OHHH BABY it’s that time again.

WE LOVED.

WE HATED.

IT’S TIME FOR MY TOP 10 GAMES OF 2024.

10. GRUNN

Grunn takes the tenth spot because it is a wildly imaginative, short game that offers a lot of unique content for its price point.

9. Pepper Grinder.

Pepper Grind felt right at number nine because it is a platformer that hits all the check marks in terms of an arcade, action platformer. Also, the movement is top-notch.

8. Caravan SandWitch.

I really wanted to put a fun, cozy game in this top ten, and I thought that Caravan Sandwich would make the cut. An exploration game that tugs at the heartstrings. Good narrative, good looks, and good gameplay.

7. Children of the Sun.

Children of the Sun takes the seventh slot because, as a core concept, it is an arcade game, but in execution, it was one of the most fun games I played this year. Bending bullets and slowing time is always fun, and when you involve justified killing in the game, it ends up here.

6. Wilmot Works it Out.

Wilmot, Wilmot, Wilmot. This puzzle-piece man falls into the sixth spot because he is a master of his craft. You are given one instruction: to puzzle, and Wilmot Works it Out perfectly executes it and weaves a nice, endearing story into the fun of puzzling, and it ends up being an absolutely fantastic, cozy game.

5. NEVA.

Just like when Gris made it into my top, NEVA masters both art style and storytelling. It is by far the best-looking game this year, and coupled with the story that overwhelms the emotions, it takes the fifth slot.

4. Thank Goodness You’re Here.

Thank Goodness You’re Here is the funniest game I have played all year. There was never a moment when I was not smiling. Lots of seal jokes aside, Thank Goodness You’re Here has that Saturday morning cartoon look, with the humor that closely follows, and the gameplay is overall great.

3. Crow Country

I wanted Crow Country at number two, but I decided that third was perfect. It is a homage to survival horror games of decades past, and while it creates its own outstanding narrative, it nails every concept from games that it is influenced by, and it ends up being one of the best horror games that I played this year.

2. Astro Bot.

What can I say? Astro Bot is by far one of the most fun platformers this year, and it takes the second spot. The game is catered to everyone. If you want to play it casually, like my wife, you can, and if you want to test your skills, like me, you can as well. The art design makes it one of the most approachable games ever, and it is super fun. It is borderline the perfect video game.

AND…

1. Balatro.

I know, I know. How could I do this I got to say that ever since I downloaded Balatro on my phone, I’ve never been on my phone more. I love roguelikes, and when one comes around that is really good, I get sucked in. I said a long time ago that Risk of Rain 2 was the best roguelike ever made, and now I think Balatro has taken up the mantle as the best.

Taking such a simple concept like poker and making a full-fledged roguelike is admirable, and the game is executed perfectly. From the shaking of the cards when you land a huge multiplier to the numbers and flames that just keep adding up to the jokers that make the game seemingly infinitely interesting, Balatro takes the top slot for me because it’s innovation in an already saturated genre makes the game shine ever so brightly.