Nintendo's Best Games of 2024 Highlight Creativity and Innovation | Image Source: www.ign.com
REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 20, 2024 — According to IGN, 2024 has been a transitional year for Nintendo. With the anticipation of the Nintendo Switch 2 looming, the company still managed to impress with a remarkable lineup of games that reinvigorated its current console. This eighth year of the Nintendo Switch marked a period where fans experienced a mix of nostalgia and innovation, despite the console’s aging hardware.
Honorable Mentions: Nostalgia Returns
The remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was a standout addition to the year’s lineup. As per IGN, this fan-favorite GameCube RPG retained its charm, with enhanced graphics and minor quality-of-life improvements. The timeless humor, strategic combat, and unique characters such as those in Rogueport elevated this remake to the list of must-play titles. This reimagined classic reminded fans of Mario’s unforgettable journey, including the whimsical chapter where he joins a pro wrestling league.
Another notable title, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble, marked the franchise’s long-awaited return to form. IGN praised the game for its precise controls and level design, reminiscent of the early 2000s era of Super Monkey Ball. The new spin dash ability expanded speedrunning possibilities while maintaining the series’ core mechanics. Offering over 200 stages, local and online co-op modes, and a challenging late-game experience, Banana Rumble was celebrated as a nostalgic yet modern revival.
Runner-Up: Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Party Jamboree was another highlight, excelling as a multiplayer sensation. According to IGN, it featured seven intricately designed boards, over 100 minigames, and a diverse roster of 22 playable characters. Players could choose the new Pro Rules for a more skill-based experience, minimizing the randomness that has been a staple of the series. This game marked a turning point for Nintendo Cube, the developers behind the title, as they finally achieved a harmonious blend of innovation and classic gameplay in the Mario Party series.
Runner-Up: Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
IGN highlighted Lorelei and the Laser Eyes as a triumph in puzzle-adventure gaming. Developed by Simogo, the creators of Sayonara Wild Hearts, this eerie, visually stunning game captured players’ imaginations with its intricate narrative and challenging puzzles. Players embarked on a journey through a surreal hotel, unraveling mysteries within its beautifully designed black-and-white world punctuated with neon accents. IGN noted that the game offered a fresh take on point-and-click adventures, blending unsettling moments with a compelling story.
Runner-Up: Unicorn Overlord
Vanillaware’s high-fantasy strategy RPG, Unicorn Overlord, showcased the developer’s distinctive art style and innovative gameplay. IGN’s review lauded the game for its blend of real-time strategy and turn-based mechanics. Players were tasked with leading armies and mastering a complex ability system to navigate diverse and challenging maps. While the storyline followed a familiar arc of a prince reclaiming his kingdom, the stunning presentation and thoughtful character development made the game stand out among other RPGs released this year.
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The crown jewel of 2024, as per IGN, was The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This title introduced Princess Zelda as the protagonist, a groundbreaking move in the franchise. The game’s innovative “Echo” mechanic allowed Zelda to copy and utilize objects and enemies in creative ways. Whether summoning a bed to restore health or using Echoes of adversaries to overcome challenges, the game encouraged players to think outside the box.
IGN emphasized that Echoes of Wisdom blended modern gameplay elements with nostalgic nods to earlier titles. Heart Pieces, orchestral music, and classic locations created a sense of familiarity while introducing new concepts. The game’s freedom in problem-solving and its tribute to titles like A Link to the Past demonstrated Nintendo’s mastery of reinventing its beloved series. These innovative elements earned Echoes of Wisdom the title of the best Nintendo game of the year.
Despite being a transitional year for Nintendo, 2024 reaffirmed the company’s ability to deliver exceptional gaming experiences. Fans eagerly await the next generation, but this year’s lineup showcased the enduring appeal of the Nintendo Switch. From nostalgic remakes to groundbreaking innovations, these games solidified Nintendo’s legacy in gaming history.
