As we ease into the close of 2024, it’s a great time to reflect on one pressing question: which games truly shined this year?
Throughout the week, our team of writers is diving into their favorite games from 2024 across platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. While it’s impossible to highlight every single release, we’ve zeroed in on the ones that made a significant impact on us.
Once you’ve browsed through our picks, we’d love to know which games topped your list! Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.
This year, we saw the arrival of several eagerly awaited titles, not to mention the introduction of the PlayStation 5 Pro. Among these exciting releases were sequels like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Of course, we couldn’t play every game that launched this year, so we’re curious to hear about your top picks! Don’t hold back—let us know your best games of the year in the comments below!
My Game of the Year: Astro Bot (PlayStation 5 Exclusive)
Astro Bot on the PlayStation 5 truly stands out as an outstanding platformer, one that I was eager to experience. The level design impressed me as I ventured through each planet, diligently searching for missing bots and unique puzzle pieces. Every planet delivers something fresh with its distinctive gameplay mechanics and power-ups, keeping the adventure exciting from start to finish. The boss fights were particularly enjoyable! If you haven’t checked this one out, I highly recommend doing so.
Honorable Mention: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS4/PS5, and Nintendo Switch)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has been one of the most anticipated sequels following 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake. As the middle chapter in the trilogy, it further expands the universe of Final Fantasy VII. This time around, players join Cloud and the gang as they traverse vast, breathtaking environments that feel vibrantly alive.
The updated battle system offers subtle yet impactful improvements, making each encounter even more dynamic. The narrative introduces unexpected elements that are sure to surprise even veteran fans. And yes, prepare yourself for a pretty captivating opera scene! Tailored for the PlayStation 5 Pro, the game shines with detailed graphics running at a steady 60 frames per second. I thoroughly enjoyed my adventure with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, an excellent continuation of a legendary tale.
Honorable Mention: Cat Quest III (PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch)
Cat Quest III exceeded my expectations and stood out as a vast improvement over its predecessors. The game’s expansive open-world, engaging adventure mechanics, and rewarding gameplay kept me glued to my screen. It’s an absolute must-play for those seeking a charming and accessible action-packed experience.
Honorable Mention: Ys X: Nordics (PS4/PS5, and Nintendo Switch)
Ys X: Nordics captivated me with its intriguing storyline centered around uncovering the secrets of the Obelian Gulf and harnessing Mana—a skill exclusive to the Normans. As you explore the Gulf, you’ll gather allies and upgrade your ship to keep up with the increasingly challenging journey. The opportunity to uncover new regions was thrilling, and I wholeheartedly recommend this installment to fans of action RPGs and the long-running Ys series.
Honorable Mention: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch)
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers a fresh take on the 1988 classic, Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation (known as Dragon Warrior III in North America). Built with the impressive HD-2D engine seen in the Octopath Traveler series, this remake is visually stunning.
The game preserves its roots, delivering a timeless turn-based JRPG experience. Revisiting the story was a true joy, as I found myself reconnecting with a narrative I hadn’t explored since my childhood. The music, performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, enhances the epic feel of the game. This remake is a treasure for enthusiasts of classic JRPGs and anyone wanting a nostalgic yet modernized adventure.
Honorable Mention: Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
In Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus, you delve into a world of enigmas as a part of the World Detective Organization. Originally launched last year on the Nintendo Switch, the definitive edition now arrives on PlayStation 5. You step into the shoes of Yuma Kokohead, who awakens in an unfamiliar storage room with no memory. A peculiar voice echoes in your head, and searching your pockets reveals a detective badge and a train ticket set to depart soon. This sets off your thrilling journey.
Onboard the train, among fellow passengers who are all part of the World Detective Organization, you face your first mystery: the presence of a supposed sixth detective. Accusations fly among the passengers, each suspecting a spy for a nefarious corporation. Over several hours, you’ll piece together the puzzle and unravel the sequence of events, all leading to the ultimate question—can you uncover the truth?
Don’t miss our upcoming post on the best PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch games! What were YOUR standout games this year?
