When it comes to selecting which games I play, I tend to pick and choose based on my mood, much like choosing a book to read or a song to listen to. For 2024, I had a challenge in mind—focusing on the growing backlog of games I’d collected over the past ten years. Of course, I had to juggle finishing up my studies in graduate school as well as other aspects of my life, so it was unlikely I would clear a significant portion of these long-awaited titles in just one year.
Looking back, though, I’m pleasantly surprised by what I was able to accomplish. I want to share those accomplishments with you—what I enjoyed, what I didn’t, and what I hope 2025 will bring. Without further ado, let’s begin!
The Metal Gear Solid Series
Although I was familiar with the legend of Solid Snake, I had never actually played the Metal Gear Solid games myself. Stealth games aren’t usually my forte—I tend to grow both frustrated and anxious trying to avoid detection while progressing to the next objective. To make things more enjoyable, I played these games on the easiest difficulty, focusing on the story rather than stressing over getting caught. That said, I had an absolute blast diving into the first four mainline Metal Gear Solid games, lacing up my boots (and bandana) as Solid Snake and uncovering the ever-expanding threat of Metal Gear.
The first game, easily the most famous and iconic, ended up being my favorite of the bunch. While I’d heard that fans disliked the second game due to the switch from Snake to Raiden, I found myself enjoying the shift and even warming to Raiden as a character. Metal Gear Solid 3 felt more intimate than the first two, with a beautiful tone and a challenging combat system that kept me on my toes. The fourth game, while more melancholic, frustrated me at times with its lengthy cutscenes packed with heavy exposition, though it still delivered a memorable conclusion to the saga.
If you haven’t played any of the Metal Gear games, there’s no better place to start than Metal Gear Solid. With Metal Gear Solid 3 getting the full remake treatment, now is the perfect time to dive into this epic, cautionary saga of warfare, weaponry, and the surprising truth that love can, indeed, blossom on the battlefield.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
This was by far my most anticipated title of the year, and it certainly did not disappoint! A sequel to the long-awaited remake trilogy of the groundbreaking Final Fantasy VII game, we follow Cloud Strife and his team as they escape from Midgar and begin putting the pieces together of what Cloud’s nemesis Sephiroth may be after. They embark on a journey all over the world to do so, all the while evading the grip of the ShinRa Electric Power Company, who are not only hot on their trail but have their agenda waiting in the corner.
There’s not much I can add to what so many other reviewers have already said: Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is nothing short of a marvel. I’m still in awe of how they built such a massive, richly detailed world—packed with new characters, locations, and things to do—in the short time since Remake. All of this is guided by a story that fans have eagerly waited decades to relive. If you haven’t picked it up yet—especially with its release on PC—what are you waiting for? An epic adventure awaits, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
I’ve been a fan of Don’t Nod ever since Life is Strange released in 2015. The idea of a game where the story takes center stage, with slower, more contemplative gameplay, has always appealed to me. So when Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden was announced—a new IP set in the 17th-century American Colonies, where you play as a married couple battling ghosts and facing tragedy together—I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, my experience with the game was more mixed than I had hoped.
I truly enjoyed the main playable characters, Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith, who felt like a genuine, devoted couple thrust into impossible circumstances. They had their thoughts and opinions about the unfolding events, yet their love for each other was never in question. However, while I expected the world to be bleak to fit the story’s tone, I didn’t anticipate how unlikable the supporting cast would be. Aside from Antea and Red, no character left a strong positive impression on me.
Additionally, the game’s depiction of the Christian faith made me uncomfortable, particularly its portrayal of the original colonists as bigoted and hateful. Themes of demons and witches were also unsettling at times. By the end, I found myself expecting something both more and different from what I got. While Banishers had its strengths, I ultimately walked away disappointed.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster (I, II, and III)
Square Enix has finally had the great idea of remastering the classic Final Fantasy games for a whole new generation, making them available on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PC. I’ve been slowly working my way through the collection and recently completed the first three titles. It was my first time playing Final Fantasy I and III, and my second attempt at II—this time, I made it through to the end.
These three entries are by far the simplest in the Final Fantasy series, with relatively low stakes and less narrative depth compared to their successors. That said, I appreciated that each game felt distinct rather than a mere iteration of the last.
Final Fantasy I is the most basic in both story and gameplay. It didn’t particularly grab me or stand out, but considering it was groundbreaking when it was first released almost 40 years ago, I can appreciate the impact it had on the industry.
Final Fantasy II takes a more serious approach, following a group of orphans who join a rebellion against a rising empire. It’s noticeably darker than I or III, with numerous characters joining and leaving the party—and just as many meeting tragic ends. I hadn’t finished it on my first attempt, but this time, I pushed through. While Final Fantasy II has a reputation as one of the weaker entries in the series, I didn’t find it nearly as unpleasant once I got a handle on its unique mechanics.
Final Fantasy III, in contrast, is more lighthearted and whimsical. Another group of orphans discovers the power of the crystals and are chosen as the Onion Knights, granting them the ability to switch between different job classes. This flexibility made combat and puzzle-solving more engaging, and I found the cast of characters more colorful compared to I and II. Despite its mixed reputation, I had a great time with it.
Next, I’m diving into Final Fantasy IV, but I feel accomplished having played through these early entries. If you’re a Final Fantasy fan, you won’t want to miss this Pixel Remaster collection—it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the classics that shaped the series for decades to come.
Europa
Europa is a smaller indie title I played and reviewed for Geeks Under Grace. It tells a simple, short story of a boy stranded on the moon Europa in the distant future. As seemingly the last survivor, his goal is to reach the top of a ship and uncover what happened to the last of humanity all those years ago.
Visually, Europa is stunning, with landscapes inspired by classic Studio Ghibli films and cel-shaded games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. However, despite the praise from other reviewers, I found the experience to be lacking substance. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a beautifully crafted game and a passion project, but I didn’t enjoy it. The gameplay was minimal, exploration felt unnecessary, and the puzzles were too simplistic to be engaging.
That said, if you’re looking for a visually mesmerizing, short, and relaxing game, Europa is worth checking out. It may not have been for me, but I can see its appeal for those seeking a low-stress, artistic adventure.
Dragon Age: Veilguard
As an RPG fan, I’ve loved playing BioWare games over the years. Titles like Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic are consistently ranked among the greatest video games of all time—and for good reason. I became a Dragon Age fan after exploring BioWare’s other franchises, and I’ve enjoyed each main entry to varying degrees. Dragon Age: Origins remains one of my all-time favorites, despite its rough gameplay. However, the series’ reception has fluctuated with each new installment and Dragon Age: Veilguard is no exception.
I struggled to connect with my main character and the cast for much of the game’s first half. The tone felt too lighthearted for a world that’s supposed to be steeped in darkness, sin, and political intrigue. Instead of weighty, meaningful dialogue, the characters exchanged smiles and traded cheap platitudes that rarely felt impactful. There was little sense of risk, which made the experience feel oddly hollow. What I loved about Origins was its bleak atmosphere—the way the world felt lonely and frightening, yet the characters found the strength to press on. Even Dragon Age II, despite its divisive reputation, kept me on my toes with unpredictable twists. I never really got that from Veilguard. It wasn’t until the climax that I finally felt the stakes rise when my team realized the odds were greater than they had imagined. I just wish that tension had been present from the start.
I did enjoy some characters and their arcs, but only a handful truly resonated with me or felt essential to my party. That’s a shame because, in past Dragon Age and BioWare games, you typically form a strong connection with most—if not all—of your companions. When a former developer from the series feels the need to publicly weigh in with their criticisms, you know something is off. Here’s hoping the next entry will be stronger.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
The last game I played in 2024 was Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, an original adventure developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks. When I first saw the trailer, I was impressed by the visuals but also apprehensive. Many licensed games in the past have failed to live up to their source material, and as a big Indiana Jones fan, I wanted the franchise to get the respect it deserved—especially after the lukewarm reception of Dial of Destiny in 2023.
My worries quickly faded the moment I started playing. The game opens with a shot-for-shot playable recreation of the iconic boulder chase from Raiders of the Lost Ark, letting you experience the legendary scene through Indy’s own eyes. The attention to detail was mesmerizing, and as the adventure unfolded, it became clear that MachineGames had treated the series with great respect. The Great Circle masterfully captures the adventurous spirit of the films, most notably through Troy Baker’s performance as Indiana Jones—a portrayal so strong that even Harrison Ford himself praised it.
Beyond the performances, the game’s world is breathtaking. Real-world locations like the Vatican, Cairo, and Sukhothai are faithfully recreated, adding to the sense of grand-scale exploration. The writing and quips match the films perfectly, making it feel like you’re watching an original Indiana Jones story—except this time, you’re in control.
After Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, this was easily the game that wowed me the most. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan or simply love a great adventure game, I highly recommend it. It doesn’t try to mimic Uncharted but stands confidently on its own two feet—and succeeds brilliantly.
And that wraps up the games I played in 2024! How about you—was there anything you played this year that stood out?
As for me, in 2025, I plan to continue tackling my ever-growing backlog while also revisiting some classics I haven’t played in over five years—like the Mass Effect series. There’s something special about returning to old favorites with fresh eyes.
What about you? What are you hoping to play this year?
