As we wrap up another eventful year in gaming, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the standout titles that captured my attention in 2024. This exercise has become a yearly tradition for me, and it’s a delightful way to celebrate the exceptional journey through the past twelve months of gaming.
The gaming industry was bustling with activity in 2024, offering a wealth of exciting releases while maintaining a steady stream of fascinating news and trends. As December rolled around, many of us tuned into The Game Awards 2024, reliving the year’s highlights and getting a glimpse of the treasures awaiting us in 2025.
Let’s delve straight into the heart of the matter: my personal picks for the top games on Xbox and PC from this year. These choices are a reflection of the titles I managed to play and complete. Although a few notable releases like Balatro, Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Silent Hill 2 (2024), and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth slipped past me, I experienced a host of others that left their mark.
Starting off my list with a charming underdog, at number five, we have Cat Quest III. It’s not the largest or most technically impressive game, yet it stands out for its sheer fun factor. This delightful isometric RPG captivates with its adorable visuals and a world bursting with cat-themed humor and straightforward gameplay. My review crowned it as a standout: “Cat Quest 3 is a short, approachable RPG with a modest open world and a simple narrative, but it remains one of the most enjoyable, fun gaming experiences I’ve had all year, thanks to its delightful and surprisingly varied combat, its adorable and consistent world, and a cute cast of furry characters. It’s a great game for all ages and even supports local two-player co-op.”
Sliding into fourth, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown takes the spotlight. This reimagining of the beloved franchise delivers an expertly crafted Metroidvania experience. From narrative to gameplay, it excels with precise controls and satisfying difficulty. It’s the kind of game that challenges you without pushing you to rage-quit, earning its spot among 2024’s finest.
Neva claims the third position, an awe-inspiring creation from Nomada Studio, the minds behind GRIS. It’s a vibrant, hand-drawn masterpiece that tells a heartfelt story of growth and companionship. “Neva cements Nomada Studio as a master of color and art design, with phenomenal visuals and animations that make the powerful, emotional narrative even more impactful,” I remarked. It’s not just visually captivating; the gameplay improvements over GRIS are noteworthy, though its brevity leaves you wanting more.
Just shy of the top, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers a thrilling immersion into the world of our favorite archeologist. While it may not be perfect, with some bugs and tricky segments, it’s a richly cinematic adventure, tapping into the essence of its iconic movie roots. Beating up fascists and exploring grandiose tombs felt just like starring in an Indy movie.
Finally, at the very top, is Metaphor: ReFantazio, an unexpected masterpiece. As someone new to Japanese RPGs, this game won me over with its compelling storytelling and stunning world. Its unique art style and engaging narrative left a lasting impact. As I wrote, “Metaphor: ReFantazio makes a compelling argument for the game of the year title with its evocative and passionately crafted narrative, lovable characters, and an art design that truly brings to life this unique world.”
In my honor roll, a few notable mentions almost made the cut. Star Wars Outlaws took players beyond the usual Jedi lore into an enthralling open-world adventure on the grittier side of the galaxy. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 introduced refreshing changes that rekindled my passion for the franchise. Lastly, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II narrowly missed the list, an artistic marvel in every sense, featuring breathtaking performance by Melina Juergens.
Looking ahead, 2025 holds immense promise with titles like Avowed and Fable poised to impress. With Microsoft’s lineup, next year could very well belong to Xbox. As my backlog grows and my excitement builds, I can’t wait to see what gaming gems the new year has in store.
