17/12/2024
It's been a big year, but which will be your favorite video game of 2024?
The holidays are approaching and you’re likely thinking of gift ideas. To reduce your holiday headaches, we’ve put together a list of the best video games of 2024 according to The Game Awards along with some recent top picks from expert Dr. Antonio Daniele, Academic Director of the Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments at IE School of Architecture & Design. From innovative gameplay to straightforward fun, take a scroll through our list of the best games to play and get your Christmas gift suggestions up-to-date.
What makes a good video game?
Are you a total noob when it comes to the world of gaming? That’s gamer slang for “newbie” by the way—at least it was when I was kid, and I’m the wrong side of 25, so don’t take my word for it. The question remains: What makes a good video game? Here are some of the top four parameters that make or break your playing experience.
Narrative
While some video games may not even need a story, a strong narrative is a key point when judging a video game. This would include general themes, character types and story structures. All these aspects combine for an emotionally resonating game experience. Compelling stories tend to revolve around characters and their conflicts. Naturally, conflict resolves itself through gameplay. Platformers tend to be the best examples of games with strong story. Great examples include Red Dead Redemption 2, The Walking Dead and Mass Effect 2.
Art direction
Art Direction or “AD” refers to the coherence between content and form. This involves anything from visuals to audio or interactivity. The expression of these things together contribute to the overall style of a piece. Great AD is always harmonious, going beyond simple aesthetics to the unity of all what can be contrasting elements. A few examples of video games with great AD are Banner Saga, Persona 5 and Art of Rally.
Score and music
Music can be the catalyst for an emotional journey. There are few cases where graphic effects aren’t augmented by a fitting soundtrack—it brings the entire universe to life. What’s more, great scores don’t just sound nice in isolation. They add to the effect of playing the game. There have been plenty of iconic video game scores across the years, though some household names would be Skyrim, Halo and Super Mario Bros.
Innovation
Innovation poses one simple question: What new thing are you bringing to the table? There are common trends throughout video games—hunting in open world games, for example. But extra kudos goes to those who imagine beyond those trends. While it’s difficult to be innovative and successful, games like Minecraft have created their own niche in the market by making new user experiences. Some other examples of innovative games in recent memory include Mario Galaxy and Arkham Asylum.
Best video games of 2024 according to The Game Awards
The Game Awards take place each year to review top picks across various categories including “Best Narrative”, “Games for Impact”, “Best Mobile Game” and more. As of 13th December, The Game Award winners were announced to worldwide acclaim. But, in case you missed the big news, here’s a quick round-up of those featured in the “Game of the Year” category. This should get you inspired for holiday gift ideas if you’re looking exclusively for the best games of 2024.
Astro Bot (top pick of the best video games of 2024)
Four years after the three-hour “Astro’s Playroom” dropped along with the PlayStation 5, the new full-fledged adventure “Astro Bot” has taken 2024 by storm. Featuring more than fifty levels, players use protagonist Astro to repair the PS5 mothership and save the day. With varied design through a plethora of different environments, “Astro Bot” is a love letter to gaming. If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for kids and adults, this compact and fun experience is a sure choice.
WINNER OF GAME OF THE YEAR AT THE GAME AWARDS 2024.
Balatro
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—that’s the philosophy behind poker-inspired “Balatro”. The game revolves around making poker hands and gaining chips across each round. LocalThunk have enhanced the gaming experience buy offering in-game upgrades based on these chips, which gives an innovative twist to classic gameplay. It’s smart, it’s adult and it’s a great game for the holidays.
Black Myth: Wukong
“Black Myth: Wukong” is one of the most ambitious games of the year. Equipped with overwhelmingly beautiful design, stunning combat sequences and genuinely challenging gameplay, this Chinese-culture-inspired action role play by Game Science is one for the gaming nerds. Based on the novel “Journey to the West” by Wu Cheng’en, the story places you as “The Destined One”, a monkey who strives to find the six relics of Wukong. Immerse yourself in this epic journey on PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox XS.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Two years on from the release of “Elden Ring”, the franchise is back and better than ever. “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” is an expansion for the already-iconic roamer game made by FromSoftware. The “Erdtree” realm is full of secrets, new platforms and some unforgettable boss battles. It’s no surprise this was nominated for best video game of the year—it’s pure magic.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The creators at Square Enix are at their best with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, a remake of the original Final Fantasy VII trilogy made exclusively for PlayStation. This dynamic role-playing game is a refreshing, strategically-minded renewal that is fully immersive and full of 90’s nostalgia. It’s all about good conquering evil, and it’s seriously addictive.
Methaphor: Refantazio
Methaphor: Refantazio is huge fantasy RPG. Set in the United Kingdom of Euchoronia, this medieval adventure follows the realm’s fallout after the assassination of the previous king. Its animated cutscenes are a sure hit for lovers of anime. Created by the minds behind Persona 3, 4 and 5, this game capitalizes on everything they’ve previously learned to create something truly fresh and engaging. It’s no surprise this was named as one of the best video games of 2024.
Best games to play according to Dr. Antonio Daniele of IE School of Architecture & Design
Are you a video game buff with creativity to spare? We’re here to tell you that working in video game design doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Our new Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments is an innovative program designed for fans of the medium or those interested in interactive media. Taking place across 10 months in the lively city of Madrid, this program is led by Dr. Antonio Daniele, an expert in the sector and a true video game aficionado. To broaden your horizons (and show he knows his stuff), we’ve compiled Antonio’s top picks for fun gaming experiences from recent years—which are perfect if you’re looking for something new.
Twelve Minutes
The premise of “Twelve Minutes” is great. You are a man, you come home to dinner with your wife and, in a matter of moments, all hell breaks loose. Developed by Annapurna Interactive and published in 2021, “Twelve Minutes” centers around a time-loop concept and has several endings. It won’t take long to finish, but building up the narrative in this puzzle game does require patience and intuition. With A-list names like Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe and James McAvoy on the roster, it’s well worth your time: “It’s not new but it’s brilliant.”
The Exit 8
Similarly to “12 Minutes”, this piece by Kotake Create is a smart, simple puzzle game that’s a must for fans of the genre. While we don’t want to give too much away (which means anything), “The Exit 8” is a walking simulator that’s full of jump scares and is genuinely eerie. Intrigued? Give it a try.
It Takes Two
This action-adventure platform game by Electronic Arts follows Cody and May, a couple headed for divorce. The twist? They somehow turn into a pair of dolls. The game follows a fantastical adventure across their house in an effort to return to normal. What’s most impressive is its quality and the originality of the level design. It’s rich, complex and engaging yet accessible for audiences of all ages. You’ll also have a lot of fun coordinating with your playing partner in real life.
Control
Made by the geniuses at Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games, “Control” is a supernatural third-person action-adventure that’s fascinating and disturbing all at once. Tasked with mastering supernatural abilities, you encounter floating bodies, zombies and a creepy bureau that studies the occult. Dr. Antonio Daniele places this on his list of recent favorites due to the “Ashtray Maze” level, on which the design maximizes player’s flow and adrenaline, and the soundtrack boosts the whole experience. “One of the best levels I have ever played.”
Ultimate Chicken Horse
The final pick on our list of best video games in recent years is “Ultimate Chicken Horse” by Clever Endeavour Games. It’s plain weird, fun and extremely clever. “It’s a party platformer and can be played with other people online, but I think the best experience is in the same room, to see the reactions of your adversary.” A fun mix of multiplayer, platforming and level creation, this indie creation pits you against competitors to stop them reaching the end of the race by any means necessary. It’s cartoonish, it’s silly and it’s got crossbows and teleporters. What’s not to love?
