Game of the Year 2024

20 Helldivers 2 PC, PS5

Dom:

The brilliance of Helldivers 2 goes beyond its rock-solid mechanics, blending the satirical spirit of Starship Troopers along with its enemies, plus throw in some Terminator-inspired machines and the recently added zombies voteless to make up its foes. Each one feels different to fight against, which adds to the game’s combination of tactical gunplay, chaotic slapstick moments, and the use of stratagems that help support the team through summoning assists such as orbital strikes, mechs and automated turrets. This helps make every mission feel explosively entertaining.

The living galaxy, with its dynamic flow of galactic control, adds a layer of accomplishment for my squad as that feels like we are supporting the rest of the game’s players, which is something rarely seen in multiplayer games. While there has been some disappointing decisions, such as the whole PSN fiasco, Arrowhead has listened to players over the year and has reverted decisions or has been able to refine the game with updates that play to its core strengths. Whether liberating worlds with overwhelming firepower or laughing over voice comms after blowing up a friend into bloody chunks when they move in front of shotgun friendly fire, Helldivers 2 is always a pleasure to play and has this sense of comedic brotherhood.

19 Crypt Custodian PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch

Ian:

Cute, moody, and full of action, Crypt Custodian is a cat. Well, it’s about a cat, anyway – one that has used up all nine lives and has found themself in the not-so-cool part of the afterlife. After getting the short end of the broomstick, they make it their mission to clean up the place in hopes of helping the other lovely inhabitants you’ll run into and finding some justice after a wholly unfair trial has them banished from paradise. With engaging yet simple combat, an assortment of interesting abilities to master, and challenges for both the thinkers and the fighters – you’ll quickly lose yourself in this labyrinth of little buddies and big baddies. Not only that, but the artwork is positively stunning and the writing so sincere that I had to throttle the odd tear from nothing more than a couple of collectible images that tell stories better than most other games can do with extensive runtimes, AAA graphics, and billions of dollars in funding. I think you’d be hard pressed to find anybody who wouldn’t click with this gem – unless they’re a big mean frog, of course.

18 Children of the Sun PC

Ian:

What do you get if you cross Sniper Elite and a puzzle game? No, that’s not a joke from a gaming-themed Christmas cracker – it’s Children of the Sun! Given only one bullet per level (and a good amount of murder-powered telekinesis) it’s up to the player to map out the best path to wipe out an entire stage of inhuman cultists that it is so cathartic to explode the heads of you, may wonder if something is wrong with you. The mix of first discovering all of the targets and testing a decent route through them, with the skill of making the shots as quickly and effectively as you can, in order to better your score for the stage, is so simple yet so potent. Build on that with explosives, shields, abilities to change bullet trajectory allowing for much larger stages and awkward labyrinths to master the navigation of and it’s easy to see how this one-sitting revenge story is so effortlessly captivating.

17 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PC, Xbox Series X/S

Dom:

When it comes to licensed games, the key is to truly capture the spirit of the original material. Imagine if Indiana Jones turned into a game about teaching history to kids, I do not think anyone would care. Thankfully, MachineGames has not done that. In fact, after the recent poor reception of the last two Indiana Jones films, the studio has revitalised the franchise with this impressive video game.

The heart of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle lies in its ability to capture the soul of the Indiana Jones films. Troy Baker might have seemed like a strange selection for some people, as he is such a popular voice actor, but his quality and range shows through the fantastic performance as he captures the humour and magnetism of Harrison Ford through his work. The game manages to hit it home for fans of the films with its call-backs and music that easily makes it better than the last two films. Whether sneaking past guards with a clever distraction, navigating ancient tomb environments with a whip in hand or solving puzzles and avoiding traps, every scenario that MachineGames has set in this game feels true to the source material. Being in first-person and some what less linear than the traditional action-adventure games that this source material inspired (Uncharted, Tomb Raider) gives it a different feel. Also to note is that this is a beautiful game to witness and easily is one of the best looking games of the year.

Released late in 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle nearly missed hitting our top games list, but I am so glad I managed to squeeze it in as it stands tall as not just the best Indiana Jones game ever but one of the strongest contenders for best film license adapted to a video game.

16 Shogun Showdown PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Ian:

Two turns into the demo of this game and I knew I was all in. Simple but deeply strategic gameplay on a macro scale makes it so easy to jump in for a run whenever and it will clench your attention like a vice until you finish. Dashing around your enemies as they slice at the air where you just were, whilst you piece together a perfect selection of attacks to combo a whole squad to death is never not going to make you feel like a genius tactician and badass assassin. As people generally tire of roguelites, I still feel they can be necessary for testing a players mastery of a game’s mechanics as they demand flexibility and command of any odd array of abilities that may have been picked up together. This bite-sized trial is a testament to exactly that. Understanding your enemies and how you can use their strengths against each other, or take advantage of their openings, is vital, much like a 2D Fights in Tight Spaces. The difference, however, is just how much more control you have in Shogun Showdown as instead of drawing through a plentiful deck of options, your limited array of abilities are always available – just make sure to consider their cooldowns if you hope to make it very far at all.

15 UFO 50 PC

Ian:

This entry is just straight up cheating because UFO 50 is actually a collection of fifty entire retro-style games, each with their own unique twists, bundled together under the false guise of being made for an 80s gaming machine that never actually existed. And when I say “there’s something for everyone”, I couldn’t mean it any more than I do right now. Not only are there games of pretty much every genre, often blended together in weird and wonderful ways, but there are also competitive and cooperative modes for many of the entries. Growing up with handheld Tetris consoles that boasted “999 Games in 1!”, only to be the exact same game with nearly a thousand levels of difficulty, it’s easy to roll our eyes at hearing such things. More-games-in-one has always meant diluted gameplay or unoriginal designs that even when added together don’t come anywhere close to a regular old one-in-one experience. That is exactly what legendary game developer, Derek Yu (creator of Spelunky, possibly my favourite game ever), aimed to prove wrong when just he and a handful of other team members banded together to tackle the idea. I have been waiting for the game for years and years, ever since it was first announced and I am absolutely loving it. In fact, I am sure the only reason it’s not number one on my list this year is because I’ve only played about 15 of the games! I just can’t help but play each one through to completion. It’s the perfect way to bridge the gap between bigger games and the last thing I’d want to do is rush what I’ve found to be the best fifty-course gaming meal you could imagine.

14 Balatro PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Android, iOS, MacOS

Ian:

Balatro has blown up more than I could have ever imagined. It’s a huge success by every metric and is single-handedly responsible for introducing an incredible influx of new people into the deck-building genre. And though I don’t believe it to be the best deck-building game from this year long-term, it is the title that starts with the biggest bang and does such a good job of rewarding your dumb little monkey brain it makes it almost impossible to pull away from when you first dip your toes in. As I discuss in my review, I do believe it has a shorter lifespan than most similar titles; especially for those already well versed with similar mechanics as the runs can never feel too unique from one another due to the shackles of Poker that bind it at its core. But man, what a rush. It’s like a mix of Slay the Spire and Vampire Survivors as you witness your score skyrocket as your fumbled together combo pops off. It is the perfect introduction and for those that do stick around until the roaring wildfire flickers out, you’ve just been given the gift of an entirely new niche of the gaming world to explore – welcome! Actually, considering this now I think I have a few friends I need to be gifting this game to as a late Christmas present/disguised brain worm.

13  Mullet Madjack PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Dom:

There are a lot of fantastic indie first-person shooters nowadays, some have even previously featured in our Game of the Year list, such as Turbo Overkill in 2023 or our GOTY 2022 winner, Nightmare Reaper, yet the indie scene still surprises. Mullet Madjack isn’t just another indie FPS – it’s a neon-soaked adrenaline rush that spices up the typical first-person shooter with its core loop of move fast, kill faster, and stay alive. The concept is straightforward; 10 seconds to make it through the level to stay alive or die, simple. The idea of keeping your character alive by generating dopamine from stylish kills to add seconds to the death timer to delay it reaching zero might seem inspired by films like Crank, but it is a clever mechanic and is seamlessly integrated into what makes Mullet Madjack so exhilarating; dashing, jumping, kicking, and blasting through enemies to keep that death clock beating in such a high-speed manner. This first-person shooter is one of the most hectic and rapid shooters I have ever played. I swear my eyes melted at points it’s that insane.

Mullet Madjack’s roguelike progression system adds layers of replayability, encouraging players to experiment with different power-ups, weapons and strategies. Whether tackling the 82-floor campaign, diving into the unforgiving Hard and Permadeath modes or taking on Endless Mode, Mullet Madjack keeps players hooked with its fast-paced action. Its visuals are a feast on the eyes with its 80s anime inspired look and cyberpunk setting. Paired with a thumping synthwave music, the game’s audiovisual presentation smacks full of frenetic energy, a perfect combination for a game like this. For its exciting creativity, addictive gameplay loop, and sheer fun factor, Mullet Madjack undoubtedly earns its rightful spot on this year’s Game of the Year list.

12 Tactical Breach Wizards PC

Ian:

By far the funniest game on this list comes from the one and only Tom Francis (and his team), creator of Gunpoint and, as I will never fail to mention, one of my favourite solo card-games, Grid Cannon. I was immediately pulled in by a trailer I saw at a game show years ago and felt like I was going crazy when nobody else seemed to care about the lack of updates on it. That all changed this Summer when a demo suddenly dropped and I jumped right on it. What was originally simple intrigue was instantly transformed into pure hype as I played through the hilarious and gratifying intro. Though I was surprised to see it was more of a puzzle game than the tactical combat-strategy title I had originally thought of it as, what with the ability to rollback actions and incentives for completing objectives such as defeating all enemies by X turn or DEFENESTRATING so many police officers with your awesome supernatural abilities to manipulate time, space, and chain lightning. From there the writing and ever-expanding list of twist mechanics and enemies of the full game only continued to impress and the satisfaction of planning out the perfect turn or two in order to reach seemingly impossible objectives is unrivaled. Tactical Breach Wizards is exactly what it says on the tin. Never before have you played anything like it and nowhere else will you be able to find such an insane ragtag group of magically gifted sociopaths (outside of a great TTRPG campaign, at least).

11 Persona 3 Reload PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

Dom:

Persona 3 marked the inaugural entry of the series on PlayStation 2. It was the baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby of the series’ now iconic social links and high school dynamics intertwined with mature narratives. I always found the setting of Persona 3 fascinating thanks to its heroes’ Personas requiring to be forced out with an Evoker, and the intriguing notion of the Dark Hour—a hidden 25th hour where ominous shadows roam. This unique blend of themes creates a compelling backdrop for the exploration of loss, purpose, and the enduring struggle between hope and despair.

Persona 3 Reload revisits these profound themes while revitalising the original experience with enhancements, such as more story and gameplay mechanics. The remake boasts a stunning visual upgrade powered by Unreal Engine 4, elevating the anime-inspired aesthetics, environments, and character designs to the best the series has seen. Additionally, the reimagined soundtrack skilfully remixes the beloved original tunes, ensuring they remain top tier and as head noddingly catchy. Persona 3 Reload is the remake that fans will no doubt love, incorporating thoughtful tweaks and additions that enhance gameplay while remaining accessible to newcomers eager to join the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad on their dark post-school adventures. This masterfully crafted remake deserves a place in every RPG collection. It also should be noted that the music is a banger and so Persona 3 Reload also is my favourite soundtrack of the year.

10 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Dom:

This is undoubtedly my top pick for the shooter genre in 2024. My anticipation had been building for this title for quite some time, especially after the long wait since Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. That game had a special place in my collection, allowing me to embody the sheer power of an 8-foot-tall Space Marine, and now, the sequel has arrived, elevating that power fantasy. Developed by Saber Interactive, known for their work on World War Z. The team has taken their swarm technology and refined it to introduce the formidable Tyranids as new adversaries. The combat is a blend of melee and ranged, enhanced by features like dodging and parrying that get the player up close and personal to make the action all more thrilling. This creates a visceral experience; it never gets old splitting open the Tyranids into a bloody mess. The stunning visuals and authentic Warhammer 40K aesthetics make this instalment feel more immersive than ever for the Warhammer 40k franchise.

The campaign offers a solid experience filled with grand set pieces and beautifully rendered war-torn environments from the chaos that the Tyranids bring, all designed to be enjoyed alone or in cooperative play, which amplifies the camaraderie of fighting alongside your battle brothers. Additionally, there’s a dedicated PvE mode that introduces its own class and levelling system, providing even more depth to the gameplay. For those who crave competition, the multiplayer aspect allows for fun 6v6 matches, giving players the chance to showcase their skills and assert their dominance as the ultimate Space Marine. In summary, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a gorgeous looking action-packed sequel that shines in cooperative gameplay and delivers exhilarating moments within the rich Warhammer 40K universe. If World War Z is anything to go by, this game will be getting support for years to come and signs already seem true as 3 new PvE missions and new weapons have already been patched in since its release in September, while more are coming along with a new Horde mode! Oh my! For the Emperor! Indeed.

9 Star Stuff PC

Ian:

Though this game is so cute it looks like it may be fun for all the family, it is, in fact, actually fun only for big nerds. I mean, the Steam description for this game begins “Star Stuff is a deceptively cute programming puzzle game”, deceptively being the key word. It gets real tricky (even for experienced programmers!,) as you hack together pretty crafty solutions to get around some of the meaner challenges. However, I do think everyone even remotely interested in using their brains after-hours should give this one a shot because it eases the player in so gently that you might not realise that you’ve been tricked into becoming a software engineer until it’s far too late. With a style so adorable it’ll bruise your ‘awww’ maker, and a message so powerful that it could only be encapsulated within the very words of the great cosmic guide himself, Carl Sagan, Star Stuff is an unlikely blend of wondrous ingredients that breeds imagination and thoughtful introspection (even if it is directed into programming robots to carry around packages).

8 Unicorn Overlord PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S

Dom:

Vanillaware’s latest title brings together the studio’s stunning artwork with a mixture of Tactics Ogre and Fire Emblem. The developers continue to bring exciting takes on genres, and with Unicorn Overlord, they have crafted a strategy RPG that was a standout title in 2024. Set on the continent of Fevrith, the game brings players into a world filled with political intrigue. Its map helps offer a degree of freedom in how players navigate the campaign. Unlike the linear, scripted battles typical seen in Fire Emblem, this game features an open map that encourages exploration, allowing players to uncover quests and recruit allies to aid in their objectives.

The story follows Prince Alain, who returns to reclaim his throne from the corrupt Zenoiran Empire. While the narrative treads familiar fantasy territory, the numerous characters you recruit on your journey have a multitude of personalities with some standing more than others, but the relationships you build with them through gameplay mechanics and side quests make up for the lack of a more complex overarching narrative.

Combat in Unicorn Overlord is where the game excels. The combat system seamlessly integrates real-time unit movement with turn-based mechanics, featuring a series of automatic checks that dictate the skills your characters will employ during battles. This allows for control over when and how your characters activate their skills during the automated combat scenes, which can be up to team of 6v6. This system, combined with the ability to form and deploy squads made up of multiple characters to cover weaknesses or help buff a style of warfare helps form some neat strategic battles.

Visually, Unicorn Overlord is a treat. Vanillaware’s distinct art style brings energy into every battle, with gorgeous character designs, beautiful backdrops and stylish animations, along with a nice soundtrack that complements the action. Unicorn Overlord stands as one of 2024’s top strategy games, delivering a tactical system that is both exciting and rewarding.

7 Minishoot’ Adventures PC

Ian:

By far my biggest surprise of the year came out of absolutely nowhere and has been devastatingly underappreciated. I’ve barely seen anybody talking about this banging little twin-stick shooter / metroidvania mash-up. Even those indie gaming channels that claim to lend voices to smaller titles have failed to register this one and I am here to let everyone know that you’ve all been missing out. Not only do I think this is going to be the start of a next big indie genre medley, but its playful glidey movement, cartoonish visuals, and simple delightful combat are so damn satisfying it’s likely to top the list of those games for a good long while (when it inevitably becomes a thing). I don’t think anyone would be able to turn their nose up at this wicked little adventure about a race of sentient ships and their legendary hero exploring the world to become more powerful and fighting back the evil forces that have taken over. It’s a pretty straightforward premise, yes, but five seconds with your fingers on the analog sticks and you’ll immediately be sucked right in. Minishoot’ Adventures (as much as I’d love to correct it to “Minishoots’”) will leave you wanting more. Now we just have to wait for that more to be available…

6 Silent Hill 2 PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Dom:

Touching such a treasured game as Silent Hill 2 for a remake meant that fans had high expectations regarding the quality of the final product, so the team at Blooper Team had a lot going against it before its release. It is fair to say that the online discourse was that very few thought that Blooper Team could deliver on this remake. It did not help that the first big trailer showed a focus on combat making it seem like it was following in the footsteps of the Resident Evil remakes. However, this approach turned out to be misleading, as the final product emerged as a remarkable release.

Silent Hill 2 remake retains the eerie atmosphere and intricate storytelling that were defining of the original game. The eeriness of Silent Hill’s desolate town comes to life with sickeningly brilliant visuals, coupled with the unsettling sound design that creates an atmosphere which installs dread at every corner. Unlike many contemporary horror games that rely on jump scares, Silent Hill 2’s terror is rooted in its masterfully crafted audio and the pervasive fear of the unknown. The voice acting, particularly by Luke Roberts as James Sunderland, was well delivered within the confines of the character’s situation. By collaborating closely with Konami and some of the original developers, Blooper Team has managed to strike a delicate balance between preserving the essence of the classic while introducing new elements, thereby making the story accessible to a new generation of players eager to explore the fog-laden town of Silent Hill 2. This careful approach has helped bring the series back into the limelight as a masterful piece of horror that the early games in the franchise were known for. I can only imagine the feeling of relief the team at Blooper Team must feel after releasing this game, but they deserve all the praise for sticking with it until the end.

5 Black Myth: Wukong PC, PS5

Dom:

When it came to action and combat in 2024, my obsession was Black Myth: Wukong. Prior to its release this year, the game generated excitement with a plethora of visually stunning trailers. To my surprise, the final product exceeded my expectations. While it might have been some bias on my side given the rarity of a Chinese development team delivering such high-quality visuals without compromises, Black Myth: Wukong stands out as a genuinely excellent action game.

A defining feature of this title is its unapologetic embrace of Chinese culture. The story adapts and expands upon the classic Journey to the West, offering a refreshing departure from the mythologies commonly explored in Western games. As a result, the locations, enemies, allies, and narrative all feel incredibly unique in a Western market largely devoid of Chinese mythology in action games.

Black Myth: Wukong presents itself as a character-driven action-adventure game, incorporating elements of the popular Soulslike genre. While the game features a variety of enemies, its true essence lies in the multitude of boss encounters, each meticulously crafted to offer distinct experiences in design and combat. The fast-paced combat system seamlessly integrates classic mechanics reminiscent of FromSoftware’s titles – limited health potions, respawning enemies and the necessity of strategic enemy analysis – while introducing cool mechanics to support its gameplay.

A particularly noteworthy mechanic is the ability to transform into defeated foes, enabling players to assume unique forms like a giant frog, a badass tiger or a bladed wolf guardian. These transformations enhance Wukong’s combat repertoire, replacing the need for new weapons. However, this design choice might not appeal to everyone; some players may miss the variety of weapons found in other action games. Despite this limitation, the game compensates with ten distinct transformations and over fifty spirit skills. These transformations, coupled with an array of mystical spells and abilities, make Wukong’s combat style different from typical action games—though I still wish his main weapon, the iconic bo staff, could be swapped for more alternatives.

Ultimately, Black Myth: Wukong invites players into a mythology-rich landscape that offers a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and thrilling boss encounters. It’s a game that not only raises expectations for Chinese developers but also leaves a lasting impression.

4 Astrobot PS5

Ian:

Hard to believe this 3D platformer won Game of the Year 2024 at the Geoff Keighley awards but it just goes to show that all gamers really need is simple fun mechanics to play with, whimsical worlds to explore, and for our nostalgia to be poked at just right. This one gets all that spot-on, to the point where it’s a little melancholic to play through. Here you are having a great time running around these awesome locations, collecting everything you can find and hunting for hidden secrets, all the while enjoying the unique mechanics of the specific stage you’re in and you can’t help but to feel that ‘they don’t make games like this anymore’ (even though you’re somehow playing one!). You rescue Playstation icon after Playstation icon, sad that they’re now only distant memories for you and the company that owns them, either being ground down into terrible remasters or forgotten about all together. From huge explosive successes like the Uncharted games, to quiet cult classics such as Gravity Rush, you’ll assemble a team of your memories to progress through the game, sad that until you booted this title up your Playstation 5 had laid dormant and dusty for months when in the past you wouldn’t have let your console go unloved any longer than a family vacation away from it would last. One can only hope that the heads of these giant corporations would somehow learn what a game can mean to people – how they can tie you to a place and time in your life. How they can bring people together. Instead of just being tools for printing more money than anybody could ever possibly need via the vomiting of annual releases and predatory microtransactions. Even though it’s only a lens that allows us to look back and not the saving grace we actually need, Astrobot is a welcome and much needed break in whatever terrible thing is happening in the gaming industry this week (it’s unlikely to matter which week you read this).

3 Stellar Blade PS5

Dom:

I remember seeing Stellar Blade’s first trailer back in 2021 when it was known as Project Eve. It featured a striking female character demonstrating her impressive sword skills against what seem to be a group of strange monsters that would not look out of place in a Resident Evil game. This evolved into Stellar Blade, a game set on a devastated Earth overrun by monsters, with the remnants of humanity seeking refuge in space. Players assume the role of Eve, a member of an elite team assigned to eliminate Alpha Naytibas, the toughest variants of these mutants. Players get to engage in captivating stylish combat within a science fiction narrative along with… dress up? A feature that director and designer Kim Hyung-tae stated that due to the player’s view being predominantly directed at the back of the character, there was an emphasis on making this view appealing. I can’t complain as some of the costumes are rather cool in their design.

Beyond the alluring outfits, the core appeal of Stellar Blade lies in its exhilarating combat system, which draws comparisons to titles like Bayonetta. It features a fluid dodge mechanic alongside a parry system that rewards precision. The combat is designed to be both accessible and deeply rewarding, encouraging players to master the timing. The seamless action allows for the execution of intricate combos, parries, and dodges with relative ease. RPG elements enhance the experience through customizable gear and skill upgrades, enabling Eve to unlock new abilities. As players progress, the thrill of executing increasingly elaborate attacks and flashy combos increases, making Stellar Blade a standout title in the action game genre, complemented by wonderful visuals and catchy soundtrack. I can already envision Eve emerging as a prominent figure for more female-led action games to take over from Bayonetta (The witch is probably dead now after all the news about Platinum Games?), and I am so ready for more.

2 Lorelei and the Laser Eyes PC, PS5, PS4, Switch

Ian:

It’s the Saturday morning before the New Year and there are still many a game I haven’t got around to playing that I’m desperate to catch up on. I keep my weekend clear and decide to have an all out gaming weekend for the first time since I can remember. First game – Lorelai and the Laser Eyes.
It is now the Sunday afternoon before the New Year and my coffee table is full of sheets of hastily scribbled notes, empty coffee mugs, and Christmas chocolate wrappers. The credits are rolling and I have (obviously) not managed to neither play nor do much of anything else. I regret nothing.
It was the only game the whole year that immediately hooked me so completely. I took the bait of a couple of investigatory puzzles but the game only tightened its grip as I connected riddle after riddle. Each brain teaser only opening doorways to even more mysteries and but glimpses of an answer to what the heck is going on and ‘what even are laser eyes anyway?!’. If you like Silent Hill and/or Resident Evil for the cryptic messages and weirdly shaped keys, you’ll get a kick out of this one. But to reach the end with 90%+ completion, it may take a special kind of weirdo whose overactive mind is unable to leave a single rock unturned. The kind of person that, upon seeing an enigma without an answer will be unable to sleep for need of a resolution – brain bouncing around in their head all night long. If that sounds like you this is a must play, just be sure to clear your schedule for a couple of days…

1 Metaphor: ReFantazio PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S

Dom:

This is what the results are when Atlus is allowed to remove the restrictions of the high school and tarot card limitations in the Persona titles. Metaphor: ReFantazio substitutes the modern backdrop with a fantastical realm, where characters are driven by their ambition to ascend to the throne following the assassination of the reigning monarch. Intriguingly, the King is not truly deceased; instead, he has transformed into a colossal floating visage in the sky, safeguarding potential successors from further attempts on their lives. His desire is for the next ruler to be genuinely elected by the populace, advocating for a system of true democracy rather than the traditional hereditary succession that often accompanies royal lineage.

Metaphor: ReFantazio excels in cultivating a darker, more profound atmosphere, reminiscent of the Shin Megami Tensei series, which delves into complex social and political themes. The narrative is heavily laden with political undertones, addressing issues of discrimination in a manner that feels organic rather than contrived or overly didactic. Many games struggle to convey their messages effectively, often resulting in narratives that come across as simplistic or shoehorned in. However, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as a rare example where political commentary is seamlessly woven into the storyline. Beyond its serious themes, the game offers a vibrant and eccentric cast of characters, each brimming with personality, ensuring that players will find favourites throughout the 90-hour journey.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the evolution of the gameplay that was featured in the Persona series. It has social links dealing with party members and other key characters that brings to life their own personal issues. It has archetypes, essentially the game’s personas. However, in this iteration, any party member has the ability to unlock and utilize any archetype, thereby enhancing the strategic depth of the battle system and providing players with freedom in their approach to combat. The talented composers at Atlus have once again excelled in crafting a unique and memorable soundtrack (the rapping monk has become a joyful meme). Coupled with a visually striking art style and an innovative progression system, Metaphor: ReFantazio is designed to be welcoming to newcomers, all while preserving the core elements that long-time fans have cherished in Atlus’ previous role-playing games. Katsura Hashino, the game’s director, has already mentioned he has hopes of making Metaphor: ReFantazio another one of Atlus’ flagship RPG series, which I fully welcome as an alternative to Persona if they are as superb as this release.