VGChartz’s Lee Mehr: “The next leg in our Game of the Year journey is an interesting one. While not as prominent a role as it once was, there’s a curious elasticity to the adventure genre’s definition that occasionally leads to breakout successes. Point ‘n clicks have less pull today, but previous winners like 2023’s DREDGE and 2022’s Stray incorporate little nuances that’ve garnered extra interest outside of this modest adventure game enthusiast clique. The genre’s inherent flexibility also tends to result in more eclectic options – be it in mechanics, aesthetics, and/or tone. If 2024’s Best Shooter list had a theme towards consistency, 2024’s Best Adventure Game finalists are the inverse.
Moreso than variety in protagonists, gameplay, and more, our top four also make site history in representing four different countries: USA, China, Poland, and Japan. From taking control of a cat in a big city to a smoking gumshoe solving a conspiracy in 24th-century New York City, few other genres can surprise you like this. Without further ado, let’s look at our finalists.”