In 2024, the video game industry has undergone significant, potentially irreparable transformation over the past 12 months. Throughout my decade-long tenure at the video game media house, I’ve witnessed the organization face unprecedented challenges that have pushed it to its limits.
Without the devastating consequences of industry upheaval – the layoffs, studio closures, website shutterings, and game cancellations – it’s hard to imagine a scenario where you wouldn’t be directly affected, either by the impact on your mindset or your gaming routine? Notwithstanding the reduced pace of game completion in 2024 compared to my lifetime total, I still managed to derive pleasure from several titles, which I’d like to highlight as some of my favorites here.
As a seasoned reader of VG247, you’re likely familiar with our format. However, if you’re new here or simply need a refresher, I’ll highlight three exceptional video games that I believe will make a strong case for Game of the Year (GOTY) in 2024. One of which is undoubtedly the Sportsman of the Year, regardless of value that will endure.
No Relaxation for the Depraved
It’s surprising that no one has mentioned No One Cares About Your Depression in the year-end conversations. Despite its lack of recognition at the Keighley Awards, the program’s existence is seemingly overlooked by a significant number of individuals. Considering its studio pedigree alone, it’s actually quite astonishing.
“No Relaxation for the Depraved marks the latest innovation from Moon Studios, the acclaimed creators of the Ori franchise, and represents their boldest creative endeavour to date.” This narrative deftly blends disparate genres, harmoniously integrating each element within its meticulously crafted world. The game combines the fast-paced action of an action-RPG with isometric visuals reminiscent of classic Diablo-style games, incorporating challenging Souls-like elements, while also allowing players to manage a city’s resources in a light-hearted simulation. Additionally, survival mechanics come into play as players must gather materials and craft essential items, all within a framework that rewards exploration and discovery through loot drops. Regardless of the approach, this narrative successfully delivers a few of the year’s most captivating character development.
Despite some progress made, the initial release still suffered from scattered ideas and a lack of cohesion among the various styles that Moon attempted to blend together in an admittedly challenging mix. Some minor issues are expected with this early launch, given its stage. Regardless of a few underwhelming concepts, No Rest for the Depraved still offers a chance to revel in its unapologetically dark artwork, experience the weight of one of the most satisfying fight mechanics in gaming, and become fully immersed in your hamlet’s intricate web of characters and storylines.
Is No Relaxation for the Depraved a title that defies concise summary? For the uninitiated, it’s ideal to dive in blindly, as the experience is sure to astonish with its profound complexity and ingenious fusion of genres. You’re unlikely to accept that information at face value.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
If I were a self-aggrandizing gaming provocateur, I’d likely assert that Dragon’s Dogma 2’s crowning achievement lies in its uncanny ability to mirror the very real, soul-crushing frustrations we all face in our daily lives – with an emphasis on the word “soul-crushing”.
One of the most captivating aspects of this game is its complete disregard for creating a traditional “video game-like” experience.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 shouldn’t be a remake designed solely to placate mid-game expectations. This ambitious endeavor seeks to deliver an unforgiving experience, challenging players through arduous battles and hiding countless hours of potentially missable content within its vast, intricate world. It’s eager to eschew numerous standard online gaming norms in the pursuit of a specific area of expertise.
If you’ve already played the original game, the sequel is essentially more of the same. In reality, the significance of the “2” in the title isn’t apparent until you’ve read beyond the post-game analysis. Capcom’s tacit acknowledgment seems to imply that they may have exhausted all possibilities, leaving little room for innovation or further challenge. As I delved into 2024 releases – and the harsh realities of actual life didn’t quite knock me off balance – I remained intrigued by the emotional resonance that lingered long after completing my missions, meticulously chipping away at those imposing health bars as I stalked formidable foes.
Warhammer 40,000: Area Marine 2
As a tumultuous year of widespread layoffs and uncharted uncertainty about job security unfolded over the course of 12 months, it’s hardly surprising that a nostalgic indulgence from bygone eras captivated my attention in 2024. The Warhammer 40,000 universe’s unapologetic brutality and grimdark tone are distilled into Area Marine 2: a merciless, no-holds-barred experience that promises nothing but unrelenting violence and unyielding combat from start to finish? It has earned widespread acclaim as one of the top-rated Xbox 360 games of 2024, and for good reason.
Area Marine 2 confidently surpasses the mediocre standards of yesteryear’s reporting, instead presenting an exceptionally proficient experience that underpromises yet consistently overdelivers on its fundamental premise, satisfyingly so. The game strikes a perfect balance between traditional combat mechanics and intense melee combat. The game’s conclusion is expertly crafted, leaving players wondering whether other titles should draw inspiration from its success. While the marketing campaign may appear robust enough to go unnoticed on a single playthrough, it’s only upon closer inspection that its limitations become apparent. There’s just enough panache and manufacturing flair to divert your attention. While multiplayer in some Xbox 360 games felt like an afterthought, with features replicated here, the design redresses this oversight by incorporating essential elements from successful multiplayer experiences. And co-op play offers a uniquely enticing reason to explore an unseen corner of the story that the initial marketing push didn’t fully expose.
Despite some similarities with other games of the time, numerous flaws are still apparent here. The narrative presents a starkly unexamined treatment of its fascist undertones, lacking any semblance of curiosity or introspection regarding its thematic implications. In reality, an outsider might reasonably infer that Area Marines are the protagonists of this tale, given their prominent depiction. Despite its narrative hurdles, Area Marine 2’s core gameplay is occasionally solid, lacking significant encounter design and mechanical ingenuity. There’s first-rate selection, though you might have wanted just a little more.
While the game’s nostalgic value remains consistent with its predecessor, it still provides ample opportunities for innovation and creative exploration. The cliffhanger ending of a captivating series often propels fans to eagerly await the next installment, fostering an insatiable desire for closure and resolution. Consider all the expansion! I fervently wish that it won’t take another 13 years for its re-emergence.
