by Danreb Victorio
This year, I immersed myself in over 60 gaming experiences across PlayStation, Switch, and PC, amassing over 1,000 hours of gameplay. While it lacked monumental titles like Baldur’s Gate or Pokemon, it was unexpectedly rich, with a variety of captivating games making this one of the most gratifying years in recent memory. Ranking these titles from tenth to first was no easy task, as many could have swapped places without altering my overall satisfaction. This diversity and quality made curating the list both challenging and rewarding, reflecting the remarkable depth of gaming in 2024.
10. Another Crab’s Treasure – Multiplatform
Another Crab’s Treasure, an indie action RPG by Aggro Crab, stands out as one of 2024’s most memorable releases, breathing fresh life into the Souls-like genre. Balancing humor with punishing combat, the game keeps players engaged with its witty banter, absurd enemy names, and intense, strategic battles inspired by FromSoftware’s iconic works. Unlike its grim predecessors, it adds levity and charm to the genre, creating a uniquely enjoyable experience. With delightful visuals, engaging puzzles, and an unforgettable soundtrack, Another Crab’s Treasure is more than an indie gem—it’s a creative treat filled with humor and challenge.
9. Animal Well – Multiplatform
Animal Well earns its place as one of my standout games this year, blending intrigue and ambiance in a way that redefines exploration-driven gameplay. Developed by Billy Basso and Shared Memory, this pixel-art platformer transforms simplicity into an odyssey of discovery, where players uncover cryptic puzzles and secrets through curiosity and experimentation rather than tutorials. I loved its labyrinthine world, each part felt rewarding as I embraced the challenges and nonlinear exploration. Like Breath of the Wild and Baldur’s Gate 3, Animal Well replaces objectives with pure discovery, creating a sense of wonder that captivates from start to finish. This unorthodox design and its rich atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience.
8. Helldivers 2 – PS5, PC
For Democracy!
Helldivers 2 stands out as a landmark co-op shooter, blending frenetic action with strategic depth and a satirical narrative. The amount of fun I had with friends new kept the gameplay unpredictable and exhilarating. Humor is woven seamlessly into the experience, making even disastrous missions entertaining. With its engaging gameplay, addictive mechanics, and camaraderie-driven design, Helldivers 2 secures its place as one of 2024’s standout titles. It is undeniable how much fun this game has been and continues to be.
7. Nine Sols – Multiplatform
I must confess, Nine Sols took me by surprise. What I initially assumed was merely a meticulously crafted Metroidvania with intriguing mechanics, soon unfurled itself into a poignant and unforgettable narrative. At its core, Nine Sols explores the profound ramifications of unchecked ambition, the moral decay born of compromise, and the elusive boundary between salvation and annihilation and I was here for every bit of it. The story navigates themes of selfhood, atonement, and defiance as figures like Yi, alongside his companions, grapple with their place in a corrupt system. I was truly impressed by what this game delivered with its story and each challenge faced was an experience I’ll soon not forget.
6. 1000xResist – PC, Switch
I had heard whispers of 1000xResist through much of the latter half of the year, yet only when my schedule finally cleared did, I carve out time to immerse myself in the experience. What I encountered astounded me. 1000xResist was a profound journey that had me experiencing its complexities of familial bonds, human connections, and the struggle for cultural identity. Drawing heavily from the tumultuous tides of the Hong Kong protests providing me with an intimate look at the reverberations of political unrest on both personal and societal levels. In every sense, 1000xRESIST is an essential and evocative adventure for those who treasure narrative-driven games.
5. Neva – Multiplatform
Nomada Studio’s Neva is a piece of art that doesn’t quit. Its evocative storytelling, stunning artistry, and immersive mechanics seamlessly weaved into a game that I couldn’t put down. The game explores their evolving bond amid a world scarred by malevolent forces, offering a profound narrative on love, resilience, and transformation and in a time when so much of the world is changing, it reminded me of how resilient we must be as the forces of nature in our lives can be just as turbulent. Each frame feels like a dreamlike painting, drawing players into its hauntingly beautiful world. Neva is an unforgettable experience, celebrating the strength found in love and the beauty forged through adversity.
4. Metaphor: ReFantazio – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Completing Persona 5 Royal was a journey that spanned years, not from lack of passion but due to its daunting time commitment. I finally achieved this goal by mid-year, finding every moment utterly fulfilling. Enter October, Metaphor: ReFantazio—another masterpiece from the same creators—captivated me as I dove in immediately, completing two playthroughs within a month. The game echoed the elements I loved from Persona 5 while pushing boundaries further, with its compelling characters, enchanting world, and classic RPG mechanics reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics. A finely crafted gem, Metaphor: ReFantazio delivered pure role-playing bliss, earning its spot as my #4 game of 2024.
3. Balatro – Multiplatform
Balatro, by Local Funk, reinvented poker by blending roguelike progression and deck-building mastery into an endlessly strategic experience. When I see a game so refreshingly change the game up and offer something so widely accessible, it’s hard to ignore. Balatro transforms a timeless game of poker and flips it on its head with its unique twists that lead me to countless nights of boundless replayability. It captivated me so completely that it outshone even Disneyland lines, earning its place as my #3 game of 2024.
2. Astro Bot – PS5
Astro Bot, in its essence, managed to evoke an enduring sense of delight throughout my entire gaming experience. The platforming sequences were a sheer pleasure, invoking memories of the boundless creativity and whimsical joy that stem from games built upon the simplest of premises. From the very beginning to its closing moments, the entire adventure felt like a jubilant tribute to the platform and the legacy of games intertwined with it. Truly, I can scarcely imagine a more fitting tribute to 30 years of PlayStation than the release of Astro Bot.
1. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown elevated everything I love about the Metroidvania genre with fluid traversal, dynamic combat, and intense, anime-inspired boss battles. It was a labor of love and you can feel it in every bit of the game’s core. What sets it apart for me is its vibrant integration of Persian mythology, a rare and meaningful portrayal of my Iranian heritage. Playing it in Farsi and experiencing its cultural depth made it more than just a game—it felt like a personal love letter. Having completed it three times and earned the Platinum trophy, The Lost Crown is not only a masterpiece but my Game of the Year for 2024.