Noisy Pixel Staff Picks: Yuna’s Top 5 Games of 2024

I always end up feeling a little underprepared for these end-of-year lists; so much of my playtime during the year is dedicated to retro titles, exploring what I can of those libraries and ticking games off my retro bucket list. In particular, I’ve been on a considerable RetroAchievements binge, leading to a veritable growth in the number of games I’ve actually beaten. This year, I finally got around to playing Parasite Eve, which, if I could put it in my Top 5, I would. Play Parasite Eve everyone; it is absolutely as good as everyone says it is!

Despite that, I did play a good selection of games that were released in 2024 proper. Some may seem familiar if you’ve kept up with my reviews this year, while others are games I managed to delve into in my own time. Once again, indie titles pulled through in giving me the experiences I most want out of video games. Some mainstream titles caught my eye, like Metaphor or Sand Land, but the time to play them has just passed me by. Maybe I’ll finally get around to them in the new year (she says, setting herself up for a fall).

But enough talk! Here’s my Top 5 Games of 2024:

5: Nightmare Kart

One of the highest compliments I can give Nightmare Kart is that, despite not playing the game it pays homage to, I still had a huge smile on my face the entire time. It’s incredibly self-aware and confident in its parody, making it an extremely entertaining experience. The comedy hit me as soon as I reached the first boss fight, and it keeps running with its humor, drenched in a gorgeously gothic aesthetic that contrasts perfectly with its tone.

The gameplay complements this contrasting approach; while this is first and foremost a racer, the focus on vehicular combat means there’s always more to consider during a race. Balancing resources is key and ensures you can’t spam certain attacks over and over. While the game is over in just a few hours, the fact that it’s a free download makes it entirely worth trying. Everything here is lovingly crafted, from the 32-bit aesthetics to the music and gameplay.

The fact that the developer, known as Bunlith, continues to work on updates for Nightmare Kart is inspirational. I’m looking forward to seeing what new content will be added in the coming year. If you haven’t given this game a try yet, set aside some time to revel in its madness!

4: Mouthwashing

I’m glad I managed to sneak this one in by the end of the year; it almost passed me by. Thanks to strong recommendations from close friends, I moved it up on my schedule. Needless to say, I was blown away by what I played and immediately understood why it resonated with so many people.

Mouthwashing is narratively tight, saying so much despite its short runtime. It ended up going in a completely different direction than I expected, and I was happy I went in blind. The game’s brevity makes it a succinct experience, with characters that feel complex in their motives and personalities. Its themes are rich and compelling, but discussing them here risks spoiling the experience. All I can do is recommend you try it for yourself. A stunning psychological horror about taking responsibility for your actions and what happens when you fail.

3: Metal Slug Tactics

I’m always going to be biased toward Metal Slug, but Tactics nailed what it was going for. Adapting the run-and-gun series to a turn-based strategy roguelite sounds weird on paper, but in execution, it feels completely natural. The ‘Run’ in ‘Run and Gun’ translates perfectly into the core mechanics, and there are plenty of explosive weapons to use, too.

It’s fun to experiment with new loadouts and characters in each run, almost replicating the feeling of replaying a Metal Slug game to get a better score. The aesthetics are wonderfully polished, staying true to the series’ legacy of incredible pixel art and animations. After a drought of quality Metal Slug games, finally getting this—and having it be so good—felt truly cathartic. I’m hoping Metal Slug Tactics will continue getting updates in 2025 because there’s so much potential in this new formula.

2: Another Crab’s Treasure

As someone who had never touched a Soulsborne game, Another Crab’s Treasure felt like an awakening for me. After years of hearing about the Soulslike formula, this game enlightened me. The catharsis of persisting through bosses that once seemed insurmountable was truly satisfying, keeping me glued to the game for hours. The exploration and platforming add even more depth, making every nook and cranny rewarding to explore.

The ability to adapt and change your fighting style enhances the experience further. I found a groove that felt satisfying, but I know others will create unique builds for dealing with enemies. Beyond combat and platforming, its sense of humor struck a perfect chord with me. With a new game plus mode coming next year, it won’t be long until I pick this up again. Whether you’re a veteran Souls player or a beginner, like I was, you’ll find something to enjoy here.

1: 1000xResist

From my first session with 1000xResist, I knew it was something special. This game hit me harder than anything else I played this year. Its triumphs lie in its world-building and exceptional character writing. Early on, it establishes a strong foundation with its setting, only to completely upend it several hours later. It’s done so flawlessly, so naturally, that it left me stunned and speechless for days.

And it never lets up. Just when you think the surprises are over, another curveball arrives. Yet, it never feels exhausting; everything ties together in an insanely well-crafted way. 1000xResist has a cinematic quality that triple-A games fail to match, focusing on shot composition, blocking, and meaningful visual storytelling rather than graphical fidelity.

The ways in which 1000xResist impresses are countless, and I don’t feel I can accurately illustrate them all here. Despite my own limitations in understanding all the lived experiences that informed its narrative, I came away knowing this was my game of the year.