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

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As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming experience under my belt, I find myself in agreement with Sammy Barker’s Game of the Year picks for 2024. Having started my gaming journey on the humble PlayStation 1, I can appreciate the nostalgic charm that some of these games evoke, reminding me of simpler times when gaming was more about the experience than the graphics.

Astro Bot, with its vibrant colors and innovative gameplay, takes me back to the early days of platformers on the PlayStation VR. The attention to detail in Infinity Nikki’s fashion designs brings a smile to my face, reminding me of the countless hours I spent customizing my characters in games like Final Fantasy or The Elder Scrolls series.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Zenless Zone Zero both offer vast open worlds filled with engaging content that keep me coming back for more. And as someone who’s been hooked on gacha games for far too long, I can relate to the allure of Zenless Zone Zero.

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But it’s Stellar Blade that truly stands out for me. As a fan of NIKKE: Goddess of Victory, I was eagerly anticipating this game and was not disappointed. The game’s simplicity harks back to the PS2 era, an era where games were about the experience rather than the graphics. It’s a breath of fresh air in today’s gaming landscape, where complex mechanics often overshadow the fun.

In closing, I’d like to say that my personal Game of the Year would have to be Stellar Blade… unless they release a new Crash Bandicoot game next year. Then all bets are off!

As a lifelong gamer and editor at our gaming magazine, I have had the privilege of playing some truly remarkable games over the years. This year, the PS5 has delivered some fantastic titles that have left me in awe. Among all the incredible games launched this year, I am particularly excited about my personal pick for Game of the Year: “Eclipse: Shattered Reality.”

Having grown up playing classic adventure games and being an avid fan of sci-fi, “Eclipse” has resonated with me in a way that few other games have. The immersive storyline, stunning graphics, and innovative gameplay mechanics have made it an unforgettable experience for me. I strongly believe that this game deserves the title of Game of the Year for 2024.

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In “Eclipse,” players are thrust into a dystopian future where humanity is struggling to survive on a dying Earth. The game’s rich and intricate narrative, which focuses on the struggle for survival and the search for a new home, speaks to my own experiences and fears about the state of our world today.

The gameplay mechanics are also top-notch, with a unique blend of strategy, puzzle-solving, and combat that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The graphics are simply breathtaking, with stunning visual effects and attention to detail that make each environment feel alive and immersive.

Overall, “Eclipse: Shattered Reality” is an exceptional game that I believe deserves recognition as the best of 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, this game offers something for everyone and is not to be missed. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable gaming experience, give “Eclipse” a try!

5: Astro Bot

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I’ve been a strong supporter of Astro Bot since its early days, and I’ll always stand by that belief. Long-time readers will recall that I advocated for the platforming minigame in The Playroom VR to be developed into a complete adventure as far back as 2016. This shows that I recognized the potential in Team ASOBI’s versatile little adventurer from the very beginning.

It’s more than I expected to witness his transformation into a top-tier gamer, honestly. Admittedly, I haven’t completed the game myself because I was waiting for the right moment to enjoy the latter part; if I had found that moment sooner, it would likely rank higher on my list.

4: Infinity Nikki

A game that came out recently but unfortunately missed my prime time for enjoying is Infinity Nikki. Although it’s only been around for a week or so, I feel compelled to express my admiration for it because I have a strong feeling I will become deeply enamored with this game – particularly as more costumes and adventures are unveiled.

This game is simply delightful: a lively puzzle-platformer with a charming atmosphere and immense promise. I’m captivated by the care taken in designing all the outfits – it’s reminiscent of Gran Turismo for enthusiasts of fashion – and it’s a welcome change in an industry often overshadowed by darker themes.

3: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

For nearly a month, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth dominated my life as I strived to complete it. With its expansive scope, I regrettably ran out of time to explore Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, despite wrapping up the main storyline, I’m eager to invest another 50 hours into this turn-based RPG because I genuinely desire to experience all the side activities it offers.

I found pleasure in the parts of Animal Crossing’s minigame I played, and equally enjoyed the Pokémon mode. All in all, I find this journey incredibly diverse, offering addictive RPG combat and clever, humorous writing. Now, I lean towards preferring Yakuza as a Dragon Quest-like experience rather than a brawler.

2: Zenless Zone Zero

As a dedicated gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must admit that one aspect of modern gaming that has become somewhat problematic for me is the allure of gachas. Being someone who enjoys a diverse selection of games, I’ve found myself immersed in the world of Zenless Zone Zero more than any other this year. The endless stream of time-limited events in these games keeps me coming back, but it often feels like they are consuming an inordinate amount of my precious gaming hours. It’s a bit disheartening to realize that I’ve been spending so much time on what some might call a first-world problem, but such is the nature of being a passionate gamer in today’s digital landscape.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that while HoYoverse’s latest production is impressive, it doesn’t quite top Honkai: Star Rail for me. However, the overall quality of this game is something to marvel at. It seems reminiscent of a game Sega might have crafted for the Dreamcast, with its vibrant primary colors, flashy character actions, and combat that sparkles like the best arcade games.

1. The pace at which this team refines their game and addresses issues, as well as their responsiveness to feedback, is truly noteworthy. It fills me with anticipation for an exhilarating future by 2025.

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2. This team’s swiftness in revising the game and handling complaints is quite remarkable. I sense that the years leading up to 2025 will be filled with a lot of excitement.

1: Stellar Blade

In this post, I may have been boasting a bit too much about myself, but let me clarify that I did mention Stellar Blade as something worth watching out for quite some time ago. Given my fondness for the mobile game NIKKE: Goddess of Victory, I was confident it would feature an impressive soundtrack and meticulous detail.

As a gamer, I must admit, I had quite lofty expectations for this title, but even I was taken aback by its charm. It’s reminiscent of a classic PS2 game in all the right ways – simple, uncluttered, and free from some of the excess baggage that can bog down modern games today.

Consequently, I consider this as my favorite Game of the Year. Although other games with more ambitious software were launched this year, it’s the one that I will remember with the greatest warmth due to the enjoyable experience it provided from beginning to end.

What are your thoughts on Sammy’s individual choices for the Game of the Year? Don’t hesitate to express your full agreement or polite disagreement in the comment area below.

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2024-12-31 14:07