As the year draws to a close, gamers everywhere begin to assemble their Game of the Year (GOTY) lists, eager to highlight standout RPGs, cherished indie games, and unexpectedly impressive AAA titles. I find myself participating in this annual ritual, though typically my compilations grow so extensive that they verge on unmanageable. This year was no exception; my attempt to rank the top 10 games of 2024 swiftly evolved into a sprawling top 100 before I finally put the effort on hold.
Throughout the process of curating my list and determining the rightful place of the officially designated GOTY, one title consistently emerged at the pinnacle, regardless of the number of times I rearranged my selections. In spite of its brilliance, I noticed that it has been largely overlooked in other players’ GOTY discussions. This oversight led me to reflect on both its unappreciated quality and how it epitomizes the outstanding gaming landscape of 2024.
2024: A Phenomenal Year for Gaming
An Especially Great Year for JRPGs
To be candid, I didn’t hold high hopes for 2024’s gaming offerings, especially given the disconcerting wave of industry layoffs and sudden studio closures that marked the beginning of the year. Coming off a monumental 2023, I couldn’t fathom how this year could compete. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by an array of exceptional game releases within the first part of the year, including my personal favorite that seemed to slip everyone’s mind.
This year didn’t just deliver notable titles; it introduced landmark gaming experiences rarely seen before. JRPGs made a remarkable resurgence, and players’ enthusiasm for games like Atlus’ highly praised yet somewhat niche title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, was astonishing. Additionally, FromSoftware demonstrated its prowess with the much-anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree, while indie developers consistently amazed with their creativity and boldness.
It’s important to acknowledge that no one can play every game out there, and I am certainly guilty of overlooking several noteworthy releases myself. Titles such as Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and Mouthwashing deserve recognition, too. However, it strikes me as odd that more gamers haven’t mentioned one clear standout from this year: Bloomtown: A Different Story.
Bloomtown: A Different Story: A Masterpiece RPG
A Harmonious Blend of Top JRPG Elements
Bloomtown: A Different Story, crafted by Lazy Bear Games and Different Sense Games, is a remarkable RPG that fuses the finest gameplay mechanics and aesthetics drawn from Persona 5 with Earthbound’s imaginative setting. My initial encounter with the game occurred via social media updates from the developers. Its unique art style and eclectic gameplay immediately caught my attention, especially as a fan of the Persona franchise—albeit one who has yet to fully experience Earthbound.
While I appreciate the Persona games, I often found myself at odds with their portrayal of characters and repetitive monster-of-the-week structure. This contrast is precisely why Bloomtown: A Different Story captivated me. It efficiently captures the essence of the Persona series, enhancing it with a richer narrative, well-crafted characters, and a wealth of engaging activities.
Even if some devoted Persona fans disagree with my viewpoint, I contend that they would still find enjoyment in Bloomtown: A Different Story’s fresh take on the social simulation JRPG genre. This game epitomizes how far the indie gaming scene has come, showcasing stunning pixel art, a perfectly paced 40-hour gameplay experience, and finely-tuned combat systems that engage the player thoroughly.
Despite my enthusiasm for Bloomtown: A Different Story, I find it perplexing that it has been absent from many GOTY lists across various platforms. Initially, I questioned my own taste—was I really so misguided for adoring a game like Left Alive? However, the fact that Bloomtown, a title of such remarkable quality, has been overlooked strengthens the argument that 2024 has indeed shaped up to be an extraordinary year for gaming.
Anticipating the Surprising Indie Titles of 2025
A Wealth of Future Indie Games to Anticipate
Bloomtown: A Different Story is not the only indie game I’ve highlighted this year that seems to have gone unnoticed. While it’s disheartening that such a remarkable title has been overlooked, it simultaneously reflects the immense growth within the gaming industry. In my early gaming days, the idea of digital storefronts brimming with thousands of titles felt unreal. Yes, as gamers, we often miss out on certain releases, but never before did we see a year where worthy titles could slip through the cracks without ever making an appearance on our radars.
Today, hundreds of outstanding games exist that I simply haven’t come across or played. This used to frustrate me immensely, but after scouring numerous GOTY lists in hopes of finding validation for my love of Bloomtown—only to unearth countless other indie titles I now yearn to explore—I realized that the gaming landscape, aside from the unfortunate layoffs, is thriving like never before.
With so many promising indie projects lined up for 2025, my excitement continues to grow. I am already aware of a number of intriguing titles, and I anticipate discovering many more as the year concludes. For the first time ever, I don’t feel overwhelmed by the volume of games set to release, and I’m genuinely eager to dive into what 2025 has to offer, including amazing new RPGs, phenomenal indies, and the highly anticipated GOTY contender, GTA 6.
Source: Twin Sails Interactive/YouTube
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