Top Ten Snubbed Games of 2024: An Overview
Each year, the Golden Joystick Awards (TGA) unveil their nominations, igniting spirited discussions among gamers. The community often finds itself asking, “Why was that game nominated?”or “Where’s my favorite game? It deserves recognition!”
This year is no exception, as some puzzling choices have left many outstanding titles in the shadows. In contrast to the TGA’s selections, our aim is to highlight deserving games that may have missed the mark in receiving recognition.
Join us as we explore ten exceptional titles from 2024 that, despite their brilliance, were overlooked by the TGA.
10. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Learning to Let Go
Launching in February, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is an action RPG that takes bold narrative leaps. Despite a lack of fanfare at release, this game delivers on multiple fronts: a compelling dual combat system that juxtaposes living and undead battles, a richly woven world steeped in spiritual lore, and morally complex quests that challenge players to make difficult choices.
The conclusion may feel a tad predictable, yet it surpasses many contemporaries in the “Choices Matter”genre. If the TGA overlooked this gem, it’s time to dive in and experience it for yourself.
9. Another Crab’s Treasure
A Proper Shoals-Like
While souls-like games are famed for their difficulty, Another Crab’s Treasure proves that accessibility can coexist with challenge. This enchanting, vibrant title serves as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the genre while still retaining the core mechanics familiar to souls fans, including engaging boss battles and unique shell-based combat mechanics.
Despite providing a welcoming entryway into the genre, it was sadly overlooked by the TGA. Yet, we applaud Kril for creating such a delightful experience!
8. Thank Goodness You’re Here
Good Ol’ Blighty
Thank Goodness You’re Here brings hilarity to life in a quirky, northern English setting. The game expertly couples absurd humor with charming scenarios, from debates on pies to whimsical adventures that encapsulate quintessential UK culture.
Its comedic genius deserves recognition, even if it’s not the traditional fare that award shows typically honor. We firmly believe this game warrants its time in the limelight!
7. Crow Country
Old-School Horror
In an era where classic survival horrors have fallen to the wayside, Crow Country revives the eerie nostalgia of the genre. Emulating the feel of horror classics such as Silent Hill and Resident Evil, this title combines clever puzzles with a retro aesthetic and feels.
While the spotlight shone brightly on Silent Hill 2 at the TGA, Crow Country deserves equal recognition for its masterful homage to the horror genre.
6. Pacific Drive
Drive to Survive
Pacific Drive offers a unique take in the survival horror space with mechanics that center around vehicular survival. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Olympic Peninsula, your ability to manage scarce resources and keep your car running becomes critical for survival.
The gripping gameplay and immersive storytelling make it an indie standout, albeit one that the TGA failed to honor. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!
5. In Stars And Time
Don’t Eat the Pineapple; You’re Allergic!
Breaking the myth that nothing remarkable releases in December, In Stars and Time graced us with a brilliant RPG featuring an innovative time-loop mechanic. Its release timing presented a significant disadvantage, contributing to its absence from TGA discussions.
Nevertheless, this title showcases an intricate narrative and superb character development—making it a worthy Games for Impact contender if it had only been remembered.
4. Visions of Mana
Got Another Grizzly!
Despite a year rich with JRPGs, Visions of Mana deserves its moment in the spotlight. Following an underwhelming remake, this title rejuvenates the series with vibrant visuals, engaging characters, and a well-balanced combat system.
As a possible choice for the TGA nominations, it speaks volumes that it didn’t receive a mention. Perhaps the series will need to go above and beyond to gain proper recognition in future awards.
3. Nine Sols
A 2D Axe-Like
This year has produced many incredible titles, yet Nine Sols remains inexplicably underappreciated. A 2D souls-like game with a Sekiro-style focus on parrying and precise combat, it offers a rich world steeped in Tao-inspired lore.
The immaculate combat, aesthetic visuals, and memorable soundtrack set this game apart. So don’t wait for the TGA—play it now and indulge in its brilliance!
2. Sonic X Shadow Generations
The Original Anti-Hero Hedgehog
The Sonic franchise often faces criticism, yet recent entries show promising redemption. Sonic X Shadow Generations offers a refined and exhilarating experience, ultimately a standout in Sonic’s legacy—even if the TGA did not see fit to honor it.
While its brevity and remaster nature may have played a role in its omission, it stands out among the year’s nominees and represents a thrilling chapter for the franchise.
1. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Truly an Anomaly
While the gender of this final entry is slightly unconventional since nominations were made prior to its release, STALKER 2 has quickly gained traction among players and boasts an immersive environment paired with intense gameplay.
While the TGA’s early cutoff means it couldn’t receive a mention, the game’s potential merits could certainly lead to recognition next year. As a testament to the game’s appeal, many fans have already rallied around this engrossing survival experience.
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