Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
As the holiday season approaches, the challenge of curating game-of-the-year nominations becomes apparent. Each November brings the anxiety of compiling a list of esteemed games from the past year, alongside those hidden gems and personal favorites that may have been overlooked. Unfortunately, as year-end tributes emerge, the list often feels incomplete.
This year’s Game Awards nominations have been announced, with the ceremony scheduled for December 12 in Los Angeles. Amongst the nominees, there are notable titles to discuss, including Astro Bot, which leads with seven nominations—a game that many critics, including myself, hold in high regard. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows closely with six nominations, praised for its dedication to fan service, though it hasn’t resonated with me as much as others.
The full list of nominees for game of the year includes Balatro, an exceptionally engaging card game that captured my attention at the start of the year; Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, an expansion to the much-acclaimed action RPG from 2022; Metaphor: ReFantazio, an eye-catching RPG from Atlus; and Black Myth: Wukong, which was a surprise hit this summer amidst some controversies regarding its production.
This year’s competition appears fierce, yet I place my bets on Shadow of the Erdtree, as its reception by critics has been overwhelmingly positive. I would not be disappointed to see Astro Bot take the spotlight, however. Balatro stands out as an underdog; while it captivated many, its allure faded for me once I mastered it. Notably, there is a public vote that counts for 10% of the overall weighting, which could potentially enhance Black Myth: Wukong’s chances due to its substantial popularity in China.
Another game worth mentioning is Neva, a deeply moving narrative featuring a warrior and her wolf, which has received nominations for best art direction, best independent game, and the ‘games for impact’ category. This latter category aims to spotlight titles with significant social messages, yet it often feels like a catch-all for games that evoke strong emotions. Upon reviewing the nominees, I find it difficult to identify a unifying theme among them.
Several games in this category tackle heavy subjects. Indika delves into the life of a 19th-century nun critiquing the Russian Orthodox church, while Hellblade II continues its predecessor’s exploration of the protagonist’s battle with mental health. Tales of Kenzera: Zau focuses on themes of grief, reflecting its African heritage, and both Closer the Distance and Neva touch upon loss and ecological concerns. Yet, the social messages of titles like Life Is Strange: Double Exposure remain elusive.
Apart from these reflective pieces, there are some delightful surprises in this year’s nominations. Eerie indie game Animal Well is recognized for best independent game, alongside Lorelei and the Laser Eyes—an intriguing mystery set in an abandoned hotel—and UFO 50, a robust collection of retro-inspired titles. Pacific Drive, which presents a haunted road trip narrative, features in the best debut game category. However, I find it disheartening that Dragon’s Dogma II received recognition solely in the best RPG category, as it seems deserving of more accolades.
Interestingly, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has also earned a nod for the best mobile game award. Personally, I’ve been engrossed in it since its release, still on the hunt for a shiny Articuno.
For a complete breakdown of this year’s nominations, Video Games Chronicle has compiled an easily navigable list of categories and their respective nominees. If you find the Game Awards overly commercialized, consider checking out a new ceremony premiering this year: The Indie Game Awards, which will highlight creativity and innovation from smaller developers.
Tell us your favourites …
I invite Pushing Buttons readers to share their favorite games of 2024 as we approach the end of the year. Please send your thoughts with a few sentences reflecting on what these games have meant to you, as I’ll feature them in a newsletter later this month.
What to play
Currently, I’m intrigued by The Rise of the Golden Idol, a macabre detective game that combines logic puzzles, fill-in-the-blank clues, and hidden object challenges. Each case presents an animated tableau that transforms storytelling into an interactive experience. This game captivates me with its unique storytelling style reminiscent of an eerie adaptation of Grant Wood’s American Gothic.
In the game, characters are caught in a time loop at critical moments, prompting players to determine their identities and the events that transpired. While this challenging experience often tests my deductive reasoning skills, its unusual format keeps me engaged as it unfolds a broader narrative about corruption and loss. This game consistently pushes me to think in ways that many others do not.
Available on: Smartphones (with Netflix subscription), PC, consoles
Estimated playtime: 12 hours
What to read
To commemorate the World of Warcraft anniversary, Blizzard has released remastered versions of Warcraft and Warcraft II, though they have faced significant criticism from fans. In contrast, Valve’s Half-Life 2 anniversary update recently broke concurrent player records on Steam, demonstrating a successful enhancement of a classic game.
Plans for a Minecraft theme park in the UK are underway, expected to welcome visitors in 2026 or 2027, though the prospect of large crowds brings a sense of trepidation. In a more somber note, the beloved indie showcase WASD for PC games is no longer operating, marking the end of an era.
Additionally, an informative piece has emerged discussing Roblox’s forthcoming improvements to its parental controls, which is crucial as online gaming continues to expand.
What to click
Question Block
For this week’s Question Block, I’ll be sharing some reader recommendations based on previous inquiries. For example, for Jonny’s wife, who desires a game similar to Civilization VI with a more relaxed vibe:
“I have youngish children, and Terra Nil really scratches my ‘massively reduced god game’ requirements. Also, it’s completely child friendly, down to any age, really. It’s not an exact Civ replacement, but has sort of the same vibe.” – Charlie
Another suggestion comes from Craig, who recommends Polytopia for its approachable gameplay and ability to scale in difficulty, alongside its unique tech mechanics for different civilizations.
Lastly, for Lewis, who seeks quality puzzle games without the nuisance of intrusive ads:
“Solomon’s Boneyard and Solomon’s Keep are brilliant! Favourites of mine and my friend’s. The former is the better of the two, but if you are not a fan of endless modes, the latter might suit you more.” – Timothy
Should you have questions or additional recommendations for the Question Block, feel free to respond directly or reach out through email.
Source
www.theguardian.com