PPG Game Of The Year 2024 - 15 - Whimsical And Magical Journeys
The games in this category range in genre and viewpoint, but what they all have in common is their sense of adventure - that you as the player are taking a character from humble beginnings across a fantastical world, on an unforgettable journey to become or to find something... more.
Aveliana
Isometric Stealth Action
Fighting enemies is optional in this adventure about following a helpful fox to retrieve ancient artifacts.
Potions: A Curious Tale
Potion Crafting Adventure
"wit is your greatest weapon and combat is not always the answer". As you explore this world, brew your potions and help the people you come across.
Highwater
Post Climate Flooded World
When the tides rise, you must band together and make your way across a ruined world with friends, with turn based puzzle like combat spicing things up a little.
Ario
2D Action, 3D Environs
Level based game with platforming, boss fights and other challenges to face. Feels like a smaller PS1 style game with a modern graphical style. Always stuns me how a full game like this can just release to absolutely no attention.
Rauniot
Period Piece Adventure Game
Point N Click with a distinct identity, puzzles to solve and a post apocalyptic adventure to take you across northern Finland. Quite pretty in a washed out way, with some pretty intricate animations to match.
Quest Master (EA)
Top Down 2D Dungeon Maker
Create and share clever puzzle and combat dungeons with friends and others online, and play through countless creations already available from the community. The Zelda Maker we still have yet to see.
Ogu and the Secret Forest
2D Hand Drawn Adventure
Charming adventure with plenty of puzzles to solve and some baddies to overcome. Rewarding exploration with plenty of fun optional content to explore.
Bearnard
2D Platformer X Deckbuilder
Novel mix of 2D platformer physics and deckbuilding turn based combat. Card collecting and environmental puzzles elevate an already great premise.
Guayota
3D Puzzle Adventure
A zoomed out 3D puzzle adventure through a fantastical land "inspired by legends related to the Canary Islands and the Guanches mythology". Some neat mechanics mix with some great animation and lighting.
The Land of the Magnates
Middle Eastern Adventure
A classic action adventure game with a zoomed out 3D perspective. Heavy focus on platforming and combat. Certainly will remind players of Prince of Persia in many ways.
The Plucky Squire
2D/3D Puzzle Adventure
Despite it being way too hand-holdy in its puzzles for most of the game, the art style really pulls you through this one in making you just wanting to see what's next.
Super Mining Mechs
Mining Resource Extractor
Not exactly a commentary on how over-extraction of Earth's natural resources will lead to disaster, but still a fun explore, gather resources and upgrade loop. Build your own little mech and venture out solo or with up to 7 friends.
Albatroz
Backpacking Adventure RPG
A surprisingly in depth mechanic focused game about preparing and hiking across a wondrous fantasy land, filled with fascinating vistas to see, places to explore and trouble to get into. Despite there being no combat, this game still has plenty of action set pieces, skills to upgrade, a party of travelers to manage and more.
And The Best Game About Going On A Magical Journey Of 2024 Is…
Passing By - A Tailwind Journey
2D Puzzle Wholesome Survival
A wonderful adventure about flying your balloon ship across the world, visiting islands, solving problems, gathering resources and make some great friends along the way. A bit of lite survival to keep the game mechanically interesting, but a game focused on being joyful nonetheless.