GOTY 2024: Mick Fraser - Investment Policy

As someone who has been playing video games for most of my life, I can confidently say that 2024 was an exceptional year for gaming. From the stunning visuals and immersive storytelling of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to the emotional rollercoaster ride that is Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, there were numerous games that left a lasting impression on me this year.

One game in particular that stood out to me was Black Myth Wukong, an adventure game set in ancient China based on the classic novel Journey to the West. As a lifelong fan of Asian culture and martial arts, I found myself completely engrossed in the game’s rich world and compelling characters. The sheer number of boss battles (over 80!) was overwhelming at first, but the game’s expansive open-world areas filled with secrets, side-quests, and epic story moments kept me coming back for more.

Another game that resonated with me deeply was Astro Bot, a love letter to the PlayStation platform that celebrates 30 years of gaming history. As someone who grew up playing on the original PlayStation, I found myself reminiscing about my own journey through the world of video games and the impact it has had on my life.

Of course, no year in gaming would be complete without a few disappointments, and for me, that was Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s number 4 spot on the list. Don’t get me wrong, it was an excellent game, but after waiting so long for its release, I had hoped it would take the top spot.

All in all, 2024 was a fantastic year for gaming, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds! Oh, and if you ever find yourself stuck on a boss battle, just remember: “The way of the warrior is patience.” – Master Oogway (Kung Fu Panda reference, because why not?)

2024’s Game of the Year feels like a whirlwind revisited, with almost-Christmas casting a rosy glow on it. It was quite the rollercoaster for gamers like me, packed with amazing DLCs, surprise hits, and games that cleverly defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on my gaming experiences, as deep as the imprint my posterior has left on the faux-leather of my trusty chair this year.

This year has seen quite a bit of shuffling in my personal gaming preferences. Some games I had high hopes for and thought would make the list months ago ended up being replaced by new releases that captivated me with their alluring promises and kept me engaged throughout the month. However, some of them managed to win me over enough to stay on the list. And then there are a few that made an immediate impact, settling comfortably in my heart through their exceptional combat mechanics, engaging multiplayer features, or striking character designs.

Of course, let’s steer away from any potential romance for now. Instead, I’d like to share with you my top ten favorite games from 2024, and a couple of honorable mentions to whet your appetite. Enjoy!

Honourable Mentions

Playing Zenless Zone Zero by HoYoVerse prior to its official release was a puzzling, occasionally challenging journey, yet the extraordinary fluidity of its combat system kept me engaged throughout. As I gradually deciphered its intricacies and fell for its unique charm, it has remained one of my top picks for the year, leaving a lasting impression ever since.

Last Epoch – an outstanding Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) currently on the market, exited early access and debuted as version 1.0 this year. Although its launch didn’t create as much noise as other games, it’s undeniably a fantastic game to play.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: If I had experienced it a couple of months ago, it could have been on my top picks, but regrettably, I haven’t played enough of it yet for a complete inclusion. However, what I have played so far is truly remarkable.

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, I found myself immersed for an extended 60-hour journey. Though I had hoped for a more contemporary feel, this game is well-crafted and harks back to a time that feels just a bit outdated. Yet, it’s these nostalgic quirks that make the experience endearing and epic. It remains a charming, offbeat adventure that I find myself growing fond of.

Destiny 2: The Last Shape Review: From beginning to end, this final expansion of Destiny 2 proved to be an exceptional journey, particularly with the return of Nathan Fillion’s iconic character, Cayde-6. It not only heightened the tension one last time but also fulfilled a promise made 10 years ago in a way that left fans utterly content.

Destiny 2’s final expansion, The Last Shape, was an incredible experience from start to finish, bringing back Cayde-6 and finally delivering on a 10-year-old promise in a satisfying way for the fans.

GOTY 2024: 10. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Kickstarting the year on a high note, diving back into one of Ubisoft’s timeless franchises was an exhilarating journey. They managed to breathe new life into the Metroidvania genre, introducing innovative concepts that truly stand out in such a diverse and bustling field. It’s no small achievement to make a mark in a genre as vibrant and competitive as this one. The Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown isn’t just one of Ubisoft’s finest productions in recent years, it ranks among the top Metroidvanias out there. As a fan, I can’t help but be thrilled about where they’re taking this classic series next!

9. Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Over the considerable time span between Dragon Age: Inquisition and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, numerous potential issues could develop. Indeed, some problems seemingly materialized, as The Veilguard encountered unusual opposition even from its initial trailer. However, being a dedicated fan of this universe and the preceding trilogy, I must admit that The Veilguard exceeded my expectations. It provided an engrossing narrative, breathtaking action sequences, intriguing and captivating characters, and a seamless transition of power that hints at promising developments for the franchise’s future.

GOTY 2024: 8. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

From the get-go, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes captivated me, being a spiritual successor to the beloved JRPG series Suikoden (and its sequel). What’s more, it isn’t just a continuation but an expertly crafted journey on its own merit. The way Eiyuden Chronicle skillfully handles numerous well-developed characters and makes discovering them as enjoyable as interacting with them is truly remarkable.

7. Helldivers 2

Despite time constraints and approaching deadlines pulling me away from Helldivers 2, I managed to invest nearly 60 hours into Arrowhead’s entertaining, satirical squad shooter. Some of my most cherished memories in 2024 stemmed from this game, and it started with a rich array of content that continued to grow, which at times could be challenging for the developers. Balancing such an expansive project is no small feat, but Arrowhead has admirably handled the task under the circumstances.

GOTY 2024: 6. Stellar Blade

As a longtime fan of action games with a keen eye for fashionable characters and intricate gameplay mechanics, I must say that Stellar Blade has truly captured my attention. Having spent countless hours immersed in games like Bayonetta and DMC, I can confidently say that the combat in Stellar Blade ranks among the best of this year.

The developer SHIFT UP has done an impressive job of creating a semi-open world filled with secrets and collectibles to discover within its stunning biomes. While Eve’s various outfits may have been the talk of the town, it is Stellar Blade’s exceptional gameplay that truly sets it apart.

So let us put aside any distractions and focus on what truly matters: the thrilling action and exploration that await us in Stellar Blade.

5. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

Since my childhood, the universe of Warhammer 40,000 has held a special place in my heart, and Sabre Interactive’s thrilling, explosive sequel to Lieutenant Titus’ story exceeded all my expectations. With an exceptional single-player campaign and a vast, engaging, and satisfying multiplayer mode, Space Marine 2 is a cinematic action game that lives up to its reputation and makes Warhammer fans proud.

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GOTY 2024: 4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

2023 has been quite exceptional that even my top-rated game of the year, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, ranks fourth on my list. Nevertheless, this game exceeded all my expectations for its sequel. The graphics are breathtaking, production quality is flawless, the music is captivating, and the combat system is nothing short of amazing. In essence, it’s an outstanding continuation of Remake and a truly remarkable gaming journey.

3. Astro Bot

– It’s amazing to think that it’s been three decades since the debut of the original PlayStation, an occasion I remember vividly as a life-changing event that sparked a lifelong passion for video games within me. Though I don’t necessarily consider myself a Sony devotee above any other gaming company, I can’t deny that PlayStation has significantly impacted my life. Games like Astro Bot often bring back memories of this journey, embodying the exuberant spirit that symbolizes 30 years of PlayStation (and more) in a way that many games strive to achieve.

GOTY 2024: 2. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Among the numerous games released this year, very few have left as lasting an impression on me as Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden has. At its heart lies a profound love story that explores the agony of loss and the looming fear of impending loss – the terrifying awareness that you will eventually lose the person who means more to you than anything else in the world. The tale of Red MacRaith and Antea Duarte is heart-wrenchingly realistic, showcasing a doomed relationship marked by death yet sustained by hope. However, what sets Banishers apart is its complex narrative structure that demands tough choices, often uncomfortable decisions, ensuring you navigate your own path – no second chances are given. The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable, and this game boasts some of the best voice acting performances of the year.

1. Black Myth Wukong

Black Myth Wukong stands out as a remarkable journey game set in a mystical depiction of ancient China. It delves into the personas and cosmos of Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Chinese Novels, yet it does so with an exhilarating, perpetually engaging narrative. Mislabeled by some as a “boss rush”, Wukong offers significantly more than that. The game’s campaign expands progressively larger and grander as you advance, challenging you against over 80 bosses without resorting to recycling assets, animations, or appearances. However, between these battles lie expansive open-world regions teeming with secrets, side-quests, vibrant characters, and awe-inspiring narrative moments. An unparalleled gaming experience that I found myself utterly captivated by.

2024-12-29 13:16