We’re about to wrap up 2024 – an advanced yr that gave us nice video games however one which I totally anticipate the business at giant to recollect as “disruptive”. We have had over 14,000 layoffs, a wilting marketplace for three getting old consoles, rising subscription prices and the (partial) demise of the stay service style. However we now have the primary few weeks of January 2025 to understand the occasions of the yr. As an alternative, it is that point: time to speak about our favourite video games that we loved essentially the most this yr.
Dan has already revealed his favourite video games for the yr… so now it is my flip. Simply to be clear, these are the video games I personally loved essentially the most and had the most effective total experiences. Hopefully I will be capable of make a protracted checklist someday in 2025 — my checklist of video games performed in 2024 is not fairly so long as it was final yr (although in associated information, I am resting higher than I used to be a yr in the past. ), however for now, listed below are my high 5 video games of the yr.
5. Lorelei and Laser Eyes

Every year in these lists, I like to incorporate at the least one recreation that qualifies as a darkish horse in my High 5 — a small title whose inclusion alone satisfies me. Lorelei and Laser Eyes might have come out earlier this yr that it was overshadowed after that, however I by no means forgot about it. Her surreal, stylized artwork design will probably be sufficient to stay in my reminiscence, however Lorelei is in the end rather more than that.
Lorelei is a recreation that challenges the participant. The complete time you are enjoying, you’re feeling like the sport has locked you in a battle of wits, and whereas it offers you the whole lot it is advisable to clear up lots of its puzzles. Must do, it will not maintain your hand. Even the sport’s diegetic interface and so-called “clue” programs are supposed to backfoot the participant greater than assist. And the wit paired with a recreation may not be everybody’s cup of tea — it isn’t at all times my cup of tea, both — however typically it is simply what I would like, and Lorelei and Laser Eyes It does very nicely.

2024 was an honest yr for RPGs, all issues thought-about — Baldur’s Gate 3 is a troublesome act to observe. However we had an incredible full yr. And one RPG rose to the highest with its distinctive, partaking story and enjoyable, quick gameplay: Atlus’s Metaphor: ReFantazio. For me, RPGs stay and die by making me really feel like I am really part of the world round me, and the metaphorical world is filled with disagreeable and soiled and unfair social programs, regardless that it is actual. It was felt. He felt the wrestle of his folks essential.
Metaphor: ReFantazio manages to keep away from most of the pacing pitfalls that plagued different RPGs this yr (not naming any names, however IYKYK) by hooking you up with an in-game calendar that cues you to a significant world occasion. is — a refinement on Atlus’ staple time administration mechanics. In reality, virtually each piece of metaphor, from the artwork design to the turn-based fight, has felt like a extra compelling model of one thing Atlus has achieved earlier than. Though the story is a little more severe and severe, it’s informed so convincingly and with such a robust message that it by no means will get boring.
3. Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle

Effectively, look who we now have right here. Machine Video games’ licensed journey recreation that includes everybody’s favourite whip-wielding archeologist has arrived within the final month of the yr and virtually topped the checklist. Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle is likely one of the finest journey video games—and surprisingly, probably the greatest stealth video games—I’ve performed not simply in 2024, however within the final 5 years. Troy Baker’s efficiency as Dr. Jones goes to date past mere impersonation that it makes all the play into my high 3.
The Nice Circle almost replicates the attraction of the unique. Indiana Jones motion pictures (be aware that I say “authentic” with particular intentions) whereas additionally paying homage to the traditional point-and-click journey video games that preceded it. MachineGames has managed to seize the humor of the collection, the sense that it isn’t taking itself too severely, and the Nazis (a topic they need to be very aware of after the Wolfenstein titles). The satisfaction of getting out. Additionally, one of many villains is performed by the late Tony Todd, and it is good to see him once more.
2. Astrobot

As somebody who performs video games professionally, it is typically tempting to over-explain or over-complicate my very own opinions. So whereas I might give a protracted, drawn-out clarification of why Astrobot’s platforming feels so rewarding, or how its story is compelling regardless of its simplistic nature… let’s maintain it brief. In description: Astrobot is included on this checklist as a result of it enjoyable. It’s enjoyable and entertaining and nicely made and provides the participant precisely what they’re anticipating.
Effectively, to sprinkle in slightly extra complexity for my part: Astro Bot is a diamond-encrusted platformer with coronary heart and a humorousness. The number of gameplay retains it recent, and the sport does not overstay its welcome by overdoing its ranges or overplaying any of its tips. It is simply the fitting size to maintain its PlayStation-ness from sounding an excessive amount of like an advert (although it does come shut a couple of times). There are a lot of video games that I play and love as an grownup gamer — some that I play and know I cherished as a child.
1. Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown

To be sincere, my high recreation this yr stunned even me. Up till the final minute as I used to be scripting this, I used to be going to provide it to Astro Bot. However then I severely seemed on the dozens of video games I’ve performed to date this yr, and questioned which recreation gave me essentially the most pleasure whereas enjoying. And possibly it has been so lengthy—virtually a yr now—that my reminiscence has turned pink, however I bear in mind my playthrough of Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown with a keenness I’ve had just a few extra this yr. have felt
The Misplaced Crown has the whole lot I would like in a recreation: strong gameplay that evolves as the sport progresses, glorious pacing, number of platforming, story and artwork design that in fantasy. Mixing homages to historical past and real-world legends, a various and fascinating forged of characters and extra. magnificence That simply enjoying it typically takes my breath away. It is had a whole lot of video games between its January launch and now, and it nonetheless managed to stick with me till the top of the yr.