Branching Path: Josh Torres’ Top 10 Games of 2024

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that 2024 has been a remarkable year for the gaming industry. From blockbuster titles to hidden gems, this year had it all. But if I were to pick my top game of the year, it would have to be Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival. Now, you might be thinking, “A rhythm game? Really?” But hear me out.

I’ve played my fair share of games, from the gritty streets of Kamurocho in Yakuza to the fantastical lands of Final Fantasy. However, none have had as profound an impact on my life as Taiko no Tatsujin. I made a promise to myself years ago that if this game ever came to Steam, I’d get a drum controller and give it a shot. Well, I did just that, and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’ve sunk over $278 into this game, and every penny has been worth it. I’ve invested in the Setlist Edition, the Music Subscription Pass, and even splurged on a TDC10 drum controller. I’ve played nearly every day since I got it, striving for self-improvement with each beat. It’s become a part of my daily routine, and I can honestly say that it has brought joy to my life in ways few games have ever managed.

So, if you’re looking for the Game of the Year, look no further. Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is it. And just in case you were wondering, yes, I did consider naming my drum controller “Kiryu”…but I decided to go with something a bit more subtle: “Controller-chan”. Now if that’s not a sign of a game worth playing, I don’t know what is!

2024 turned out to be surprisingly great for video games in the gaming industry, despite being labeled as a slow year for AAA titles. I found myself drawn to an abundance of unique niche games, some of which didn’t receive much attention. This year was particularly noteworthy for role-playing games (RPGs), which have been keeping this site buzzing.

Indeed, in the year 2024, there were numerous games that I adored so much that my top 10 list felt incomplete without them. As a result, I found myself with an impressive nine games worthy of Honorable Mentions, which I truly wanted to include in my top 10 selections but couldn’t due to space constraints. It simply didn’t feel right not to recognize these exceptional games at all.

The Top Nine Games That Didn’t Make the Top Ten (in no order)

Fate/stay night Remastered – Surreal to see an official western release for this after 20 years. I can’t wait for Fate/hollow ataraxia Remastered.
Megaton Musashi W: Wired – Criminally overlooked mecha action RPG with one of the most absurd storylines in recent memory. I partially blame Level-5 for doing their best to not market this game in the west at all. Read my review of Megaton Musashi W: Wired to find out why it’s awesome.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Solid follow-up to the first Space Marine, despite my gripes with how sluggish it is to navigate its home base menu.
Unicorn Overlord – Vanillaware reintroduced the modern world to Ogre Battle and while it isn’t perfect, the versatility of its unit management systems made my brain worms happy.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club – I finally sat down and marathoned the two Famicom Detective Club remakes and this brand-new entry in a week. Still torn on how the finale and epilogue were presented, but I admire the audacity to do it in such a fashion.
Balatro – Clever poker roguelite deckbuilder that proves you only really need One Catchy Track to keep you coming back.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – An above & beyond expanded release of SMTV that no longer feels like abysmal dogshit to play because it’s on more powerful hardware now & if there was a category for “Best & Most New Music in an Expansion”, this would probably win it.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Stuck in a well-documented hell of development for many years, Granblue Fantasy: Relink captured the RPG world earlier this year briefly and became one of my favorite success stories. It has an incredibly solid foundation and I hope to see a big sequel to it someday that irons out its rough edges.
Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa – Didn’t release this year, but I finally got around to reading it because I got into a Big Visual Novel Mood that lasted roughly two months. Incredible piece of literature with a unique center-aligned presentation and captivating ensemble wrapped up in some cool mecha fight sequences. Fair warning if you decide to read this – it is not for the weak of heart and contains some especially graphic and brutal scenes.

10) Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon-

When news broke that “Witch on the Holy Night” would be getting an official English release in 2022, I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm, sharing it just hours after the announcement. The thought crossed my mind that maybe, just maybe, we’d get a western version of “Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon-” someday, and this year, Type-Moon and Aniplex granted our wishes; in fact, they even long-awaited the release of Fate/stay night in the west after two decades.

I found myself deeply captivated and impressed by the remake, Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon-, particularly its innovative take on the Arcueid and Ciel storylines from the original visual novel, especially Ciel’s route. While I believe it’s valuable to read the original as well, I think experiencing both versions is definitely worthwhile.

Although I’m more drawn to the unadapted parts of The Far Side in the second phase of the Tsukihime remake, I can’t wait to explore how those unfold. For a comprehensive take on my feelings, check out my Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- review from earlier this year.

Once more, I boldly aspire for something grander… A heartfelt hope that we may witness the global, synchronized launch of “Tsukihime -The other side of red garden-“.

9) Devil Blade Reboot

Over a span of 6.5 years, artist Shigatake from Vanillaware crafted Devil Blade Reboot, an enchanting, heart-racing shoot ’em up (shmup) that flawlessly encapsulates the essence of the genre in terms of both system and artistry. The controls are remarkably responsive, and the risk-versus-reward dynamics, which depend on your proximity to enemies, are straightforward yet challenging, particularly at higher levels of difficulty. Interestingly, Shigatake also reconstructed the entire original Devil Blade game within Shooting Game Builder and incorporated it into Devil Blade Reboot as an unlockable feature, allowing players to experience the original game firsthand.

Hasu did an exceptional job of infusing life into the Devil Blade Reboot’s soundtrack, and it is among my top favorites in 2024. Regardless of whether you intend to purchase the game or not, I strongly advise listening to the OST from the game on Hasu’s Bandcamp page.

8) The Thaumaturge

Hailing from Polish developers Fool’s Theory, “The Thaumaturge” is an underdog RPG set in an alternate 1905 Warsaw. The historical backdrop mirrors real-world events with a fantastical twist. You assume the role of a detective who has the ability to delve into occult arts, essentially summoning beings reminiscent of Personas. These entities, however, stem from local legends and myths. This game stands out as one of the most engaging titles I’ve encountered this year, offering a unique blend of atmosphere and setting unlike any other recent games I’ve played.

The characters in The Thaumaturge are an intriguing group, managing to elevate the game’s focus on character interactions significantly more than expected. Although it didn’t have Polish voiceovers at launch, Fool’s Theory added them in a post-release update, making me eager for another playthrough in the future. I believe many others should give this game a try; it became available on consoles just a few weeks ago as of now, and I reviewed it back in March when it was released on PC.

7) 1000xResist

A few days following its May release, a friend generously gave me the game titled 1000xResist. He urged me to play it without providing any additional details. Confused, I glanced through its Steam page but remained unclear about what awaited me. Over several days, I turned it on, switched it off after roughly 1-2 hours each time.

This year, I encountered a single game that left me breathless while I was playing it – an unusual sensation I didn’t dislike. Intriguingly, I found myself delving deeply into why it evoked such feelings in me and what sets this particular game apart as something truly remarkable for me.

I believe my friend suggested 1000xResist to me because he knew I appreciate sci-fi video games with intricate narratives – like “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim” and “Gnosia.” In many ways, 1000xResist shares similarities with these games in terms of the narrative style, but it stands out significantly due to its unique approach and distinct themes that are incredibly engaging.

1000xResist consistently left me pondering about the depth hidden within its compact structure. At first glance, it appears small, but it’s filled with tales that resonate deeply. Moreover, the exceptional voice acting it boasts this year greatly enhances the immersive narrative experience it offers. Truly remarkable from start to finish. (Written in a fan’s perspective)

6) Astro Bot

As someone who grew up playing games like Arc the Lad, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic excitement when I see Astro Bot, a game that harkens back to those classic titles. It’s rare to find a new game in 2024 that evokes such strong memories and emotions from my youth. The constant surprise and delight I get from seeing familiar characters and gameplay mechanics is truly special.

That being said, it’s difficult to measure the true value of nostalgia, as its impact is always subjective and personal. For me, Astro Bot brings back fond memories of spending countless hours playing games with friends and family, creating bonds and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. So while it may be hard to quantify the worth of nostalgia, for me at least, it’s priceless.

Thankfully, Astro Bot isn’t just a graveyard for forgotten gaming characters; it’s a skillfully crafted platformer that brought a smile to my face from beginning to end. I admire games that allow me to manipulate objects within them, and Astro Bot certainly delivers on this point with an array of items like dice, gems, bones, etc., which offer the opportunity to play with their physics as they scatter across the screen with each swipe from my adorable robot character. To this day, I remember that one stage with the day-night cycle toggle because its music was absolutely catchy.

5) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

The game “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is an exceptional sequel to “FFVII Remake,” skillfully expanding the world of Final Fantasy VII with only a few concessions noticeable. Although it includes some monotonous open-world activities and a handful of less-than-stellar sections (such as the Cait Sith part), it’s challenging to argue against the fact that games of this quality are scarcely produced nowadays. The game strikes an impressive balance between its vision, scale, and aspirations, leveraging modern technology to bring to life the worlds we envisioned from our memories of the original versions played on earlier systems.

As a long-time fan of Final Fantasy VII, I’ve witnessed its evolution from the original game to the remake and now Rebirth. The improvements made between each iteration have been nothing short of astonishing, leaving me in awe of the team’s dedication and creativity. While I can’t predict if the final part of this trilogy will surpass the previous installments, I truly hope they give it their all.

Hamaguchi-san, the director of Rebirth, has captured my admiration throughout this process. His genuine passion for the project and his infectious enthusiasm are evident when he speaks about the development journey with the team. I eagerly anticipate him maintaining this energy as he embarks on the final chapter of this massive undertaking.

4) Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven

When I heard about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven during that Nintendo Direct, it took me completely off guard. Frankly, I hadn’t even anticipated a remake like this. But after witnessing Xeen’s exceptional work on the reimagined Trials of Mana, the development team surpassed all expectations with Revenge of the Seven, creating arguably one of the finest SaGa games yet – a masterpiece that can be appreciated by both novice and seasoned players alike.

Romancing SaGa 2 initially seemed like a game brimming with untapped possibilities, particularly for those who dove in without guides; the assortment of distinct scenarios that could unfold based on your actions alone were unprecedented for its era. Xeen, in its 3D remake, preserved all of this and more, bolstered content, and refined many gameplay mechanics to enhance the experience while maintaining the original’s challenging nature. Once I got hooked on Revenge of the Seven, it was difficult to step away. From my first hands-on experience at a preview event, I could sense that it was on track to become something exceptional, and they certainly delivered on that promise.

3) Metaphor: ReFantazio

If you’ve followed my previous works, you’re aware that I have a strong appreciation for creators and distributors who dare to introduce a completely fresh concept, particularly one as grand as Atlus currently presents. Overemphasizing new elements in Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series in recent times (let’s avoid discussing Soul Hackers 2), their recent work seems less varied compared to their PS2 and DS days.

Metaphor: ReFantazio has been in development for numerous years, and it’s truly rewarding to witness its success. What surprised me was the sense of celebration it exudes as a Atlus project. It skillfully combines various elements from their other games in a harmonious manner, adding some fresh features to the blend. For more insights into one of the standout RPGs this year, check out my Metaphor: ReFantazio review!

In a metaphorical sense, Refantazio serves as the covert ship that developers used to subtly hint at their intention to create a fresh installment of Etrian Odyssey. If they were gauging interest based on how many players understood this hidden message, it seems that a new EO is unlikely to emerge in the near future.

2) Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

In the sequel to the turn-based RPG games in the Yakuza series, titled Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, RGG Studio clearly listened to the feedback from the Yakuza: Like A Dragon trial run. I initially wondered how they’d manage the dual protagonists Kiryu and Ichiban, but I was pleasantly surprised by their execution. I sincerely hope that Infinite Wealth is the last game focusing on Kiryu, as it delves deeply into his deteriorating health and his struggle with accepting mortality. Continuing to feature Kiryu in another installment might feel like a repetition or betrayal of this poignant theme.

It seems that as the year progressed, the discussion about this game has generally trended negatively, particularly concerning Ichiban’s later storyline and finale. Despite its imperfections, I feel that the ending encapsulates what makes Ichiban such a remarkable character, worthy of carrying Kiryu’s legacy. The game seems to communicate a powerful message: everyone deserves a chance at redemption if they are willing to extend a helping hand; some may find this idealistic, but Ichiban is unique. He embodies his own identity, and I awarded Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth a perfect 10 in my review in January, and I continue to believe that it deserves this score.

1) Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival

As someone who has been a longtime fan of Taiko no Tatsujin games, I am ecstatic that the Rhythm Festival edition is now available on platforms beyond Nintendo Switch. For years, I’ve dreamt of playing this beloved rhythm game on my PC and finally having the opportunity to do so feels like a dream come true. I made a personal vow years ago that if Taiko no Tatsujin ever graced Steam, I would buy it and invest in a proper drum controller to master its intricate rhythms. Now, with this release, I’m ready to fulfill my promise and immerse myself in the joyful world of Taiko no Tatsujin once again.

2024 is drawing to a close and I’ve invested approximately $278 in the game without any second thoughts: $67 on the Setlist Edition, $7 for a 90-day Music Subscription Pass that adds about 800 songs and more monthly, and $204 for the TDC10 taiko drum controller. I’ve been playing it almost every day and while I’m not a master at it, my progress has been steady and satisfying. There isn’t any other game that I’ve revisited so frequently with such a strong drive for self-improvement. My TDC10 drum controller is always nearby, ready to connect instantly whenever the urge to drum strikes – which happens quite often. I adore this game and am glad that this series has finally arrived on Steam. Despite the high cost, every moment spent drumming in this game has been worth it.

2024-12-30 18:26