Last year, we reviewed over 100 video games — everything from quirky indie gems to jaw-dropping AAA blockbusters. It was an amazing year for gaming, but now it’s time to spotlight the best of the best. Grab a snack, get cosy, and let’s dive into our top five games of 2024 — the ones that made our eyes turn red and controllers go flat.
5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle took many of us by surprise, ending up being one of the greatest first-person action-adventures games in recent years. Staring Troy Baker (The Last of Us) as the beloved Indiana Jones, MachineGames and Todd Howard have set the bar high for the future of the genre. This late entry to the year has earned it’s spot.
Here’s what the team had to say.
Elly: “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle flawlessly captures the spirit of the franchise. With meticulous attention to detail, including Indy’s iconic personality, the game stands out as a true gem. Centred on the real-world pseudo-archaeological “Great Circle” theory, its story masterfully weaves history, mythology, and conspiracy into a perfectly balanced adventure.”
Fish: “Not only is ‘The Great Circle’ a great game, but it legitimately feels like you’ve picked up the whip and are now Indiana Jones himself. The whole experience of this game is worthy of being another instalment in the movie franchise, rather than just a spin off, and the thing that excites me the most is this could mean endless Indy adventures for years to come.”
You can read our full review here: Review | Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PC)
4. Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 was the game we never knew we needed until it was there. Since its launch in February 2024, Arrowhead Game Studios has refined Helldivers 2 into a classic shooter filled with epic hilarity. This game deservingly takes out number four on our list.
Here’s what the troops had to say.
Jules: “Helldivers 2 blew my face off — not literally, but in an ‘how-is-this-happening-and-why-is-it-so-incredible?’ kind of way — it’s one of the best online co-op games I’ve ever played. From the moment my drop pod embedded itself into the planet’s surface and my Helldiver emerged, I was completely absorbed by the chaotic violence and patriotic satire.”
Tom: “Helldivers 2 offers the ultimate experience in chaotic camaraderie, all in the name of satirical patriotic duty. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of teamkilling my editor in the heat of battle in the name of freedom and intergalactic democracy. For Super Earth!!”
You can read our full review here: Review | Helldivers 2 ‘Explosive and Incredible Game Design’ (PS5)
3. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Square Enix went all in with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, opening the door to a fresh and exhilarating world. This game stands out brilliantly in the JRPG landscape — and to think, it’s only the second entry in a trilogy. It’s more than earned its spot on this list.
Here’s what the team had to say.
Shaun: “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers dopamine hit after dopamine hit with its gripping story, thrilling combat, stellar soundtrack, and utterly fantastic mini-games. I almost cried upon seeing the Gold Saucer for the first time — the Disneyland-like adventure park was everything I’d imagined when playing the original FF7 as a kid. This melodramatic, comedic, and heartfelt nostalgia trip is a must play game.”
Nathanael: “If Final Fantasy VII Remake was a proof of concept, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is that concept blown up to Mako Reactor levels. It’s bigger and better in every way, and from the soaring soundtrack to the lights of the Gold Saucer, it does what every remake sets out to do – it looks and feels exactly like what my 1997 memories tell me Final Fantasy VII was.”
You can read our full review here: Review | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PlayStation 5)
2. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Taking out second place is The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, giving players the chance to step into the shoes of Princess Zelda in a standalone title. With breathtaking exploration and a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, it solidifies its place on our list.
Here’s what the team conjured up.
Rose: “She is beauty, she is grace. She will summon a Moblin to spear your face. Zelda is the strong female protagonist this franchise needed. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic formula of the Zelda franchise, but the chance for another main character to shine is always welcome. Claps for Nintendo! They crushed it with this one.”
Dan: “I couldn’t believe it when Nintendo announced a new, 2.5D Zelda game last year — the first in 11 years. Marking a modern return to the series’ roots, it offered a nostalgic top-down adventure with Princess Zelda as the protagonist. All the familiar puzzle-solving and dungeon-crawling mechanics were there, but it was the small surprises like summoning echoes and uncovering heartfelt stories that made it truly shine. This is the princess’s well-deserved moment in the spotlight.”
You can read our full review here: Review | The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Switch)
1. Astro Bot
There’s absolutely no surprises here. Astro Bot takes the top spot by a huge margin. Congratulations to Team Asobi on creating such a phenomenal video game. They set the bar high for future platformer developers, taking the PlayStation DualSense controller to another level.
Here’s what the team had to say about our GAME OF THE YEAR.
Jules: “There are few games that manage to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, but Astro Bot pulls it off effortlessly. From the moment you take control of the shiny little robot, you’re thrust into a world that feels both familiar and brand new. It’s a celebration of PlayStation’s past, while pushing the boundaries of what modern platformers can achieve.” (Excerpt taken from our review in September.)
Alex: “The perfect game doesn’t exist, well, that’s true, but Astro Bot comes pretty close! Astro Bot has to be one of the best platformers I’ve ever played. It’s fun, immersive, and an ode to PlayStation icons. Each level is consistent in creativity yet fresh with new ideas, making it a real treat to play.”
Sonia: “Astro Bot embodies everything I love about games: it was fun, had a simple yet touching story, and I could enjoy it solo, but had just as much fun playing with my partner. Despite being a single player game, it’s one of those I wanted to share because it was so amazing. Seeing the little nods to Sony’s amazing franchises ultimately brought it all together. Who didn’t love Kratos Astro Bot?!”
You can read the full QD review here: Review | Astro Bot ‘Bloody Spectacular’ (PlayStation 5)
Thank you to all of our readers for a spectacular 2024. We can’t wait to see what games await us — and you — in 2025.
