Zack’s Personal Favorite Games of 2024
With how many people were constantly complaining that 2024 was a lackluster year for video games, I clearly was existing in a different timeline. 2024 was filled with banger after banger, and it was a challenge to keep up with all the quality releases coming out. I missed so many, but this list here is the best of what I’ve played.
Honorable Mention #1 – Metaphor: Refantazio and Star Wars: Outlaws
Both of these games occupy the same spot for the same reason. I simply haven’t played enough of them. I feel pretty confident either one would have made its way into the proper top ten given the opportunity to play them more. Alas, there is never enough time.
Honorable Mention #2 (Or 2024’s 2023 Game of the Year) – Blood West
Every year I like to give a big shout out to a game from last year I didn’t get around to playing until this year. Blood West takes the honor this time. I didn’t even have access to this game until procuring a Steam Deck, and this game alone justifies getting the system. It’s a brilliant stealth game harkening back to the brilliant Thief series of old, set in a horrifying old west. It’s a very open-ended game design, and makes you constantly feel like death is around every corner. If I had played this game in its release year, I feel confident it would have been my game of the year. I keep wanting to play more and more of it.
#10 – Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
This game is equal parts charming and compelling. It actually does a better job of making you feel like a detective than most serious detective games. And at only 3 or so hours, it gets you in and out in a compelling timeframe. Highly recommended for those that like to think and laugh in equal measure.
#9 – Children of the Sun
A really clever puzzle game, by way of bloody headshots. The VHS aesthetics to its presentation really help give it a grim and grimy feel that I really fell for. The minimalist story is actually really interesting, as well. I’m happy I got a Steam Deck to be able to play unique indie titles like this.
#8 – Sonic X Shadow: Generations
Shadow the Hedgehog is the coolest character in the franchise, we can all agree on that. This mixed 2D and 3D levels together really well, presented in a fun hub world. It was a lot like the excellent Sonic Generations (which is also included), but better in every way.
#7 – Balatro
I mean, few games really took over the video game industry like this one did. Blending roguelike and poker was never an idea a reasonable mind would consider, but luckily for us Local Thunk is just built differently. Balatro will absolutely consume your life if you let it. I had to delete it from my PlayStation over fear that it’s all I would play. A fantastic game that will stand the test of time.
#6 – Silent Hill 2
Who doesn’t love Silent Hill? That foggy little town just inspires the imagination, and sends chills down our spines. I suspected Bloober Team would deliver a competent remake after playing The Medium, a really great horror game. But I had no idea it would be absolutely exquisite.
#5 – Astro Bot
Exactly what PlayStation needed. The brand has been so super serious for so long, it was refreshing to be reminded that they know how to have fun. Every level was packed with new and interesting ideas, and it was so easy to always want to play more. I love that they’re supporting it with new and free levels.
#4 – Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
No surprise given how great Remake was, but Rebirth really is better in every way. A fantastically fun open-world, hard-hitting character and story moments, and improvements to one of the best JRPG combat systems to ever exist. A long game that justifies its length.
#3 – Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
I love Prince of Persia. It’s one of the best series ever, full stop, no matter in 2D or 3D. So I was pretty excited to see it return, even if not in the form I would’ve imagined. I definitely didn’t expect it to be one of the best gear-gated games I’ve ever played. Expertly crafted, with a surprisingly fun story.
#2 – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
MachineGames just doesn’t disappoint. I was a little saddened to see their next game wasn’t Wolfenstein 3, but it’s hard not to be excited by Indiana Jones. I had no idea this game would call back to gaming classics such as Thief, but it does and does it well. The gameplay is so much fun, and they really justify the controversial first-person perspective quickly. It’s also one of the better mysteries of the franchise, with an incredible scenery-chewing villain. A must play for Indy fans everywhere.
#1 – Wild Bastards
I’ve never played a game like Wild Bastards, and that’s not something I can say very often. Part roguelike, part board game, part first-person shooter. It’s an addictive loop that I never wanted to put down. Each of the bastards you play as has a very distinct feel, in both personality and moveset. The story also had no business being as good or as interesting as it was. This is a game I will absolutely revisit over the years, and annoyingly complain that not enough people played it. You should play it.
Guys and gals, video games are great. 2024 had nonstop incredible releases, and there’s no way anyone can keep up. I just love games.
