The Best Games of 2024 as Chosen by NPR's Staff

12/05/2024

2024 has truly been a year filled with unexpected turns. Small teams' games such as Palworld, Balatro, and Animal Well have made remarkable ascents in the sales charts, leaving behind titles with significantly larger budgets in their dust. Simultaneously, Nintendo finally brought forth a Zelda game featuring the titular princess, and Sony introduced Astro Bot, a platformer of such pristine quality that it was likened to the best Mario games. However, on the whole, the release of big titles from major companies has slowed down as mass layoffs continue to cause unrest within the increasingly consolidated industry.

Discover the Gaming Gems of 2024

Small Team Games' Ascent

Games from small teams have truly shone this year. Palworld, with its unique gameplay and immersive world, captured the hearts of gamers. Balatro offered a fresh take on gaming with its innovative mechanics. Animal Well, with its charming visuals and engaging story, also gained significant popularity. These small teams have shown that with creativity and determination, they can achieve great success in the highly competitive gaming market.

They have outperformed games with much larger budgets, proving that size doesn't always matter. These games have become overnight sensations, attracting a large number of players and creating a buzz in the gaming community. It's a testament to the power of innovation and the passion of small teams.

Nintendo's Zelda Game

Nintendo's long-awaited Zelda game featuring the titular princess was a highly anticipated release. The game brought back the familiar elements of the Zelda series while also introducing new features and gameplay mechanics. The world was beautifully crafted, with detailed environments and engaging quests. The gameplay was challenging yet rewarding, keeping players engaged for hours on end.

The game's success was not only due to its gameplay but also to its strong story. The relationship between the protagonist and the titular princess was well-developed, adding depth to the game. Nintendo once again proved that they are masters of creating immersive gaming experiences.

Sony's Astro Bot

Sony's Astro Bot was a standout game this year. The platformer was known for its pristine graphics and smooth gameplay. It drew comparisons to the best Mario games, which is a high praise indeed. The game's controls were intuitive and responsive, making it easy for players to navigate through the various levels.

Astro Bot also offered a unique gameplay experience with its use of VR technology. Players felt like they were actually in the game world, interacting with the environment and solving puzzles. This added a new dimension to gaming and attracted a lot of VR enthusiasts.

Big Company Releases and Challenges

Despite the success of small team games, big releases from major companies have slowed down this year. Mass layoffs within the industry have had a significant impact on the production of new games. Companies are facing financial difficulties and are being more cautious with their releases.

This has led to a more cautious approach from major companies, with fewer high-profile releases. However, it also presents an opportunity for small teams to shine and make their mark in the industry. It remains to be seen how the industry will evolve in the coming years.

NPR network staffers and contributors have explored the breadth of the gaming world this year. From cozy puzzlers like Botany Manor to multiplayer sensations like Helldivers 2 to grand adventures like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, there is something for every gamer. Sortable by platform and genre, the list below offers a wealth of gaming options for players to discover their next favorite game.