2024 was full of RPGs that were absolutely must-play games for me and for the most part, every game delivered in spades. I experienced a hero’s send-off in a modern RPG with two of my favorite protagonists of all time, a new fantasy RPG that was nearly a decade in the making, and an anime-based fighting game that marked the return of a legendary franchise, for example. In fact, I was reminded yet again that turn-based RPGs are capable of being the leading games in the industry—the very best. Without further delay, let’s dive into my top ten games of 2024.
10. Zenless Zone Zero
After playing the closed beta in 2023, I knew I needed to play Zenless Zone Zero and get my fix of that urban fantasy setting with its lo-fi beats. The team-based combat system makes Zenless Zone Zero feel like a fusion of Devil May Cry and Marvel vs. Capcom at times, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it this past summer. It was a very busy year for games, so I couldn’t play some of the game’s most recent updates, but Zenless Zone Zero is certainly one of the main highlights of 2024.
9. Ex Astris
I didn’t have any expectations going into Ex Astris since this was Hypergryph’s first standard release, meaning you buy it once and have the whole game in your mobile library. Fortunately, I was very pleased with Ex Astris since it’s a high-quality title with a fun RPG combat system that harkens back to the ATB system from some of my favorite Final Fantasy games. The game’s unique world, loveable cast of characters, and engaging story and side content make Ex Astris a hidden gem in 2024, and it definitely needs a console and PC port.
8. Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku
I’ve been recommended the Fitness Boxing series many times before, but I didn’t know which game to pick up to get started. In 2024, that game turned out to be Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku, and it’s quite addicting. It’s extremely fun to boot up the game and get daily exercises done with Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, and other great vocaloids while listening to their music and trying to perfect my boxing form. The workouts are rewarding in more ways than one as you gain points, improve your overall fitness, and raise your affinity with your favorite vocaloid.
7. Ys X: Nordics
The western release of Ys X: Nordics was one of the most anticipated games of the year, and it delivered in every single hour of that playthrough. This action RPG explores Adol’s adventure in the Obelia Bay right after Ys II and before Ys Memories of Celceta, and even though I really want to explore Adol’s life after Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, I couldn’t deny that this chapter was special. Adol’s relationship with Karja was handled extremely well during the story, and I greatly appreciated what the revamped combat system offers here.
6. Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is a dream come true for me as a Dragon Ball fan, and the amount of content it offers is awe-inspiring. Although there’s content and characters that didn’t make the cut from Budokai Tenkaichi 3, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO lets me re-experience the memories I hold from Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super while allowing me to create new ones with the what-if scenarios. The combat retains that signature Budokai Tenkaichi feel, too, which is just as important. I’ll be playing Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO for years to come.
5. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
I enjoyed Shin Megami Tensei V back in 2021, and although I had my fill at the time, I knew there was potential for more in the tale of the Nahobino. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance brings more of everything I need as an SMT fan, like more demons, characters, story content, gameplay features, and so much more, including the vibrant Shinjuku area. I was thoroughly surprised by how much of an improvement Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance actually is to the original turn-based RPG. ATLUS brought a refreshing new narrative with the heroine, Yoko Hiromine, and honestly, this quickly became one of my all-time favorite ATLUS games alongside the timeless Persona 4 Golden.
4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The four-year wait for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was well worth it, as the second part of the trilogy brings a memorable, emotional, and impactful journey. After leaving Midgar, Cloud and his crew set out on the unknown journey, teased at the end of Final Fantasy VII Remake. The game is faithful to the original, but it’s also daring in certain ways, including segments involving a certain black-haired SOLDIER. Not only is the story great, but the combat is just as engaging. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s combat system is the ideal way I want to play action-based Final Fantasy games going forward. I really can’t wait to see what the third part of the trilogy will bring, thanks to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
3. The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak
After completing The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie in 2023, I was extremely eager to finally get my hands on The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak. At long last, the Calvard arc began in English, and it was worth those many months of anticipation. I absolutely loved the story of Van Arkride so far, and learning more about Zemuria and where the Trails franchise is going in subsequent games was a real treat. Like previous Trails games, the cast of Trails through Daybreak develops well throughout the course of the game, and they’re a truly special bunch that I can’t wait to see develop further in the sequel.
2. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of my most anticipated games since I went in knowing that this was going to be the culmination of Kazuma Kiryu’s story in the franchise. My expectations were high, but somehow, RGG Studio surpassed those expectations, with both Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga leading the charge in two different countries. I was truly amazed by the scope of Honolulu, Hawaii, in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and I can safely say it’s one of the most immersive settings I’ve ever experienced in gaming. On top of this, RGG Studio greatly improved the turn-based combat system, making it one of the most fun games to play in the entire franchise. Although there are a few things I would have probably changed in the story, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an unforgettable experience that I will always hold in high regard.
1. Metaphor: ReFantazio
I was cautiously optimistic about Metaphor: ReFantazio throughout 2024, so my hype really wasn’t there until I actually played the game. In short, I was completely moved by how great Metaphor: ReFantazio is once I started playing. Even after all these years in development and those high expectations from the most ATLUS faithful, Metaphor: ReFantazio blows it all out of the water as one of the most charming turn-based RPGs of all time with one of the greatest villains I’ve ever witnessed in gaming. The combat system borrows from Persona and Shin Megami Tensei while having its own elements that make it stand out. Persona’s calendar system has also been perfected in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Metaphor: ReFantazio is worthy of the game of the year moniker, and it’s a crowning achievement by ATLUS.
