With 2024 coming to a close, we're looking back at the games that managed to thrill us, get us addicted, make us emotional and generally stand out in a crowded year of gaming. This year, we've had heavy-hitters like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Metaphor: ReFantazio as well as unexpected surprises like Balatro and Black Myth: Wukong. Today, the Nexus Hub team hand-picks their best games of 2024 with one Game of the Year and one runner-up.

As always, this also marks the end of another year at Nexus Hub. We wish everyone a very happy festive season and holidays!

Sam's Game of the Year
Balatro


Six months ago, if you told me that a roguelike deck-building poker-themed card game would top my list of the best games I've played in 2024... I probably would've played it out of curiosity then saluted you afterwards, because Balatro is a refreshing, unhealthily addictive indie masterpiece and gem of a game.

There's no flashy graphics, no deep storytelling, boundless freedom, open-world exploration, buckets of budget shovelled into a furnace by boardroom executives or a misguided sense of pride and accomplishment. Balatro, made by a one-man developer who just had a passionate idea, is exactly what it says on the tin - and my god, does it deliver. The objective is as simple as it comes: create poker hands to beat increasingly high scores called blinds. The real appeal comes in the way you can create multiplier cards and synergise them with Jokers which each offer various advantages or disadvantages to build up your score power.

The bottom line is, I've never been so addicted to a video game before. Even as I sit here now, typing this, I'm itching to play just one more run and see what endlessly creative ways I can twist and bend the rules to my will. Brilliance in a package begging you to sink hundreds of hours into it, Balatro is the reason why I want to climb to the top of a building and yell "video games, man!"

Sam's Runner-Up
Black Myth: Wukong


Yeah, I'm also surprised but hear me out. It's been clear that review scores ultimately don't dictate whether a game shows up on this list or not (I've reviewed quite a few games higher than this). For me, it's always been about which games, flaws and all, managed to evoke something strong - something that felt daring, engaging, memorable and supremely fun. That game this year was Black Myth: Wukong.

Black Myth: Wukong was on my radar for years but it never quite beeped as loudly as other titles. When I played it, there were certainly issues to be found. However, I've given it more replays since my review and my opinion has somewhat changed over the last few months. More than just the angry Super Saiyan retelling of Journey to the West, it's a game that constantly surprised me with its mechanics, jaw-dropping boss fights and terrific combat that exploded with style during some of the most high-octane, epic cinematics I've seen in a video game since God of War 3.

The moment-to-moment gameplay is absolutely rock-solid and the world-building, art direction and overall presentation is a marvel in an industry that's now struggling to pushing creative boundaries. Yes, Metaphor: ReFantazio might be the better game and a very close third place, but leaving 2024, I'm going to remember Black Myth: Wukong with a little more fondness. Just a little.

Tex's Game of the Year
Astro Bot


Review Excerpt: "An absolute masterclass in the fields of platforming and collectathons, Astro Bot’s first feature-length outing is one of the most genuinely enjoyable gaming experiences I’ve had in a long time. Oozing charm, boasting excellent utilisation of the DualSense’s adaptive triggers, and positively packed to the intergalactic rafters with collectables, gorgeous visuals, and creative level design – Astro Bot is an undeniably essential pick-up for fans of Team Asobi’s prior Astro-centric titles or for those in desperate need of a top-tier platforming fix."


Tex's Runner-Up
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth


Review Excerpt: "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a behemoth of a sequel that outshines Remake with its stronger character writing, spectacular combat and weighty amount of engaging main and side content, though it also tends to repeat some of the same divisive narrative problems of its predecessor. If you're a fan of the original Final Fantasy VII, you probably won't mind the changes it makes because, at its core, it's still a pretty rewarding and faithful remake that celebrates the legacy of the game without taking away its golden heart and soul."

Andrew's Game of the Year
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl


It’s been another year in which I’ve added more “AAA” games to my backlog than actually played, though given most bring little to the table anymore beyond production values, I’m not as concerned as I once was. Deciding on the top spot proved tough as both my choices are AAA in scope but “AA” at heart. In the end, I settled on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, as it gets both an underdog bonus and rekindled my love for unforgiving survival-shooters I’ve not experienced since playing Metro Exodus on “Ranger Hardcore” difficulty back in 2019.

It's not an easy game to recommend without caveats – especially as it’s required several post-launch patches worth of polish – but there are few games they truly immerse you in their world to the same degree. The Zone is a sprawling and hostile place, with other human factions, mutants, radiation, and twisted anomalies trying to kill you. Preparation, planning, and tactics are often more important than lining up a crosshair and pulling the trigger, as if you get caught kilometres from a friendly camp with a jamming rifle, no ammunition, and few healing supplies, it could mean a reloading an earlier save or desperate retreat.

That might sound horrible in a modern context, but S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl perfectly meshes the narrative premise with gameplay progression in a massive, sandbox-ish environment. Stalkers in the Zone strive to improve their gear or die trying. So too does the player, with each primary mission taking you closer to the centre of the Zone, closer to anomaly fields that might contain powerful artifacts and into the crosshairs of dangerous foes that pack better gear to loot.

That natural progression system may be my favourite element of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl as there’s no RPG-like experience system that sees you get stronger simply for playing. You decide on the gear you want to equip, upgrade, and maintain. You decide on how much carry weight you’re willing to fill up with consumables or leave free for trade fodder. You decide on the optimal path to your objective and whether to deviate for side quests on the way. You decide on whether engaging enemies is likely to yield more resources than it consumes. Perhaps the main reason I want give GOTY to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is that it’s the first game in years with an open-world design that makes sense.

Andrew's Runner-Up
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2


Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a sequel I wanted for so long and, while not always what I had in mind, it proves there’s still a large market for traditional co-op shooters that focus on minute-to-minute fun over grindy progression systems. That, and there are still hordes of people who gleefully get behind the authoritarian Imperium of Man with its bromance and “righteous” violence.

Perhaps what I miss most in the sequel is charismatic villains, some humour, and self-awareness – but gameplay counts most, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers a generous campaign and PvE missions, packed with hordes of enemies to either slay solo with AI teammates, or with other players in online co-op. The co-op integration can disrupt the mission flow as you have to load in from the battle barge hub, but I’ve not had such fun playing solo or with mates since Gears 5.

Of course, Space Marines are not Gears, and while coordination and picking targets is essential, this is no cover shooter. There’s a wonderful flow to gameplay as you empty clips into approaching hordes and priority targets, before wading into melee with chainswords and thunderhammers, and finish off stunned enemies to bolster your armour and keep you in the fight.

Even the most casual Warhammer 40,000 fan should get a kick out of its portrayal of the ridiculous and broken state of the grimdark universe, as you stall a Tyranid invasion of a jungle world and hive planet; abandon Imperial Guard defence forces and citizens to their fate to deal with the agents of Chaos exploiting the invasion; and finally invade a cemetery world tearing itself apart as the warp breaches reality. It commits to the idea of being a big, dumb, fun shooter wholeheartedly and is all the better for it.

Ryan's Game of the Year
Astro Bot


I genuinely cannot remember the last time I had this much fun or experienced this level of pure joy playing a platformer. Absolutely bursting with creativity, diabetes-sweet humour, colourful worlds to leap and laser through, and significantly raising the innovation bar for the genre as a whole – Team ASOBI’s Astro Bot is a game that I am completely convinced is impossible to grow tired of. As an added bonus, it’s totally family-friendly and universally appealing – meaning it makes the perfect pick-up or holiday gift for all audiences and occasions.

And if you’ve been a lifelong PlayStation-haver, you’ll greatly appreciate the callbacks and references to some of the platform’s most memorable franchises and iconic characters – now depicted in the most adorable way imaginable via the medium of VIP Bots.

Ryan's Runner-Up
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth


(Baka Mitai plays in the background)

As a long-time Yakuza/Like a Dragon fanboy, I can say with confidence that Infinite Wealth checked all the boxes I was hoping it would - while adding a breath of fresh air to the series through its move to Hawaii for most of the storyline. Aside from the new setting’s impressive size, scope, and refreshing atmosphere, the expected plethora of side content accompanying it is also of exceptional quality (and insanity).

Due to the nature of the narrative, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio also made sure they included plenty of subtle and overt nods to events from prior titles - a bittersweet trip down memory lane, celebrating the franchise’s past, present, and future. And if you’ve been playing these games for as many years as I have, make sure you’ve got like a dozen boxes of tissues handy throughout your playthrough.

Sahil's Game of the Year
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom


While 2024 was filled with some amazing games, there’s been a few that really stood out. I never got around to playing Metaphor: ReFantazio yet and I have a sneaking suspicion that if had I played it, it would've taken the top spot. However since I can’t pick a game I haven’t played for obvious reasons, my GOTY will go to The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. You can go and read my review for the game here if you want to know more about it but in summary, it’s Nintendo at their finest once again. The game was pure unadulterated brilliance from start to finish and it was a tonne of fun playing as Zelda and not Link for once.

Sahil's Runner-Up
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree


For my runner-up GOTY, I’m going with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Yes, yes it’s a DLC but damn, that DLC could have been a game on its own given how much content was in it. This is the second year in a row now that I’m handing a runner-up GOTY award to a From Software title and it’s once again, very well deserved. While most people would probably have voted for Erdtree as their GOTY, I ended up enjoying Echoes of Wisdom a lot more because of its laid-back gameplay compared to Erdtree’s sheer intensity.

Both games are excellent and if you haven’t played either of them yet, you need to do so as soon as you can. Oh, and an honourable mention also needs to be given to Kunitsu-Gami from Capcom. As a new IP and something quite experimental, it really surprised me. It’s definitely a sleeper hit that more people should try out. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess are all great games worthy of any self-respecting gamer’s library and are my top picks for 2024.

Candice's Game of the Year
Balatro


This year was a bit of an obscure one for me. While most of my friends were soaking in the JRPG bliss of games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Metaphor: ReFantazio, I resigned myself to the idea that 2024 would be a year of catching up on my backlog and sinking my entire being into Shadow of the Erdtree. Then, I saw a trial on the PlayStation store for a silly little poker card game…

… anyways, I’m still playing Balatro. Every so often, I put it down for a while and escape to something else. But the second I decide to boot it back up again, I question why I ever took a break in the first place. Card games weren’t really my thing, but the genius gameplay loop and endless customisation available resulted in a surprise hit that I’m sure I’ll return to over the years to come. Also, big number go brrrrr.

Candice's Runner-Up
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree


Yes, I am aware this is an expansion. It was also the only “game” I was anticipating this entire year – and I played close on 40 hours of it in just five days. Perhaps that can help explain why I decided it deserves a spot on my list, even if I question its legitimacy in being eligible as a “Game of the Year” at all.

The reality is that Erdtree is yet another triumph in FromSoft’s catalogue, and a continuation of their trend of delivering incredible add-on content to some of the best games ever made. The only thing holding me back from calling this a 10/10 experience is the emptiness of some of its areas; awkward expanses with little going on slightly dampened my impression of this world. But that’s probably only due to the extreme highs that are to be felt elsewhere in the Land of Shadow. As always, I’ll be here eagerly awaiting whatever Miyazaki decides to grace us with next.

Devin's Game of the Year
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth


Up until the very moment of writing this, I had Balatro down as my winner, but I dove back into the world of Final Fantasy VII one last time and the reality is, it’s still Final Fantasy VII. As a child I had always loved Costa Del Sol, it was my favorite place in any video game and every time I revisit a place like that I am filled with nostalgia that just hits differently. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth tries to tell a story that is a little different to the original whilst simultaneously respecting the legacy of what came before it. The sad truth is, it isn’t as good as its predecessor was when released, but against this year's competition of legendary monkeys, Space Marines and, uh, DLC’s? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is still Final Fantasy VII.

Devin's Runner-Up
Balatro


Balatro is something a little unique to the gaming world, but something that is starting to trickle in over time. The small indie dev creating games that players obsess over. Vampire Survivors and Stardew Valley may have preceded it, but Balatro might just do it best. All these games are focused on the enjoyment of the player and unforgettable gameplay loops. Balatro is addictive, creative and alarmingly good. It also helps reinforce my hatred for clowns whenever I get a bad boss blind.

Keegan's Game of the Year
Black Myth: Wukong


You know how salt and vinegar chips taste slightly different depending on the brand? That’s what many Soulslike games felt like to me for a while. They came close to capturing the essence of Dark Souls, but few ever stood on their own two feet and truly defined themselves. There were the occasional gems, sure, but something always felt like it was missing - something I personally needed.

Then came the trailer for Black Myth: Wukong, a game that felt almost too good to be true - like a fever dream I wasn’t sure would ever materialise. The day it released, I felt like a kid in school again, staring at the clock as the seconds dragged on, waiting for the bell to ring so I could rush home, grab my controller, and lose myself in its world.

The boss battles weren’t just encounters; they were breathtaking, meticulously presented works of art. Each one felt like a deadly dance, where the choreography was yours to create, every strike and dodge writing a line of poetry in motion. And the world? It was mesmerising - lush landscapes, ancient ruins, and lore woven so intricately it begged you to explore every corner.

Combined with addictive gameplay that kept calling me back for more, Black Myth: Wukong wasn’t just a game. It was a revelation - a Soulslike that didn’t just stand out but soared, carving its own legendary place in the genre.


Keegan's Runner-Up
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero


Nothing quite takes you back in time like sitting with your friends and family, everyone shouting at the top of their lungs as timed Kamehamehas collide mere inches away from our faces. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero had enormous shoes to fill when it promised the return of Tenkaichi, but little did we know the developers weren’t just reviving a classic - they were crafting a passion project that would reignite rivalries and push friendships to their absolute limits.

The combat hit hard, every clash feeling impactful and satisfying, while the visually stunning special moves brought the chaos of Dragon Ball to life in a way that was both breathtaking and accessible.

Sure, there were other strong contenders for game of the year runner-up, but Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero was an experience that filled this year with unforgettable memories.

Victor's Game of the Year
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2


Random Steam Review Excerpt: "love me bolta, love the emparah, 'ate bugs, 'ate 'eretics."

Victor's Runner-Up
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown


Random Steam Review Excerpt: "9.5/10 Rare Ubisoft W."