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The alleged Elon Musk burner account just gets sadder by the minute. Now, he is claiming that it is an attempt at “loving yourself” as the “left” preaches we should all do. My guy, you’ve gotta know it is not the same thing.
An account that goes by the name Adrian Dittmann began posting praise for Elon Musk, calling him a great father and even praising Musk’s work in tech. Using the account to join spaces on X, fans took notice that it seemed as if Dittmann would reference things happening at Musk’s own companies and thus began the deep dive into who Dittmann was. X came to the conclusion that it was just Musk praising himself on a burner account.
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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The post BNP Staff Favorites for 2024: Video Games appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
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. Anime, for the most part, never let us down as we have a sweeping wave of favorites that held us down, entertained us, made us weep, and overall remained a medium and art form that stays consistently and uniquely stays in our streaming rotation.
Carrie: Look Back (October 2024, GKIDS, now on Amazon Prime Video in selected regions)
Plenty of films of the anime variety that released this year to great fanfare: seeing SPY×FAMILY Code: White was an experience. The Studio Ghibli fest returned soothing our souls with our faves and there were many a classic like Ninja Scroll and Cowboy Bebop The Movie returning to theaters while also making way for newer flicks like The Concierge (aka The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store) and Trapezium making some buzz for movie goers. My favorite anime film of the year would have to be the anime adaptation of Look Back, my favorite Tatsuki Fujimoto title, a one shot that went the distance and effortlessly made the world fall in love with it.
In my review of the film, I wrote that Look Back isn’t a long film, the run time is maybe a few minutes short of an hour–and it doesn’t need to be longer, to be a stand out film that emphasizes friendships, connections, and creative outlets. I loved this film for its quieter and more subtle scenes that help flesh out the friendship of the girls and the years that bond them together. Look Back is a film that moved me, held my hearts in its hands, and made me glad that I left the house to go watch in theaters. I think back on this film and I’m thankful for its ability to remind audiences of why making the effort, whether it is for art or for the people we befriend in life is necessary and needed. I adore this film and I am impressed by the labor of love in its narrative and the story of the studio and creatives in their mission to adapt it for the big screen.
Carrie: Dungeon People (July 2024, HIDIVE)
As BNP’s resident HIDIVE subscriber, I watch some hidden gems that I really want other people to watch. Our beloved Delicious in Dungeon over on Netflix came to a end and HIDIVE was circulating news that a new dungeon crawler anime was set to debut Summer 2024. This ‘cozy and pretty cute dungeon keeping’ anime that brought something new to the table with plenty of laughs and proved to be an oddball in its entirety. The first half of the series presented itself as unique and really fun to watch so I even wrote about it here for the site.
Watching Dungeon People became a sort of ritual for me this year as I never quite knew what adventures Clay and Belle would get into, but I always could count on them to fall into something interesting and entertaining. Sure, there was some character development and bonding for the two on realizing the comforts of friendships, purpose, and learning how to ask for help. I cannot stress enough how much the oddball and (while not totally unique) approach of clearing and being in dungeons (I love the Cells at Work comparison, honestly) via anime really served as a charming adaptation of a hidden gem manga series.
Carrie: The Apothecary Diaries (Second Cour Premiered in March 2024, Crunchyroll)
Another manga series I gushed about on the site, adapted from a superb line of light novels, saw me gladly make coverage for it. From praising the manga series to having eyeballs on the trailer for the anime adaptation to even previewing the first few episodes for a lively review–The Apothecary Diaries truly passed the vibe check. Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem wrapped up in a Historical Setting introduces us to Maomao, a young woman who works with an apothecary. Her life changes when she is kidnapped and sold off as a servant for the rear palace, a palace dedicated to the emperor’s consorts, his heirs, and those who serve them.
The Apothecary Diaries truly became a fave this year to watch as it really developed not just Maomao as a character but succeeded in giving her so much more nuance especially when the reveal of who her biological parents were. Seeing both she and Jinshi (their dynamic is so incredibly entertaining), her total opposite together again, outside of the palace made for great scenes touching upon class, gender, and agency.
We know that not all anime adaptations are not all built the same. So when I watched the second cour and found that one of the scenes that I was looking forward to the most was handled so well and even added to–(a great breakdown here on tumblr, spoilers beware, obviously )–this sealed its spot on such a list as this. I’m just so looking forward to more brilliant storytelling in season two. The Apothecary Diaries brings so much to the table: in-depth plot points on about medicines, history, and how different people navigated society from maids to concubines to just a really lovable and relatable female protagonist that everyone loves.
Mikkel: Dandadan (October 2024 ongoing, Netflix/Crunchyroll)
This was a really good year for anime and to pick one means I have to sneak in Delicious in Dungeon, Windbreaker, and the Haikyu movie into this paragraph because there’s only one anime that has completely overtaken my feeds, had an OP that has been playing on loop, and otherwise stole my heart.
Dandadan is best described as equal parts horror fantasy, space opera, and two adorable teenage nerds who clearly think of the world of each other while also being completely incapable of communicating because they are in fact both teenagers and nerds. Okuran and Ayase are social outcasts who after daring the other to visit a known haunted town and frequent alien visitation spot end up getting powers and having to navigate a bizarre world to the best of their abilities. The pilot is wild, but the show dances through arcs effortlessly and strikes that oh so delicate balance between the humerus, the saccharine sweet, and the unexpectedly heartbreaking. After episode 3, I used the ShonenJump app to get current on the series, and I can’t wait for more.
Ja-Quan: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Second Cour Aired January 2024 on Crunchyroll)
With all due respect to my beloved three headed faves MHA, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was easily the best anime of the year, and I won’t apologize for how hard I’m about to go for this elven tale for the ages – Will certainly didn’t when he dropped a rare write up cosigning it’s immediate goat status. Come take a walk with me as Frieren shreds all preconceived notions of what a quality fantasy looks like.
Plenty of shows and films have started with the end, but a format like Frieren’s is quite unique. As the title suggests, this show starts with Frieren and the gang returning home after their journey to slay the demon king, elevating them to “the party of adventurers that saved the world” status. But what now? How does a story keep going after the series finale? How do you captivate the attention of millions of lovers of dungeons, dragons, and adventure…after the adventure? Good writing, that’s how. Add in some visuals that are as gorgeous as it gets and music that will send you into a hypnotic state of euphoria and you’ll begin to understand that this anime doesn’t miss.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is expertly penned and impeccably paced. Nearly every episode introduces a new element, leaving you salivating for more without the use of cheap cliffhangers. Character development and world building is effortless. Don’t be surprised when you realize how attached you are to Frieren and her new companions or how hilarious you find the hijinks they get into on their journey. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a rare anime that could walk off into the sunset after just 1 season (with many lessons learned), but I’m beyond excited they swiftly green lit season 2.
Frantz: Pluto (Yes, it aired in October 2023, but we watched and rewatched it in 2024, Netflix)
In all things, nobody does it like the OGs did it. New generations bring innovation to the thing, but that original spark of inspiration has to be honored. In anime, it doesn’t get more OG than Osamu Tezuka; the creator of Atom aka Astro Boy. Back in 1964, he’d written an Astro Boy manga titled, “The Greatest Robot On Earth” which was updated in 2003 and then reinvisioned as the Netflix Anime Series: Pluto. (One of our staff writers had lots of feelings about the manga too).
Pluto plays no games and pulls no punches. When a bunch of high-profile robots (who are celebrity superheroes in this world) start getting killed off, an investigator is brought in to solve the case. A cybernetic investigator! It has the same noir feel as Powers with an insider being brought in to handle things. Or Hannibal. The old, ‘it takes a [blank] to catch a [blank]’ – but what sets Pluto apart is its take on Azimov’s ‘Three Laws’ of robotics. So not only is the action intense with high stakes (like, every bot IS a nuke) and set on a global stage but the way it explores artificial intelligence ethics. The voice acting is amazing in Japanese and holds up well in the English dub.
Pluto threw me for a loop because I’d put it on to watch passively while writing. Immediately had to put everything away and do the video game ‘lean forward’ to pay attention. It’s a brilliant piece of cybernoir that had me guessing. Plot twists and turns and devilish details that I couldn’t figure out upfront (which is a big deal for me). I remember being left with this eerie, haunting feeling by the end that we might be facing something like this in real life.
Super huge shout-out to Terminator: Zero which had a lot of the same spirit, but sprinkled some time paradoxes in because…Terminator. If you haven’t already, go watch Pluto and get your mind blown.[Quick note: “Robot” is a Slavic (Czech) compound word that loosely translates to ‘forced labor’ and is more akin to ‘slave’. So, add that layer to all the media around Androids and AI and see how it changes.]
Garrett: Dragon Ball Daima (October 2024, on Crunchyroll)
When Akira Toriyama passed, the world stopped to give this man the send off he deserved. He left us with his final work, Dragon Ball Daima, which is a return to form to the OG Dragon Ball vibe. The story takes place after the Buu Saga and before the Super series, thereby eliminating the focus on power ups and transformations. Instead, it focuses more on an adventurous romp around the demon world rather than what transformation. The joke among the fandom was this series was Toriyama fixing the GT series like he did with Broly and even if that isn’t the case, it damn sure does feel like it. His love for this world is palpable, and it truly feels like a fitting send off for a creator who gifted us with an incredible series that touched so many. Rest well Akira Toriyama, and thank you for this parting gift.
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The post BNP Staff Favorites for 2024: Anime appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.