As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that 2024 has been a phenomenal year for games that challenge and engage players like never before. The trio of titles – Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Animal Well, and Rise of the Golden Idol – have truly raised the bar for what we should expect from our gaming experiences.
In 2022, I chose to delve into the captivating mystery game, Case of the Golden Idol. This intriguing title places you at the heart of a crime scene immediately after a murder has taken place. You meticulously examine various screens, gathering as much detail as possible, and clues come in the form of nouns and verbs. To solve the mystery, you must make logical deductions by filling in gaps in the narrative that explain the events at the crime scene.
I mention the Case of the Golden Idol and the accompanying frustration because numerous top games from 2024 have evoked the same sensation in me. These exceptional titles, such as Animal Well, Rise of the Golden Idol, and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, are filled with seemingly endless tricky puzzles that I’ve encountered, some of which remain unsolved and continue to challenge me. However, despite the recurring frustration – caused by repeatedly hitting my head against a proverbial wall – I wouldn’t exchange the experiences I had with these games for anything.
In the game “Rise of the Golden Idol,” 2024’s sequel to “Case,” I made quite a few mistakes. I often mixed up characters’ names and aliases, which became more challenging as the levels grew larger and the scenarios became more intricate. This led me to overlook minor details in the beautifully designed settings that were intended to offer clues and guidance. I frequently misunderstood the game’s events and was taken aback more than usual by the surprises that unfolded at the end of each level. Despite being incredibly frustrating, “Rise of the Golden Idol” is one of the best games I’ve played this year because it challenged me to think deeply and push myself to solve its puzzles.
The escalating difficulties in solving cases from the enigmatic “Rise of the Golden Idol” made me ponder more deeply about the conclusions I was reaching. Among these intriguing cases, one that stood out involved a man in an apartment building seemingly cleaning a bloodstain off his shirt, leading me to suspect he was connected to a recent disturbance within the community. Eager to solve the mystery, I assumed my suspicions were correct until the game abruptly disproved my theory and pushed me to draw logical conclusions instead of being guided by obvious clues. It relied on me to unravel the puzzle.
Some games I enjoy this year have kept me guessing instead of giving straightforward solutions. I’m not confident Animal Well has a definitive solution, it merely hints at one. There’s an end to strive for, but the game also keeps numerous secrets hidden, which might never be revealed. This enigmatic connection to the game is fascinating and unique, especially considering that complete guides are quickly available online after a game launches. I suspect Animal Well will remain an unsolved mystery for me. Instead, I find myself exploring its mysterious depths indefinitely, examining its intriguing elements and curiosities.
Among the group, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes stands out as the most mysterious. Each door conceals another puzzle before revealing its contents. The televisions are connected to video game consoles with secret instructions and hints hidden within their pixelated games. Every line of dialogue is a mind-bending experience. Posters cover the walls, revealing cryptic patterns that unlock boxes. Handwritten notes contain codes, and there are portals to other dimensions that lead you through intricate labyrinths. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is an unyielding game; it consistently challenges the player, assuming they can rise to the occasion, a belief it holds firmly, in order to uncover its secrets.
This year, I’m grateful for the titles that have offered me a more independent gaming experience, as it seems to be growing scarce. Modern games are frequently criticized for their excessive tutorials or guidance, which can make them feel overly controlling. For example, the use of yellow paint in level design has been a topic of much discussion this year, as it guides players towards objectives. However, opinions vary on its usefulness. I believe that the industry has leaned too heavily on hand-holding, which diminishes the gaming experience and the emotions it can evoke.
Every time I revisit The Legend of Zelda series, I’m captivated by those bomb walls that seem indistinguishable from other surfaces at first glance. Despite having the same texture as regular walls, these ‘hidden’ areas were strategically placed throughout the game world. This design choice encouraged players to explore creatively and uncover them using various methods. Over time, it was discovered that carefully placing bombs in specific wall segments could reveal hidden rooms filled with prized treasures. Although this aspect of the game might have been frustrating at times, I can’t deny that it also fostered a sense of thoughtfulness among players. In return, the game rewarded us with discoveries beyond our wildest expectations.
It seems to me that most popular games don’t offer much challenge, and instead, they often focus more on spectacle than player engagement. However, these three games – Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Animal Well, and Rise of the Golden Idol – which have gained mainstream attention, feel like a welcome change. Unlike many other games that guide me from one predetermined scene to another with limited exploration or experimentation, these games make me feel like I’m not just watching, but actively participating. These unique titles allow me to feel my best and most capable self. Each game is different in genre and style, yet they all share a deep trust in the player. I hope that future games, regardless of their size, genre, or developer, will learn from these exceptional titles and work towards rekindling the sense of wonder and discovery that makes gaming so appealing.
More Best Of 2024:
- Our Favorite Games That Didn’t Make The Top 10
- Best PS5-Exclusive Games Of 2024
- Best Switch-Exclusive Games Of 2024
- Best PC-Exclusive Games Of 2024
- Best Xbox Games Of 2024
- Best-Reviewed Games Of 2024
- Best Of 2024 hub
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2024-12-22 01:39