Jerel Levy's 2024 Game of the Year Pick

When it comes to Game of the Year discussions, I'm always looking for games that are not only good, but also advance the genre, creating moments you've never seen before and leaving you with something to think about long after you've finished. A caliber that will truly change your perspective and experience.

This year's best games have transcended their genres and left an unforgettable experience, and some of them are just plain fun. There were some stellar games on display this year, but here are ten that really grabbed my attention.

Animal well

Atmospheric horror disguised as a tiny Metroidvania

I'm not a Metroidvania fan, so the fact that Animal Well is in my top ten should tell you how impressed I am with this indie. I couldn't believe how atmospheric this game was after I downloaded it. Disappointing in a good way: unlocking new power-ups and dodging giant animals while being crawled out by creatures with glowing eyes was an exciting and compelling experience that I will never forget.

Nicky's Infinity

A ridiculous, intriguing story combined with a fun and refreshing gameplay loop

Everyone has a stylist and Infinity Nikki pulls it off. Unlike the likes (Genshin Impact, etc.) that we could never get into, Nikki's story, gameplay, and visuals instantly drew me into a world where fights are resolved through stylist battles and you investigate coma cases while simultaneously includes the cozy aspect of gathering and making.

Niki does this better than any other cozy gacha in the genre, with a quirky story and great cross-dressing timing that surprised me to the point where I was happily entering the dailies and talking to the only sane character, Momo.

Rivals of Marvel

The new king of hero shooters

Overwatch has been the reigning champion of hero shooters for far too long; Marvel Rivals reflects what it feels like to make this genre enjoyable. This game finally feels like a successor to the original formula, expanding on it where other titles failed.

Providing unique aspects such as team-based abilities, smooth gameplay, a supportive community, and an incredible art style, culminating in the most fun I've had all year. I found an innovative next step in the hero shooter genre, and I can't wait to see what heroes and abilities come next.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Will you make the right choice?

With compelling character interactions, consequences for your actions, gorgeous graphics, and the evolution of the series, Veilguard proves to be a game that showcases what the series is capable of.

The dynamic combat options, in-depth storytelling, and high quality prove that this is a game worthy of the praise it has received, and it's just great to see old characters return.

Visions of mana

A wonderful role surprise

I've never played a Mana game and I'm not sure I regret it, but I'm very happy I gave Visions a chance. Visions of Mana is a mouthful of fresh, invigorating RPG. Understanding why a bunch of kids willingly wanted to kill themselves made me play to see how they understood their own mortality.

Add to that the custom quests for each character where you can mix and match and customize how you want to play. It has it all: visuals, combat, a solid quest system, and a story that will keep you interested throughout.

Honorary awards

The lord of the unicorn

Tactical perfection

If someone tells you that tactical RPGs are a thing of the past, you can hand them a copy of Unicorn Overlord. Innovation is key here, and from the character designs to the many options available to each team you create, they take the genre to the next level.

The constant decision-making combined with the fun of finding the perfect combinations of the strengths and weaknesses of the class types and abilities given to the group based on the party leader will put you in the driver's seat for the tactical ride of your life.

Neva

An exciting story told in just one word

I would do anything for Neva. The incredible art and audio direction tell an exciting and devastating story that will envelop you in its complexity from the very beginning. The combination of art style, gameplay and audio creates a game that will take your breath away.

From the promising gameplay in the winter levels to the growth of Neva from start to finish, this game is simply not to be missed.

You will be changed forever

It's almost painful to try to condense everything Metaphor is and does into a couple of paragraphs, so instead I'll focus on what makes this game truly essential. The story alone does what very few games ever attempt and even fewer succeed in, and that is change you as a person with its message.

Atlus' improvements to the formula, while great, play second fiddle to the cast you'll grow to love during your adventures, giving you a sense of belonging as you travel with them. It's a long story for the ages, you'll never play another game like Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Like a dragon: endless wealth

Ichiban is back with new friends and even more fun

This series continues to throw ordinary people into extraordinary and fantastical situations that we all want to be a part of. Ichiban and company are once again committed to making the world a better place, one helpful gesture at a time. The smile you'll get on your face when you see the old team and get new group members is something that no other game on this list can replicate.

I haven't mentioned swimming in the ocean, playing Crazy Taxi on a bike, running a hotel on a remote island, becoming a Pokemon (or Sujimon) master, and many other links and Easter eggs that will keep you entertained while you can share for even more shenanigans with two separate parties.

Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth

A one-of-a-kind experience

No other game this year can top the wonder that is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Aside from the quality of every aspect, from the visuals to the music, Rebirth focuses on connection with witty writing, inclusive world-building, and relationships that are tested and try to prove just how strong the bonds of friendship are.

Great acting, unique combat with team abilities, a card game that broke the internet, and the evolution of a party that is dear to my heart, without the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia, Rebirth simply has the whole package, so it has no choice but to be the best game 2024 year.

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