RPGFan Games of the Year 2024 ~ Editors’ Awards: Audra Bowling

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Three Favorite 2024 RPGs

Unicorn Overlord

This incredible SRPG would’ve flown under my radar if not for the praise fellow RPGFan staff members kept heaping on it. I’m glad I listened, as Unicorn Overlord is a graphically stunning, entertainingly meaty adventure that the strategy RPG lover in me readily enjoyed.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

There’s a lot of vitriol and controversy surrounding the fourth Dragon Age title, yet I found it to be an enjoyable action RPG with a likable cast of characters. It’s arguably the best game BioWare has released in a while and one of their most polished.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak

Setting up a brand-new story arc in the ongoing The Legend of Heroes: Trails saga, Trails through Daybreak became one of my favorites in the series. Arkride Solutions’ quest is full of memorable characters and poignant moments, and I’m eagerly awaiting their future adventures whenever they’re localized!

Three Favorite 2024 VNs/Graphic Adventures

Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom

There were some phenomenal otome VNs released in 2024, but the one that stood out the most to me was this Nintendo Switch rerelease. There’s a reason Hakuoki is considered a classic within the genre, and Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom is by far the definitive version.

Lil’ Guardsman

This graphic adventure is equal parts charming and hilarious, full of colorful characters and heartfelt scenes. Lil’ Guardsman is cute, entertaining, and often had me smiling and chuckling.

Paper Perjury

Paper Perjury, an indie VN inspired by the Ace Attorney series, is as much a delight to play as the games it so heartfully references. Justina Smith’s earnest sleuthing is wonderful, and that’s one statement you can’t dispute.

Three Favorite 2024 Indie RPGs

The Nameless: Slay Dragon

I was first drawn to this indie RPG due to its striking visuals and detailed art, but I stayed for its VN story scenes and choice-heavy gameplay balanced by stat rolls. The story builds with some truly thought-provoking and powerful moments.

Secrets of Grindea

Secrets of Grindea was a surprise delight and an overall solid action RPG adventure. You do have to “grind” quite a bit to survive some of the challenging boss fights, but the fun in overcoming them and completing quests makes it worth it.

Beloved Rapture

Those looking for an entertaining traditional RPG experience with a diverse and likable group of party members should give Beloved Rapture a chance. The last third does falter with a rushed story presentation, but party dynamics and gorgeous pixel art still manage to create a memorable journey.

Favorite 2024 Ports

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a charming, all-ages-friendly monster-collecting RPG that’s a touching and fun spinoff of the popular MH series.

Final Fantasy XVI

I’m not playing Final Fantasy XVI’s PC port anywhere close to its optimal settings, but I’m still enjoying my time with it and loving the thoughtful commentary interwoven into Valisthea’s incredible worldbuilding. Clive’s journey makes for one heck of a memorable action RPG.

Favorite “Retro” RPGs

Arc the Lad II

I got the chance to play the first Arc the Lad and its sequel this year, and the SRPG Arc the Lad II completely blew me away thanks to its darker, more fleshed out plot with mature undertones and fantastic characters.

Omori

Omori leans into psychological horror, which isn’t typically my wheelhouse, but the game left a powerful impression on me due to its phenomenally moving narrative and underlying themes.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (PSP)

I finally finished my playthrough of the PSP remake fan translation of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment this year. I’m extremely glad I stuck with it despite its dated gameplay mechanics, as the story and characters really stand out.

Most Suikoden-esque RPG

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

I played both the prequel action RPG side story Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising and the traditional RPG Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in 2024, and enjoyed both even if they weren’t quite what I anticipated. Still, it’s an enjoyable title that definitely helps to soothe some of that Suikoden itch, enough so that I hope the upcoming DLC and any potential sequels build upon what Hundred Heroes did well.

Favorite 2024 RPG Duo

Nor and Enki, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

There were some phenomenal team-ups and partnerships in the RPGs I played, but my favorite duo is Nor and Enki. The rapport that develops between them as they learn to be true comrades-in-arms throughout the hurdles in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn made them stand out. They’re definitely a force to be reckoned with, even as I joke about Enki being a “Goth Carbuncle.”