10 Serious Contenders for Game of the Year 2024

10 Contenders for Game of the Year 2024

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re counting down our picks for the titles that we believe have the best chance of becoming the pinnacle of 2024’s gaming scene.

“Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2” (2024)

Are you ready to risk your life for the Emperor and wipe out every last heretic in sight? Apparently, a lot of people are, as this latest addition to the tapestry that is Warhammer 40k has brought about a fresh surge of fans to the license. Following on from its fun yet uneven prequel, players once again take on the role of Ultramarine Titus, tasked with contending with the encroaching Tyrranid threat. The hacking, slashing and third-person gunplay may harken back to yesteryear with its simplicity, but it's impossible to ignore just how outrageously fun it is combating endless waves of insectoid monstrosities, especially in co-op!

“Epic Mickey: Rebrushed” (2024)

One of the darkest Disney video game outings was given a fresh coat of paint this year. Taking what many considered a forgotten gem and shining a spotlight on Mickey’s adventures across the wasteland. If you like your Disney with a splash of meta commentary, plenty of platforming and a…morality system? Then this one's for you. While it may not be among the pantheon of greatest video game remakes, this was an ink spill that we were more than happy to dive into once more!

“The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” (2024)

About time that the Princess of Hyrule was given the chance to headline her own game, and we’re more than happy to say that it’s a rousing success. While less heavy on action in favor of puzzle-solving, Echoes of Wisdom has charm pouring out of every frame. With Link sealed away, it falls to Zelda to save her kingdom. Though instead of the master sword, Zelda can use her magic to replicate any items and enemies she encounters, paving the way for an immense amount of freedom when it comes to both combat and platforming. Needless to say, Nintendo might have another banger subseries on their hands.

“Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” (2024)

You can take the Yakuza out of Japan, but don’t think for a second, they aren’t going to cause all manner of chaos wherever they end up. This is most certainly true for Kiryu and Ichiban, two of the franchise’s most legendary leads, as they find themselves in Hawaii, chasing conspiracies, breaking bones, and getting embroiled in some of the wildest side-content ever committed to gaming. The excessive silliness, slick mechanics and grounded drama are all here in force. It’s a good time guaranteed no matter which aspect you lean into.

“Balatro” (2024)

You don’t know what addictive means until you’ve taken your first step into this game’s world of poker-based roguelike. The core principle remains the same – win with the highest score by having the best hand. Where things get interesting is the effects of certain additional cards and decks, which when played, can make or break a run. Alter a card’s value, provide bonuses, snag an overflowing victory. Once you taste success, that’s when the “one more game” mentality kicks in. Between this and Vampire Survivors, it’s a miracle anyone has played anything else this year.

“Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth” (2024)

Everything great about Remake has been exponentially expanded and perfected upon in Rebirth, continually this unexpected trilogy’s rise as one of the best the franchise has ever produced. After leaving Midgar, Cloud and company become further embroiled in the battle against Shinra, all the while haunted by Sephiroth and his grand design. This reimagining has so much to offer in terms of mini-games, challenges, original content, character moments and jaw-dropping set pieces we don’t have a clue how they’re going to top it in the the third game!

“Animal Well” (2024)

Whether you’re a fan of Dunky or not, this Metroidvania is something truly special and worth diving into. On the surface, it’s about a blob exploring a labyrinth with strange, animal inhabitants. Though as you inevitably explore deeper thanks to some quirky tools, things start to become darker, more mystical, and horrifying. It’s an uncanny valley that will keep you puzzled about its true meaning and intentions well beyond its ending, but will still find a way to keep you transfixed all throughout your short tenure! Bigmode has a big win on their hands, that’s for sure.

“Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” (2024)

It’s a DLC with more polish, content and intricacy to its name than most other AAAs out there, how could we not include it? From the rich and often terrifying landscape that is the Realm of Shadows, its monumental variety of boss battles, all the way to the incredible build options that, quite honestly, will have you skipping back over to the base game just to see if you can one-shot Malenia. If this truly is the end of Elden Ring, then we can proudly say that this expansion is the jewel in an already illustrious crown. Never doubt FromSoft.

“Black Myth: Wukong” (2024)

The fact this game was able to live up to the impossible hype is a testament to the effort and creativity poured into every aspect of its framework. The borderline absurd amount of abilities granted to you, the sheer amount of unique enemies, the fluid combat, all saturated in a beautiful world that pays homage to Wukong’s story. Those of you looking for spectacle alongside some truly awesome combat are in for a treat, while those of you that have waited your whole life for a game that truly pays respect to this icon of Chinese mythology – this is your new holy grail!

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions

“Satisfactory” (2024)

“UFO 50” (2024)

“Persona 3: Reload” (2024)

“Astro Bot” (2024)

Nostalgia has never been so epic. The fact this game is simultaneously a celebration of PlayStation as well as one of the most delightful platformers we have ever experienced has made it a modern marvel. Every level is dripping with charm, the haptic feedback has never felt better, collecting every character wasn’t so much a chore as was wholly investing, and come on, how could we not love something as adorable as Astro! If platformers are your thing, this is required gaming. If you have a soft spot for PlayStation games throughout the years, this is most certainly required gaming. I think it's fair to say Sony has found itself a new mascot.
Which game currently stands as your favorite of the year? Let us know in the comments!