It’s been a strong year for a few key genres. Action had Stellar Blade, Black Myth: Wukong and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. If there’s one genre that can compete, it’s RPGs, which also had some great additions. After 2023 brought Baldur’s Gate III, we weren’t expecting many challengers to its greatness the following year, but those expectations were shattered.
5. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
While I certainly don’t agree with putting this expansion down as a nominee for game of the year, I do think hefty expansions can be considered some of the best releases for a given genre. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree takes some lessons from Sekiro’s more linear stories and combines them with a new and awesome open world to create FromSoftware’s best DLC yet. An exceptional, difficult experience from start to finish, it both polishes the Lands Between story and makes us hungry for more.
4. Granblue Fantasy: reconnecting
A game you might forget came out this year, Granblue Fantasy: Relink kicked off the great year that 2024 was in a strong way for JRPGs. With an incredible number of players earlier this year, this game and another one we are going to talk about set the stage for the great RPG releases of 2024. Granblue Fantasy: Relink, a classic JRPG with modern gameplay elements, proved to be a perfect starting point for new fans of the established series.
3. Like a dragon: infinite wealth
Ah, here’s that other game I mentioned that came out early in the year and laid the groundwork for an incredible JRPG year. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth set records for Ryu Ga Gotoku’s beloved franchise, and introduced a new group of fans to the strange and wonderful Yakuza/Like a Dragon games. They are still not for everyone, but those who get them absolutely love them.
2. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
I think my friend and colleague Ben might kill me if this game doesn’t make this list, so here you go. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was labeled the game of the year as soon as it came out, and for some it still holds that title. The second part of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII remake succeeds in the same way many middle parts of a trilogy do, building on what worked and improving what didn’t from the first iteration. Let’s hope the ending can hold the landing to satisfy fans when it arrives.
1. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth probably would have held first place on this list all year, were it not for Atlus’ bold step forward in fantasy. Metaphor: ReFantazio finally gives people too intimidated by Persona the chance to enjoy an Atlus masterpiece, and what a game it is. A great story, score and endlessly engaging combat combine to give us the best RPG of 2024 by a good margin. At least, that’s our opinion, let us know yours.