Game of the Year Editor's Choice, 2024

2023 was dominated by massive, bombastic experiences like Baldur's Gate 3, Tears of the Kingdom, Alan Wake 2 and Resident Evil 4. This year has felt significantly different. Sure, a handful of triple-A tentpoles still made headlines, but it's also been a great — if not an all-timer — year for indie upstarts.

As such, compiling this list has been a challenge, especially nailing down the order. Reading the rankings of my rather excellent colleagues, it's clear that my biggest gaming regret in 2024 is not playing more.

You can find all of TheGamer's Game of the Year lists at this practical hub.

10

Thank God you're here

As a true Northerner, I suspect the humor in Thank Goodness You're Here landed differently than for others. It was incredibly relatable, and I found myself jumping for joy when I came across a character that reminded me of someone I actually know.

We need more games based in the true north, with real northerners. A sequel set in Newcastle please!

9

Mimic logic

I'm a big fan of RPG Maker. I've been tinkering for years now, and while I'd eventually like to release a game of my own, I'm much more interested in discovering other people's creations. So when I come across a gem, I notice it.

Mimic Logic is one of the best RPGM games I've played. It's a unique rogue-like spin on the liars and truth tellers logic puzzle, where you read the statements of four treasure chests with the aim of uncovering the impersonators and collecting as much treasure as possible before the game is over.

8

Caravan SandWitch

The defining feature of the second half of my gaming year was my search for cozier, non-violent games. Caravan SandWitch hit the cards and then some, an excellent open world game full of exploration, mystery and most of all heart.

The absence of combat didn't make up for a lack of urgency, and an engaging plot centered around an impending disaster, a missing sister, and the rediscovery of old friendships kept the futuristic world of Cigalo still feeling human at its core.

7

Little Kitty, Big City

A cozy puzzle-platformer where you play a mischievous cat just trying to get home, Little Kitty, Big City was an unexpected delight.

It was also an important match for me this year, as I was the first to play after a major health hazard. It helped me get through the aftermath, and just when I needed it most, it reminded me why video games are a lifelong passion.

6

Neva

Neva was a gut punch of a game. It's stunningly beautiful, but don't let that fool you. Under is an intense, emotional experience, one that really makes you look at what it means to fight for what you love in the midst of dealing with loss. I was a messy mess by the end, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

5

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

To me, 2024 felt like a year when JRPGs finally reached the sense of urgency that comes with having to save the world. Often you're not that bothered, just fight random enemies and scroll through the dialogue to get to the end game.

While the Remake's Midgar was self-contained, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth opened up the world and made it feel truly alive. I actually wanted to save these people and these places, for more than just an achievement or bragging rights in a final boss fight. I can't wait for part three.

4

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

This urgency was felt even more in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a spiritual successor to the legendary Suikoden. It would be easy for a game where you literally recruit a hundred heroes for a war to end all wars to feel stuck with bloat, but Rabbit & Bear Studios finds the balance between sweeping JRPG plot and more intimate character stories.

The best design decision was to have the biggest flashpoints play out through RTS-style skirmishes, rather than the usual turn-based tank-and-spanks that only use a handful of characters. Everyone is in this war together, and Eiyuden Chronicle will never let you forget that.

3

Astro Bot

Astro Bot was easily the most fun I've had in a game this year. Sure, it looks like a giant advertisement for PlayStation on the surface, but underneath the veneer is a tight precision platformer with a huge amount of heart.

Team Asobi took on the task of turning IP gruel into something delicious, and boy, did they deliver. Please sir, can I have some more?

2

Balatro

It's a testament to how truly excellent Balatro is that I feel guilty for only placing it at number two. It's like those Christmas carols we keep hearing this month – once it's in your head, it doesn't leave anytime soon. I own it on three different platforms, but I also feeling guilty for not playing it enough.

I'm totally nuts about it, but it doesn't matter. It's the best pick-and-play game since Tetris on the original Game Boy, by some distance.

Honorable mentions

1000xResist would have comfortably been in my top three, but I didn't want to rush it just for this list. And if I was loose about expansions, then No Man's Sky would be GOTY.

I'm very late to the Atlus hype, as I've never really been into anime-style RPGs. Then I played Persona 5 at the turn of the year, and what struck me is how excellent it is at both character and world building. You want to care, and Metaphor: ReFantazio dials that feeling up to eleven.

At a time when our world seems more divided than ever, its themes of overcoming oppression and discrimination make you confront your own values. Metaphor makes you lack to free the United Kingdom of Euchronia from its tyranny. It does this through the lens of one of the best actors I've seen, each grieving loss of some kind. It makes for a raw, all-consuming experience that I wish could be replayed over and over again. I probably will.