Video games have played a major part in our lives, much like the film and music industry, thrusting us into experiences like never before. Whether you’re whipping your way against enemies in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle or reminiscing the past of the greatest games you’ve played in Astro Bot, there is always a game for everybody.
2024 wasn’t just a year full of exciting games, it’s also been a difficult time for game developers and the gaming media. Layoffs were rampant in the industry. With studios like Firewalk Studios’ closure and developers leaving the door from Xbox Game Studios, to add journalists getting laid off because of Google’s unnerving Helpful Content Update that obliterated most smaller sites like ours, wiping us off the Search Results in favor of AI-driven parasite SEO sites and huge brands leeching off with their site reputation; last year was tragic for most of us, however, video games have been there for us, providing us solace in hard times to keep us sane and happy, creating unforgettable moments with friends.
It was a year when everyone stood up against corporate greed, showing us that we matter as a community. The heartfelt speech from Larian Studios’ CEO Swen Johan Vincke resonated with all game developers and consumers alike. “They were driven by idealism, and wanted players to have fun. They realized that if the developers didn’t have fun, nobody was going to have any fun,” said Vincke. “They understood the value of respect. That, if they treated their developers and players well, those same developers and players would forgive them when things didn’t go as planned.”
If you are wondering what our criteria for picking the games in our Best of 2024 is, it’s fairly simple: fun. Yes, despite if the game is a low-key indie title that no one knows or even if it’s a game that wasn’t critically received well, as long as it was an entertaining game that hooked us from start to finish, that will be our pick. Remember, these games are based on what my team has chosen as their best game of 2024.
Here is the Sirus Gaming team’s personal Best of 2024 in video games:
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Aside from being the culmination of all the best aspects of Shin Megami Tensei and Persona games, Metaphor: ReFantazio is Atlus’ fresh take on the high fantasy RPG. Atlus nailed almost every possible aspect of the game such as its grand music, immersive storytelling, and well-designed UI. — Noel “Mon” Lontoc
Clock Tower: Rewind
As a guy who loves watching horror flicks, I found Clock Tower: Rewind quite a lovely experience that mixed two Dario Argento films I like — Phenomena and Suspiria. The blood-pumping intensity when Scissorman appears, the eerie silence whenever you cross the dark and silent hallways of the Barrows Mansion combined with the creeping dread that goes up your spine as you learn about the in-game lore is a great experience that left me sighing in relief once I finished it. — Fredo Remigio
Indika
My earliest memory of my grandmother is of her dragging her knees from the entrance of the church all the way to the altar, a rosary clutched tightly in her hand. That image has stayed with me—a symbol of devotion, struggle, and faith all wrapped into one.
That memory resurfaced while playing Indika. Throughout her journey—her adventure, or perhaps her ordeal—Indika also clings to a rosary. Much like my grandmother, her connection to it feels more profound than just a symbol of faith; it becomes a representation of the questions, doubts, and burdens she carries.
I’ve always been fascinated by artistic works that reimagine religious characters and themes, pushing us to see them in new, often unconventional ways. Whether it’s The Da Vinci Code and its provocative ideas about the bloodline of Christ, the gamification of biblical figures like Magdalene and Judas in The Binding of Isaac, or the irreverent yet moving exploration of faith in Jesus Christ Superstar, these stories challenge the boundaries of how we think about religion.
Indika is no exception—it brings an entirely fresh perspective to faith and belief.
(Spoilers ahead!) The story centers on Indika, a nun whose faith is deeply shaken. She believes she communicates with the devil, a conviction that leaves her questioning everything she once held true. By chance, she encounters a prisoner who believes he speaks with God. Their contrasting beliefs and their strange journey together form the heart of the narrative.
The world they travel through is both bizarre and enchanting. It’s a blend of the quirky and the whimsical, reflected perfectly in the gameplay. Primarily third-person, the game surprises you with sudden switches to retro 16-bit style, capturing the surreal, dreamlike tone of their adventure.
What truly sets Indika apart, though, is the dynamic between its two protagonists. Their conversations about faith, doubt, and purpose are raw and thought-provoking, forcing you to reflect on your own ideas of belief. It’s this interplay that makes the game unforgettable.
For me, Indika is more than just a game—it’s an experience. It’s my game of the year and one that I constantly think about to this day, even as I drag my knees across this church floor. — Kurt John Palomaria
Silent Hill 2 (2024)
One of the best horror games in recent memory. Adapts the old game perfectly to the modern era. Even when met with skepticism and general dismissal from the crowd, the Bloober team manages to deliver.
I was one of the doubters, having played the previous works from the developers and found to be somewhat mediocre. However, I’m glad to be proven wrong. Bloober not only nails the atmosphere but does justice to the original game while adding new mechanics that only enhance the overall experience. This is a must-own for fans of survival horror.
Not only that, but the success of 2024’s Silent Hill 2 may promise the revival of the franchise. This remake may have been what we needed to breathe some life into this one legendary franchise. I’m glad to have reviewed this game and you can read it here. — Jarren Navarrete
Balatro
I just can’t get enough of the game ever since I got it. Sometimes I even daydream, thinking of the best strategies to win the game. I loved it so much I bought it on both PS5 and mobile! — Leif Rey Bornales
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 exploded on the scene and captivated audiences with its incredibly fun gameplay and intriguing setting. It took the devs over at Arrowhead Studios nearly 8 years to develop the game, and unlike many other titles stuck in development hell, it did not crash and burn on launch. Instead, it found a dedicated audience willing to support it through thick and thin. And I am fortunate enough to be counted as one of these Helldivers.
Like many gamers, I was only vaguely aware of the Helldivers’ existence in PlayStation’s extensive library of games. I knew it was a fun little isometric shooter that garnered a small following. Little did I know that this seemingly niche franchise would explode into a cultural phenomenon not seen in quite some time. The satire reminded me of the beginnings of Warhammer 40k and even Starship Troopers, the franchise it is most associated with. Almost overnight, patriotic catchphrases and Ministry of Truth propaganda ran rampant within the community. I couldn’t help but role-play inside the game and out without a second thought. It also helped that almost everyone in my friend group felt the same way.
I can’t give Arrowhead Studios enough credit for this gem of a game. Their devotion to the lore and setting is part of their strict adherence to their design philosophy. More importantly, the studio managed to bounce back after a full year of controversy and growing pains. With all that behind them, the team can hopefully focus on giving us Divers a year of great content and meaningful crossovers. (Fingers crossed.) — Erickson Melchor
Star Wars Outlaws
Despite Ubisoft’s recent controversies surrounding the upcoming Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars Outlaws was a breath of fresh air. There are no Force-wielders, no lightsabers, just a pure space adventure across the galaxy with your adorable merqaal and a broody war veteran droid. The sense of adventure you get in Outlaws is second to none, you’re always on the lookout for every Star Wars easter egg.
Outlaws might not innovate the open-world genre nor gameplay in any sense, but if you open your mind and heart to the game, you’ll find how some aspects of Outlaws can be lighthearted yet serious at the same time, giving you an incredible experience. It’s also worth praising the superb performance of Humberly González (Kay Vess) and Jay Rincon (ND-5). As the wise Qui-Gon Jinn said, “Your focus determines your reality.” Focus on what makes the game enjoyable, you will surely have fun. — Lexuzze Tablante
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
A memorable game that brings out the last adventure of Kiryu and brings a whole new chapter to the Like A Dragon Series. I am glad to play this game as it is filled with unexpected moments and plot twists that I never saw coming. — Conrad Huang
Astro Bot
Never doubt the new adorable mascot of the PlayStation brand. First introduced on the PS4 as an augmented reality experience titled The Playroom, Astro Bot is essentially its first major release for the franchise. It’s an incredibly fun platformer adventure experience on the PS5 that everyone in your household can play.
I remember the time when my daughter got excited to learn that Astro Bot was coming to the PS5. She was so happy that she kept asking me if I could buy her a PS5. Since she did well in school, standing proud as the first honor in her class, as a proud father, I gave her one.
The PS5 was my daughter’s first-ever console and Astro Bot is her first game on the PS5. With a matching Astro Bot-themed DualSense controller in her hands, the joy I saw on her face while she was playing the game was priceless.
The fond memories Astro Bot gave me are irreplaceable, much like the nostalgia it gave throughout its amazing level design, brimming with video game gems that reminded me of why I fell in love with games in the first place. — Lexuzze Tablante
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred
Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred deserves a spot in our best of 2024 because of its story, which can resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of responsibility. Neyrelle’s journey is very symbolic for players who understand what it means to carry a burden for the greater good. Her choices remind us of the heavy decisions we make in our lives, often for the benefit of others, even when it feels like the world doesn’t see or acknowledge the sacrifice.
If you are someone who struggles to balance family, work, and personal dreams, Neyrelle’s story mirrors real-life challenges. Her resilience and growth as she fights alongside your character in the hostile world of Sanctuary highlight how strength isn’t about avoiding problems but learning to endure, and sharing your burdens with people whom you trust. — Kimberly Mae Tablante
