December 25th 2024.
Which was your favorite? Metro GameCentral has compiled a list of the 20 best video games of the year, pitting popular titles such as Astro Bot, Final Fantasy, and Indiana Jones against each other. While previous years have seen a few clear front runners for awards and end-of-year rankings, such as Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur's Gate 3 in 2023, this year's games are all at a similar level in terms of quality. However, there is no clear front runner for Game of the Year, although Astro Bot did manage to secure a win at The Game Awards in December.
As always, our policy is to only include brand new games in our Top 20 list, excluding remakes, remasters, expansions, and yearly sequels. This means that titles like Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree and Silent Hill 2, while excellent, did not make the cut. However, we have extended an exception to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as it is a radically different game experience from the original.
If a game is missing from our list, it is because we did not enjoy it as much as the others. This includes well-received games like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Black Myth: Wukong. If you disagree with our choices, feel free to let us know in the comments or via email.
Without further ado, here is the GameCentral Top 20 for 2024:
The Zelda where you play as Zelda
At number 20, we have The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom for the Nintendo Switch. While Princess Zelda has been playable in spin-off games like Super Smash Bros. and Hyrule Warriors, this is the first time she has been the main character in her own original adventure. Developed by the same team behind the Link's Awakening remake, this game introduces a new mechanic where Zelda can clone objects and creatures to use for herself. While it may not be as polished as a mainline Zelda game, it is still a wonderfully imaginative and enjoyable romp.
1000xResist
In at number 19, we have 1000xResist for the Nintendo Switch and PC. Developed by a new studio, this visual novel relies solely on its story and characters to captivate players. And it does so with flying colors, with a fascinating sci-fi exploration of topics such as authoritarianism, radicalization, and the struggles of being a Chinese immigrant in Canada. All of this is presented in a great sci-fi adventure reminiscent of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.
Lorelei And The Laser Eyes – puzzles within puzzles
At number 18, we have Lorelei And The Laser Eyes for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC. From the creators of Year Walk and Sayonara Wild Hearts, this is a deeply strange game where you play as a character who has no memory of who they are or why they are parked outside a mysterious hotel. Filled with logic and number puzzles, this game's greatest mystery is unraveling the truth behind what is going on. Along the way, players will be treated to stylish and mind-bending puzzles.
Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island
Coming in at number 17, we have Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island for the Nintendo Switch and PC. A classic roguelike game, this title utilizes grid-based movement and combat, where enemies only move when you do. While this may seem outdated, the game's charm and variety make it a timeless experience.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
At number 16, we have Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Building upon the success of 2020's Yakuza: Like A Dragon, this game expands on its role-playing mechanics and introduces subversive and hilarious mini-games such as Animal Crossing and Pokémon-inspired activities. While the sheer amount of content may affect the narrative in some spots, the game's wit and charm make up for it.
Unicorn Overlord
At number 15, we have Unicorn Overlord for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. This game is a homage to the dormant Ogre Battle series of strategy games, where players oversee an increasingly large army of characters and troops. With impressive graphics, tons of variety, and enjoyable combat, this game is a compelling experience from beginning to end.
Stellar Blade
At number 14, we have Stellar Blade for the PlayStation 5. Published by Sony, this game is a character action game that rivals the likes of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. With stunning graphics and highly enjoyable combat, this game is a must-play for action-adventure fans. However, some may find the design of the female main character to be a bit embarrassing.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
At number 13, we have Super Mario Party Jamboree for the Nintendo Switch. While not an obvious choice for our list, we consider the Mario Party series to be one of the best local multiplayer games. With more mini-games, modes, boards, and characters than ever before, this game is a virtual board game that only Nintendo could pull off successfully.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
At number 12, we have Batman: Arkham Shadow for the Meta Quest 3. This VR game shocked us with its high-quality motion controls and immersive gameplay. Players truly feel like they are Batman as they glide and sling batarangs at bad guys. The combat is also top-notch, making this the ultimate Batman simulator. Additionally, the game adapts almost every element of the Arkham games into VR, including the beloved predator stealth sections.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
And finally, at number 11, we have Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This game is the highly anticipated installment in the Dragon Age series, offering players an engaging and epic role-playing experience. With a rich and immersive world, players will find themselves enthralled by the story and characters.
Which was your favorite game of the year? This is a common question that arises every year, and Metro GameCentral has compiled a list of the 20 best video games from 2024. In this list, games like Astro Bot, Final Fantasy, and Indiana Jones are pitted against each other to determine the top spot.
In most years, there are usually a few games that stand out above the rest and receive numerous awards and top rankings. For example, in 2023, games like Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur's Gate 3 were clearly ahead of the pack. However, in 2024, although the quality of games was similar, there was no clear front runner for Game of the Year. Even Astro Bot, which won at The Game Awards in December, couldn't claim a definitive victory.
As always, Metro GameCentral's policy is to only include brand new games in their Top 20 list, which means no remakes, remasters, expansions, or yearly sequels. This year, this means that games like Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree and Silent Hill 2, which were both excellent, did not make the cut. However, an exception was made for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as it is a radically different game experience from the original.
If a game is missing from this list, it likely means that the team at Metro GameCentral did not enjoy it as much as others did. This may include well-received games like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Black Myth: Wukong. However, readers are always welcome to share their opinions and thoughts on the list through comments or email.
Now, without further ado, let's take a look at Metro GameCentral's Top 20 games of 2024.
The list begins with The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom, a game where players take on the role of Princess Zelda herself. Although Zelda has been playable in spin-off games before, this is the first time she is the main character in her own original adventure. With a new cloning mechanic that allows her to create bridges and lead an army of monsters, Zelda's journey is both imaginative and enjoyable.
Next up is 1000xResist, a visual novel from a new studio that tells a fascinating sci-fi story about authoritarianism, radicalization, and the struggles of being a Chinese immigrant in Canada. With a great story and characters, this game is a standout among the many indie games released this year.
Lorelei And The Laser Eyes is a strange game filled with logic and number puzzles. From the creators of Year Walk and Sayonara Wild Hearts, this game has a mysterious story that unravels as players solve the stylish and challenging puzzles.
Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island is a classic roguelike game that brings players back to the grid-based movement and combat of the early days of the genre. With its charm and variety, this game proves that good gameplay is timeless.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon has expanded on its turn-based mechanics and become one of the best entries in the series. With a strong line-up of mini-games and a sharp, witty story, this game is a must-play for fans of the series.
Unicorn Overlord may have the best name of any game this year, but it's also a homage to the Ogre Battle series with its large armies and 2D battles. The game's focus on strategy and preparation keeps players engaged from beginning to end.
Stellar Blade is a great character action game that rivals the likes of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. Although its female main character's design may be a bit embarrassing, the game's graphics, combat, and variety make it a standout title.
Super Mario Party Jamboree may not be an obvious choice for this list, but the Mario Party series has always been a top contender for the best local multiplayer game. With more mini-games, modes, and characters than ever, this is arguably the best entry in the series yet.
Batman: Arkham Shadow is a shocking VR game that perfectly simulates being Batman. With top tier motion controls and a great combat system, this game is a must-play for any fans of the Arkham series.
Lastly, we have Dragon Age: The Veilguard, an action RPG that takes place in a fantasy world filled with dragons and magic. With an intriguing story and engaging gameplay, this game is a great addition to the Dragon Age series.
There you have it, Metro GameCentral's Top 20 games of 2024. Did your favorite game make the list? Let us know in the comments or by email.
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