Ignore everything else, this is the true "objective" list of the best Xbox and PC games of 2024

As a seasoned gamer with over a decade of experience under my belt, I must say that 2024 was quite the year for gaming! With a focus on RPGs, I managed to complete a whopping 40 games this year – albeit less than I had hoped for due to work commitments. However, I did make significant progress in clearing my backlog, which grew even larger at the end of the year.

Despite the challenges, I was thrilled to have played some truly exceptional games like Pillars of Eternity and Metaphor: ReFantazio. The former was a deep, immersive RPG that took me on an epic journey, while the latter stood out for its unique storytelling and captivating world.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am brimming with anticipation! With so many exciting games set to release, it feels like next year may indeed be the year of Xbox. Avowed, Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, Doom: The Dark Ages, and South of Midnight are just a few titles that have me counting down the days.

On a personal note, I’m especially eager to get my hands on Assassin’s Creed: Shadows – I can hardly wait to navigate the city streets and climb towers once again! Monster Hunter Wilds is another game that has piqued my interest, although I may need to catch up on previous entries in the franchise first.

All in all, 2025 promises to be a fantastic year for gaming – if only I could find some time to clear out my ever-growing backlog! But hey, at least I hit 150,000 gamerscore on Xbox with Indiana Jones. Now, if only I could find a solution for that pesky backlog… Perhaps a TARDIS would do the trick!

As the year 2023 was drawing to a close, I reflected on my favorite five games that stood out to me throughout the year. Now that another twelve months have gone by, I believe this may become an annual custom of mine.

2024 proved to be quite an eventful year for the video game industry, with a multitude of aspects capturing our attention. Besides the launch of numerous remarkable games, there were various other events and trends that held significant interest. Towards the end of the year, many enthusiasts took pride in acknowledging their favorite titles, and this included tuning into The Game Awards 2024 for both accolades and a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2025.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that compiling this year’s top games list has been quite the challenge. With the sheer abundance of fantastic titles released for Xbox and PC in 2024, it was no easy feat to narrow down the contenders. After immersing myself in countless hours of gameplay, I can confidently present my picks for the absolute best games of the year.

Alas, there were a few gems that, despite their allure, I couldn’t manage to complete due to time constraints. Among them were Balatro, Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Silent Hill 2 (2024), and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – each one promising an unforgettable gaming experience that I eagerly anticipate sinking my teeth into at a later date.

But for now, let me share with you the games that truly stole my heart this year.

I did play a lot of other games, though, and these were my favorites.

5. The “Purrfect Adventure” Award — Cat Quest III

As a lifelong gamer with countless hours spent on various consoles and platforms, I must confess that Cat Quest III has left an indelible mark on me this year. While some might be taken aback by my choice given its relatively small scale compared to other releases, let me explain why it stands out as one of the best games I’ve played in 2021.

Unlike the grandiose, technically impressive titles that often grab headlines, Cat Quest III offers a unique blend of charm and gameplay that resonated with me on a personal level. The whimsical world, engaging storyline, and intuitive mechanics made it a joy to explore, even for someone like myself who’s seen it all. But what truly sets it apart is the sheer fun factor – a quality that can sometimes get lost in the pursuit of bigger and better.

In conclusion, while Cat Quest III may not be the largest or most technically impressive game out there, its unwavering focus on fun has earned it a special place in my heart this year. If you’re looking for an enjoyable gaming experience that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Cat Quest III a try.

Cat Quest III is a charming, easy-to-play isometric role-playing game that exudes cuteness and vibrancy. Its narrative is lighthearted, brimming with feline-themed puns, the setting is cartoonishly whimsical, and the mechanics are straightforward, yet none of these aspects diminish its appeal. Fundamentally, Cat Quest III is crafted for your amusement, disregarding minor concerns like “balance.

In my Cat Quest III assessment, I found that the game, despite being brief, accessible, and featuring a compact open world with a straightforward storyline, offered one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences this year due to its engaging and unexpectedly diverse combat system, charming and consistent environment, and lovable cast of feline characters. It’s an excellent choice for players of all ages and even offers local two-player cooperative play.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing Cat Quest III and completing its various achievements, leaving me yearning for more gameplay. To be frank, the main issue I have with this game is that it’s simply too brief. If you’re in search of around 10 hours filled with pure RPG entertainment, let me tell you, Cat Quest III truly delivers an outstanding experience.

4. The “I Didn’t Break My Controller” Award — Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

This year’s first game I evaluated turned out to be among the best. To my surprise, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown isn’t just a potential Game of the Year for 2024; it’s one of the exceptional Metroidvania games launched during this decade. A revitalization of the renowned Prince of Persia series, it’s evident that The Lost Crown was meticulously created with dedication and love.

In a straightforward and engaging manner: The Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown shines across all aspects – story, level design, action sequences, battles, character advancement, and special skills. Its finely-tuned gameplay makes exploration an enjoyable experience, and it strikes the perfect balance between challenge and fairness, ensuring you never feel cheated by a death or failure. Despite occasional bouts of frustration, I persevered (and never felt like my controller was at risk of destruction).

In my review of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, I found it to be a delightful, engaging, and intriguing Metroidvania 2D platformer, though it’s not exactly a sequel to the previous releases in the Prince of Persia series. There are minor imperfections with the narrative and controls, but overall, this game is well worth playing and shouldn’t be dismissed outright.

I’m deeply saddened that the team behind The Lost Crown, at Ubisoft, won’t have the opportunity to carry on with this series as it’s undoubtedly one of Ubisoft’s finest games in recent memory.

3. The “You Can Pet the Dog” Award — Neva

I’ve come across numerous captivating games, but twice in a row, Nomada Studio has truly stood out from the pack. Initially, they won me over with GRIS, and now they’ve done it again with Neva. This action-platformer is not only visually stunning with its vibrant settings and hand-drawn animations, but it also tugs at your heartstrings with its compelling narrative. As an observer, I can’t help but be drawn into the world they’ve created.

In this tale, you find yourself battling against the encroaching shadows that menace the world. Accompanying you on this journey is an orphaned cub, once companion to someone from your past, who now relies on you for leadership. Neva leads you through the changing seasons in a narrative filled with growth and renewal, where you’ll witness Neva transform into a formidable wolf as your own skills develop. This is a brief odyssey that will leave an indelible mark upon your memory.

In my review of Neva, I found that Nomada Studio has solidified their status as experts in color and art design, delivering stunning visuals and animations that significantly enhance the game’s powerful and emotional storyline. Compared to GRIS, Neva offers a more engaging gameplay experience with enjoyable combat and platforming mechanics. However, my main criticism is that the game’s duration feels too brief.

In my perspective, Neva isn’t merely captivating with its beauty and emotion; it delivers an unexpectedly engaging combat system and thought-provoking puzzles as well. Nomada Studio has truly outdone itself across all aspects, culminating in one of the standout games of 2024.

2. The “Punch All the Fascists” Award — Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Among the games on this list, only one hasn’t been reviewed by me yet – it’s the most recent addition. I had just wrapped up Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a 45-hour journey that felt like my own ‘Spielberg-ian’ adventure through global dungeons and tombs, when I penned this down. I’m thrilled I managed to squeeze in playing this game before the year ended, as it is nothing short of fantastic!

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must admit that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has certainly grabbed my attention. However, let me clarify that despite its potential to take the top spot, it’s still not without its issues. There are moments in this game that can be downright frustrating, and I find myself pulling my hair out at times.

For instance, I’ve been unable to 100% complete the game or achieve all of its accolades due to a single, stubbornly glitched photo that refuses to capture. Everything else has been done, but this one elusive shot is proving to be quite the challenge.

That said, when it’s not driving me up the wall, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is nothing short of breathtaking. It runs like a dream on my Xbox Series X, and it seamlessly blends immersive simulation with puzzle-filled action-adventure in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.

In conclusion, while it may have its flaws, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is worth checking out for fans of the franchise or anyone looking for a solid action-adventure game. Just be prepared to encounter a few bumps along the way.

In his review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, my coworker Samuel Tolbert noted that MachineGames successfully captured the essence of the original Indiana Jones films. He praised the game for its exciting exploration, challenging puzzles, and unexpected surprises, indicating that fans seeking a classic adventure would find it satisfying.

As a long-time gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that few gaming experiences have been as satisfying and immersive as the one provided by the game released in 2024. The opportunity to beat down fascists using an assortment of tools, instruments, and weapons, all while exploring a stunningly beautiful world and gathering treasure, was an experience that truly stood out. Although it didn’t quite earn the title of my personal game of the year, I can confidently say that it is Xbox’s best game of 2024. The developers did a fantastic job of creating a game that appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers alike, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

1. The “Humans Are the Real Monsters” Award — Metaphor: ReFantazio

As someone who typically steers clear of RPGs from Japanese developers and has never delved into the world of Persona games, I was taken aback by how captivated I became with Metaphor: ReFantazio. It all started by a stroke of luck that led me to reviewing this game, a task I wouldn’t have voluntarily undertaken otherwise. However, I found myself drawn in by its unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, making it an unexpected standout for me in 2024.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that ReFantazio has easily made its way into my top-tier favorites. The game masterfully blends strategic turn-based RPG combat and thrilling third-person action-adventure elements, creating an immersive experience that transports players to a living world unlike any other.

The story of magic, companionship, humanity, war, and the struggle between opposing ideals resonated with me on a deeply personal level. With each passing hour spent in its breathtakingly crafted universe, I felt a sense of connection to the characters and their journeys that I rarely encounter in gaming.

The game’s narrative struck a chord within me because it mirrors my own life experiences. As someone who has faced adversity and fought for what I believe in, the themes of courage, resilience, and camaraderie in ReFantazio hit close to home. The game serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how daunting the odds may seem, it’s essential to hold onto hope and never give up on those we care about.

In conclusion, I can wholeheartedly recommend ReFantazio to anyone seeking an unforgettable gaming experience. Its exceptional blend of gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking storytelling make it a true masterpiece that will leave a lasting impact on players for years to come.

In my assessment of Metaphor: ReFantazio, I find it worthy to claim the top spot as the most outstanding game I’ve encountered in 2023 thus far. Despite some critics pointing out the extended gaps in gameplay and the contentious visual style that might not appeal to all, Metaphor: ReFantazio presents a robust case for “Game of the Year” with its emotionally resonant and meticulously crafted storyline, endearing and authentic characters, exceptional RPG, combat, and social simulation features, and an artistic design that vividly breathes life into this extraordinary universe.

In a different wording: Refantazio’s artistic approach may not resonate with everyone, nor does it heavily prioritize gameplay mechanics in its RPG genre. However, when it comes to visual aesthetics, storytelling, world creation, character growth, and the exceptional original soundtrack, this game is unmatched as the standout title of the year. I wholeheartedly endorse it without reservation.

Honorable mentions

Moving forward, let me bring attention to three additional games that came very close to securing a spot in the top five list, yet fell short for one reason or another. These are games that I hold dear (and might even passionately advocate for), but they weren’t quite the cream of the crop from 2024.

Star Wars Outlaws

My initial hesitation wasn’t shared when I played the final version of a game that initially left me unimpressed – Star Wars Outlaws. This open-world action-adventure title, unlike what we’re accustomed to from EA, is published by Ubisoft and set in the iconic Star Wars universe. Interestingly, it deviates from the usual focus on Jedi lore, instead delving into the galaxy’s shadowy underbelly.

Instead of dismissing Star Wars Outlaws as a contender for my Game of the Year, I feel compelled to defend it against the overused criticism that it’s subpar just because Ubisoft published it. While it’s true that Ubisoft has its fair share of issues and weaknesses in the modern gaming industry, a game developed by them can still make my Game of the Year list (like Prince of Persia, for instance). I genuinely enjoyed playing Star Wars Outlaws despite its numerous flaws, and I have no regrets about the time I spent on it.

Regarding Star Wars Outlaws, my coworker, Rebecca Spear, shares similar sentiments. This game offers numerous delightful aspects, particularly its impressive world creation, though it does contain certain issues that may need to be disregarded.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

2024 saw a standout addition to a series not often nominated for “Game of the Year,” yet came remarkably close this time. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 proved to be an impressive comeback for the first-person shooter franchise that had been struggling due to rocky launches of consecutive releases. In contrast to previous years, Black Ops 6 successfully rekindled my interest, and I’ve already invested numerous hours into it.

Not only is the multiplayer exceptional with smooth and accurate gameplay, but the campaign in this Call of Duty version surpasses all others significantly. I was captivated by the integration of gameplay and storytelling elements reminiscent of classic spy thrillers into the familiar Call of Duty campaign antics. Despite not being a huge fan of Zombies, I’ve still had a good time playing around with it in Black Ops 6.

My coworker, Cole Martin, evaluated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and highly commended it across the board, and honestly, I can’t find fault with her arguments. If you’ve taken a break from the Call of Duty series for some time (understandably so, I’ve also been mostly absent since 2020), Black Ops 6 could very well lure you back.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Ultimately, a game almost made it into my top 5 favorites, but due to my initial impressions, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II fell just short. However, this doesn’t mean the game is poor in any way; quite the contrary, it’s one of my preferred games from this year and boasts impressive artistry. Moreover, the sequel to Senua’s tale delivers a visually and audibly breathtaking gaming experience, placing it among the most stunning games ever launched.

Hellblade II, visually and technically speaking, is breathtaking. Yet, it’s not just eye candy; it delves deep into themes of trauma, mythology, and the human spirit’s resilience and search for meaning. The stunning landscapes and mind-bending sequences are only enhanced by an exceptional acting performance that stands out among the best in recent years, with Melina Juergens brilliantly portraying the character Senua, making Hellblade 2 a true masterpiece for me.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that I found the top five games I picked for this list to be instantly recognizable, and it wasn’t until much later that Hellblade 2 crossed my mind. However, despite its tardy arrival in my thoughts, I feel compelled to extol its virtues, having been thoroughly impressed by Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II during my review process.

Looking ahead to 2025

This year, I finished 40 games, which is significantly fewer than what I expected for 2023. Work and long, immersive games like Pillars of Eternity and Metaphor: ReFantazio kept me engrossed, but they took a lot of my time. Surprisingly, even with all those completions, my game backlog grew larger at the end of 2024 instead of shrinking. However, I did manage to reach 150,000 gamerscore on Xbox with Indiana Jones!

Hey there, fellow gamers! With a decade of gaming under my belt and countless hours spent exploring virtual worlds, I am thrilled to announce that I am embarking on a new challenge for the year 2024 – completing at least one RPG per month! That’s twelve epic adventures awaiting me in the coming year. But it doesn’t stop there; I’m aiming for another 50 completions across all genres!

I have a feeling that 2024 is going to be a fantastic year for gaming, and I can hardly wait to delve into the rich narratives, complex characters, and immersive worlds that RPGs offer. Whether it’s slaying dragons, uncovering ancient secrets, or simply surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, I am ready for it all!

Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the vast landscapes of 2024’s RPG offerings. Let’s share our experiences, recommendations, and strategies with each other, and together we will conquer the year ahead! 🔥 https://t.co/a2SR5e1y8q

January 11, 2024

2025 promises to be an exciting year in the gaming world with a multitude of video games set to debut. Next year could potentially be the “year of Xbox,” provided Microsoft delivers on their announced game releases. Among the most eagerly awaited games of 2025, Avowed takes top priority for me, but I’m equally thrilled about Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, Doom: The Dark Ages, and South of Midnight.

As a fellow enthusiast, I can’t hide my eagerness to grab Assassin’s Creed: Shadows! There are other titles like Monster Hunter Wilds that, if I manage to squeeze in time, could generate even more excitement within me. Diving into their earlier installments might just do the trick. The upcoming game releases in 2025 seem incredibly promising, yet it leaves me a tad anxious about the potential expansion of my backlog mountain. Frankly, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever get a chance to chip away at this ever-growing pile! At the moment, optimism isn’t exactly flooding my veins.

2024-12-31 19:11

Ignore everything else, this is the true “objective” list of the best Xbox and PC games of 2024