Game of the Year: Push Square Readers Write About Their Favourite PS5 Games of 2024

16 hours ago 23

For the first time here on Push Square, we invited readers to reach out to us via email, in order to share their thoughts on the best PS5 games of 2024.

We received way more 'letters' than we anticipated, and the result is this bumper edition of a feature, which contains our favourite replies.

From The Game Awards winner Astro Bot to the incredibly daft Thank Goodness You're Here!, your shoutouts were very diverse, and so we wanted to try and portray that same degree of variety in this article.

Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the community's picks for Game of the Year 2024!

Astro Bot

My Game of the Year has to be Astro Bot. Over the past year my life has changed and I welcomed a daughter into our family and she loves the bright colours of the platformer. Also, I don’t get the time to play long narrative driven games so it’s a nice easy game to dip in and out of when she’s napping!

- Ben Hopkinson

I am 50 years old. Due to a rare disease that I barely survived a few years ago, I am in poor health, and as you can imagine, my outlook on things is very grim right now considering I could be punching my ticket anytime soon. But for my game of the year this year, I have to give it up to Astrobot.

The way I describe it to people is very simple: It's pure joy. It has made me smile so much this year and made me feel like a kid again. It has made me feel so good when things in my life have brought me down. I cannot thank or admire the game developers enough for injecting pure magic in my life. Thanks.

- Steeleye 50

My Game of the Year has to be Astro Bot. From start to finish, this was an absolute delight to play and had me grinning from ear to ear the entire time! Platforming is tight and responsive, the audio design is incredible, and it has the best use of the DualSense in any game I've played. Each level is a fun jaunt through interesting locations, with just enough hidden secrets that I had to revisit several worlds on my journey to the Platinum trophy.

It’s just so adorable, too, with familiar faces from PlayStation’s 30-year history making appearances and Astro’s Pixar-esque movements expressing emotions without ever uttering a word. A true platforming masterclass that has given me more joy than anything else released this year.

- Mike Crewe

My PlayStation game of the year is Astrobot. It takes all of the very best bits of the best platformers of all time to become one of the best platformers of all time!

I love the character and the mechanics and it is a game that keeps bringing me so much joy.

The use of the Dual Sense is intuitive and adds to the gameplay. Everything just feels right and with just the right level of difficulty for everyone.

It’s what gaming is all about. Fun, enjoyment, and sheer brilliance!

- BaldB3lper78

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

As a new fan of Final Fantasy 7, Rebirth was the perfect sequel to Remake. Just like the members of Avalanche, we escape the confines of Midgar into a rich beautiful open world, filled with a plethora of minigames, open world tasks, iconic characters, and everyone's favourite mode of transport... Chocobos!

Rebirth's story is compelling and heart-breaking, with fantastic performances from all the characters, adding depth and nuance to all cutscenes. The level design and combat is a great evolution from the previous games innovations.

Each character gets their own time to shine, with dedicated dungeons that showcases each characters unique abilities, and the new characters, are all a welcome addition to the party.

And if you had any doubts over which game deserves GOTY, only one has Queen's Blood!

- J000SSHHH

Final Fantasy VII is like an old friend. I had grown up with it, played it endlessly as a child, and it became an indelible memory. Much like an old friend too, in reuniting with it, my fondness for the game has grown deeper with reacquaintance after time apart.

When the doors opened to the sprawling world, I felt the kind of indescribable, wide-eyed awe that I felt in games when I was a child, only this time with the wisdom of experience. The story, the gameplay, everything—it’s the perfect merger of past and present.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not just fantastic on its own, but it sets the foundation for an incredible finale and simultaneously recontextualizes the past. Moreover, the game made me feel all of it in the process. This isn’t just my Game of the Year, but a contender for being my Game of the Generation.

- Tim Stensloff (somnambulance)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. The Game definitely has a lot of surprises and moments that will keep you glued to your seat until the end.

One of the things I love about Rebirth (and even Remake) are the character glow-ups. As someone who played the original FFVII countless times, this game really made me care about those characters that I wasn't particularly interested in, such as Barret, Yuffie, and Caith Sith.

Gameplay-wise, I really like how fast-paced the game has become compared to Remake, which I think really worked well in the overworld. Overall, FFVII Rebirth made me remember why FFVII is one of my all-time favorite games in the first place.

- Ashina

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

2024 being such a packed and dense year has made it incredibly tricky picking just one game, because I know in my heart all the games I’ll mention wholeheartedly deserve it, which goes to show how much of a banger this year was. Alas, a choice must be made.

I’ve delved into all sorts of games like Persona 3 Reload, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Metaphor, even lesser discussed games like Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster — but my vote shall go towards what I humbly believe to be the best representative of gaming’s beauty as a lively and progressing medium, and that’d be Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

It’s tricky to condense my feelings in a few words but it is all I could ask for; a great adventure filled with content, mostly ignorable flaws, and an awesome foundation that’ll surely be expanded in Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirate in Hawaii.

Happy 2024! Umbasa!

- Yousef

My Game of the year would go to Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Simply put, it's the best Like A Dragon / Yakuza game ever.

In previous titles you always feel there was something a little bit underbaked. But with Infinite Wealth you feel like RGG finally perfectly cooked everything in the game.

From minigames to story and ending up with combat, it's simply great and no other game I played this year comes close to it. As runner-ups I would choose Astro Bot, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

- Khwarezm89

If Yakuza: Like A Dragon was a test drive, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the keys to the nicest car in the shop.

The new, brighter locale in Honolulu, Hawaii ups the ante for dual protagonists Ichiban (the lovable goofball) and Kazuma Kiryu (the stoic one-man wrecking crew). An improved turn-base combat system allows players more flexibility and creativity between character jobs, skills and builds.

Only in LAD can one go from the intense main story to a zany yet heartwarming substory about a crawfish or a food delivery minigame where one pops tricks on a bike.

To me, the Game of the Year should naturally evoke raw emotions from the player. In Infinite Wealth, Ichiban, Kiryu, and the gang weren’t just characters in a video game; they felt like family during the 100+ hours I spent journeying together in Honolulu and Japan.

- CWill97

Silent Hill 2

My 2024 Game of the Year is Silent Hill 2. Bloober Team faced immense pressure but delivered a remake that stays true to the original while seamlessly updating it for modern audiences.

The sound design is exceptional, making every moment of exploring the haunted town tense and immersive, while the outstanding performances bring this deeply emotional story to life.

- Tyler

Surely going against the grain here, I believe my Game of the Year to be Silent Hill 2; a game that defied all expectations and proved to be a much-needed win for both Konami and Bloober Team.

Having fallen in love with Team Silent's original vision during the pandemic, I was nervous to see how both companies would choose to translate this story and its gameplay to the modern day. Thankfully, they approached this remake with the utmost care and respect — delivering the already devastating and complex narrative with refined third-person survival horror gameplay, and expanded exploration within the foggy city of Silent Hill.

With the additions of a reimagined score by returning composer Akira Yamaoka and a strong performance from James Sunderland actor Luke Roberts, Konami's remake of this horror masterclass is not only my Game of the Year, but possibly my preferred version of this twisted tale.

- Levi Shanks (WYRMWOOD23)

Stellar Blade

Ah, Stellar Blade. Shift Up's first attempt at a triple A game and it's a hit! From being thrown into a boss fight in the prologue to finding your way to Xion only for the story to be cranked up to 11 from there on out Stellar Blade's protagonist EVE shines from start to finish.

There are especially two major highlights I want to point out (no, not those). I'm talking about combat and music. Combat is frantic, demanding and satisfying when it clicks. While the music sets the perfect vibe, whether you are exploring Silent Street in peace, fighting challenging foes, or relaxing in a tan bed in the Oasis area.

I must also salute Shift Up for releasing a complete and bug free game at launch. Add in a bunch of free updates (and one paid NieR collab) and Stellar Blade has shown to be a true passion project with lots of replayability and a longer lifespan than most games in the same genre.

Sometimes all you need is fun, and this game is the most fun I have had all year.

- BIG3

My personal GOTY is Stellar Blade. It reminded me of the PS2 era, which sounds bad, but I mean it in the most endearing ways.

The game was not perfect by any means, but it was just straight up fun to play. Often criticized for the dialogue and story, I honestly didn't find it any more awkward than say... Yuffie in Rebirth (who actually talks like that, arms flailing about).

The combat was flashy and had a good level of challenge (so not a total breeze like FF16, but not rage-inducing like Souls), and had enough depth to feel engaging. Enemy designs were unique, and the soundtrack was beautiful.

Overall, it was a fun experience. It's definitely not perfect, and all things considered, probably not objectively better than the other games I played, but it's fun enough that I'd be happy to come back and play through again, like I would in the PS2 days as a budget conscious student.

- Fides189

Helldivers 2

Playing games should be fun, first and foremost. And nothing I have played in recent years has come close to the level of fun that Helldivers 2 has (democratically) dished out.

My best friend has recently moved to the other side of the world, and regular helldiving has been a great way to stay connected. Weekly game sessions and voice chats have been a frantic combination of laughter, panic, and flat-out anger at friendly fire (typically swiftly followed by the accidental launch of an orbital strike on the trigger-happy teammate's head).

For an online shooter, the progression system is tuned to perfection, and always has you wanting to play for another hour to try and unlock the next weapon or armour set. Chef's kiss is the rousing, eminently hummable orchestral soundtrack as your drop in one more time to dish out some well needed forced-democracy.

- Gaz

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure

My GOTY is Life is Strange: Double Exposure. Some may shudder at the mere mention of a LIS game on a list such as this. But this gamer believes the series has been treated rather unfairly. Double Exposure has all the features expected from a LIS game: small-town setting, teenage angst, internal monologues, moments of reflection while sat upon many sets of chairs, and supernatural twists.

Where Double Exposure shines is in its ability to tell an unpredictable and daring story. There isn’t a story quite like it on the market. No spoilers, of course, but it reminds one of the movie Donnie Darko. It also happens to have the best facial animations I have ever seen in a video game, beating even some of PlayStation’s first-party outings.

Decknine have done an admirable job handling the LIS series, and they’ve crafted a memorable experience with equally memorable characters in Double Exposure.

- Joey Clarke

Unicorn Overlord

Unicorn Overlord is it for me. Good Story, nice presentation, and enough depth to keep it interesting.

- Saacha

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

My PS5 GOTY has to be Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The incredibly well written characters and story, the deep and engaging gameplay, the meticulously crafted world, and the gorgeous visuals.

As a huge Dragon Age fan this is the game I’ve been waiting for. It’s BioWare back on top form.

- James

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

My game of the year is something perhaps a little different... Epic Mickey: Rebrushed. It's not on any GOTY lists (as far as I'm aware at least), and isn't a game anyone seems to be talking about among the slew of Dragon Dogmas, Astro Bots, and Erdtree Shadows.

Rebrushed has taken a game that wasn't bad by any means, but was locked on the Wii as quite a niche, janky platformer, and modernised the game to where it now stands out as a rare top quality 3D character action platformer not named Astro in 2024.

The jury has been out on internet communities about whether Purple Lamp's version of Battle for Bikini Bottom was an improvement over the original iconic PS2 generation platformer, but Rebrushed is without a doubt, an improvement over the original Epic Mickey in every way.

You also know you've enjoyed the experience of a game well when the end credits roll and you have that "what do I do with my life now?" feeling.

Everyone might remember their favourite games for moments, levels, or top ten anime deaths, but the most important thing for a great game is how it makes the player feel.

- kevinm360

Earth Defense Force 6

I know it won't receive much attention, but Earth Defense Force 6 easily wins my Game of the Year.

There's just something to be said about a game these days just feeling like a good ol' fun time. It's not overly complicated, the narratives are silly and basically optional... the true heart of the game is just to simply have fun killing a bunch of big monsters (don't call them bugs).

There is a ton of replayability, which I feel is also starting to get lost in modern gaming. To top it off, the split-screen coo-p is legitimately some of the most fun I've ever had in a coop game. It's just a great package all around.

EDF! EDF!!

- Nathan Michalik

Animal Well

Most games hold our hand. They tell us what to do, and far too often even tell us how to do it. They leave very little to the imagination. Yet there is something profoundly magical about the act of discovery, finding out for ourselves what is possible and what the rules of a game world are.

Animal Well builds upon every little discovery, it is layered like an onion with the whimsical joy of a Russian Doll, revealing new surprises at regular intervals.

Every revelation is a small explosion of joy. It's like riding a bike for the first time with no stabilisers. It is the polar opposite of most hand-holding games. It is very liberating and it is bloody wonderful.

- themightyant

Nine Sols

Nine Sols is a beautiful 2D Metroidvania with a tough-as-nails combat style.

Featuring a story that doesn’t hold back, with a lot of dark, brutal themes, rich world building, and even featuring several horror elements that would be right at home in Red Candle Game’s previous entries.

The game features a lot of ways to power up via a skill tree, equipable badges, and moves picked up from bosses, but the caveat of the combat is the parry system.

Similar to Sekiro, parrying is essential in beating the game’s tough boss lineup, but similar to a Souls game, learning the patterns of a boss and finally landing that final blow is incredibly satisfying.

Nine Sols has a great cast of characters, beautiful hand drawn manga scenes, and great combat all wrapped up in a 25-hour adventure.

The game was a blast, albeit a tough one, from start to finish and deserves my Game of the Year for 2024.

- Deadlyblack

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

My favourite PS5 game of the year is Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. The game received mixed responses from critics, but I found it to be a fresh take on the “metroidvania” genre.

I was especially captivated by the way in which the game weaves together themes of loss, grief, hope and humanity in a short and simple story. Not many of these types of games manage to convey such powerful emotions to the player, nor with the sincerity I felt playing Surgent Studio’s title, which is also served by an excellent score and impressive voice acting performances.

Although the gameplay may not innovate in any meaningful way, it’ll prove enjoyable enough for most players. This is one title that you won’t put down until you’ve seen it to the very end. It’s a wonderfully emotional experience that deserves to be discovered and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

- MadCaptain2207

Thank Goodness You're Here!

Honestly my GOTY isn't a massive AAA release or a remake / remaster. It's Thank Goodness You're Here!.

A short but funny romp through a Yorkshire town that cuts deep into the mannerisms and freak behaviour we have been known for. Whether it's helping a butcher make sausages from some sort of questionable meat or a fishmonger and his love of cigarettes, I was laughing from start to finish.

- Andy Coulson

What do you think of the Push Square community's Game of the Year shoutouts for 2024? Which of these games are you most happy to see get some recognition? Feel free to tell us about your own picks in the comments section below.