Can you believe that it is almost the end of the year already? It’s madness to be compiling end-of-year lists already, yet here we are! Every year, there is a collection of releases that are bigger and better than the previous year’s offerings, which makes compiling “best of” lists harder and harder with each year that passes.
Best Games of 2024: Anni’s Choice
This is also my first year as a LadiesGamers writer, which means that this is the first year my list has been public and not just for my own musings. This list is by no means exhaustive, but these are the games that I have had the most enjoyment delving into and felt offered something that went beyond my expectations in gaming. Without further ado, here are my best games of 2024 (which I’ll probably keep adding to…!).
Campfire Cozy Friends
Campfire Cozy Friends is a delightful blend of the cosy gaming genre and innovative AI technology, creating a unique and engaging experience. In this game, you step into the shoes of the new caretaker of a quaint campsite. Your mission? To meet an array of charming characters and rebuild the campfire, transforming it into the most adorable and cosy spot imaginable.
What truly sets Campfire Cozy Friends apart is the game’s rich interaction dynamics. Unlike many games where dialogues are scripted and repetitive, this game offers open-ended conversations with the campsite’s residents. Each character has their own personality, backstory, and preferences, which they share through interactive dialogues. As you chat with them, these characters remember your past conversations, adding depth and continuity to your interactions. This memory aspect of the AI ensures that each encounter feels fresh, meaningful, and personal, making every conversation a new opportunity to learn more about the residents and their unique stories.
Campfire Cozy Friends is more than just a game; it’s a heartwarming experience that bridges technology and storytelling in a way that feels deeply personal and engaging. Whether you’re tending to the campfire, listening to a resident’s tales, or simply soaking in the serene environment, the game offers a sanctuary of comfort and companionship. You can read my full review of the game here
Disney Dreamlight Valley: Storybook Vale
Alright, alright, I get it – it’s just an expansion, but I’ve spent countless hours immersed in Disney Dreamlight Valley, and there’s absolutely no way I could overlook this! The Disney Dreamlight Valley Storybook Vale expansion introduces an array of exciting new content that breathes fresh life into the game. This expansion is packed with vibrant characters to meet and intriguing gameplay mechanics that will keep you hooked for hours on end.
One of the most exciting aspects of this expansion is the introduction of a fascinating new gameplay mechanic: collecting snippets of books and rearranging the storybook pages of various characters. This not only adds a layer of depth to the game but also allows for a more immersive storytelling experience. As you gather these snippets and piece together the stories, you’ll uncover hidden lore and unlock special interactions with the characters.
Speaking of characters, the expansion also brings a slew of beloved Disney figures to the DDLV roster. I was thrilled to see Merida, my all-time favourite Disney princess, make her debut. Her fierce independence and adventurous spirit are a perfect fit for the game. Alongside her, we have the charming and roguish Flynn Ryder, the formidable Hades, and the ever-enigmatic Maleficent. Each character comes with their own unique quests, abilities, and storylines, adding even more depth to the gameplay.
Baimason’s Thing Finder Puzzle
Baimason’s Thing Finder Puzzle was a massive hit for me this year. As a fan of hidden object games, I always look forward to new titles in the genre, but there was something exceptionally captivating about this iteration. It wasn’t just another hidden object game; it felt like a fresh, innovative experience that kept me engaged for hours on end.
One of the standout features of Baimason’s Thing Finder Puzzle is the sheer variety and uniqueness of its puzzles. No two puzzles are ever the same, which keeps the gameplay constantly exciting and challenging. Each level presents a new set of beautifully crafted scenes, filled with intricately hidden items that require keen observation and a sharp eye to uncover. This element of surprise and novelty ensures that the game never feels repetitive, and there’s always something new to discover.
In addition to the unique puzzles, the game has an engaging scoring system that encourages replayability. I found myself repeatedly diving back into levels, driven by the desire to beat my previous scores. This competitive edge adds an extra layer of enjoyment as I strive to improve my performance and achieve higher scores. It transforms each playthrough into a fun, rewarding experience that keeps me coming back for more. My full review of the game can be found here
.Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete
I’m a big fan of Animal Crossing and used to play the Animal Crossing Pocket Camp mobile game until it was retired. Nintendo announced they would be retiring the free game with in-app purchases in favour of a one-time paid version without in-app purchases.
Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Complete was released earlier this month, and it’s the mobile game I’ve always wanted. It features well-known and lesser-known Animal Crossing characters, exclusive furniture and outfits from fortune cookies, and new ways to earn leaf tickets. It’s a fantastic game to unwind with after a long day.
Minami Lane
Minami Lane is a game that I wasn’t familiar with originally. I stumbled upon it while browsing through my Steam recommendations, which often present intriguing titles based on my gaming preferences. As I read the blurb about Minami Lane, it immediately resonated with me. The concept seemed refreshing, a departure from the fast-paced and often chaotic games I usually encounter. So, on a whim, I decided to buy it, and I can confidently say it was one of the best spontaneous purchases I’ve made.
Minami Lane is a small, wholesome management game that transports players to a serene, Japanese-inspired street. The game’s aesthetic is captivating, with beautifully designed environments that capture the essence of a tranquil, picturesque village. The art style is both charming and calming, making it a visual treat to play. In Minami Lane, you are tasked with creating and managing your own street. This involves building various establishments, ensuring the happiness of the villagers, and maintaining the harmony of the community. Each building you construct and each decision you make impacts the lives of the residents, making it a deeply engaging experience. You can find Kalina’s full review of the game here.
So, there you have it. These are my top games of the year. What games are on your list?
Happy New Year!
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