Gaming Highlights of 2024: A Unique Year in Review

2024 was quite different from 2023 in the gaming world. Whereas 2023 was filled with manyDelayed due to COVID, big-name games and hidden indie gems, 2024 saw a more spread-out release schedule. Some games, like Balatro, UFO 50, and Astro Bot, were instant hits. But filling out a list of the top 20 games for the year was tougher than it's ever been. Sure, the games on this year's list are fantastic, but in a year like 2023, they might not have made the cut. Let's talk about Animal Well. It breathes new life into the Metroidvania genre, which has started to feel formulaic. Instead of the same old "go here, collect this, destroy that wall" routine, Animal Well brings back the sense of mystery. The pixel-art graphics, with their wild 2D lighting effects and detailed sprites, are stunning. Even the smallest movements, like a flower swaying, are beautifully animated. But it's the titular giant animals that really steal the show, with screen-filling actions that are both terrifying and amazing. The year 2025 is looking promising, with games like Civilization 7, Avowed, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Grand Theft Auto 6 on the horizon. But for now, let's enjoy the best that 2024 had to offer.