Although there are still a few months left in 2024 there have already been a few titles that look to be top contenders for the coveted Game of the Year title. As a team at Smash Jump, we wanted to highlight some of these games that we feel make the cut as contenders and why, and look at some of the upcoming titles that may have a chance at the prestigious Game of the Year award.
Promenade
Adrian Cozmuta: I am generally not a fan of platformers as they tend to get stuck in their particular ways, rarely deviating from set formulas. However, Promenade changed that for me this year. While reviewing it, this nifty indie platformer made me realize there is plenty of life and innovation out there. Promenade charmed me with its gameplay diversity, great level design, inventive puzzles, supremely charming presentation, and outstanding soundtrack.
It achieves this all while updating the 2D platformer genre with elements from 3D classics like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey, and Banjo-Kazooie. Don’t sleep on this one! Don’t believe me? Hear what the developers had to say about the creative process behind Promenade in an exclusive interview with Smash Jump.
Promenade was reviewed by Smash Jump and received an impressive 9/10. Promenade is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
Planet of Lana
Daniel Leal: An atmospheric puzzle platformer that makes up for a lack of combat with amazing cinematic visuals, cool stealth, and satisfying (linear) progression. In terms of art and sound Planet of Lana excels. It all makes for the most epic platformer that I’ve played all year.
Smash Jump had the chance to review Planet of Lana and gave the game a 9/10. The port to the Nintendo Switch was extremely impressive and the game is also available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Matt Marston: Fantastic entry in the Prince of Persia franchise and added Metroidvania elements make this game a fun, fast, and action-packed adventure.
While Smash Jump missed out on reviewing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, it is one of the best of its genre and brought new life to the long-dormant Prince of Persia series. The Lost Crown is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Sons of the Forest
Brandon Farris: I was one of the many people who was concerned about the lengthy development and delays for Sons of the Forest and then when the game was announced to launch into Early Access, I considered it dead on arrival. I was completely wrong. Endnight Games followed through with everything they promised and more and made Sons of the Forest one of the best survival games of the last decade let alone the best survival game of this year. The new building system added so much customization and I’ve sunk tons of hours just playing around with the building, then there is the rest of this great game!
Smash Jump did not review this title but Sons of the Forest does sit at an average of 78 on OpenCritic and was generally well received. Sons of the Forest is available on PC.
Upcoming Potential Contenders
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero – A return to the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series and one of the most exciting anime fighters in recent years.
- The Casting of Frank Stone – A classic narrative horror game set in the world of Dead By Daylight and made by the developers of Until Dawn.
- Astro Bot – A new mascot game from PlayStation celebrating the beloved Astro, looking like a fun family-friendly platformer.
- Silent Hill 2 – A game for fans to be cautious of, but Bloober Team looks to be breaking its rocky track record with this remake of Silent Hill 2 and the revival of the Silent Hill series.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Return to the beloved S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series in this new Unreal Engine 5 game.
Are there any games you are looking forward to in the last few months of 2024? Let us know in the comments down below!
