We plan to draw the veil in 2024. It’s been a complicated year that has given us some great games, but we fully expect it to be remembered as a “problematic” year for the industry as a whole. We’ve had more than 14,000 layoffs, a shrinking market for three aging consoles, soaring subscription costs and a (partial) collapse of the live service genre. But in the first few weeks of January 2025, there will be time to commemorate the events of the year. Instead, it’s time. It’s time to talk about the games we enjoyed the most this year and our favorite games.
Dean has already revealed his favorite game of the year. Now it’s my turn. To be clear, these are the games I’ve personally enjoyed the most and find overall to be the most sublime experiences. We hope to compile a longer list at some point in 2025. The list of games played in 2024 isn’t as long as it was last year (although in related news it’s said to be a better year’s rest). ex), but for now, here are the top five games of the year.
5. Lorelai and the Laser Eyes
Every year on this list, I like to include at least one game in the top five that is a dark horse. This game is a small title that only pleases me. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was released early in the year and may have been overshadowed later, but I’ve never forgotten it. The surreal, stylized art design is more than enough to stick in my memory, but Lorelai is ultimately much better than this.
Lorelei is the kind of game that challenges the player. The entire time you play, it feels like the game is locking you in a brain battle. The game gives you everything you need to solve numerous puzzles, but it won’t hold your hand. Even the game’s diegetic interface and so-called “clue” system seem more focused on confounding players than helping them. And fitting wit into the game may not be to everyone’s liking. It’s not always my cup of tea, but sometimes it’s what I need, and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes does it very well.
All things considered, 2024 was a decent year for RPGs. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a tough one to follow. But we had an amazingly full year. And with its unique, serious story and fun, fast-paced gameplay, one RPG rose to the top. This is Metaphor: ReFantazio from Atlus. For me, RPGs live and die by the degree to which they make me feel truly a part of the world around me. The metaphorical world filled with unpleasant, unpleasant, and unfair social systems felt real. I felt the struggle of those people important.
Metaphor: ReFantazio has avoided many of the pacing problems that have plagued other RPGs this year (without naming them, IYKYK) by continuing to tie the in-game calendar towards major world events. This is an improvement on Atlus’ key features. Time management mechanics. In fact, almost everything about Metaphor feels like a more engaging version of what Atlus has done before, from the art design to the turn-based combat. The story is a bit more sober and serious, but it has such conviction and powerful message that it never gets boring.
3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Now, look who’s here. MachineGames’ licensed adventure game starring everyone’s favorite whip-wielding archaeologist, released in the final month of the year, is almost at the top of the list. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is one of the best adventure games, and surprisingly, one of the best stealth games. I have played for the last 5 years, not just 2024. Troy Baker’s performance as Dr. Jones goes beyond mere imitation and puts the entire game in my top three.
Great Circle mimics the charm of the original almost perfectly. indiana jones While making a movie (I say “original” with a certain intent), it also pays homage to the classic point-and-click adventure games that came before it. MachineGames captured the series’ humor and thrilling fun, a feeling of not taking itself too seriously, and the satisfaction of defeating Nazi scum (a theme that should be very familiar after the Wolfenstein titles). Also, one of the villains was played by the late Tony Todd, and it was great to see him again.
2. Astrobot
As someone who plays games professionally, it’s sometimes tempting to over-explain or over-complicate my opinions. So, I could go into a long, boring explanation about why Astro Bot’s platforming is so rewarding, or how its story is compelling despite its simple nature, but… In a nutshell, here’s why Astro Bot is on this list: entertaining. It’s fun, interesting, well-made, and gives players exactly what they expect.
Okay, to complicate my thoughts a bit, Astro Bot is a platformer polished to a diamond shine with heart and a sense of humor. The variety of gameplay keeps the game fresh and doesn’t overstay its welcome by overstretching its levels or overplaying its special effects. It’s also just the right length to keep the PlayStation nature from seeming too advertising-like (though it does come close once or twice). There are many games I play and love as an adult gamer, but there are very few games I would have played and loved as a child.
1. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
To be honest, the best game of the year surprised even me. Until the last moment of writing this, I was going to give it to Astro Bot. Then I took a serious look at the dozens of games I’ve played so far this year and thought about which ones actually brought me the most happiness while playing them. And although it’s probably been almost a year since my memories have turned rosy, I remember the warmth I felt playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown this year.
Lost Crown has everything I want in a game. Solid gameplay that evolves as the game progresses, excellent pacing, a variety of platforms, story and art design that pays homage to history and real-life mythology, fantasy and a diverse and interesting cast of characters, and more. beauty Just playing it sometimes takes my breath away. There have been a ton of games between now and January launch, but it was still with me at the end of the year.
