The best video games of 2024 – the top 20 of the year from Balatro to Metaphor
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Metro GameCentral compiles a list of the 20 best video games of the year, pitting Astro Bot against Final Fantasy and Indiana Jones. Most years there’s usually two or three games that are clearly ahead of the pack when it comes to awards and end of the year rankings, such as Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023. But despite the quality of games in 2024 being at a similar level there’s never really been a front runner for Game of the Year this time though, even if Astro Bot managed to make it seem relatively clear cut at The Game Awards in December.
![[The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom key art]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_219966771-189e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
As usual, our policy is not to include remakes, remasters, expansions, or yearly sequels in our Top 20, in order to focus on brand new games. So that means no Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree and no Silent Hill 2, even though both were excellent. While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is technically a remake, we extend to it the same exception that we did its predecessor, as both games are radically different game experiences from the original.
![[Lorelei And The Laser Eyes screenshot]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234140091-68e1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
If there’s something missing from this list it probably means we didn’t like it all that much, which includes otherwise well received games like Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Black Myth: Wukong. If you disagree with our choices then by all means let us know via the comments or the usual email address.
![[Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234140094-e3cc.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
GameCentral Top 20 – 2024. Nintendo Switch. Princess Zelda has been playable occasionally over the years, but most of the time only in spin-offs like Super Smash Bros. or Hyrule Warriors. This time though she got the limelight (mostly) to herself, with an entirely original adventure that looks like the Link’s Awakening remake, and is by the same developer, but introduces a new mechanic where Zelda can clone objects and creatures to use for herself. This allows her to do everything from creating a bridge out of well-made beds to leading a small army of monsters into battle. It’s not as refined as an entirely Nintendo-made entry would be, and doesn’t quite make full use of its impressive ideas, but it’s still a wonderfully imaginative and enjoyable romp all the same.
![[Stellar Blade screenshot]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SEI_225323426-1883.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
