I’m going to cut straight to the point: 2024 has been a phenomenal year for gaming so far. As the end of 2024 approaches, a diverse selection of Game of the Year (GOTY) features will be published throughout this week and into early 2025: each member of our writing team at VG247 has crafted three pieces – one highlighting our chosen GOTY, another spotlighting an underappreciated gem from the past year, and finally, one anticipating exciting developments in the coming year.
Despite some progress, we’re currently paying the price for residing in a state of perpetual crisis. Many territories experiencing a surge in video game players are witnessing stagnant wages amidst rising living costs. Video games have become increasingly expensive, with prices continuing to rise.
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We’ve asked each member of our team to reflect on an activity or project they’re currently involved with that doesn’t necessarily date back to this year, but has significance nonetheless. As adults grow older, many individuals have opted to indulge in video games they previously purchased at a budget-friendly rate due to their advancing years, or download them as part of a subscription service since writers have more flexible licensing options when showcasing the games’ mature themes.
It’s essential to acknowledge that some individuals may struggle with the financial burden of purchasing a new game every month, often priced at over $70, making it difficult for those on a limited budget to enjoy the latest releases. Here is the rewritten text:
The following is a summary of VG247’s activities up to this point.
James Billcliffe remains actively involved with Frogwares.
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This year, my go-to playstyle has been Frogwares, consistently delivering engaging experiences.
The PlayStation Store frequently offers bundles featuring The Sinking City, Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One, and Sherlock Holmes: Come Forth, at an unbeatable price during sales events. A cinematic experience that spans around 60-ish hours of suave sophistication, meticulous inquiry, and pulse-pounding suspense.
What’s the best way to combine iconic characters like Cthulhu and Sherlock Holmes? It’s an intriguing prospect, really.
Frogwares’ video games boast an almost flawless concept, marrying atmospheric role-playing and exploration in a delightfully cozy blend that’s hard to resist, despite the intended spookiness. Here is the rewritten text:
Vintage video games boast a unique charm, delivering vivid visuals, stunning effects, and an unforgettable experience that’s just as engaging despite technical limitations compared to bigger-budget titles.
As new features and enhancements arrive with each re-release, I recommend exploring them in launch order, starting with a splash in the immersive open-world setting of The Sinking City, where a charismatic orangutan aristocrat greets you at the dock, and things only become increasingly surreal from there.
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One’s sequel is a treat that boasts an impressively intricate open world and numerous captivating, brain-teasing puzzles to unravel; whereas the bite-sized Sherlock Holmes: The Wake Up proves the perfect closer, offering the most streamlined and stylish entry in the series. Will you be able to solve the enigmatic cases?
Dom Peppiatt remains deeply immersed in the world of Inscryption.
I recently completed binge-watching the impressive anthology series “Rivals” on Disney+, which left a lasting impression as one of my top television experiences of the year. The film’s lack of popularity isn’t solely attributed to its explicit sexual content, nor is it due to Aiden Turner’s dedicated portrayal of an Irish poet-souled lead character. No. As a result of the show’s unpredictable narrative structure, I found myself enthralled by the uncertainty that surrounded each episode’s outcome, unable to accurately forecast what would transpire in any given scene or plot twist. The present playfully upends conventions, effortlessly turning familiar norms on their head.
Without warning, Inscription defies expectations, initially presenting as an unconventional hostage situation in a secluded log cabin centered around a mysterious card game, only to gradually uncover a far more complex narrative beneath the surface. The sport was a bewildering spectacle, defying logic and reason at every turn, leaving me utterly perplexed. As I immersed myself in the game, barely 60 minutes passed before a sudden ‘what’ slipped out of my mouth, accompanied by an uncontrollable grin that spread across my face like a beaming Labrador’s.
Without giving away too much about the intricate details of Inscryption, I can confidently say that it’s a thought-provoking and captivating experience that has left me thoroughly enthralled. Many years, perhaps. In this enigmatic card-based journey, a curious blend of deck-building and escape-room tension converges with the unsettling ambiance of Stanford’s infamous prisoner experiment.
Daniel Mullins, known for his work on Pony Island and The Hex, has arguably outdone himself with this game, leaving me regretful that I didn’t experience it sooner, upon its 2021 release. I’m thrilled to have this game available on both PlayStation 4 and 5, and even more so with the added convenience of being accessible through my PS+ subscription.
Connor Mackay participates in Buckshot Roulette.
Over the past year, I’ve devoted ample time to engaging in various multiplayer games with close friends via Discord, reviving an exceptional indie title that brought me immense joy during previous playthroughs. You’ve probably already seen Buckshot Roulette! In this gritty, high-stakes interpretation of the classic Russian roulette, players take a thrilling plunge into a simulated game of chance and survival, where the ultimate goal is to seize the prize while risking everything. That’s a valuable skill set. In September, the renowned game developer Mike Klubnika released a highly anticipated multiplayer update. When I stumble upon a recreation that charms me immediately, I find it delightful. Can it win my heart again once more? This thought-provoking insight deserves a prominent place within well-crafted articles that delve into the complexities of human experience.
Kelsey Raynor’s ongoing involvement with Stardew Valley remains a notable aspect of her endeavors.
While the gaming world has seen an abundance of excellent titles in 2024, I’ve found myself revisiting and indulging in a few exceptional releases from prior years throughout my leisure time thus far. Particularly, Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley, initially released in 2016, has seen a steady stream of updates ever since its debut, rendering my assessment from that time no longer applicable. Earlier this year, developer ConcernedApe released the 1.6 update for the game. As enthusiasm for Haunted Chocolatier waxes and wanes, fans of Stardew Valley – including yours truly – find it impossible to resist the game’s charms, leaving ConcernedApe struggling to extricate himself from its grasp after mere minutes? I couldn’t fault his enthusiasm; consequently, upon the release to consoles, I embarked on another playthrough of the game.
I’ve lost count of the number of farms I started and abandoned since the Community Hub was established. This time around, I’ve made the decision to focus on achieving perfection on my current save. Please check back with me next year to see if I’m closer to reaching that goal, as it’s likely to take that long.
While I’ve been revisiting Pelican City, my friends have simultaneously toiled in the mines and scoured the land with a sense of urgency as if their very survival depended on it. Regularly evaluating our progress, whether celebrating small victories or reflecting on challenges, has helped make an otherwise chaotic year more manageable by acknowledging the little triumphs that bring us joy and momentum. I’ve developed a profound affection for Stardew Valley, the charming community that ConcernedApe has skillfully cultivated, and I’m eager to share my enthusiasm with friends.
Rebecca Jones remains a key participant in the evolving universe of Honkai: Star Rail 2.0.
Can’t you accurately describe Honkai: Star Rail as a vintage treasure that got overshadowed at launch, only to become another highly lucrative gacha title for miHoYo within 18 months? Here’s a professional editor’s improved version of the text:
As we reflect on the video games that have already been released and hold dear, it’s undeniable that Honkai: Star Rail has exceeded my expectations this year, particularly with its stellar 2.0 update in February, which has proven to be the perfect match for me. As the Penacony chapter whisked the Astral Specific crew away, they found themselves transported alongside the silver rail to their next destination – a lavish diplomatic retreat nestled within the opulent confines of a faux-Jazz Age dreamland theme park, its façade hiding a sinister underbelly that would soon be revealed.
While the original High-Speed Racing (HSR) 1.0 was an impressive debut, the latest storyline boasts a significant step forward in terms of refinement, making it an even more compelling experience for fans like myself who eagerly await each new installment. The mere quality of the experience left me unfazed by the lack of additional hints about March seventh’s true identity; however, should my amnesiac daughter finally receive her well-earned narrative resolution in January with the launch of version 3.0, I would find it a truly pleasing outcome.
Mark Warren’s continued involvement in Elden Ring.
Psst. While I’m hesitant to reveal 2024’s plans without further investigation, I’ve stumbled upon an intriguing clue that may shed some light on their intentions. It’s a giant one. While it’s unlikely that you could pinpoint this aspect solely by visiting a website’s homepage in July? Not long after I got here, everything was understood. I experienced Elden Ring for the first time this year. Here is the rewritten text:
I’m ashamed to admit that I exploited a cheat to grant myself godlike powers because I’m a coward, wimp, and weakling who doesn’t deserve your attention or consideration.
Though I’d just finished playing, I still felt I’d gained insight into Elden Ring’s greatness, as claimed by colleagues and others – even if Malenia’s brutal challenge wasn’t exactly my cup of tea? I’ve finally had the opportunity to try out Fallout 76, as well as dive into the Katamari series through its remastered versions. The complexity of hoarding issues remains unclear. Okay, it’s Katamari.
Sherif Saed is still diving into the depths of… Diablo 4.
As an aficionado of action RPGs, I’m drawn to their carefree nature. For gamers who crave a sense of accomplishment, the thrill of defeating demons and monsters can be addictive. When the rush of dopamine from energy boosts and merchandise rewards is consistent, you’ll find yourself seeking out opportunities to engage in whichever game style delivers this experience – and likely won’t be able to stop talking about it? As the dust settled around its 2023 launch, Diablo 4 left an indelible mark, successfully fulfilling expectations from both camps: the fans eagerly awaiting a worthy successor and those skeptical about meeting the hype. This masterclass performance not only piqued my curiosity but also sustained it throughout that pivotal year.
Diablo 4 kicked off 2024 on a bitterly disappointing note, its worst season yet. With months having passed since the initial post-launch growth slowed, it was unsettling to witness our beloved action RPG’s momentum fizzle out prematurely in the year. Despite internal turmoil that may have unfolded at Blizzard in 2024, the company remains responsible for some of the most remarkable content the game has ever witnessed thus far. The primary focus of most efforts has been centered on crafting a persuasive argument for the eventual outcome. Blizzard significantly revamped the entire looting and itemization system, and then proceeded to revolutionize their leveling framework in a fundamental way. As seasons evolve, a fresh endgame challenge emerges: a powerful new boss to conquer for coveted rewards or long-awaited quality-of-life enhancements that harmonize with the game’s perpetual growth.
In a surprising twist, the unpaid contributions have had a disproportionate influence on the game’s foundation compared to the sponsored developments. A vessel of hatred that has lost its fervor? Nonetheless, my interest is lukewarm at best. Based on the quality and amount of content delivered, this is a substantial improvement. The introduction of the Spiritborn class offers an unprecedented level of enjoyment, setting it apart from the other classes in unique and exciting ways. The brand-new zone boasts delightful enemies, fresh endgame activities, and indeed, a novel landmass to explore at one’s leisure. Despite the narrative’s promise, this episode remains the most cringe-worthy and underwhelming experience in the entire Diablo series. A stark, precipitous decline in literary quality is readily apparent. The marketing campaign falls short of effectively conveying a sense of urgency and spinning a narrative that resonates with the target audience.
While I’ve taken issue with certain aspects of Diablo 4, the considerable effort invested in the game’s development allowed me to complete nearly all of this year’s battle passes, progress most heroes to the endgame, and discover innovative ways to enjoy my beloved action RPG. Here’s to embarking on another year of crafting fresh characters and relishing the thrill of creative discovery, all while staying in top shape with the familiar rhythm of the treadmill.
Alex Donaldson remains engrossed in the urban planning and management of… Cities: Skylines.
Despite Cities: Skylines’ promise-filled arrival in October last year, I’ll be kind and say it was a significant disappointment – rather than the outright disaster it truly was.
During the pre-release window, I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the issues at hand, participating in the game for a limited time on a state-of-the-art setup; yet, I recognized that this was an ambitious project striving for a profoundly intricate level of simulation that pushed even high-performance CPUs to their limits and tested the mettle of PCs – while I saw its potential as a mission that will be played out over the next fifteen years, not just the next two.
As soon as Skylines 2 entered players’ hands, however, it quickly became apparent that this wasn’t just a case of teething troubles – but rather a comprehensive collapse in the game’s fundamental mechanics. The teeth have been straightened. While it’s likely you’ll think I’m pushing the dental analogy to an absurd degree, rest assured that this is a genuine issue – one of several that were crippling the game and causing PCs to melt: the fact that SimCity 4 rendered NPCs’ teeth in graphical elements even when the camera was zoomed out by miles.
2024 has thus far been a year of apologies and improvement. Paradox Interactive’s 2024 has been marked by a substantial dose of humility, necessitating a truckload of patches, complimentary downloadable content, and an indefinite postponement of console releases for Cities: Skylines 2. Slowly but surely, the PC launch has become increasingly reliable and user-friendly. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated a substantial amount of time to this endeavor – a total of more than 150 hours just this year alone. It’s likely that this highly competitive game is being driven primarily by Road Fighter 6 and Balatro.
Video games should never debut in a catastrophic state, and Paradox rightfully earned the criticism it faced for the initial release of Cities: Skylines 2, which left players reeling from its numerous flaws and shortcomings. Despite its flaws, the game is slowly but surely inching towards fulfilling its potential as a worthy successor to a beloved city-building franchise. I will continue to verify this every few months in 2025.
