“31 Unforgettable Games of 2024 That Redefined Our Love for Gaming”

Happy Christmas, Pushing Buttons readers! My heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who has engaged with the newsletter this year, as well as our new subscribers. Composing this newsletter and perusing your letters continues to be my favorite aspect of my role. It truly means a lot to know that so many of you have reached out to mention that you eagerly anticipate Pushing Buttons arriving in your inbox every week.

I also extend my thanks to the brilliant newsletter team at the Guardian, who have toiled diligently all year to deliver these messages to you punctually, even when I have submitted them incredibly late. (I apologize, team. On a related note: if game publishers could refrain from unveiling major news just around my submission deadline in 2025, that would be wonderful.)

To conclude this year, we are presenting a substantial issue of readers’ top games for 2024. You can find my list here, as well as our critics’ selections of games you might have overlooked here. Once again, I am astonished by your diverse and intriguing preferences. And now, it’s your turn.

Your favorite games of 2024

I apologize for being predictable, but my favorite game this year has to be Astro Bot, without a doubt. I took a hiatus from it during a particularly demanding work period, and returning felt like an injection of joy directly into my veins. – Kenny Park

As the parent of a nearly two-year-old, my gaming time appears to have vanished. Thankfully, around the time Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was released, I managed to grab a rare weekend off, secluded myself with two close friends, and finished the co-op campaign along with most of the additional co-op missions. While the game might not be particularly revolutionary, the spectacle of the numerous adversaries, the grand set piece creatures (or allies), and the sheer thrill of witnessing a beloved universe come to life made for a highly memorable weekend. – Dan Chalaye

My preferred games are those that my partner and I can experience together – not as a co-op but by making decisions cooperatively, considering options, and discussing clues or puzzles together… Hence, my game of the year was Pentiment, which debuted on the Switch this year (though I recognize it has been available on other platforms for some time). One of the aspects that brings me the most joy in life is when someone’s enthusiasm for their interests shines through, and Pentiment is the epitome of that. The affection for what might be deemed a niche nerd pastime (medieval manuscripts, anyone?) is prominently displayed here, making it impossible not to be inspired by it. – Marie Winkler

I don’t believe I’ve experienced anything akin to Thank Goodness You’re Here!. It resembles playing through a comic strip from the 90s; it’s utterly, unapologetically bizarre, very Yorkshire, and most importantly, it’s genuinely hilarious. It’s astonishing how much can be accomplished when your only means of interacting with the environment is through slapping it. – Andrew Robeson

Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as the pinnacle of the Persona-like genre, in my opinion. It has been separated from the typical contemporary high school backdrop, which might seem daring at first, but this creates a vast narrative scope to address topics that could feel banal if not framed by fantastical elements and a high-stakes plot. Yet, Studio Zero has managed to maintain the intimate, personal narratives of the party members (while keeping them relevant!), which is an impressive balancing act. – Paul Cosgrove

This year, we have been treated to an abundance of innovative indie games, making it apt that UFO 50, a game celebrating original indie experiences, became my favorite in 2024. Although it’s somewhat outside the spirit of the inquiry to select a compilation of 50 games, I’ll highlight Pilot Quest as the standout of the bunch. Its engaging use of idle mechanics allows me to explore other UFO 50 titles while patiently awaiting my resources to accumulate in the background, all while being an enjoyable game on its own. – Jak Marshall

Without a doubt, Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was my top game for the year. I hadn’t completed a game since … Tomb Raider, perhaps? It was incredibly enjoyable, easy to dive in and out, offered multiple methods to achieve your objectives, without feeling overwhelming. While it may have been somewhat easy in the first half, I adored the latter portion. The puzzles and narratives were deeply satisfying. – Steffanie Yeakle

Tactical Breach Wizards stands out as the exceptional game of the year. It was exceedingly humorous, richly layered, and I became quite attached to the characters. Moreover, I appreciate a game that motivates me to complete all bonus objectives (which I did for every level) and makes it feel attainable rather than a completely separate task. The effort they invested clearly paid off, and I cannot recommend it enough! – David Edwards

As an enthusiastic player of both pinball and video pinball, I actively search for every game project that engages with the silver ball in any capacity. Not every year has a standout game in this category, but 2024 gifted us with Pinball Spire, an incredible little pinball action-puzzler where you propel yourself up the titular spire. There are also powers, such as slowing down time or transforming into a fireball. – Robert Glashüttner

For me, it has to be Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. It altered my perception of what games can be. It continually surprised me and never fell into a pattern of repetitive tasks. The narrative was innovative, visually captivating, occasionally quite terrifying, and intellectually stimulating. Its ambiguous ending was an extra delight. – Bob Williams

I wasn’t convinced if the developers of Hades II could deliver another title as remarkable as the first one. They exceeded my expectations – it’s even superior! The gameplay is more balanced, there’s an increased variety, and the music has reached new heights. Exceptional. – Matt Froggatt

One of my favorite titles of 2024 happens to be Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It continues to have its frustrations and visual hiccups, but you tend to chuckle at them once you’re truly engaged in the game. – Kennedie Hodkinson-Gibbs

I believe Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is one of those expansions that is nearly a standalone game. The verticality of its world makes it intriguing to discover. Two of the bosses have had me laughing joyously even as they knocked me down. I’m still finishing it as I’ve been playing alongside my sibling, but it has definitely stood out in my year. – Rayna B.

My top pick for the year was Animal Well. Not solely due to the innovative game design, but because it’s the first in ages I’ve encountered with genuinely distinctive and captivating graphics that successfully convey a creepy, solitary atmosphere. Pixel art is a restricted medium, but they’ve effectively demonstrated how much can be achieved with color, shading, and animation while maintaining clarity. I hope art directors and indie developers take note. – Ian Wilkes

My clear favorite is Satisfactory. The witty AI reminds me of GLaDOS (yet it’s unique enough to not feel like a mere imitation) – the manner in which machines and conveyor belts interconnect is mesmerizing, and the blend of creating production and exploring while your machines operate is fantastically balanced, in my view. – Max Pogonowski

Another Crab’s Treasure is undoubtedly my favorite game of 2024. You embody a charming little hermit crab who has lost his shell. The game is packed with engaging locales, memorable characters, and witty banter. What are you holding out for? – Josh Howard

Helldivers II. I have always been hesitant to either engage in online gaming or play titles that involve shooting. Although HD2 features a distinctly military theme, battling bugs or machines alters my perception. I recall when I was a novice in the game, someone lent me their jump pack. A minor yet considerate gesture that I now (as a more seasoned player) enjoy reciprocating to new entrants. – Falk von Hollen

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Planet Crafter is an excellently paced experience: you gather materials that enable you to construct increasingly sophisticated structures to transform the planet. Gradually, your efforts begin to show results, and before long you’ve achieved the first milestone and the sky turns blue. I cheered vocally when it began to rain! I am eagerly awaiting the introduction of my first insects. There’s still a journey ahead before my world is entirely verdant. – Kirsten Wheeler

I cherish Factorio immensely and have dedicated far too much time to it. The concept is straightforward: your spacecraft has crashed, and you must construct a replacement to escape. There are abundant resources, limitless space … and oh, the indigenous population would like to have a word with you. Give it a try, but only if you have no impending deadlines or any obligations for the next day. – Glenn McDougall

The Rise of the Golden Idol. Much like its predecessor, The Case of the Golden Idol and Return of the Obra Dinn, there’s something profoundly fulfilling about examining a series of scenes and attempting to decipher what transpired in each scenario to advance. A seemingly simple tableau that captures my interest while effectively keeping the dreaded mobile phone scrolling habit at bay is commendable. – Curtis Ebanks

Timberborn on PC. An outstanding city constructor (featuring beavers!) that excellently simulates water dynamics and has consumed countless hours of my time this year. Still in its early access phase but feels remarkably complete. – Andy

I acquired Nine Sols on the Nintendo Switch after noticing comparisons with Hollow Knight and I have genuinely adored it. It’s certainly punishing at times, but ithas an excellent narrative and the boss encounters are all incredibly enjoyable (and provide immense satisfaction once you’ve conquered them after 30 failures). I’m also fond of the hand-drawn artistry. A title that has certainly fulfilled my craving while I await Silksong! – Bhavna Patel

My top pick this year has to be Caves of Qud (although I’ll admit I’m unsure if this technically qualifies as a 2024 title since it’s been in early access for 15 years!). It’s a sci-fi-fantasy roguelike seemingly inspired by various post-apocalyptic sci-fi influences, ranging from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to The Book of the New Sun. It’s wonderfully bizarre and endlessly intriguing. It does present a steep and quite punishing learning curve, but recent updates have rolled out a tutorial, a refreshed user interface, and non-permadeath options, making it much more accessible for newcomers than ever before. – Wil Evans

Can I bend the rules a bit and select two? Crow Country and Fear the Spotlight are brilliant nods to 90s survival horror, successfully balancing a serious dose of PS1-era nostalgia with contemporary playability. Fear the Spotlight is especially delightful, a whimsical horror ride infused with meticulous detail and genuine heart alongside emotional depth. I cannot recommend it highly enough and would encourage others to experience the alternate timeline for the full effect and resonance! – Patrick Lowe

My selection goes to Pepper Grinder: it features wonderfully engaging gameplay and visual synergy; it satisfies the “where is Drill Dozer on Switch Online itch; plus it includes an option to slow down the gameplay, allowing me to relish it at my own pace. – Gassi

Fields of Mistria offers some much-needed comfort and tranquility. Despite being a challenging year for the gaming industry, the titles released serve as a testament to the dedication of the creators behind them. It saddens me that many of those who crafted some of my favorite experiences of 2024 will likely face unemployment or an uncertain future. Here’s hoping for improvement in 2025. – Amy Colclough

Dead Drop: A Carol Reed Mystery. Carol is a British private investigator (who still possesses a slight Swedish accent) residing in a small town in Sweden, solving murders, missing persons cases, and other mysteries. A new game releases each 1 January: you navigate through photographs to explore the scenes, using your mouse pointer to search for clues and objects within the images. The ambiance created by the stunning photography and music, paired with the somewhat dry humor, is truly unique, resembling an unconventional European film. – Piero Serra

My favorite title of 2024 has to be Faaast Penguin. It’s a whimsical Japanese multiplayer kart-racer featuring adorable penguins that you can dress up in comical outfits. What’s not to adore? – Chris Martin

I must nominate Little Kitty, Big City as my favorite game of ’24. We lost our dear black cat, Neko, this year, so being able to experience him exploring an adventure was a heartwarming experience for my children and me. It’s a near-perfect little game, providing enough engagement without overwhelming you with pointless endless fetch quests. Additionally, each front paw had a specific swipe button. What’s not to cherish? – Tom Fogden

Slice & Dice, a type of dice-builder roguelike where you lead a party of various classes against peculiar monsters across different campaigns and modes. It resembles a retro Final Fantasy game but features a far more nuanced battle system – the scale and intricacy of the clashes become evident rapidly while remaining truly approachable and, importantly, enjoyable! – Steven Harvie

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That’s all for 2024; hopefully, you’ve discovered a wealth of enticing recommendations here for what to enjoy in the gap between Christmas and New Year. Until 2025!

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