In 2024, an array of remarkable games made their debut, covering a wide range of genres and available on various platforms. Whether you're a PC gamer, an Xbox enthusiast, a PS5 aficionado, a Nintendo Switch user, or a Meta Quest devotee, there was an abundance of entertainment to relish. For this year's Golden Issue Awards, ComicBook has meticulously divided our nominees into four distinct categories: Game of the Year, Best Ongoing Game, Best Multiplayer Game, and Best Narrative-Driven Game. Each category is quite self-explanatory, commemorating the new releases that graced us this year and the games that have kept us coming back for years even after their initial launch.

Uncover the Gaming Gems of 2024

Game of the Year

One of the most astonishing nominees for 2024's Game of the Year is Konami's Silent Hill 2. Although the original is hailed as one of the greatest horror games of all time, there was a significant amount of apprehension surrounding the remake. Many fans had voiced concerns that the developer, Bloober Team, might not be capable of handling the revival of such a beloved game. However, this small Polish development team managed to defy expectations and prove their critics wrong.

Astro Bot also made a strong showing in this category. Its unique gameplay and immersive experience have captivated gamers worldwide. Metaphor: ReFantazio brought a fresh and enchanting take on the gaming world, while Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continued to expand the beloved franchise. Silent Hill 2, of course, with its haunting atmosphere and gripping story, remains a force to be reckoned with. And Helldivers 2 offered intense multiplayer action and endless replayability.

Best Ongoing Game

As the name suggests, the Best Ongoing Game category is dedicated to those games that have been around for a while but continue to receive new updates and content that draw us back. Battle royale games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite are prime examples of this. Their constant evolution and addition of new features keep players engaged. Disney Dreamlight Valley, on the other hand, is a completely different beast. It stands out from the rest with its charming Disney-themed world and a steady stream of quests, characters, and quality-of-life improvements that keep new players flocking in.

Marvel Snap also deserves a mention in this category. Its unique card-based gameplay and the continuous addition of new content make it a game that keeps players coming back for more. Call of Duty: Warzone, with its massive maps and intense battles, remains a favorite among multiplayer gamers. Disney Dreamlight Valley's ability to create a magical experience for players of all ages is truly remarkable.

Best Multiplayer Game

While the majority of the games nominated for Best Multiplayer Game were released within the 2024 calendar year, it's important to note that The Finals is our lone exception. Released in December 2023, it just missed the cut-off for last year's nominees. It's possible that we could see a similar situation with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle next year, but until the reviews start to pour in, it's too early to predict what next year's nominee list might bring.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 still holds a special place in the hearts of multiplayer gamers with its intense gameplay and diverse modes. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero brought the beloved anime franchise to life in a multiplayer setting, offering exciting battles and character customization. The Finals, with its fast-paced and strategic gameplay, has quickly become a favorite among competitive gamers. Helldivers 2 continued to deliver intense multiplayer action, with its cooperative gameplay and challenging missions. Super Mario Party Jamboree brought the fun of Mario Party to a whole new level, with its multiplayer minigames and social features.

Best Narrative-Driven Game

The diversity in the nominees for Best Narrative-Driven Game is a clear indication of the variety of great games that were released in 2024. Players were treated to remakes of survival-horror classics like Silent Hill 2, which managed to capture the essence of the original while adding new elements. New RPGs like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth expanded the story and world of the beloved franchise.

Like a Dragon: infinite Wealth brought a unique and engaging narrative to the table, with its rich characters and deep story. Metaphor: ReFantazio continued to amaze with its imaginative storytelling and beautiful visuals. And Batman: Arkham Shadow, exclusive to Meta Quest 3, offered an immersive VR experience that truly brought the Dark Knight to life. It remains to be seen which of these games will emerge as the winner in this category, but making it to the final round of nominees is no small feat.

Do you feel like there's a game that got overlooked in our gaming categories this year? Which games do you hope will win each category? Share your thoughts with me directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp, on Bluesky at @Marcdachamp, or on Instagram at @Dachampgaming!