Game of the Year: Aaron’s Top 5 PS5 Games of 2024

As a fellow gamer hailing from the misty shores of Scotland, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of kinship with Aaron Bayne as I delved into his personal Game of the Year picks for 2024. It’s not every day you come across someone who shares your love for both video games and haggis!

Aaron’s list showcases a diverse array of titles that cater to different tastes, but it was his Scottish-themed picks that really caught my eye. Still Wakes the Deep, with its authentic accents and oil rig horror, had me hooked from the start. And Astro Bot, with its burst of energy and love for PlayStation, was a delightful surprise that had me grinning ear to ear.

However, it was Silent Hill 2 that truly stole my heart. A game that managed to immerse me in its world without relying on flashy graphics or bells and whistles? That’s the kind of gaming magic I live for!

But let’s not forget Helldivers 2, a game that proved to be the ultimate co-op experience and reminded me why I love gaming with friends. It was so good, I even started recruiting my neighbors to join in on the fun (much to their confusion).

All in all, Aaron’s picks are a testament to the incredible variety of games available on PS5 this year. And as for my own Game of the Year pick? Well, it’s no joke – it’s still Helldivers 2! After all, who needs a laugh when you can have a good game with friends?

Slàn leat, Aaron! Keep up the great work and may your gaming days be filled with joy and haggis.

In our unique “Game of the Year” features, our wonderful group of writers and editors get to express their individual PS5 favorites from 2024. Today, we hear from our video producer, Aaron Bayne.

5: Metro Awakening

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but sing praises for Vertigo Games after they elevated the thrill with Metro Awakening, an exhilarating and captivating PSVR2 adventure that perfectly complements the renowned series. Although the gameplay might not be the most complex, Vertigo has truly mastered the visual aesthetic of the franchise, bringing it to life flawlessly through intuitive controls and precise tracking. From wiping my visor to inspecting my gun for ammo, this game is a must-have for PSVR2 enthusiasts and one I’m eager to revisit again soon.

4: Still Wakes the Deep

For me, the concept of “The Thing on an oil rig” in Still Wakes the Deep would have provided an enjoyable watch regardless. However, what truly enhanced my experience was its authentic Scottish setting, along with the genuine accents and voice acting that resonated deeply as a fellow Scot. Although it might be seen as linear by some and could’ve benefited from a more extended introduction, I valued the carefully constructed horror narrative and the touch of Scottish familiarity that made it a unique and memorable viewing for me this year.

3: Astro Bot

As a longtime PlayStation enthusiast who has played countless games over the years, I must say that Astro Bot took me by complete surprise. Coming into it with relatively low expectations, I was utterly captivated by Team Asobi’s latest masterpiece. There is scarcely anything to criticize about this game; if there were any faults at all, they would be mere nitpicks.

From the very beginning, Astro Bot felt like a breath of fresh air, brimming with energy and creativity that was both invigorating and exhilarating to experience. The level of passion and love for PlayStation that permeates every aspect of this game is palpable, and it truly conjures up something magical.

There were moments during Astro Bot where I found myself on the verge of tears, simply from the sheer joy and celebration of the platform we all hold dear. This game is a testament to the enduring power of PlayStation, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any fan of the platform who seeks an unforgettable gaming experience.

2: Silent Hill 2

Without a doubt, one unexpected highlight of 2024 for me was the game Silent Hill 2, which successfully silenced my initial doubts (even my own) by delivering an incredibly immersive horror experience on the PS5. I’m usually drawn to games with lots of features, but Bloober Team skillfully uses the capabilities of the PS5 without needing to be as grandiose and showy as other big-budget titles. Strip away the game’s story and content, and for me, the audio and haptic experience of Silent Hill 2 alone would make it worthy of this list.

1: Helldivers 2

I’m always on the lookout for any reason to play games with my buddies, be it a competitive shooter, a battle royale, a goofy brawler, or something else entirely. These types of games are my mainstay, so when I say that Helldivers 2 is one of the finest cooperative experiences I’ve ever encountered, I really mean it. Arrowhead Studios managed to create something truly unique with Helldivers 2 by offering an experience that was both amazing and hilarious – a difficult feat to achieve. Although it didn’t receive consistent post-launch support to keep me engaged until the recent Omens of Tyranny update, the fun I had over 50 hours in its first month was simply unforgettable. For me, experiences like Helldivers 2 are what gaming is all about.

I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on Aaron’s selections for his Game of the Year. Whether you completely agree with them or have a different perspective, feel invited to share your opinions in the comment section below.

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2024-12-29 14:36