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0 With 2024 drawing to a close and awards season underway, I’ve taken a look back through the games I’ve played this year and picked my top 3. These are presented in no particular order. They’re the games that impressed me the most or provided the most joy. It’s been a difficult year to narrow down my top picks, as most of what I’ve had a chance to play has been wonderful. However, narrow down I have, so let’s have a look.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
The first game I reviewed this year and a return to writing after finishing my degree, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was a fantastic way to come back. A project I’d been looking forward to since finishing up Simogo‘s previous game, Sayonara Wild Hearts.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is heavily focused on puzzles. The game begins with a very cold open, and it’s up to you to discover everything about the circumstances of the player character. You’ll encounter maths problems, perspective puzzles, mazes, and more as you explore the hotel in which the game is set. Lorelei will make you feel smart and silly in equal measure, sometimes at the same time.
Grab a notebook—there’s an official available from the Annapurna Interactive store if you’re feeling fancy—and dive into this mystery before reading too much about it. I can’t wait to replay the game on PS5 thanks to it’s launch on Dec 3rd.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Another game I had the pleasure of reviewing, Metaphor: ReFantazio is the second Atlus release I played in 2024 following Persona 3: Reload. What a great year for the Japanese developer/publisher.
While Metaphor treads a lot of ground laid down by the Persona franchise, there’s enough difference for it to stand on its own. A fantasy setting, a new combination of combat mechanics and a brilliant story that twists and turns in unexpected directions make this a massive stand-out game in 2024. I believe the use of adult characters allowed for much deeper personal stories.
Fans of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensai series’ should make sure they don’t skip Metaphor: ReFantazio. There’s still plenty of time to do so before the inevitable announcement of Persona 6.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
If any childhood game holds a special place in my heart, it’s Final Fantasy VII. A remake was a dream for a long, long time. I remember setting up an online petition in 2005 following the PS3 tech demo that gathered around 5000 signatures before I sent it to some random email address at Square Enix. I like to think that’s the entire reason the remake trilogy exists. You’re welcome.
Rebirth took the work of Remake and ramped up the quality and quantity. For every hour of fun I had with Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth provided 2. Alongside several mini-games inspired by the original game, we also got the brilliantly addictive Queen’s Blood card game. My only complaint at the time of completion would have been the ending, but after having time to sit with it and listen to theory-crafting, I think Part 3 will make up for the intentional confusion.
The Remake project is truly a dream come true, and I can’t wait for Part 3. January 31st 2027, you heard it here first.
That’s my Top 3 Games of 2024, make sure to check them out if you’ve not yet! We’d love to hear what your top games of 2024 are, let us know in the comments.
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