Jerel Levy's choice for Game of the Year 2024

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

The best games of this year have enriched their genre and left lasting impressions, and some of them are just plain fun. There were some standout games this year, but here are the ten that really impressed me.

Animal welfare

Atmospheric horror disguised as a mini Metroidvania

I'm not a fan of Metroidvania titles, so the fact that Animal Well is in my top ten should show how impressed I was with this indie. I couldn't believe how atmospheric this game was when I started it. It was frustrating in a good way, discovering new power-ups and dodging giant animals while being spooked by creatures with glowing eyes. It was a captivating and captivating experience that I will never forget.

Infinity Nikki

Ridiculous, fascinating story coupled with a fun, refreshing gameplay loop

Everyone has a stylist inside them, and Infinity Nikki brings that out. Unlike similar genres (Genshin Impact, etc.) that I've never been able to get into, Nikki's story, gameplay, and graphics immediately transported me to a world where fights are resolved through stylist battles and coma incidents at the same time examines the inclusion of the cozy collection and craft aspect.

Nikki does it better than any other cozy gacha in this genre, with a quirky story and great dress-up time that surprised me so much that I happily logged on to the dailies and talked to the only character with any real brains, Momo.

Marvel Rivals

The new king of hero shooters

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

It offers unique aspects like teamwork, fluid gameplay, a supported community, and an incredible art style, culminating in the most fun I've had all year. I've found the innovative next step in the hero shooter genre and can't wait to see what heroes and abilities come next.

Dragon Age: The Veil Guardian

Will you make the right decisions?

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

Dynamic combat options, deep storytelling and high quality prove that this is a game worthy of the praise it has received, and it's also just great to see the return of old characters.

Visions of Mana

A delightful RPG surprise

I've never played a Mana game and I'm not sure I regret it, but I'm so glad I gave Visions a chance. Visions of Mana is a breath of fresh, invigorating RPG air. Once I understood why a few children wanted to kill themselves voluntarily, I continued playing to find out how they understand their own mortality.

Combine that with individual jobs for each individual character, allowing you to mix and match as much of what you want to play as. It has everything: graphics, combat, a robust job system and a story that will captivate you in its entirety.

Honorable Mentions

Unicorn Overlord

Tactical perfection

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

Constant decision-making coupled with the satisfaction of finding the perfect combinations while considering the strengths and weaknesses of the class types and abilities granted to the party based on the party leader will put you in the driver's seat of the tactical ride of a lifetime.

Neva

A captivating story told with just a single word

I would do anything for Neva. Incredible art and audio direction tell a captivating and devastating story that will captivate you in its complexity from the start. Combining art style, gameplay and audio creates a game that will take your breath away.

From the perspective gameplay in the winter levels to the growth of Neva from start to finish, it's a game that simply shouldn't be missed.

You will be changed forever

It almost hurts to summarize everything that Metaphor is and can do in a few paragraphs, so instead I'll focus on what really makes this game a must-play. The story alone does something that few games ever attempt and even fewer manage to do, and that changes you as a person with its message.

The improvements to the Atlus formula, while great, are secondary to a cast that you'll grow to love over the course of your adventures and give you a sense of belonging as you travel with them. A lasting story for the ages, you'll never play a game as good as Metaphor: ReFantazio again.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Ichiban is back with new friends and even more fun

This series continues to throw ordinary people into extraordinary and fantastic situations that we all wish we could be a part of. Ichiban and his company are once again committed to making the world a better place one helpful gesture at a time. The smile that comes to your face when you see the old crew and gain new party members is something no other game on this list can replicate.

I haven't mentioned swimming in the sea, playing Crazy Taxi on a bike, running a hotel on a remote island, becoming a Pokemon (or Sujimon) master, and so many more references and Easter eggs to keep you entertained along the way You can split up and use two separate parties for even more shenanigans.

Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth

A unique experience

There's simply no way another game this year can top the marvel that is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Aside from the quality of all aspects, from the graphics to the music, Rebirth focuses on connections with witty writing, inclusive world-building, and relationships that are tested and attempt to prove how strong the bonds of friendship are.

Outstanding cast performances, unique battles with team skill options, a card game that broke the internet, and the creation of a party close to my heart without the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia – Rebirth simply delivers the total package. So there is no choice but to become the best game of 2024.