticipated the arrival of UFO 50, and in 2024, my wait finally ended. This incredible collection offers a whopping fifty games from the retro era, spanning every genre imaginable. From open-world golf RPGs to submarine Metroidvanias and ant-themed real-time strategies, UFO 50 consistently delivered an enjoyable experience. It’s remarkable that a single developer could come up with so many creative concepts, but Mossmouth and their team managed to pack all these innovative ideas into one colossal tribute to the past. It’s hard to believe that UFO 50 exists, but I couldn’t be happier that it does.
GOTY 2024: 2. Balatro
Despite not claiming the number one spot in my Game of the Year 2024 list, Balatro has been the game I’ve spent the most time with this year. By merging poker, deck building, and a generous dose of unpredictability, LocalThunk has produced one of the most user-friendly Roguelikes ever, and in doing so, it has exploded onto the global stage. The fact that countless individuals who don’t typically play video games have become captivated by a deck building Roguelike this year speaks volumes about Balatro’s exceptional design quality. With numerous strategic depths to explore, I find myself unable to tear myself away from it. It’s a game that’s difficult to endorse because it may consume your entire existence and leave you penniless due to your inability to stop playing, but at least you’ll be enjoying yourself immensely while doing so.
1. Astro Bot
As a gaming enthusiast, there’s no denying that Astro Bot has been hands down my favorite game of the year for me. Being a fanatic of 3D platformers, nothing else in the genre has brought me as much joy as this gem. Each level in this remarkable game offers something fresh and captivating to explore, whether it’s swinging through a pirate’s paradise using monkey arms or utilizing time powers to delve into a casino. Even the smallest details in Astro Bot made my heart leap with excitement, like discovering a hidden room filled with sparkling diamonds and spinning around to scatter them everywhere while the DualSense hums and vibrates. What truly sets Astro Bot apart, though, are its collectibles – adorable Bots dressed as iconic video game characters. Every time I stepped into Astro Bot’s enchanting world, it put a smile on my face, making it an easy choice for my Game of the Year 2024.
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2024-12-26 13:16