The Game Awards 2024, celebrating excellence in video gaming, has revealed its Game of the Year contenders. This year’s diverse lineup showcases innovative gameplay, storytelling, and creativity:
Astro Bot:
- Release Date: September 6, 2024
- .Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment.
- Developer: Team Asobi.
- Platform: PlayStation 5.
- Rating: ESRB Everyone 10+, PEGI 7.
- Genre: Action-platformer.
Ratings:
- IGN: 9.0/10
- GameSpot: 8.5/10
- OpenCritic: 88/100
- Metacritic: 89/100
Gameplay Highlights:
The game features over 80 levels across six galaxies, utilizing the PS5’s DualSense controller for immersive gameplay through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Players control Astro as he embarks on a space adventure filled with creative mechanics and challenges.
Balatro:
- Release Date: August 7, 2024
- Publisher: Playstack
- Developer: Solo developer known as “LocalThunk”
- Platform: Released on PC, PS5, and PS4
- Genre: Roguelike deckbuilder with a unique poker-based twist
Ratings:
- IGN: 9.5/10
- Game Informer: 9.0/10
- OpenCritic: 91/100
- Metacritic: 90/100
Gameplay:
Combines deck-building mechanics with poker hand strategies, offering a mix of strategic and chance-based gameplay. Players can level up cards, add modifiers, and deal with various in-game “joker” cards that alter outcomes Includes intense “Boss Blinds” introducing unique challenges, such as limited hands or debuffs
Black Myth: Wukong:
- Release Date: August 20, 2024
- Publisher/Developer: Game Science
- Genre: Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG)
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Ratings:
- IGN: 8.5/10
- GameSpot: 8.0/10
- OpenCritic: 85/100
- Metacritic: 84/100
Gameplay Highlights:
- Combat System: It integrates magical abilities and transformations, such as turning into beasts or using powerful spells. The combat is accessible, blending action with strategy and creativity.
- Storytelling: Features a mix of cinematic cutscenes and cryptic environmental storytelling. Each chapter concludes with stylized animations.
- Exploration: Players traverse varied environments, including forests, deserts, snowy peaks, and ancient temples, blending open exploration with challenging encounters
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (DLC):
- Release Date: June 21, 2024.
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment.
- Developer: FromSoftware.
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
- Genre: Action RPG.
- Ratings: Mature (M) by ESRB; PEGI 16.
Ratings:
- IGN: 9.0/10
- Game Informer: 9.2/10
- OpenCritic: 92/100
- Metacritic: 91/100
Key Features:
- New Area: The “Land of Shadow,” featuring areas like the Abyssal Woods and Shadow Realm.
- Enhanced Combat: New hand-to-hand arts and abilities inspired by Sekiro.
- Boss Fights: Iconic enemies such as Messmer the Impaler.
- Customization: New talismans, incantations, and equipment.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth:
- Release Date: February 29, 2024
- Developer and Publisher: Square Enix
- Platform: Exclusive to PlayStation 5
- Genre: Action RPG
- Rating: T for Teen (content includes mild language, blood, violence, and suggestive themes).
Ratings:
- IGN: 9.4/10
- GameSpot: 9.2/10O
- penCritic: 93/100
- Metacritic: 92/100
Gameplay and Features:
This is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, continuing the story from Final Fantasy VII Remake. It features an expansive world, fast-paced combat, and cinematic storytelling. Players control a diverse group of characters, including Cloud Strife and his allies, as they confront Sephiroth and explore the mysteries of their world.
Metaphor: ReFantazio:
- Release Date: October 11, 2024.
- Publisher/Developer: Atlus (under Sega).
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Steam).
- Rating: Teen (ESRB
Ratings:
- IGN: 9.0/10
- Game Informer: 8.8/10
- OpenCritic: 89/100
- Metacritic: 88/100
Gameplay:
The game offers a mix of turn-based combat and real-time elements, with a focus on character customization through “Archetype” powers. Players can explore a vast, immersive world on a vehicle called the “Gauntlet Runner,” engage in dungeon crawling, and manage relationships with allies to enhance their virtues. Time management plays a crucial role as players balance exploration and social interaction.