Games I've played in 2024.
THOUGHTS ON #14: SAMPLING GAMES FROM 1996-2024
We come to that time again, another year of gaming has passed. I thought I would have played less games this year as I’ve been focusing on other bits and pieces, but it seems gaming hasn’t been entirely shoved to the side, as not only have I played enough games to scrape a list together, I’ve played more than last year! Some of these have featured on the blog over the past 12 months, but there are some that I haven’t gotten around to writing about just yet - these will probably show up at some point however. I’ve also dipped into a few other titles, but they won’t be listed here as I’ve not played them enough to mention. If you’d like to see what last years crop consisted of, you can click the link below:
Now to this year’s list…
Ale Abbey (Demo, PC 2024):
This little game is reminiscent of so many titles, with its pixel art aesthetics and side on view. There is a lot of heart in this little game, and quite a bit of complexity in the depth of the brewing systems. Who doesn’t like drunk monks? And naming your own beery creations? Good stuff. What little I played in the demo was very enjoyable - a good game to relax with. Read more here:
Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC 2023):
I dabbled with this game a little in early access, but I restrained myself as much as I could, not wanting to spoil the experience of playing through the full release. I picked up the game again during the Euro’s this time, my friend picked up a new console and the game along with it, and this ignited my interest once more - as did the knowledge that it was playable on the Steam Deck. Playing a game like this in bed, or on the comfort of the sofa is a game changer, and I still can’t quite comprehend how such an expansive and richly detailed game can run so well on the Deck. I’ve played previous Larian games, and their design choices are all over this game. It’s different from the original titles, but that is no bad thing. I’m only about 30 hours in, and I’m taking it slow. This is a rainy day game if ever there was one.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (PS2 2001):
A highlight of my childhood and an important game over which my dad and I bonded. Continuous jumping and pinching loot from each other never got old. In playing it through again by myself, some of the magic is lost, but this and its sequel were a couple of my favourite hack and slash games. As Bartley the merchant would say…
If you need something to split someone’s skull, or a helm to protect your own, you’ve come to the right place.
Cloudpunk (PC 2020):
Another game I played mostly on the Steam Deck - this one is a really beautiful looking thing, with a very satisfying gameplay loop. The story is rich too, as in the cyberpunk cityscape through which you experience it. You can read more about my thoughts on the game by clicking the link below.
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (PC 2006):
I’ve played through this game multiple times over the years, and wanting to do a post about it got me installing it once again. This game is perhaps a little forgotten, as the developer, Arkane Studios have since made a name for themselves with the Dishonoured games. It’s sad to think of what has since happened to the studio in recent months, but their legacy remains. You can read my experience with the game here:
Devastation (PC 2003):
I never got beyond the first level of this when I first got my hands on this a few years after its release, and ever since I’ve occasionally recalled it and wondered what I had missed. Dated, but fun. A proper post on this will be on the blog at some point.
Dishonoured 2 (PC 2016):
Another game by Arkane, and what a masterpiece it is. I was delayed in my playing through the second title in this series because of my then underpowered computer. I finally got around to finishing it this year, and like I say, its a masterpiece. It has improvement in mechanics over the first Dishonoured, but shares in the same wonderfully realised world - expanding upon the lore tremendously. You can read more about my thoughts of the Dishonoured world by clicking below:
Fallout 4 (PC 2015):
This is a game I occasionally return to, normally inspired by some crazy settlement builds I’ve seen someone else create. I’m still yet to finish the mainline story, despite sinking over 130 hours into it. I expect I’ll never finish it…
GoldenEye (N64 1997):
A timeless classic - what else can I say. I’m working on a post about this old friend, but for now, all I can really say is if you can revisit - do. I’ll set the timers for 3 minutes.
Grand Theft Auto III (PS2 2001):
Revisiting this classic from my youth was an absolute joy. Like returning to a childhood haunt, the game feels so small in returning to Liberty City, but none of the charm has worn off over the years, and it was refreshing to experience a simpler GTA game. You can read about my playthrough here:
Hades (PC 2019):
One of those games that absolutely everyone was raving about when it was released. I only got around to playing it after purchasing my Steam Deck however. Like almost all the games I play, this one is in the not-completed pile, but I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have played of it. The gameplay is similar rogue-like hack and slash games, but it’s the art style is what really stands out with this one.
Iron Harvest (PC 2020):
I first played this game as a demo a few years back, but properly got into it this year. I’m occasionally drawn back to real time strategy games, and this one ticked all the boxes for me. A fun campaign, good gameplay, and an exciting universe based on the artwork of Jakub Rozalski and Stefan Obst. It also features a terrific soundtrack by Adam Skorupa, Krzysztof Wierzynkiewicz, and Michal Cielecki.
Keep Driving (Demo, PC 2024):
Keep Driving is a cosy little road trip game in which you suffer the hardships of the road to get to your friends house to play N64. Seemingly simple game with surprising depth. Good stuff - you can read more about it here:
Kingdom (Classic) (PC 2015):
Simple yet addictive. This little game is one of trial and error. Sometime frustrating, but once you get your strategy down, creating a strong kingdom capable of withstanding the dark forces that beseech you makes you feel like the monarch you are. You can read more about my experiences with this game here:
MediEvil: Resurrection (PSP 2005):
The original PS1 version, and its sequel were very influential in my gaming education in the late 90s. One of the earlier games I got my hands on, and an absolute joy. Filled with British sensibilities and humour, this game is a true gem. I’ve not played the PS4 version, but this one on the PSP was an immediate buy when it came out in 2005. It upgrades the visuals, the gameplay, and adds more content - a great game, with a great personality. A post on this game will be on the blog soon!
OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (PS2 2006):
An arcade classic on the PlayStation 2. There is depth in the various modes in this game, and much replayability - along with a fantastic soundtrack. It’s a brilliant driving game and a classic for a reason.
Planet Zoo (PC 2019):
Another game I’ve dipped in and out of, like its cousin, Planet Coaster. This Frontier game is a joy for the building mechanics alone. I was inspired to give it another go by a friend of mine, and by some zoo builds I saw online. I really do like the game, but my stint this time wasn’t as long this time. I still recommend it for anyone with a penchant for building or zookeeping.
Pumpkin Jack (PC 2020):
A platformer, heavily inspired by the likes of MediEvil and A Nightmare Before Christmas. There are flaws aplenty in this one, but the overall aesthetics and charm of it outweigh the downsides, and combine to create a simple yet fun adventure. You can read more about it here.
Ratchet and Clank (PS2 2002):
A solid action-adventure platformer thing. In the style of the old guard, and pretty old itself now. It has since spawned a series of 17 games. If you’ve not tried them, the first is as good a place as any to start. Simple and fun, and very much a videogame (that’s a compliment).
Red Faction (PC 2001):
This one featured last year, but I finished my latest playthrough in 2024. This is another classic from my early 00s days. I got a PC early on, and was immediately taken by the game playing experience on computer. Games such as Red Faction filled my time then, and I have a soft spot for this one. Its a bit shallow in terms of stakes, and the whole miners on Mars thing is utterly wrung dry by now, but the gameplay and gunplay is still fun, in a rudimentary sort of way. You can read my playthrough here:
Star Wars Episode I: Racer (N64 1999):
This was a classic of my youth, much like GoldenEye (it wasn’t exactly a unique childhood, was it). I never finished the game back then, but I have been chipping away at it on the odd evening, and having a lot of fun doing it. It holds up remarkably well, and perfects the sci-fi racer. You feel as if you’re going fast, and not all racing games can boast such a feature. There is depth too in the modification of your podracer. Overall it’s a nice addition to the Star Wars roster of the era. I’ll write about this one eventually, but I’ve still got plenty of races to win first.
Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided (PC - 2003):
This featured last year, and here it is again. It will likely remain on my list forever more (or at least as long as the emulator servers are alive and well), and while I don’t play it as much as I used to, it is a constant inspiration for writing, for thoughts about gaming, and for the indulgence in memories. Below are some collated posts that mention it.
Super Mario: Galaxy (Wii 2007):
This was one of those games I missed when the Wii was all the rage. A glaring whole in my gaming knowledge. I’ve know it’s meant to be fantastic for years, but I didn’t get around to playing it until this year… *shame shame shame*. Anyway - it’s as good as everyone says, and takes platforming to new heights (literally, and figuratively). This was on my list of top five haves I’ve never played, but I have now, so there… You can read what else I’ve missed out on by clicking below.
Terminator: Resistance (PC 2019):
I’ve long since been a fan of the Terminator series, but in recent years offerings have been mixed in terms of quality. The recent animated show on Netflix was a nice surprise, and so was this game. Not the best thing in the world, but the developers Teyon clearly have a respect for the source material, and as such have created a great piece of Terminator media. Their work continued with RoboCop, and you can read about both below:
The Precinct (Demo, PC 2024):
I spotted this during the Steam Next Fest, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the little slice of the game that is available in the demo. There is much potential here - definitely something to look out for! You can read my thoughts on my experience with it here:
The Sims (PC 2002):
This game capture me in my youth, but not for the Sims themselves - but the house building. I’ve always been partial to that kind of stuff in games, and I thought last month that I’d have a quick revisit as it had been about 20 years since I last played. Made my wife and I, and within half an hour the sink had flooded and one of us was dead. Far too stressful. Perhaps I’ll cover it in more detail at some point…
The Surge (PC 2017):
This one was on my list for quite a while, and I picked it up out of curiosity in a sale. It looks fantastic, and I think given more time I’ll grow to like it, but my first impressions were that I wasn’t too keen on the combat style. - this gripe would undoubtably fade given time and a bit more experience with the mechanics - I don’t know whether I’ll persevere though.
Tomb Raider (OpenLara) (PC 1996):
I’ve played Tomb Raider to death over the years, but revisiting with the OpenLara project is always a joy. I played through the game again using this, and found that the subtle upgrades offered provide a truly authentic experience, while improving the visuals. The creator of OpenLara went on to work with Aspyr in the development of their remaster collection of the first three games. I’ve not played those versions yet, but I can at least vouch for the open source remake. You can read more about my thoughts on this below, as well as some other ramblings on the Tomb Raider music:
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator (PC 2019):
This one is purely idiotic fun, and provides almost endless amusement with the myriad factions available to pitch against one another. Your mileage will just depend on how much you enjoy watching little creatures and people fight it out. Like i say, it’s fun, but there isn’t much else to it.
World’s Scariest Police Chases (PS1 2001):
Fun police chase action - that’s pretty much it. I enjoyed this game as a child, and in revisiting, I found it still to be a joy (although somewhat limited in many way). It’s short, but sweet, for the most part. A post on this will be on the blog soon!
THE GAME OF THE YEAR IS…?
It seem that this past year I’ve played a few more (slightly) modern titles. Last time I thought I might make the most of a year year by playing lots of new things. Some are fresh - but probably not enough. Need to rectify this in the future - I probably wont. Anyway, as with last time, I need to crown a favourite, and although the diversity of my game playing has been a little lacking this year, I feel as though I should go for a game that surprised me the most, and that was…
…CLOUDPUNK!
This little game was a real joy to play through. It was simple, yet engaging. The gameplay was fun, and I was able to pick it up and put it down at the drop of a hat - something I very much appreciate with a slightly limited gaming life. I wholeheartedly recommend this title if you haven’t already played it. Go on. And, if you’re still unconvinced, and too lazy to scroll back, here is the link again to the post I wrote about it:
Another year of games - as with last year, I wonder what gaming delights await me in 2025? Only time will tell! Let me know what you’ve been playing this last year, and if you have any recommendations for what I should play next (and possibly write about).
And as always, thank you for reading. If you’d like to support the blog, you can do so by subscribing and sharing!