https://blacknerdproblems.com/bnp-staff-favorites-for-2024-video-games/

So…2024 was a hell of a year. Both eventful and in some respects…hellish. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t some high points. Here are the video games we were grinding on, here are the games that had scenes that had some of us bawling our eyes out, and here are the games that made this (silly, silly, silly) year one to remember.

Metaphor ReFantazio

(October 2024) [Trailer]

Hi, I’m here to cry. I walked into this game with no expectations, I just knew that my favorite game for the last eight years has been Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal, and I couldn’t fathom anything that could top it any time soon. *Spins in chair* Reader, I am nothing but a grape under Hulkenberg’s heel. Do you know how much I screamed in the final quarter of 2024 simply because of the plot twists in this game? Reader, I wept.

The gameplay, the heart, the storyline, Metaphor ReFantazio had no business being this good. (Granted, it’s arguably the most harrowing game to play during the American election cycle) but wow; by the heavens, I can’t imagine a world without this game. This was such a necessary story in its execution. The way the game talks about racism, class divides, oppression, and grief? Wow. I want a masterclass on storyline building from these narrative designers. If you love a writer, get this game. If you hate a writer, get this game so you can talk shit about their writing. So much love was put into this game, and I hope it is felt every day by the players.

Personally, Metaphor ReFantazio was my Game of the Year. – Khadjiah

Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth

(January 2024) [Trailer]

This game makes the top 10 for funniest games I’ve ever played, easily. Fans of the Yakuza franchise or played the last Like a Dragon game would be pleased to know that Ichiban is as wholesome as ever, Kiryu is still as foine as ever, and somebody needs to give Nanba a well-balanced diet. If you’re looking for a story about soul searching, giving up, and reflection, man oh man do I got the story for you. Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth is a sweet injection of serotonin. I am always given a healthy dosage of laughter even with a tablespoon of pain. This game gave me so much joy. I want to say thank you to the writers because there were moments when I came home from work frustrated, reflective, and downtrodden and it truly, truly lifted my spirits. – Khadjiah

Honorable Mention: Persona 3 Reload

(February, 2024) [Trailer]

It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t bring Persona 3 Reload into the mix. As a true Persona fan, even though this was a remake, I feel like it didn’t get enough award nods this year. P3 Reload was truly an amazing time. If you need a decent cry that makes you want to call up your homie and tell them you love them, this is the game for you. Hold your loved ones close and your Evokers closer. – Khadjiah

Rise of the Ronin

(March 2024, PS5) [Trailer]

Look, I could sit here and talk about Destiny 2: The Final Shape or Hades II Early Access, but the fact of the matter is that the former is the same functional game that I’ve played since 2014 and the latter while fantastic is not quite finished. While I dearly love both, there is only one game that managed to snuck its sword so far deep in my heart that I can’t stop thinking about months later how a game managed to intricately weave so many systems into an unforgettable experience.

Rise of the Ronin from Team Ninja places your custo- made Ronin in mid-19th century Japan after your Blade Twin sacrificed themselves to let you escape after a botched assassination attempt. Now, you manage to stumble your way into the history books, and that is not just an expression. Rise of the Ronin is firmly anchored in actual Japanese history, and the majority of named NPCs you interact with have actual historical counterparts and several plots correspond to major historical events.

As you roam the island, making bonds, honing your patented Team Ninja level difficulty of combat, and embroiling yourself in factions, it is a truly immersive experience. The interplay of swordplay and gun play is fun. The core systems are intuitive. You are able to use the Testament of Souls to change pivotal decisions and have history rewrite itself, so you don’t need to replay everything to see how different choices interact with each other. The holistic experience is one of the finest I’ve ever played, and the fact it is squarely outside of my usual genres is testament enough on why it’s making my Best of 2024 list. Full review here. -Mikkel

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

(October 2024) [Trailer]

I think it was Tips&Tricks magazine that included “fun factor” as a standard in its reviews. It’s rare that in 2024, a game gets a perfect score for it, but Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero truly has a fun factor of 10.

As anyone who knows me knows, fighting games are pretty near and dear to my heart. A good button mash is a great balm for a stressful day, and fighting games are a great way to connect with your friends. Decades ago, the Dragon Ball (Z): Budokai Tenkaichi series were fantastic arena fighters that were both visually cutting-edge and incredibly fun ways to engage with the extensive lore of the Dragon Ball universe.

A lot of time has passed since then. To put it into perspective: the last Budokai Tenkaichi came out right after I graduated high school. Sparking! Zero was announced a couple of days before I turned 35. On the other side of the game’s release, though, you’d never know it watching me shoot ki blasts and fly around arenas.

Is Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero a game of the year contender? It is not. It is repetitive at points, a little hokey, a little glitchy, and the most fun I’ve had playing a game in years. I think that we live in a world that forgets that fun is meant to be a part of gaming, and this game keeps it top of mind in a way that is both admirable and completely unbelievable. The action is frenetic, the story mode is simple but comprehensive with some extremely cool “what if”- style scenarios, and the roster is impressively stacked with more on the way. Grab a friend or two, pick up the sticks, and get ready to flash back to simpler times with an arena fighter that captures its source material – and its audience – absolutely flawlessly. -D.J.

Marvel Rivals

(December 2024) [Trailer]

I fully admit, when this was announced I was fully in the camp of, “What is this crap?” I did not like the design, I did not like that it was an “Overwatch clone,” I didn’t like anything about it. I scoffed when my friend’s played the beta and praised it. But when it came out, I tried it… and I cannot explain how quickly I fell into the Rivals hole.

I couldn’t put it down. It was like the perfect storm of brand new for everyone and competently built. I hate to admit it, but it was like when OG Overwatch was first thing. That feeling that was never recaptured until just now. I’m craving new maps and characters but fully satisfied with what they’ve given us so far. Time will tell how long this momentum will last and whether or not it solidifies as a long-lasting game or a flash in the pan. But with its strong start, it feels like it might be here to stay. And I feel like I may be here to stay as well. – Garrett

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