Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Age & Indie Games Dominate 2024 Video Games

In a year that saw its fair share of challenges in the video game industry, from high-profile flops to developer layoffs, there were also some remarkable successes. Indie designers stepped up to fill the gaps, and AAA studios delivered ambitious adventures. Let's take a look at the top 10 games of 2024 and hope the industry continues to learn from their success.

Discover the Best Video Games of 2024 and Beyond

Metaphor: ReFantazio - A Glimpse of Hope in a Corrupt World

In a politically charged year, Japan's Studio Zero achieved the extraordinary. They managed to depict the process of reforming a corrupt world with a touch of hope. The corruption in the quasi-medieval Euchronia is blatant, embodied by hideous mutants called "humans." The battle to restore sanity combines thrilling battles with deep reflections on justice. The eye-popping visuals are a testament to the creators of the Persona series. Each level presents a new challenge, making it a truly immersive experience.The game's story is not just about fighting monsters; it's about questioning the very nature of justice and the world we live in. It's a game that makes you think while you're having fun.

Animal Well - The Apex of Metroidvania Games

The past few years have witnessed a surge in metroidvania games - vast two-dimensional mazes that blend arcade action with tricky puzzles. Solo designer Billy Basso's Animal Well stands out as the pinnacle. It presents a vast underground network filled with a diverse range of inhabitants, from mice to flamingos.Every challenge you solve unlocks a new set of challenges, and it's easy to get lost in its eerie and hallucinatory world. The sense of exploration and discovery is palpable, making it a game that keeps you coming back for more.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes - Trapped in a David Lynch-esque Dream

In this drama from Sweden's Simigo, a young woman is invited to explore a seemingly abandoned hotel owned by an avant-garde filmmaker. Each room holds a puzzle, and the deeper you delve, the more you become ensnared by its spell.It's like being trapped in a David Lynch movie, where the boundaries between dreams and reality are constantly blurred. The game's atmosphere is haunting and immersive, making you question everything you see and experience.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Back to the Roots of Role-Playing Games

BioWare, the studio behind iconic role-playing games like Mass Effect and Baldur's Gate, has returned to its strengths with this fantasy epic. It has all the hallmarks of the genre, with a diverse crew of fighters, mages, and rogues joining forces against a world-threatening evil.The combat is engaging, the stories are unpredictable, and the characters are endearingly quirky. It's a game that allows you to immerse yourself in a rich fantasy world and create your own story.

Astro Bot - The Adorable Planet-Hopping Adventure

The most endearing character of the year is the lovable protagonist of this adventure from Sony's Team Asobi. The spunky little robot is on a mission to rescue dozens of his fellow droids across different planets.Each stop presents a fresh set of running, jumping, and punching challenges. It's a game that brings back the nostalgia of classic PlayStation games while adding its own unique charm. It's a game that's sure to put a smile on your face.

Dungeons of Hinterberg - A Break from the Ordinary

Luisa is a burnt-out corporate drone in need of a break. So, she heads to the Alps to fight some monsters and let loose. Compared to other games on this list, the dungeons designed by Austria's Microbird Games are more focused.You can only take a few magic spells on each expedition, but the puzzles are clever and the oddball tourist town holds other intriguing mysteries waiting to be explored. It's a game that offers a different kind of adventure.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - A Blend of Old and New

Nintendo returns to Hyrule with more dungeons. Finally, you get to play as Princess Zelda, who wields a scepter that allows her to duplicate tools and summon creatures to fight her foes.Echoes combines the top-down action of the original 1987 Zelda with the improvisation of last year's "Tears of the Kingdom." It's a game that satisfies fans of both eras and offers a unique gaming experience.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A Rare AAA Adventure

Bethesda Softworks delivers a rare gem - a AAA action-adventure where the protagonist spends more time quietly figuring out the enigmas of the Egyptian pyramids and Vatican City than mindlessly shooting enemies.Veteran voice actor Troy Baker does an excellent job standing in for Harrison Ford, and the dialog is sharp and engaging. The graphics are stunningly detailed, making it one of 2024's biggest surprises. And don't worry, you do get to punch Nazis.

Balatro - A Simple Game with a Captivating Hook

This indie smash from solo developer LocalThunk looks simple - a solitaire version of poker where you score points by getting good hands. But throw in some jokers, like the "Greedy Joker" that makes diamonds more valuable, and it becomes quite complicated.The higher your score, the more jokers become available, creating a addictive "just one more hand" loop. It's a game that's easy to pick up but hard to put down.

UFO 50 - A Tribute to 1980s Gaming

A team of indie developers led by Spelunky designer Derek Yu created this tribute to 1980s games. It's insanely ambitious, with 50 complete games ranging across every imaginable genre.From shoot-'em-ups to strategy to racing to role-playing, there's something for everyone. And there's even a Pong variant. It's a feast for gamers who remember the dawn of video games or are too young to have experienced it.