As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to dive into an exciting topic: Which games truly defined this year?
Throughout this week, our team will be showcasing their top picks from the games they experienced on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. While it’s impossible to cover every single release in 2024, these are the titles that resonated with us the most.
After you check out our selections, we’re eager to see what you think! Feel free to drop your favorite games of the year in the comments below.
This year was packed with much-anticipated releases and even saw the debut of a new hardware line with the PlayStation 5 Pro. Highlighted titles include the exciting Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, among others. While we couldn’t get our hands on every game this year, we’re very curious about your favorites. Don’t forget to share your top picks in the comments!
My Game of the Year: Astro Bot (PlayStation 5 Exclusive)
Astro Bot is an exceptional platformer exclusive to the PlayStation 5, and it was on my radar from the get-go. The level design captivated me as I journeyed through various planets, searching for hidden bots and special puzzle pieces. Each planet provides something new, with unique gameplay mechanics and power-ups keeping the experience engaging right up to the finish line. The boss encounters were thrilling too! If you haven’t explored this game yet, do yourself a favor and check it out!
Honorable Mention: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS4/PS5, and Nintendo Switch)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues the saga introduced in the 2020 remake, serving as the middle chapter in an ambitious trilogy. Players join Cloud and his team through expansively detailed environments that come alive on screen. The combat system sees thoughtful refinements, enhancing what was already an engaging combat experience. With new story elements that add unexpected twists, even the most ardent fans will find surprises. Plus, the opera scene? Prepare for something truly spectacular! Optimized for the PlayStation 5 Pro, it boasts a smooth 60 frames per second, offering stunning visuals. My time with this game was nothing short of memorable, solidifying it as an impressive chapter in an iconic tale.
Honorable Mention: Cat Quest III (PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch)
Cat Quest III exceeded my high expectations, surpassing its predecessors with its length, open-world exploration, and rewarding gameplay experience. As one of the standout adventure games I’ve enjoyed this year, it’s a must-play for those searching for a charming and approachable action-packed experience.
Honorable Mention: Ys X: Nordics (PS4/PS5, and Nintendo Switch)
Ys X: Nordics offers players the thrill of uncovering the secrets of the Obelian Gulf while mastering the use of Mana, an ability unique to Normans. As you venture through the Gulf, gathering allies and upgrading your ship, the journey unfolds in exciting ways. Discovering new regions was a highlight, and I wholeheartedly recommend this game to action RPG enthusiasts or fans of the enduring Ys series.
Honorable Mention: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch)
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake beautifully reimagines the classic 1988 Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation. Utilizing the stunning HD-2D engine familiar to fans of Octopath Traveler, this remake is a visual gem. Respecting its roots, the gameplay offers a nostalgic turn-based JRPG experience. Revisiting the story was a delight, especially since I’d forgotten many details since my childhood playthrough. The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by a score performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, making it an enticing choice for old-school JRPG fans and new players looking for a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Honorable Mention: Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus plunges players into a world of mysteries as part of the World Detective Organization. Initially launched on the Nintendo Switch, the game now arrives in its definitive form on PlayStation 5. You play as Yuma Kokohead, waking up in a curious storeroom with fuzzy memories and a strange voice in your ear. As you find clues pointing to your detective identity and rush to catch a departing train, the adventure kicks into high gear.
As the journey begins, a mystery awaits—there are supposed to be five detectives on board, but suddenly there are six. Tensions rise as accusations fly about corporate spies among the detective passengers. Piece by piece, you’ll have to unravel this tangled web over several hours. Can you unveil the truth and find the mole? Stay tuned for our next piece on the best PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch games of this year!
So, what were your top games this year? Let us hear your thoughts!
