Game of the Year: Push Square Readers Write About Their Favourite PS5 Games of 2024

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed countless virtual realms and battled mythical beasts, I must say that the Push Square community has truly outdone themselves this year! The sheer variety of games they’ve chosen as their Game of the Year shoutouts is nothing short of breathtaking.

For the very first time on Push Square, we’ve extended an invitation for our audience to express their views about the top PS5 games of 2024, by sending us emails directly.

A surprising number of letters poured in, exceeding our expectations, leading to the production of an expanded version of our popular feature, showcasing our top picks from the responses.

In the composition of this article, we aimed to mirror the broad range and eccentricity showcased in your shoutouts, which ranged from the award-winning Astro Bot to the amusingly absurd Thank Goodness You’re Here!.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the community’s picks for Game of the Year 2024!

Astro Bot

Without a doubt, my Game of the Year is Astro Bot. This past year has been transformative for me as I’ve become a father to a wonderful little girl who adores the vibrant colors found in this platformer game. Due to my busy schedule, I don’t have much time to engage with lengthy narrative games. Instead, Astro Bot offers a convenient solution, allowing me to quickly pick up and play during her naps!

– Ben Hopkinson

At present, I’m 50 years old. A few years ago, I faced a rare illness that nearly took my life, leaving me in poor health. Consequently, my perspective on things is quite somber given the reality that my time may be limited. However, despite these circumstances, I must acknowledge that this year’s standout game for me is Astrobot.

The way I describe it to people is very simple: It’s pure joy. It has made me smile so much this year and made me feel like a kid again. It has made me feel so good when things in my life have brought me down. I cannot thank or admire the game developers enough for injecting pure magic in my life. Thanks.

– Steeleye 50

Without a doubt, Astro Bot stands out as my Game of the Year! From its very beginning to the end, it was an unparalleled joy to experience and left me beaming from one ear to another. The platforming is smooth and reactive, the sound design is remarkable, and it uses the DualSense better than any other game I’ve encountered. Each level takes you on a charming adventure through unique settings, with enough hidden surprises that I found myself returning to several worlds in pursuit of the Platinum trophy.

It’s incredibly charming, as well, with recognizable characters from PlayStation’s 30-year legacy showing up and Astro moving like Pixar characters to convey emotions without speaking a word. This game is a brilliant example of platforming that has brought me more pleasure than any other release this year.

– Mike Crewe

Among all the PlayStation games this year, I find Astrobot to be my favorite due to its brilliant fusion of the most outstanding elements from classic platformers, making it one of the greatest platformers ever created!

I love the character and the mechanics and it is a game that keeps bringing me so much joy.

As a gamer, the intuitive use of the DualSense controller has greatly enhanced my gaming experience. It’s like it was tailor-made for my hands, and the level of challenge it provides is perfect – not too easy, not too hard, just right.

It’s what gaming is all about. Fun, enjoyment, and sheer brilliance!

– BaldB3lper78

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

For a fresh admirer of Final Fantasy 7, Rebirth was an ideal follow-up to Remake. Just as the Avalanche team did, we break free from Midgar’s constraints into a lush, expansive world teeming with various mini-games, open-world activities, beloved characters, and everyone’s favorite mode of travel – Chocobos!

The narrative of Rebirth is both captivating and tear-jerking, showcasing outstanding acting skills from every character that brings an extra layer of emotion to each scene. The game’s level design and battle system represent a significant advancement from the previous titles, building upon their groundbreaking innovations.

Every character has an opportunity to stand out, as they each have their personalized dungeons highlighting their special skills. The freshly introduced characters are delightful additions to our group.

And if you had any doubts over which game deserves GOTY, only one has Queen’s Blood!

– J000SSHHH

Reminiscing about Final Fantasy VII is similar to catching up with an old pal. I spent countless hours playing it as a kid, and its memories are deeply ingrained in me. Just like an old friend, my affection for the game has only grown stronger as I’ve reconnected with it after years apart.

As I stepped into the vast realm, an overwhelming, speechless wonder, reminiscent of childhood gaming experiences, took hold of me, yet infused with the maturity of my years. The narrative, the mechanics, every aspect—it seamlessly blends yesterday and today.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth doesn’t merely stand out on its own; rather, it lays the groundwork for an extraordinary conclusion while also shedding new light on previous events. The game immerses you deeply in the experience as well. It’s not just my Game of the Year, but a strong candidate for being my Game of the Generation.

– Tim Stensloff (somnambulance)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Brace Yourself for a Gripping Tale Packed with Surprises That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat Until the Climax!

In my gaming world, what truly captivates me in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (and Remake too) is the remarkable character development. As a veteran player who has battled through the original FFVII numerous times, this game has successfully ignited my empathy towards characters like Barret, Yuffie, and even Cait Sith – individuals I once had little interest in.

In terms of gameplay, I find myself appreciating how much faster it has been compared to the Remake, a speed that I believe enhances the overworld experience. All in all, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth brought back memories of why Final Fantasy VII is one of my top favorite games ever.

– Ashina

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

2024 is an exceptionally rich and busy year, making it quite challenging to single out just one game for praise, as all the games I’ll mention are truly remarkable, reflecting the high-quality gaming experience offered this year. Regrettably, a decision has to be made.

Although I’ve explored various games such as Persona 3 Reload, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Metaphor, and even less popular ones like Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, my top pick for the finest embodiment of gaming’s vibrant evolution as a dynamic medium is none other than Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

As a fan, I can’t express my emotions succinctly, but let me try: It’s pure bliss, everything I could wish for; a grand journey packed with captivating content, minor imperfections that can be easily overlooked, and an impressive base that promises further development in Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirate in Hawaii.

Happy 2024! Umbasa!

– Yousef

Without a doubt, my Game of the Year award goes to “Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth”. To put it simply, this is the greatest game in the Like A Dragon (or Yakuza) series to date.

Previously, there seemed to be an element missing, a sense of incompleteness in your gaming experience. However, with Infinite Wealth, it feels as if Rockstar Games Gaming (RGG) has masterfully prepared every aspect of the game to perfection.

From minigames to story and ending up with combat, it’s simply great and no other game I played this year comes close to it. As runner-ups I would choose Astro Bot, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

– Khwarezm89

If playing Yakuza: Like A Dragon was like taking a test drive, then acquiring Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth would be like being given the keys to the best car available at the dealership.

As a gamer, diving into the revamped, vibrant setting of Honolulu, Hawaii in the latest game version has me pumped! The dynamic duo of Ichiban, the endearing goofball, and Kazuma Kiryu, the unyielding one-man force, are back. This time around, the enhanced turn-based combat system gives us gamers a greater range of customization when it comes to character jobs, skills, and builds. It’s all about flexibility and creativity now!

In the world of LAD, you have the unique opportunity to transition seamlessly from an engrossing primary narrative to a quirky and endearing side story featuring a crawfish or a bicycle trick-filled food delivery mini-game.

For my personal choice of Game of the Year, it should stir deep emotions within the player. In Yukikaze no Fukuin (Infinite Wealth), Ichiban, Kiryu, and their companions were more than just video game characters; they became like family as I spent over 100 hours exploring Honolulu and Japan with them.

– CWill97

Silent Hill 2

In 2024, my Game of the Year pick will be Silent Hill 2. Despite the immense pressure they faced, Bloober Team managed to create a remake that remains faithful to the original while elegantly modernizing it for today’s players.

– Tyler

Surely going against the grain here, I believe my Game of the Year to be Silent Hill 2; a game that defied all expectations and proved to be a much-needed win for both Konami and Bloober Team.

During the pandemic, I grew fond of Team Silent’s original concept. I was apprehensive about how these companies would adapt this story and its mechanics for today’s era. Fortunately, they treated the remake with great care and reverence, enhancing the chilling and intricate narrative through improved third-person survival horror gameplay, while broadening the investigation in the enigmatic, fog-shrouded city of Silent Hill.

Refreshed music scoring by original composer Akira Yamaoka and an impressive portrayal of protagonist James Sunderland by actor Luke Roberts make Konami’s remake of this chilling masterpiece a strong contender for Game of the Year. This revamped edition even surpasses my fond memories of this dark narrative as my preferred rendition of this twisted tale.

– Levi Shanks (WYRMWOOD23)

Stellar Blade

Ah, it’s indeed Stellar Blade we’re discussing. This is Shift Up’s inaugural venture into a Triple-A title, and it’s proven to be a success! From being plunged into a boss battle right in the prologue, to navigating your way to Xion, the storyline intensifies significantly, with EVE, the protagonist, shining brightly from beginning to end.

Here are two significant aspects I’d like to draw your attention to (not those, of course). I’m referring to combat and music. The combat is intense, challenging yet rewarding when everything falls into place. Meanwhile, the music creates an immersive atmosphere, whether you’re leisurely strolling down Silent Street, engaging tough adversaries, or unwinding in a sunlit hammock in the Oasis area.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but tip my hat to Shift Up for launching a flawless, full-fledged game. Not only did they follow up with an array of free updates, but they even dropped a NieR collaboration pack! It’s clear that Stellar Blade is a labor of love, offering plenty of replay value and outlasting many games in its genre – a true testament to their passion for gaming.

Sometimes all you need is fun, and this game is the most fun I have had all year.

– BIG3

As for my favorite Game of the Year, I’d have to go with Stellar Blade. It brought back memories of the PlayStation 2 era, and while that might not sound flattering at first glance, I meant it in the sweetest way possible.

As a gamer, let me tell you, this game wasn’t flawless by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, there was something undeniably enjoyable about playing it. Despite frequent criticisms regarding its dialogue and storyline, I found it no more awkward than, say, Yuffie in Rebirth – who, let’s be honest, talks as if she were a choreographed puppet!

The fight was thrilling with an appropriate level of difficulty (neither too easy as in Final Fantasy 16 nor frustratingly hard like Souls series), offering a satisfying challenge. It also had enough complexity to keep players engaged. The enemy designs were distinct, and the music was enchanting.

In summary, I found it an enjoyable journey. While it has its flaws and may not surpass other games in terms of objectivity, it’s entertaining enough that I’d gladly replay it, much like how I used to with games on the PS2 during my student years, budget-conscious though I was.

– Fides189

Helldivers 2

Above all else, playing games ought to bring enjoyment. In fact, no game I’ve played lately compares to the fun that Helldivers 2 delivers in spades.

Lately, my dearest friend has relocated to the opposite end of the globe. Playing Hell Divers together on a weekly basis has become our primary method of staying in touch. Our gaming sessions and voice calls are a whirlwind of laughter, anxiety, frustration (often caused by friendly fire), quickly followed by the unintentional launch of an orbital strike at our overly enthusiastic teammate’s head.

As a devoted fan of this online shooter game, I can’t help but be captivated by its meticulously designed progression system that keeps me yearning for just one more hour, aiming to unlock the next impressive weapon or armor set. The soundtrack, a symphony of triumph and anticipation, is so stirring and catchy that it compels me to dive back in, ready to serve up some much-needed ‘forced democracy’. Bravo!

– Gaz

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure

My Game of the Year is Life is Strange: Double Exposure. Some players might recoil at seeing a Life is Strange game on such a list, but this gamer feels that the series has been unjustly criticized. Double Exposure embodies all the characteristics typical of a Life is Strange game: a small-town backdrop, teenage emotional turmoil, introspective thoughts as you sit on various chairs, and unexpected supernatural elements.

Double Exposure stands out for its unique and thrilling narrative that keeps you guessing. There’s no story quite like it available today. Without giving anything away, it shares similarities with the film Donnie Darko. Moreover, it boasts the most realistic facial animations I’ve ever seen in a video game, even surpassing some of PlayStation’s own first-party productions.

As a devoted fan, I must acknowledge that Decknine has truly outdone themselves with the way they’ve managed the LIS series. They’ve skillfully woven a captivating tale in Double Exposure, complete with characters that leave an indelible impression on me.

– Joey Clarke

Unicorn Overlord

Is the “Unicorn Overlord” a suitable choice for me? It offers an engaging storyline, attractive visuals, and sufficient complexity to maintain interest.

– Saacha

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Without a doubt, my Game of the Year (GOTY) for the PS5 is Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Its compelling characters and immersive storyline, combined with its captivating gameplay mechanics, exquisitely designed environment, and stunning graphics, truly set it apart.

As a huge Dragon Age fan this is the game I’ve been waiting for. It’s BioWare back on top form.

– James

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

My favorite game of the year might surprise you – it’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed. As far as I know, it hasn’t made it onto any Game of the Year lists, and it doesn’t seem to be a topic of conversation among the numerous Dragon Dogmas, Astro Bots, and Erdtree Shadows that are currently popular.

Initially, the game wasn’t poor but was primarily for the Wii, which had a smaller audience and was known for its quirks. However, Rebrushed updated the game significantly, making it shine as a high-quality, standout 3D character action platformer in 2024, apart from Astro.

There seems to be mixed opinions among internet users about whether Purple Lamp’s adaptation of Battle for Bikini Bottom surpassed the classic PS2-era platformer, yet it’s clear that Rebrushed outshines the original version of Epic Mickey in every aspect.

As a gamer, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like finishing an immersive game and finding myself left with that pondering question, “What am I going to play next or even do with my spare time now?

Many people may recall their favorite video games based on specific moments, levels, or top anime character deaths, but what truly matters in a fantastic game is the emotional impact it has on the player.

– kevinm360

Earth Defense Force 6

I know it won’t receive much attention, but Earth Defense Force 6 easily wins my Game of the Year.

Modern games offer an undeniable charm, often providing a straightforward, enjoyable experience. The plots might be simplistic or humorous, serving more as an added bonus rather than a necessity… the essence of these games lies in the sheer pleasure derived from battling hordes of formidable creatures (let’s avoid calling them bugs).

This game offers an abundance of replay value, which unfortunately seems to be diminishing in contemporary gaming. To make things even better, the split-screen cooperative play is genuinely one of the most enjoyable cooperative experiences I’ve ever had. Overall, it’s a fantastic package that delivers across the board.

EDF! EDF!!

– Nathan Michalik

Animal Well

In a world where many games dictate our every move, it’s refreshing to find those that allow us, as players, to explore and discover on our own. Instead of being told what to do or how to do it, we’re given the freedom to figure things out for ourselves, uncovering the hidden rules and potential of the game world. This sense of self-discovery is nothing short of enchanting.

Animal Well continually adds to each tiny finding, much like an onion with its layers, it unveils delightful mysteries in the style of nested Russian dolls, offering fresh revelations frequently.

Every disclosure feels like a miniature burst of joy, almost as if I’ve just learned to ride a bike without training wheels for the first time. It’s nothing like the usual hand-guiding experiences. Instead, it’s incredibly freeing and absolutely exhilarating!

– themightyant

Nine Sols

Nine Sols is a beautiful 2D Metroidvania with a tough-as-nails combat style.

The narrative is unsparingly raw, packed with intense, gruesome motifs, intricate world development, and elements reminiscent of the chilling scenes you’d find in Red Candle Games’ past productions.

In this game, you’ll find numerous methods for enhancing your character through a skill progression system, collectible tags, and techniques learned from defeated bosses. However, it’s important to note that the unique aspect of the battles relies on the parrying mechanic.

Just like Sekiro, mastering the skill of parrying significantly boosts your chances against the challenging bosses. And much like in a Souls game, understanding a boss’s attack patterns and ultimately delivering the decisive strike brings an immensely gratifying feeling.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about Nine Sols! It boasts an exceptional ensemble of characters, captivatingly hand-drawn manga sequences, and engaging combat. This epic tale unfolds over a gripping 25-hour journey that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

The game was a blast, albeit a tough one, from start to finish and deserves my Game of the Year for 2024.

– Deadlyblack

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

Among the numerous games for PlayStation 5 this year, my top pick is Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. While it drew mixed reviews from critics, I personally appreciated its innovative approach within the “metroidvania” gaming genre.

I found the game incredibly engaging due to its masterful blend of themes like loss, grief, hope, and humanity in a compact narrative. Few games of this kind can evoke such intense emotions in the player, and none did so as sincerely as Surgent Studio’s creation. The game is further enhanced by an outstanding soundtrack and exceptional voice acting.

Despite not offering groundbreaking gameplay, this game is certain to keep most players engaged, making it hard to stop playing until you’ve finished it completely. It’s an incredibly moving experience that’s definitely worth exploring and savoring by a wide audience.

– MadCaptain2207

Thank Goodness You’re Here!

To be straightforward, my Game of the Year (GOTY) isn’t a big-budget AAA game or a re-release; it’s actually “Thank Goodness You’re Here!” instead.

Experience a quick, humorous jaunt through a quirky Yorkshire town, delving into the peculiarities and eccentricities that we’re famous for. From assisting a butcher in crafting sausages using dubious ingredients to a fishmonger and his unusual affinity for cigarettes, I couldn’t stop chuckling throughout.

– Andy Coulson

What do you think of the Push Square community’s Game of the Year shoutouts for 2024? Which of these games are you most happy to see get some recognition? Feel free to tell us about your own picks in the comments section below.

2024-12-21 19:38