Each year, we step outside the scope of traditional game awards to celebrate the titles that left a mark on us personally—games that inspired, impacted, or simply brought us immense joy. For me, 2024 was an extraordinary year for gaming, with both fresh releases and nostalgic remasters taking the spotlight. Inspired by Joseph Bradford’s piece, I’m excited to share my personal top 10 games of the year.
From Orbit to Overkill: Managed Democracy
Helldivers 2 wasn’t on my radar, nor did I expect it to be. I wasn’t a fan of the original and assumed its sequel wouldn’t resonate with me. How wrong I was. There’s something viscerally satisfying about plunging from orbit onto an alien world and unleashing chaos upon swarms of colossal bugs with outrageously destructive weapons and special abilities. Its gameplay—reminiscent of Starship Troopers—offers an adrenaline-fueled co-op experience that kept me and my friends engaged, even when we were the ones being obliterated.
Lost in Adventure
March introduced us to Dragon’s Dogma 2, and it consumed me entirely. Those months vanished in a haze of exploration, treasure hunts, and jaw-dropping vistas. Dragon’s Dogma 2’s meticulously designed world invited me to lose myself in every corner, while its exhilarating combat—punishing yet rewarding—kept me coming back for more. Steam’s year-in-review made it official: Dragon’s Dogma 2 was my obsession, and I don’t regret a second of it.
Returning to the Hearth: The Timeless Magic of Valheim
Though not new, Valheim continues to dominate my playtime, and 2024 was no exception. Its combination of exploration, discovery, and the simple joy of building a home has an enduring magic. The release of the Ashlands update added new lands, recipes, and adventures that reignited my Viking spirit. Another hundred hours later, I’m still not done with this incredible game.
An Unexpected Gem: Falling for Throne and Liberty
Confession time: I had no idea Throne and Liberty even existed until a week before its release. Yes, I write for an MMORPG site, and no, I wasn’t aware—shame on me. Initially skeptical due to its monetization model, I took a chance and was utterly captivated. The world pulled me in, and hours of grinding, PvP, and guild camaraderie kept me hooked. Against all odds, it became one of my favorite gaming experiences this year.
Legacy of Excellence: Why Final Fantasy XIV Reigns Supreme
I know this might be controversial, but I play Final Fantasy XIV for its story, and Dawntrail didn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, the endgame content—duties, trials, and raids—was exceptional. This year, I finally secured a personal house and an FC mansion, pouring countless hours into creating something special with my friends. Final Fantasy XIV continues to deliver joy and unparalleled community experiences, solidifying its spot as my favorite MMORPG, not just of this year, but of the last decade.
A Dream Deferred: Mourning the Loss of Blue Protocol
As an anime fan, this one hurt: Blue Protocol was canceled. The signs were there—Bandai Namco’s struggles and Amazon’s hesitation—but I remained hopeful. To see such promise fall apart was a gut punch, leaving me yearning for what could have been.
Reloaded and Reimagined: Persona 3’s Timeless Charm
Persona 3 Reloaded became another cherished addition to my ever-growing Persona collection. Atlus nailed it once again, combining an unforgettable soundtrack, creative Persona mechanics, and memorable enemies. My only gripe? The lack of The Answer DLC at launch. Still, my hours spent playing on the Steam Deck were well worth it, as Persona 3 Reloaded cemented itself as a standout JRPG.
In the Emperor’s Name: The Triumph of Space Marine 2
Space Marine 2 shattered my expectations. As a fan of Warhammer, I couldn’t pass it up, and it delivered in every way. Its challenging campaign, punchy combat, and stunning graphics made it a co-op delight. My friend and I tackled it on the hardest difficulty, and while it tested us, we emerged victorious, purging Xenos in the Emperor’s name.
A Strategic Symphony: Conquering Immortal Empires
The Total War series has always been a favorite, and Immortal Empires elevated it further. Playing as Imrik, the High Elf, I set out to conquer the map with an army of dragons. The strategy, the battles, and the immersion make this one of the finest entries in the series. Don’t miss our review of the latest DLC!
Where Dreams Take Root and Imagination Soars
My Game of the Year is undoubtedly Metaphor: Refantazio. Atlus has crafted a masterpiece, blending classic Shin Megami Tensei mechanics with the polish of modern Persona titles. Its challenging gameplay, breathtaking world, and exceptional soundtrack make it an unforgettable experience. Metaphor is a testament to Atlus’ brilliance and leaves me eagerly anticipating what’s next.
