I’m a soulslike guy, and my last year’s GOTY list was packed with incredible games from the genre. While 2024 didn’t deliver as many as I’d hoped, there were still a few that scratched that familiar itch.
That’s not to say I don’t enjoy other types of games, though. This year, my list ended up being more varied, and I’ve had a blast playing everything on it. There’s a good chance you’ll recognize the titles here, but if you don’t, consider this your sign to give them a shot.
And hey, since everyone at TheGamer’s Editorial team seems to think their list is the best, feel free to check theirs out – just make sure you finish mine first. Priorities, right?
10
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Playing Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is all about embracing pure, chaotic fun. There’s nothing quite like facing down hordes of enemies as a hulking, armor-clad warrior armed with a chainsaw blade and a gun, shouting, “For the Emperor!”
It’s the kind of over-the-top action that never stops being satisfying.
9
Palworld
Not exactly my usual type of game, but Palworld was one of the most talked-about releases of the year, so I had to give it a shot. As someone who never really got into Pokemon – yes, I said it, I grew up with Disney, Kingdom Hearts, and Final Fantasy – Palworld was refreshing, chaotic, funny, hilarious, and an absolute blast to play.
8
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
I’m not exactly thrilled that the remake of the original Final Fantasy 7 has been split into three parts, but I still can’t deny how much I enjoy it.
It’s just so good that I keep playing and replaying it. I mean, who can ever get enough of Cloud and Sephiroth? Not me!
7
Black Myth: Wukong
I was beyond excited for Black Myth: Wukong, and while it did disappoint in some areas, I’m not going to pretend I didn’t sink 100 hours into it.
I’ve got a serious soft spot for any soulslike game, and playing as a staff-wielding monkey was undeniably fun. It may not have been perfect, but it still gave me plenty of good boss fights to remember.
6
Stellar Blade
I didn’t know what to expect when I first got my hands on Stellar Blade, but it clicked – and that’s what mattered most. The combat was incredible, flashy, fast-paced, varied, and – thank god – it wasn’t one of those overly long games filled with pointless quests and unnecessary fluff.
It was short, it was focused, and it was satisfying. Stellar Blade delivered exactly what it needed to, and I enjoyed every moment of playing as Eve.
5
Marvel Rivals
I’ll just say it: a possible Overwatch killer. It’s better in so many ways, and it’s hard not to love it.
(Yes, I still play Overwatch.)
4
Dragon’s Dogma 2
The Sphinx, that’s all.
3
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden
I’ve never played a game quite like Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden, where you control two characters whose gameplay and story dynamics fit so seamlessly together. Red and Antea’s chemistry was the heart of the experience, and their bond felt so real that it was almost like I was living their story alongside them.
The ability to shape the narrative through every little decision made it all the more impactful and top-notch voice acting added a level of realism that made their journey all the more personal. I may or may not have cried toward the end at their touching love story.
2
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6
Round-based zombies – it’s all I ever wanted from Activision, and Black Ops 6 finally brought it back.
1
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Don’t Turn The Poor Thing Into A God”
I don’t care what anyone says about a DLC not deserving to be nominated for Game of the Year – FromSoftware showed the world what a real DLC should be. Packed with new content, Shadow of the Erdtree felt less like an add-on and more like a continuation of Elden Ring’s legacy. Honestly, it could have stood on its own as a full game. One glance at its massive, varied map, and you’ll see what I mean. Add to that the new bosses, weapons, and characters, and it’s nothing short of exceptional.
FromSoftware has always delivered top-tier DLCs, but with Shadow of the Erdtree, it’s outdone even itself. I wouldn’t be surprised if it took home the Game of the Year award for 2024, and on my list, it’s already earned that title – and deservedly so.