JeremyF's 2024 GotY: The Last Dance

It was a backlog year.

My game-playing went in a weird direction in 2024. At the outset, I was psyched for a trilogy of high-profile RPG releases. Once that high wore off, though, I found myself somewhat unmoored. New for this year, I set a purchasing limit to keep my backlog under control. It kind of (sort of) worked, but there was an unintended side effect. I was now scrutinizing every new release to judge whether I really needed it right away. Most of the time, the answer was no. I found myself having less general enthusiasm as a result. My writing output greatly suffered, too.

All that put this list in a weird place. Sure, I played 10 new releases, but I don't have nice things to say about all of them. Instead of risking internet ire, I decided to make the list a little shorter. And, because I've already covered a lot of this stuff, I'm gearing things more toward my lived experience instead of straightforward rankings.

Best Surprise: Granblue Fantasy: Relink

I surprisingly received this game for free, and I had no idea what to expect. I knew zero about anything Granblue beyond it being some mobile gacha nonsense. How well did this action RPG serve as an introduction? Almost unreasonably well. They have an in-depth glossary and character profiles that can be accessed at any time. It helps that everything I saw follows the genre's well-worn tropes. At the time, though, that was a plus. Coming from several huge RPGs that were somehow subversive in setting or story, Granblue felt like cheesy comfort food. Earnest is the best word to describe Relink's tone. It feels like you're dropped into the middle third of a typical JRPG, where your group is assembled and adventure awaits. Incongruous as they may be, nearly every party member won me over quickly. There are even quasi-social link stories that fill in their backgrounds.

Relink's brisk 15-hour campaign is also a refreshing counterbalance to genre trends. Instead of a huge open world, each chapter is a linear level that feels more like a third person shooter. Though, that may be because I was always taking potshots from across the map with Eugen. Given the game's scope, I would call the production value unreasonably good. Relink is fast-paced, but I often took a knee to absorb the environments and soundscapes. I know that I said I would avoid putting down other games. So, I will simply state without intonation that Relink has no Chadley missions, janky minigames, or bewildering timelines. The downside of the short campaign is that it's impossible to get the most out of the combat system, or even to unlock most of the characters. Seems like the real meat is in the postgame's repeatable quests. I have no interest in that and certainly not in exploring the Granblue franchise any further. But as a small peek into a larger world, I was undeniably charmed.

The “I Saw What You Were Going For” Award: Another Code Recollection

I learned something about how I reflect on media this year. Turns out, if there's a really good song that plays over the credits, my brain forgives a lot of silliness. Honestly, the only reason I included Another Code is to link the song here. They made some questionable decisions with this collection, namely neglecting to let you play either game on its own. The narrative isn't much to write home about, either, especially in the latter part. But those issues don't stop me from seeing Another Code's redeeming qualities. Ashley, the protagonist, is a spirited character and fun to inhabit. I enjoyed the art and sound design for menus - a small thing, but an important one. And the environments ended up being deceptively cozy. The lower-poly Switch environments somehow enhance the atmosphere. Playing through Another Code didn't sate my craving for a juicy narrative game. Actually, I bounced through a few more options before finally landing on 428: Shibuya Scramble just recently. But with some time removed, I can say I'm glad to have taken that detour. It's a unique journey, and, if nothing else, leaves you with a good tune.

Best Redemption: The Rise of the Golden Idol

The second Golden Idol release was one that I had filed into the “don't need” category. The reason? This year, I played both the original game and similar puzzler Return of the Obra Dinn. There's no other way to put it - I got filtered. But Netflix came in clutch by providing an entry to my list for the third consecutive year. Playing Rise on my tablet felt like the ideal setting. Surprisingly, I was able to gel with the sequel a lot more! Compared to the historical setting of the original, I prefer the more contemporary vibe here. The art style has evolved to be less off-putting without losing its identity. And with the story having clearer continuity between sections, the underlying mystery was easier to follow.

Every stage tasks you with naming the participants in the grisly scene and summarizing the events. The variety comes from the additional tasks unique to each level. In one, you trace the path of a runaway ice wheel. Another has you determine where each resident of an apartment building lives. New to Rise is a kind of “boss” puzzle that incorporates clues from multiple scenes. I liked these for ensuring I actually had a clue to what was happening in the storyline. Is the puzzle design itself better in Rise? I don't really know, but I didn't get fully stuck until the very final level. That one had some leaps in logic that I doubt I would ever piece together myself. But before that, the game gives you all the clues you need to fill in its prompts. And if that isn't enough, brute force is also a viable tactic… I don't think this tops Storyteller from last year (also on Netflix), but Rise of the Golden Idol is a largely satisfying lump of brainteasers.

The Silksong Memorial Award for Best Troidlike: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Do you remember when Ubisoft was exciting? This year, I played classics like the early Assassin's Creeds, Beyond Good and Evil, and Rayman. None are perfect, but each is heightened by innovation and art. The first troidlike entry into the Prince of Persia series is a glimpse into another timeline where Ubisoft still prioritized those virtues. This was another game I got for free, but I liked it so much I rebought it to avoid “Ubisoft Connect” or whatever they're calling it now. The budget may not be quadruple-A, but it's used very effectively. The locations are as varied as they are pretty. The storming sea frozen in time comes to mind. Meanwhile, the story that's woven into the massive game world is a lot better than expected. I took a chance with the Persian voice dub, and it really worked.

Building a great troidlike means you first have to build a great 2D platformer. Sargon is exceptionally nimble and responsive, and the tricky obstacle courses will put your mastery to the test. The rhythm of combat towers above most others in the genre. Once I crested the learning curve and unlocked more abilities, it got even better. The Lost Crown keeps a steady progression without ever making you feel underpowered. No, I wasn't possessed to dig into every corner and find everything. But that pretty much never happens to me in a troidlike. Based on Ubisoft's statements, it's possible this anomaly may be the last good game they ever release. Just another sad sign of where we're at, but at least The Lost Crown could slip through.

Best Big Numbers: Balatro

Finding a good roguelike is a tricky thing. Excitingly, Hades II released in early access this year. But since it's not finished, I'm leaving it off the list for now. Meanwhile, Balatro came out of nowhere and struck the world like a lightning bolt. I was skeptical. I don't care for cards and gambling, and what, you just make poker hands? How dumb. Then I blinked and had 20 hours in the game.

Balatro is sure to be a common sight on year-end lists, so I won't describe it too much. The best thing about its design is that you always feel in charge of your own success. Yes, what happens is always random, but you know the numbers. Should you take that 1 in 4 chance? Probably not. But what if…? Those calculated risks lead to some crazy fun pivots. After enough victories, Balatro fell into being my second screen game, and I eventually had to uninstall it for the sake of my productivity. It's an awesome game and an important reminder that the next big thing can come from anywhere.

The “I Can't Choose a Favorite Child” Award: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth / Persona 3 Reload

Casting my memories back to 12 months ago, I was pumped for both of these RPG behemoths. I had just resparked my Persona obsession, and Reload looked like a great way to experience Persona 3 for the first time. However, my game of the year was Like a Dragon’s to lose. Coming off of a binge of most of the series, Infinite Wealth was a crescendo to Yakuza fever. Not only would I get another adventure with my newly-minted favorite game protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, but the franchise was sending its cast outside of Japan for the first time. Meanwhile, Kazuma Kiryu’s story was ending (again), and the writers were pulling out all the stops.

The experience of playing Infinite Wealth lives up to the hype. I maintain that the combat system is the single best I’ve experienced in a turn-based game. The positioning mechanic can send goons bouncing between party members with satisfying crunches of pain. Between the overhauled job system and the ridiculous summons, no game this year has a higher quotient of goofy animation sequences. My favorite part of Ichiban’s first adventure was the camaraderie within his party. That strength is taken even further here, and the new faces fit right in before long. Meanwhile, RGG shows their ability to minigame-ify just about anything. They even included Pokémon and Animal Crossing clones that are way more fully-featured than anyone would expect. So much of what the team tried to accomplish succeeds with gusto. All told, Infinite Wealth was my most-played game in 2024, with almost 100 hours logged and all achievements earned. I don't regret that time at all, but I still reflect on the whole product with mixed feelings.

It’s because the story fails to live up to its premise. Ichiban travels to Hawaii in search of his mother. I was sold right there. But once on the island, progress is painfully slow, and the payoff isn’t really worth it. And partway through the story, Kiryu goes back to Japan. Don’t get me wrong: The cavalcade of guest stars for Kiryu’s “This Is Your Life” adventure was a good time. His stint as the party leader brings out new sides in everyone. But this spot of Yakuza intrigue is right in the developers’ comfort zone. The execution is naturally more confident. As a result, the intentionally fresh adventure with Ichiban gets short shrift. He feels like a supporting player in his own story. The puzzling way the characters are staged in the climax only makes sense as setup for the future. That makes me worried that this series has embraced the MCU treadmill of stringing the audience along. If that’s the case, I think I’ll step off here. You were amazing, LIke a Dragon, but I’m on a new kick now.

Yeah, that Persona obsession I mentioned? It never really stopped. As soon as I wrapped Infinite Wealth, I launched right into Persona 3 Reload. Between reviews of the base game and the story expansion, I've already shared how Reload clicks with me. But after 80 hours, and countless more jamming to the OST, I didn't stop with one game. I sought out the remake of Persona 1 for PSP and played through that. Then I played through Persona 2. And Persona 2-2. And Persona Q. Despite the differences between them, all have something in common with Reload. They saddle you with hours and hours of dungeon crawling, until you wonder how much you can take. But then you come out the other side. Without fail, there's an emotional climax to the narrative that makes you forget any frustrations you had. I’ve come to call it “The Atlus Special.”

For my first experience with Persona 3's story, the effect was true to form. It's a slow burn, but it burns bright. It was because of those hours I spent building bonds that the finale had such an effect on me. Every entry in the series comes around to the same themes with fighting God and all that, but it's never been more effective than it is here. And the “good credits song” test? No one does it better. I won't deny the flaws in any of what I played, but the fact that I basically lived in the Persona world all year and still have an appetite for it says everything. It's sort of embarrassing that I haven't tried Metaphor: ReFantazio yet, given everything I just said. It will happen soon.

The Game that Gave Me Hope: Astro Bot

Have you stepped into the Hottest Mess thread lately? It's depressing to see all the terrible stuff that happened in 2024's gaming industry. It's safe to say that the people holding the pursestrings for video games don't actually like video games. And as the year dragged on, deep in the mire of layoffs and closures, I wasn't sure if I liked video games anymore either. I retreated into my backlog and let the world pass me by. And then, a glimmer of light.

In any given year, a 3D platformer has a good chance of making the top of my list. And Astro Bot is an excellent 3D platformer. There's nothing it attempts that it fails at. Gorgeous and inventive locales, finely honed mechanical challenges, and a killer soundtrack make it a serious contender. But what put it over the edge is the litany of cameos and references to PlayStation's past and present. Is it self-serving? I won't argue with anyone who feels that way. But to me, the specific pulls show an authenticity and love that still resonates in our crossover-soaked media landscape.

The joy of finding familiar Bots and sparking fond memories carried me through the adventure. Obviously, the Persona representation made my heart sing. Encountering Ammaterasu from Okami made me gasp. I got increasingly concerned every stage I completed without seeing Kiryu, followed by intense relief once he appeared. Capping things off was the Great Master Challenge level you get for 100%. Was the final reward an unexpected choice? Yeah. For me, it was perfect. Second gasp.

These cameos weren't just plugs for other products you can buy. They were reminders of experiences that shaped me, led to strong friendships, and provided a creative outlet. And I'm not alone.

I could spend all day picking apart Astro Bot and analyzing it. But at the end of the day, it just felt good for something to give me permission to behave like a kid. It's my sincere hope that the game was successful enough to influence the Scrooges and make the world just a little happier.

Those changes will take time to materialize. 2025 has few, if any, games I'm actually excited for - just a handful of indies without any release window. It will likely be another backlog year. Or I will pick up crochet or something. You could spend every waking moment worrying, but life’s too short for that. Burn your dread, find your joy, and don't let go.