2024 wasn’t just another year for video games. The past decade has been truly standout for gaming. Yes, I’ve felt that way before, but this time it felt different. This year has brought a wave of amazing experiences for everyone. From the smallest indie gems to blockbuster AAA titles, the gaming landscape was filled with great titles.
Games like Helldivers 2, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, and STALKER 2 have dominated the conversation at various points throughout the year. But one game captured the hearts of the Insider Gaming community more than any other. That game and the Insider Gaming Community’s Game of the Year for 2024 is Astro Bot.
In a hotly contested vote on the Insider Gaming forums, the race was narrowed down to two candidates: Astro Bot and Balatro. In the end, Astro Bot received 37% of the votes in the poker-themed roguelike, while Balatro received 33%.
What makes Astro Bot special?
This isn’t just a 3D platform game. It’s a love letter to PlayStation’s heritage. With stunning, nostalgic visuals, Astro Bot takes you deep into PlayStation’s storied history. The level design is so varied that no two stages feel the same.
From a gameplay standpoint, it’s pure fun, arguably the most enjoyable 3D platforming experience on PlayStation since the early days of Crash Bandicoot or Spyro. The game is full of unique mechanics, each carefully designed to stay current. Whether it’s swinging Aloy’s bow or transforming into a sponge to absorb water and grow in size, every moment feels like a perfect fit for the world Team Asobi has created. The important thing is that nothing is overused, so the game always feels engaging and never overwelcome.
A return to gaming roots
But what truly sets Astro Bot apart is the way it makes you feel. It’s a return to the golden age of gaming, traditional 3D platformers without microtransactions or overwhelming bloat. It’s long enough to be satisfying, but not so long that it becomes boring. Playing Astro Bot is like revisiting the essence that made so many of us love video games in the first place. The game’s soundtrack also evokes feelings of the past while still feeling fresh and modern.
Would you name Astro Bot your game of the year? Or is there another great game that has captured your heart in 2024? Let us know below and join the conversation in the official Insider Gaming forums!
