With 2024 filled with lots of great games, this also means there were plenty of opportunities for Australian Games media to have their say on the latest releases. While I’ve done some review rounds throughout the year, I have also been collating all the reviews published by prominent Australian outlets this year to provide you with this list of what Australian Critics have deemed the best games of the year. In total, Australian Critics posted over 1300 reviews of more than 450 games in 2024, by my count, and I hope you seek out even more of their work with excerpts and links to the full reviews below.
Here is our list of Koalaty Critic Outlets in 2024:
- Ani-Game
- The Beta Network
- Checkpoint Gaming
- Explosion Network
- Games Crater
- GamesHub
- Maxi-Geek
- MKAU Gaming
- NextPlay
- Player 2
- PowerUp Gaming
- Press Start
- Progress Bar
- Quest Daily
- Stevivor
- Vooks
- WellPlayed
Criteria
To be considered for this list, it must be a complete game released in 2024 that was reviewed by at least 5 of our Koalaty Critic outlets. Reimaginings and remakes are eligible for this list while ports, early access games, remasters and expansions/DLC are considered ineligible for contention. The games are ordered by average review score.
So please check out this list of the highest-scoring Video Games of 2024 by Australian Video Game Outlets:
25.) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Player 2 – B+ (Paul James)
“Warhammer 40000: Space Marine 2 presents a sensational, and tight 9-12 hour campaign, and provides plenty for players to immerse themselves in beyond the completion of the campaign. Sensational presentation, crisp gameplay, with only minor levels of bloat, accompanied by the excellent Operations mode ensures that players are going to be well satiated by the title, whether they have an extensive history with Warhammer or not.”
Press Start – 9.5/10 (Harry Kalogirou)
“There are also just so many of those aforementioned jaw-dropping moments throughout Space Marine 2’s runtime. Every mission has some kind of spectacle to gawk at, only often times you’ll find yourself right in the middle of it. Whether it’s storming through trenches as Tyranids attempt to overrun your position, or squaring off against a hulking Helbrute, Space Marine 2 has unforgettable moments aplenty. ”
24.) Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Checkpoint Gaming – 10/10 (Charlie Kelly)
“Playing Hellblade II felt close to spiritual. If you’re the right target, the metaphors will resonate. How they choose to visualise Senua’s journey of recovery and healing… how they delve even more into the fantasy… it’s incredible raw storytelling. This game won’t be for all. It’s an artsy project that naysayers will roll their eyes at, dismiss and spare no second thought. At least for me, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is everything. I’ve bawled over it. Never has a game opened me up whole like this and ripped out my heart in one moment, only to place a hand on my shoulder in the next, reassuring me everything will be okay.”
GamesHub – 4/5 (Steph Panecasio)
“Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the type of sequel that shows growth in its own way. Just as Senua has come into her own, so have her tales. You wouldn’t expect her to suddenly be a sword-spinning knight after one adventure – but you can feel the level-up in her perception and confidence, both of which are demonstrated through the visual and audio mastery that Ninja Theory have brought to the table. ”
23.) Super Mario Party Jamboree
Maxi-Geek – 9/10 (Brad Long)
“Some people say that third time’s the charm, and with Super Mario Party Jamboree being the third Mario Party on the Switch, Nintendo Cube really hit a home run with the best Mario Party since Mario Party 7 on the GameCube. Plenty of satisfying minigames, incredible boards, and more modes than you can roll a die at make for the ultimate Mario Party experience.”
Vooks – 4.5/5 (Daniel Vuckovic)
“The last time Nintendo was winding down a system, we got a Mario Party title that felt soulless and seemed to exist just to give Nintendo 3DS players something to play. Jamboree is the exact opposite. Nintendo Cube has gone all out with this one—every mode is polished, the new modes are fresh and exciting, and online play is seamlessly integrated into the game’s core. There’s so much to see, do, and play, whether you’re playing solo or with friends, near or far. This is easily the best Mario Party game on the Switch, and while some might argue otherwise, it’s likely the best Mario Party in recent memory, all without using the series’ past as a crutch. It’ll be hard to top this one.”
22.) Botany Manor
GamesHub – 5/5 (Jam Walker)
“Botany Manor really surprised me. It’s a small game, comprising of around five or six hours, but one without an ounce of fat on it. The team at Balloon Studios designed a faultlessly tight experience that I really cannot say anything negative about. I still feel as if the majority of ‘cozy’ games are simply not for me, but I am incredibly glad that I took the chance on this one.”
Quest Daily – 8.5/10 (Dan Anderson)
“Botany Manor is a fantastic cosy puzzle game accessible to everyone, even if you don’t have a green thumb. Exploring this world feels great and when you finally figure out how to make the flowers bloom you feel a sense of accomplishment. The devs have created an atmospheric game that both looks and sounds extremely impressive. The puzzles are logical and fun to solve, which is absolutely critical in a game like this.”
21.) The Plucky Squire
Explosion Network – 9/10 (Dylan Blight)
“Exploring the world of Mojo is a bright and wonderful experience that mimics the feeling of discovering a picture book as a child as you move from each new page. Jumping in and out of the book to solve puzzles and interact with things on the desk filled me with a sense of wonderment, and I thought this was the sort of game that, although it feels like parts of things I’ve played before, feels all the same unique. As the game throws new ideas and concepts at you every few pages, it’s a testament to what I’d assume is a mantra from the new developer, All Possible Futures, to say that anything is possible.”
MKAU Gaming – 9.5/10 (Yasmin Noble)
“Every part of The Plucky Squire weaves together to tell a charming story with extremely clever gameplay. It’s a page-turner full of humour, heart and whimsy from start to finish. All Possible Futures haven’t just crafted an astonishing game. They’ve created a masterpiece.”
20.) Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Maxi-Geek – 9/10 (Luke Henderson)
“If you are like me and you enjoyed Epic Mickey on the Wii, then you will love this updated release, as the game has the vibe of the original, but almost none of the jank. There are some odd moments with story, but they are carried over from the original so there isn’t a lot to do about that. The game plays much smoother now than it did, which is a welcome upgrade, and it might just be me but I would have loved to have seen some voice acting added to the game as well. Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed is the result of taking a great game and making it even more wonderful, it is full of charm and a lot of Disney history, but most importantly it is a fun game that should easily paint a place in your heart.”
Press Start – 8.5/10 (Harry Kalogirou)
“Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is perhaps most valuable in the way that it makes Epic Mickey more accessible to those who’ve yet to experience one of Mickey’s best gaming experiences. It’s setting, narrative, and ideas are just as inspired as they were in 2010, and its paint and thinner mechanic is stretched to a satisfying logical extreme. It isn’t without some issues, but Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is the definitive way to play Epic Mickey today, and is well worth experiencing if you missed out on it more than a decade ago.”
19.) Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Explosion Network – 9.5/10 (Dylan Blight)
“Don’t Nod has released 2024’s first truly surprising video game release with Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. The 17th-century setting, ghost hunting and ethereal switching combat are all highlights, but building off what they do best, the characters, their relationships, and their story make this game unique. ”
Player 2 – A (Jess Zammit)
“There’s a lot going on in this game. Elements of exploration and examination of scenes, frequent combat, constant moral dilemmas – and it isn’t all executed perfectly. There are extra markers and challenges all over the map that can easily distract you, but they aren’t always easy to follow, which can result in some frustration. Sometimes the game will straight up lead you in the wrong direction, or have you running round in circles. The climbing mechanic is also annoyingly finicky. But ultimately, I didn’t really care about any technical hitches. Because this game has so much to say, and it says it in such an interesting way that I know is going to keep me thinking for a long time. ”
18.) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Player 2 – A- (Matt Hewson)
“This is easily the best COD has been this generation and the most fun I have had with the series since the insane Black Ops 3. The campaign mode shows real innovation with a host of different, yet equally entertaining missions, the multiplayer is tailored in a way that somehow makes it welcoming to lapsed players and the Zombies mode is an absolute blast with friends. I had long given up on enjoying COD games this much, but thankfully Black Ops 6 has proven me wrong. If you are like me and tired of the Modern Warfare schtick, don’t let that put you off this one. Trust me, you’ll regret it if you miss it.”
WellPlayed – 8.5/10 (Kieran Stockton)
“Just when I think it’s time to join all the other angry old jaded gamers and shake my fist at the clouds and feebly declare that CoD is dead, an entry like BO6 comes along that takes me back to the joy I experienced when I first answered the annual call in the first place all those years ago. It’s the sweaty palms and sore hands, the thrill of the online kill and the hours that melt away and take the stress of the real world with them. Yes I’m older and not half the sweaty squeaker I once was, but as long as there’s room for me on the virtual battlefield, I’ll be there.”
17.) Dragon’s Dogma 2
Press Start – 9/10 (James Berich)
“Dragon’s Dogma II feels like what the original Dragon’s Dogma should have been. It’s a sprawling and inviting open world that’s just begging to be explored, peppered with dangerous creatures who owe themselves to delectable encounters. The combat is enjoyable, and the vocations are all great choices, no matter how you play. While there are bound to be some teething issues as you become accustomed to its harsh world, it’s more than worth the endurance to live the heady experience that Dragon’s Dogma II offers.”
WellPlayed – 9.5/10 (Nathan Hennessy)
“ Dragons Dogma 2 is a game filled with genius ideas about how fantasy roleplaying can be turned into a video game. It requires unlearning much of what we take for granted in fantasy action adventures but rewards this with unique and dynamic world events that will constantly surprise players. It is a masterful sequel that polishes every element of its first draft, with the technology to make those ideas into a seamless adventure marked by heart-pounding threats and euphoric discoveries. ”
16.) Tekken 8
Ani-Game – 9.5/10 (Joel Gralton)
“There’s a reason that many in the fighting community say that Tekken is the best 3D fighting game and this is another incredible entry in the series. Not only does it have an impressive launch roster of 32 characters at launch that each feel different from one another and cover a wide range of fighting styles, you also have the ability to customise their appearance using the game’s slew of unlockable cosmetic items if you’re into that too. Tekken 8 feels great to play and has never looked better too, being a great showpiece for the power of Unreal 5 for fighting titles.”
MKAU Gaming – 10/10 (Sammy Hanson)
“Katsuhiro Harada and the team at Bandai Namco have been taking all the steps in the right direction and Tekken’s future is looking more electrifying than ever. The story is really intriguing, new fighters are a ton of fun, the graphics are looking immaculate, new gameplay mechanics add so much to the fights and the online experience is smoother than ever and with crossplay. With Tekken 8 finally breaking out of its chains, it’s time to “Get ready for the next battle” and become the King of the Iron Fist Tournament!”
15.) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
NextPlay – 9/10 (Alex Beaty)
“All in all, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle really proves just how exciting this next chapter is for the franchise. This is a love letter for fans of the films, though it definitely refuses to be held back by this. Troy Baker carries the torch with unwavering dedication, allowing fans to really feel immersed and along for the ride with Indy and Gina. While the enemy AI might not be that great, for a game that lets you bash fascists, it’s more than apt. MachineGames is really onto something with this one and I hope this new era for Indiana Jones continues.”
PowerUp Gaming – 9/10 (Luke Zachary)
“Underestimate Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and it will suck you in harder—and blow your mind more thoroughly—than a pissed-off Ark of the Covenant poltergeist. Abandon any scepticism you may have of it being a soulless cash-in that’s milking a beloved brand for cash. Just buy it, play it, and realise it’s a serious contender for Game of the Year 2024.”
14.) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Player 2 – A+ (Jess Zamitt)
“I love that this was the first real game with Zelda as the protagonist, and I love the kind of protagonist she is. I love that this game knows its boundaries and its limits, and yet also makes you feel like the way you can approach it is limitless. I love Hyrule, and its inhabitants, and I love the way they’re presented in this incarnation. I hope this game is a sign that Nintendo is going to take more risks, particularly with this series, because every single one keeps paying off. This game, even in its moments of great frustration, brought me nothing but joy – and I hope its’ mark on the series is truly lasting.”
Vooks – 4.5/5 (Oliver Brandt)
“The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is the Zelda game I’ve always wanted, putting Hyrule’s princess into the thick of it for the first time and coming up with incredible results. The gameplay loop is phenomenal, the story is lovely, and with any luck this will be the first of many adventures for the Zelda series’ leading lady. ”
13.) Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Checkpoint Gaming – 9.5/10 (Edie W-K)
“Nostalgia goggles haven’t failed us: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still a masterpiece. With vastly improved graphics, a great rearranged soundtrack, and a few tasteful gameplay touchups, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch is now the best version of this fan-favourite classic. The only thing missing is extra content for those who have already played it, but for everyone else, there’s no reason not to pick this one up.”
GamesHub – 5/5 (Leah J. Williams)
“If you’re discovering it for the first time with this remake, you’re in for a bizarre treat. It’s one of the stranger chapters in Mario history, and it hauls you alone a complex, layered, overtly strange journey through a world brimming with personality. The game’s scope is vast and impressive, and while it requires commitment to see it to the end, the adventure is consistently rewarding, and jam-packed with memorable secrets and bizarre characters. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch does an excellent job of letting the quirks of the original game shine, in a refreshed release that feels perfect for newcomers and Paper Mario veterans alike.”
12.) Neva
NextPlay – 9/10 (Jamie Briggs)
“When Neva’s combat system, memorable soundtrack, and gorgeous visual style all come together to enhance the moment-to-moment gameplay, Neva is simply stunning. It utilises each and every sense to intensify the world on screen, and due to that, Neva isn’t merely an artistic expression; it is a true interactive work of art. The game does falter by not capitalising on some creative concepts, which feels like a missed opportunity to create some memorable puzzle platforming. Neva’s overarching story of a world suffering from decay is provocative and relevant, but those core themes take a backseat to what is essentially a powerful story of a relationship between a parent and their child, or in this case, a warrior and her wolf.”
Quest Daily – 10/10 (Tom Greer)
“This style of game certainly isn’t for everyone. Titles like Journey, The Last Guardian, and Abzu come to mind — where the gameplay often takes a backseat to the artistic expression. Though, I believe we need more games like this. Gaming is an exceptional medium for creatives to express themselves, being able to take control and dive into their collective minds is a joy. In many ways, these are the kinds of experiences you could envision hanging in an art gallery, where patrons gather not just to observe, but to experience — much like the works of Van Gogh or other great artists. Neva is one such work of art, capturing an otherworldly quality that transcends what we expect from games. It is not simply played; it is felt.”
11.) Unicorn Overlord
NextPlay – 9.5/10 (Berto (pause_gamer))
“Unicorn Overlord is the best strategy RPG game I have played in an exceptionally long time. I’m a big fan of tactical RPGs. I love the Fire Emblem series. I am an old head who played Ogre Battles and Final Fantasy Tactics, and I even felt that the recent Triangle Strategy was a fantastic strategy game. But there is something about Unicorn that kept me in its tracks. It was intriguing enough yet familiar. It kept things fresh but never strayed too far from the core strategy principles. It was rewarding to those who wanted more. It had style, and it improved greatly on old SRPG traditions. And lastly, it was a lot of fun.”
Press Start – 9.5/10 (Harry Kalogirou)
“You can always count on Vanillaware to deliver, but Unicorn Overlord is truly something special. The way that its countless systems coalesce into a thematically cohesive and immensely satisfying strategic experience is endlessly rewarding. The seamless fashion in which it all fits together makes it seem as though Vanillaware are veterans of the genre establishing a new gold standard for tactical RPGs. It’s an absolute triumph in its totality, and one of the best games of the year thus far.”
10.) Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Stevivor – 9.5/10 (Jay Ball)
“No doubt many of us are waiting with bated breath for the upcoming Sands of Time remake. Though for now, Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is more than enough to scratch that Prince of Persia itch. It graciously blends the best components of previous iterations — the original game included — into what is easily the best Metroidvania game we’ve seen in recent years. Metroid Dread fans take note: this is better.”
Vooks – 5/5 (Paul Roberts)
“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown revitalises a classic series. It’s wild that the Sands of Time trilogy is 20 years old at this point, with Ubisoft never quite working out what they wanted to do with the series. The Lost Crown is just a joy to play; the platforming is fast-paced, smooth and makes you feel like a real badass for nailing some of the more tricky areas on the first go. Sargon and the Immortals are characters you care about, the story is one that I wanted to see through (and of course I have to finish it). As much as I try to think about my little gripes, none of it made the game worse. In fact, after I finish this review, I will be going back to track down all the out-of-the-way places I didn’t get to explore in my initial run.”
8.) Tie – Thank Goodness You’re Here
GamesHub – 5/5 (James O’Connor)
“For my money, this is one of the funniest games I’ve ever played. It’s also one of those rare games that makes me think “oh, wow, games can do this, huh?” Its closest point of comparison is Untitled Goose Game, another lovely, short, funny game set in a quaint English village. The two games even share a publisher. But in Thank Goodness You’re Here, you are a part of the chaos rather than a harbinger of it, riding a wave of lunacy and playing your part in unfolding the madness. The two feel spiritually of a piece with each other – just don’t let young kids near this one. Oh, and Matt Berry’s in it, too, as a lascivious gardener. Everyone loves Matt Berry, right?”
WellPlayed – 9/10 (Ash Wayling)
“Thank Goodness You’re Here! establishes itself as one of those games that will always prompt the question of, “Have you played Thank Goodness You’re Here!”? when encountering people of a positive nature – where you will then delight in their own telling of their experiences or feel the giddy warmth of recommending it. It’s razor sharp, densely packed and firing on all cylinders for the entirety of the afternoon you will spend playing it – all for the price you’d pay for a disappointing fast food dinner. And by the time you encounter the ending and drink in all the madness THAT has to offer, I’d challenge you to not feel well cared for.”
8.) Tie – Helldivers 2
Player 2 – A (Jason Hawkins)
“Helldivers 2 shouldn’t work in the current era, but it does because they made smart decisions about the live service model instead of trying to make a service that will try and offer you mobile-esque in-game purchases. Ironically, this has actually caused some of my friends to spend extra on the game, and has encouraged people to participate in the ongoing war struggles. Butts on seats, if you will. This is an extremely tight experience. Missions feel epic, and as you go up through the difficulty both the rewards feel worthwhile and you really feel like it’s a war that you’re taking part in. There have been myriad server issues due to the fact the game is way more popular than they expected, but you know what? If you make a good game, people will play it.”
Quest Daily – 10/10 (Julian Price)
“Helldivers 2 stands as a testament to live-service gaming done right. With its adrenaline-fueled gameplay, immersive world, and responsive developer support, it’s no wonder the game has captured the hearts of players worldwide. As the journey continues and the Super Earth universe expands, one can’t help but wonder what new challenges and triumphs await on the horizon.”
7.) Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Checkpoint Gaming – 10/10 (Luke Mitchell)
“Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumphant return to form for one of gaming’s most loved developers. It’s an epic and grandiose RPG adventure, interwoven with intimate, powerful stories about its cast of endearing and quirky companions. It has a truly stunning world to explore, with hidden secrets, alluring side quests and a literal treasure trove of lore to comb through. Its tight, in-depth combat systems and breadth of accessibility options deliver a highly personalised experience. But beyond the adventure itself, it’s another shining testament to diversity and inclusivity, polished to near perfection in its presentation. Put simply, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is Dragon Age at its most captivating, a truly generational adventure that is as heartfelt as it is thrilling.”
Press Start – 10/10 (James Berich)
“Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumph for BioWare in practically every way. It brings together the best bits of all the games that have come before it, pairing an intricately woven narrative ripe with genuine choice and consequences with a fast, frenetic and endlessly satisfying combat system. The Veilguard is, without a doubt, Dragon Age at it’s best.”
6.) Silent Hill 2
The Beta Network – 10/10 (Anthony Culinas)
“I cannot believe how well the Silent Hill 2 remake turned out! Bloober Team definitely don’t have the best track record ever, but the way they modernised this game whilst keeping the original’s spirit intact is mighty impressive. In terms of story, I still think this is the most exceptional narrative in horror game history, and the balance of Silent Hill 2’s serious and dreamlike voice-acting does not disappoint. The puzzles are mega fun to solve and easy breezy to keep track of as well. The sound design and Akira Yamaoka’s score is yet again, ”
Maxi-Geek – 9.5/10 (Aaron Ducret)
“Silent Hill 2 Remake is a fantastic approach to the game. Bloober Team were set with an impossible task, and somehow have managed to meet and possibly exceed expectations. Silent Hill 2 Remake is a great way to experience this iconic title, and for those who are unable to engage with the original this is a fantastic experience to have in that place. A beautifully true telling of the story, with fantastic changes to the story, characters and the world itself. ”
5.) Persona 3 Reload
MKAU Gaming – 9.5/10 (Yasmin Noble)
“Persona 3 Reload proves you can save the world and still have a social life, but it may just replace your actual social life if you get too invested. A faithful recreation, a slick new style, and minor improvements make it a slice of the past that feels like a completely new title. Persona 3 Reload is something that story-driven gamers and JRPG players won’t want to miss.”
Stevivor – 9/10 (Matt Gosper)
“Persona 3 Reload is the best kind of remake: it honours the core of what makes the game great, but isn’t afraid to modernise the experience at the same time. It’s nostalgia done well, because it plays onscreen the way the original felt in my memory (without having to squint at a 4-inch PSP screen). It’s honestly a joy to see a game I loved brought to a whole new audience, while still giving me a deluxe version of something I already know I’ll enjoy. While it may not include every ingredient that every version of Persona 3 has ever had, it’s a confident and complete version all its own – and I can’t wait to keep climbing that tower.”
4.) Metaphor: ReFantazio
Checkpoint Gaming – 10/10 (Charlie Kelly)
“I’ve always wanted Atlus to tackle political fantasy as a genre and of course when they finally do it with Metaphor: ReFantazio it’s one of the best RPGs in years. This is the result of 20 years of incredible game craft that has taken shape in the best and most refined version of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei formula that we’ve ever received. Probably the best we’ll ever get. This is their magnum opus. With immensely satisfying and tactile turn-based combat, and a memorable cast of characters including the alluring and ever-intimidating villain Count Louis, you’ll be taken by the world and story to explore within Euchronia. Much like the protagonist, you’ll be compelled to save its people. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a crowning achievement under Atlus’ long-running and award-winning belt. You should join them on the throne. The view is beautiful from up here.”
Quest Daily – 10/10 (Shaun Fullard)
“Metaphor takes the tried and true formula of the Persona series and evolves it to become more than the sum of its parts. Wrapped in an all new IP, it tells a mature story set within a fantastical world. Memorable characters with emotional backstories are the backbone of the game; you’ll share in their struggles and emerge on the other side stronger for it. With a unique integration of politics, an outstanding voice cast, and an absolute symphony for a soundtrack; Metaphor: ReFantazio is something special. If you’re a fan of the Persona series, this is an absolute must play. If you’re a fan of JRPGs, this is an absolute must play.”
2.) Tie – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Explosion Network – 9.5 (Ashley Hobley)
“Having put 70+ hours into Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, I can safely say that this title is going to give more bang for your buck than many other games this year. With an engrossing story, compelling characters and more side activities than you can poke a bat at, the value alone on this title makes this well worth picking up. But more than that, this feels like a true passing of the torch for this franchise and I eagerly await the next adventure with Ichiban Kasuga.”
GamesHub – 5/5 (Leah J. Williams)
“Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth does well to balance these tones, matching its deft poignancy with enough strange flavour for the experience to feel deeply compelling, emotive, and memorable. Kasuga is the perfect character to lead Infinite Wealth, with deft writing elevating his inherent charm and imagination, and allowing the game’s narrative to breathe well. You will need an ocean of patience to unfold the many wrinkles of Infinite Wealth – to master its Sujimon battles, hamburger mini-games, arcade games, Dondoko Island management, and dating quests – but devote time to its intricacies, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, frequently surprising game that brims with goodness and features a heartfelt, wholesome exploration of the true meaning of living.”
2.) Tie – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Ani-Game – 9.5/10 (Joel Gralton)
“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a fantastic next step in the Remake Trilogy. It builds upon what was already established in the first game and has broken down the walls, allowing for a much more open experience that allows for deeper interaction with the game’s world and between the game’s characters. The introduction of new systems into the game’s combat mechanics helps keep this fresh while remaining familiar and it’s all held together with some amazing performances and an amazing soundtrack. It’s a shame it’s likely going to be another 4 years before we get the conclusion to this series, but if it’s able to maintain the quality near set and once again continue to remain fresh, it’s going to be worth the wait.”
NextPlay – 10/10 (Brad Goodwin)
“Some called this remake trilogy a money grab, and others wondered why we needed a remake when the original games were still playable. I think Rebirth will help squash this stigma and tide fans over. Characters are more fleshed out than ever before, and while there may be some minor changes from the original game, it looks to be for the better. Square Enix transcends the Final Fantasy VII trilogy to new heights, providing a deeply captivating story and robust combat mechanics. These qualities, paired with entertaining main and side content, cements Final Fantasy VII Rebirth as one of the best RPGs of all time.”
Honourable Mention.) Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Ok. So I did say expansion and DLC were ineligible, but it would have been wrong to not have Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree in this article as it had the highest average rating of anything that received 5 reviews or more in 2024 among the Koalaty Critics.
Checkpoint Gaming – 10/10 (Omi Koulas)
“Shadow of the Erdtree not only expands upon Elden Ring’s lore and gameplay mechanics but also enriches the experience with its atmospheric storytelling and intricate world design. It beckons players to embrace the daunting journey through the Shadow Realm, promising a gripping adventure that resonates with the hallmark blend of challenge and discovery. What’s on offer is one of the best FromSoftware experiences to date, capturing everything that made Elden Ring special and more.”
Press Start – 10/10 (Harry Kalogirou)
“It’s going to shock no one that Shadow of the Erdtree is as high quality as it is. At this point, FROMSOFTWARE has a track record that goes unrivalled in the genre, and perhaps even the industry at large. Shadow of the Erdtree is more than a doubling down of what makes Elden Ring so special, it’s an exploration of what new elements can bolster that which makes it strong. It’s a worthy expansion to a beloved world and set of characters that seemed so impossible to follow-up, but FROMSOFTWARE have done it again. Just like they always do.”
1.) Astro Bot
GamesHub – 5/5 (Leah J. Williams)
“This is a game designed with purity at its heart. Really, it’s the cutest product placement you’ll ever see. While it is a celebration of PlayStation as a brand, and a pat on the back for years of good business, it’s one that feels well-earned. It’s a nod to the many adventures that PlayStation has created and supported, and a wonderful tribute to decades of positive memories. It evokes the joy of childhood in its design, and keeps those bright, happy feelings alive with its constant sense of surprise and delight. It’s easy to play the game and feel your cynicism washing away, as you remember that true joy exists in the world. It’s not only found in Astro Bot, but this game is certainly a good start for those soul searching.”
NextPlay – 10/10 (Jamie Briggs)
“Even without the PlayStation references, delightful cameos, and iconic imagery, Astro Bot would still be considered one of the best 3D platformers ever made, but with all these lovely additions scattered throughout this charming adventure, it becomes something even more special. While I cherish those childhood memories of playing Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, it brings me joy to know that current players will now be able to cherish their own incredible memories, all due to the masterful adventure Team Asobi has managed to develop. Astro Bot is a must-play adventure, one that reminds everyone why we all fell in love with video games in the first place – for fun. From the impeccable level design, epic boss encounters, tremendous soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, and as a delightful love letter to past franchises, Astro Bot will be remembered and idolised for decades to come.”
And that’s it. A big shout out to all the Australian critics this year who have done stellar work and for tolerating these sporadic review round-up articles which we here hope shine a light on the great work being done in Australia. The Australian video game media punches above its weight in both quantity and quality, which is made all the more impressive given the majority are just doing it for the love of Video Games. Please let any of the critics or outlets you enjoyed reading in 2024 know you appreciate their work and be sure to check out more of it in 2025!
