It’s that time of year again. The Game of the Year nominees have been announced, and as if on cue, every gamer with a keyboard nearby has taken to the internet to voice their opinion. The topics of discussion are always different, but the divisive nature of the conversations remains a constant.
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We’ve already been subjected to such lines of questioning as ‘How the heck does a DLC get nominated’ and ‘How can a decades-old story be nominated for best narrative?’
All fair questions, and we aren’t about to go spouting any definitive answers right now. But, what we are going to do, is give our opinions on who deserves to take the W.
The Dualshockers staff have all had their say, and ahead of the awards ceremony, we are going to give you a rundown of our collective picks, and who knows, we might just predict the results in a few weeks' time. Only time will tell.
For clarity, while I’ll be writing up each of our picks, these selections have been made via an internal vote with all DS staff. So, even if I don’t agree, I’ll be voicing the opinion of the masses. Plus, we will only be covering select categories for brevity’s sake.
1Game of the Year
Metaphor Re:Fantazio
Team Asobi
LocalThunk
Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
From Software
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
Square Enix
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Let’s get the big one out of the way early. Dualshockers pick, and prediction for GOTY in 2024 isMetaphor: ReFantazio. It was a close-run thing with fellow JRPG stalwartFinal Fantasy VII: Rebirth,but on this occasion, the new ATLUS IP won out.
It’s easy to see why, asMetaphoressentially takes the Persona formula and tweaks it ever slightly to offer a more traditional fantasy RPGwith a job/archetype system, a world abundant with magic and dragons, and a rebellious plot against the monarchy that fuels the action at each and every turn.
It changes enough to stand on its own two feet but maintains the same level of style that Persona offers with slick animations, excellent turn-based combat, and a roster of characters you can get to know through bonds.
It’s essentially ATLUS offering a Persona game that caters to the JRPG purists out there, and it works a treat. It’s our game of the year, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see this franchise in a future GOTY line-up in the near future.
If you want to see what we thought of Metaphor: ReFantazio in more detail,then check out our review
2Best Game Direction
We move on to Game Direction, the category that rewards the game with the most innovative and unique game design, and considering most of the games listed are more of the same from existing franchises, there were really only two logical choices, and when weighing upBalatroandBlack Myth Wukong, the latter snagged the win.
Black Myth Wukong deserves a lot of credit for taking an age-old story in the form of Journey to the West and crafting a fantastical adventure that brings life to that tale.
From the incredible semi-open world design to the staggering production value on offer, every chapter of this rich narrative feels like a larger-than-life treat for players.
Not to mention, the game walks the tightrope between Souls-Like and Hack-and-Slasher expertly, offering a game that is much less punishing than a Souls game, but equally, one that demandsnear-perfection and mechanical mastery.
It’s a magical, frenetic, and enthralling adventure, and most importantly, it feels like something we have never seen before. Making it the perfect fit for this award.
3Best Ongoing Game
Helldivers 2
Arrowhead Games
Activision/Blizzard
Epic Games
In yet another call with just one vote separating the winners, we have decided that the best ongoing live-service game of the bunch this year isHelldivers 2.
It’s well documented on Dualshockers that this game has seensome lofty heights and devastating lows, but despite this concurrent player count rollercoaster, Helldivers remains a very popular title and one that deserves a lot of praise.
The developer/fan relationship may have taken a hit this year, but what can’t be disputed is how engaging and unique the PvE format this game offers is.
Being able to hop in with your squad and fight back against the seemingly never-ending horde of Terminids in the name of super-democracy is an absolute blast. Quite literally, as this is aboutthe most bombastic combatyou’ll likely witness in gaming today.
It’s a game that is still trying to mend its reputation and claw back its tight grip on the market it established in February. But, when we look at everythingHelldivers 2has given us, you can’t help but nod and say, this one deserves its flowers.
4Best Art Direction
Nomada Studio
When a new flagship ATLUS game hits the digital shelves, you’re able to pretty much guarantee that this award is heading their way, and according to the DS staff, that seems to be the case this year, too.
Again, it is easy to see why, as while the game does rely on a slightly dated engine, it hardly ever proves to be an issue thanks to thebeauty of the world you inhabit, the slick nature of the animations and action, and those menus. You just have to love those incredibly designed menus.
Best Games Like Metaphor ReFantazio
From Persona 5 Royal to Fire Emblem Three Houses, these titles are great picks for Metaphor ReFantazio fans.
Undoubtedly, a few of the other options available offer higher fidelity and hyperrealistic visuals. But sometimes, no matter how amazing your game looks, it’s the game that shoots for style points that wins the day.
5Best Mobile Game
AFK Journey
Wurthering Waves
Kuro Games
Pokemon TCG Pocket
Zenless Zone Zero
Speaking as someone who had their free time ripped away from them courtesy of Balatro’s addictive and innovative gameplay loop, knowing that this game is available on mobile is a danger to every gamer’s productivity. But, rest assured, I am here for it.
Balatro is a game format that was always destined to head to mobile devices thanks to the lack of time-critical decisions, the simplistic visuals and inputs, and of course, the addictive gameplay that suitsshort gameplay sessions perfectly.
It’s just the perfect game to take with you on the go to fill some time on a long commute, or to play as you stall for time in the bathroom until the end of your shift.
It’s not often we have a mobile game amongst the GOTY nominees, and that speaks volumes about this poker roguelike’s quality. It’s the ultimate ‘Numbers go brrr’ game, and we reckon it will win this category at a canter.
6Best Narrative
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Ninja Theory
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Ryu Ga Gokotu Studio
Silent Hill 2 Remake
Bloober Team
Surprise, Surprise. It seems that Metaphor has sewn up the best narrative category, beating out some brilliant narrative-driven epics. But, yet again, you may’t help but feel it’s warranted.
Much like other ATLUS titles, Metaphor is a slow burn that takes its time sewing the seeds in the early hours of the game. Establishing lore, giving you a sense of the grand world you find yourself in, anddeepening your bond with the core characters, all before you even set foot in thegame’s opening dungeon.
This decision, along with many others, culminates in ensuring that Metaphor’s storyline is one of the best fantasy JRPG offerings of this modern era.
With plenty of twists and turns, monumental battles, and heartbreaking moments,Metaphoris every bit as narratively polished as any game this year has blessed us with. And, in our eyes, it’s just that one step above the competition.
7Best Music and Score
Stellar Blade
Metaphormay have stolen the show to this point, but it’s time for Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth to get its moment in the spotlight because, without such stiff JRPG competition, it would have likely cleaned up.
However, when it comes to musical offerings in video games, to go up against Nobuo Uematsu is a pretty foolish endeavor, as you’re always fighting a losing battle.
Yet again, Nobuo Uematsu has crafted an iconic Final Fantasy soundtrack with some standout tracks like No Promises To Keep, among many, many others. Serving as the sweet melodies that accompany you on this middle portion of the FFVII modern trilogy.
Uematsu is someone who manages to craft fantasy soundscapes with such ease, and we feel that this award is a formality waiting to happen.
Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth Standard Edition
8Best Video Game Adaption
Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
We have had quite a few strong video game adaptions this year and, admittedly, some absolute stinkers in equal measure. But of all those listed, the standout by some distance is Fallout.
I admit, I was pretty skeptical that this Amazon original would be able to do the rich lore and gritty atmosphere of Fallout justice. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that this series absolutely nailed it.
Offering a wonderful blend of new ideas alongside loving nods to the source material, the Fallout adaption is proof that gaming adaptions can be done well,and can offer fan service in abundancewhile doing it.
With a second series in the works, we can’t wait to see what the future of the series has in store. But we do know one thing based on the closing scenes. We are heading to New Vegas!
9Best Multiplayer
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Treyarch/Infinity Ward
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
Saber Interactive
Bandai Namco
Arrowhead Studios
To avoid repeating myself too much, in a year with pretty by-the-books multiplayer options occupying the spaces this year, the obvious choice is Helldivers 2.
Obviously, you have tried and tested models ofCall of Duty’sboots-on-the-ground multiplayer, and Mario’s buddies are returning for another board game adjacent to Mario Party Romp. But in terms of pure innovation, Helldivers 2 takes the cake.
It’s a non-competitive cooperative experiencethat gives everyone a clear, common, and ludicrous goal to achieve.
And as Helldivers 2 fans will know, the community have a habit of beating the odds and rising to the occasion. So, in short, Helldivers wins this one by a landslide, even with its troubles this year.
10Best Independent Game
Animal Well
Billy Basso
Nomada Studios
Lorelai & The Laser Eyes
While I have to admit that I’m personally a little sad to seethe amazing Metroidbrainia,Animal Well, miss out on the Dualshockers popular vote, you may’t deny that Balatro is a worthy winner of best indie of the year.
It’s a game that caters to casual players, offering low-stakes, easy-breezy gameplay. But, thanks to the depth of systems, the variety of Jokers, and tactical meta-builds on offer, the game offers oodles of replayability and challenge for anyone who seeks it out.
It’s essentially a game that keeps on giving, providing hundreds of hours of fun with a gameplay loop that somehow never gets old. I would love tosee new Jokers in the future, but as it is right now, it’s a stroke of genius and well worth checking out if you haven’t already.
