2024 Games as High School Yearbook Superlatives: A Personal Retrospective

Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's already 2025, and I'm still reeling from the chaos of last year's gaming scene! 😩 Like, who else is totally over The Game Awards hype? Geoff Keighley's marketing fest felt like an endless loop of trailers and speeches, and honestly, I was zoning out weeks before it even happened. But you know what? GOTY season always gets me nostalgic, and instead of ranking games the usual way, I've been daydreaming about how 2024's releases would fit into a high school yearbook. It's such a quirky vibe, right? Each game feels like that one unforgettable classmate who made senior year wild and weird—just thinking about it brings back all those feels. So grab your virtual backpack, because we're diving into my personal take on these games as if we're flipping through our yearbook again. And trust me, some of these "students" had me laughing, crying, and questioning everything.

Future President: Metaphor: ReFantazio

Man, playing Metaphor: ReFantazio was like watching that one kid who just oozes leadership potential—Will, the orphan protagonist, totally nailed it. He's all about rallying his tribe and diving into a royal tournament to save his cursed best friend, and I swear, I got chills from his determination. 🌟 My playthrough had me invested in every twist: infiltrating enemy circles, dealing with royal magic barriers—it's complicated as heck, but Will's charisma made me feel like I was part of a revolution. And can we talk about that Buddhist priest belting out battle themes? Pure fire! It reminded me of my high school days when the quiet kid suddenly stole the talent show. This game isn't just a political saga; it's an emotional rollercoaster that left me wondering: What makes a true leader in our own lives?

Most Likely To Be Famous: Black Myth: Wukong

Wow, Black Myth: Wukong was everywhere in 2024—like that popular kid who couldn't walk down the hall without a crowd cheering. With 2.2 million concurrent players on launch day and record-breaking sales, it smashed expectations. I mean, Sun Wukong is a legend, but seeing this game redefine AAA gaming in China, away from mobile gachas, blew my mind. 🤯 Playing it, I was hooked by the fluid combat and rich mythology; it felt like attending a blockbuster premiere every time I booted it up. Honestly, it made me reflect on fame in gaming: How do some titles rise to stardom while others fade? It's wild to think this was just a year ago!

Most Stylish: Phoenix Springs

Phoenix Springs? Total style icon status! Iris Dormer might not be rocking designer threads, but the game itself is a visual masterpiece. That color palette—oh em gee—it's like walking through an art gallery with every scene. 🎨 I spent hours just soaking in the ambiance; the blues and greens created this dreamy, surreal world that stuck with me long after I finished. Playing it reminded me of high school art class, where the quiet artist suddenly unveiled a masterpiece. It's not just about looks; the style evokes emotions, making me ponder: Why do certain aesthetics resonate so deeply with us?

Most Ambitious: Harold Halibut

Harold Halibut is the definition of ambition—like that kid who spent years building a science fair project from scratch. The fact that every asset was handmade from clay, metal, and wood, then scanned into 3D, took a decade to complete! 🤯 I was floored by the dedication; exploring its handcrafted world felt intimate and unique. It reminded me of my own high school DIY phases, where I'd overcommit to projects. Playing it made me appreciate the labor of love, sparking thoughts: In an age of quick releases, what drives creators to pour their souls into such painstaking work?

Best Driver: Pacific Drive

Pacific Drive turned me into a virtual gearhead, even though I'm a total klutz behind the wheel in real life! 😂 Your car is your lifeline in this survival roguelike, and fixing it up while navigating the Olympic Peninsula's dangers was a thrill. I crashed so many times it became a running joke, but finishing it felt like winning a school race. Here's a quick list of my most epic fails:

• 🚗 First run: Drove into a tree while panicking over a storm

• 🔧 Mid-game: Learned to change a tire after three attempts

• 🏁 Finale: Celebrated with a victory lap (and zero scratches!)

This game is a tribute to perseverance, making me ask: What everyday skills could save us in a crisis?

Most Likely To Repeat Themselves: The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

Naughty Dog's remaster of The Last of Us Part 2? Classic case of déjà vu! With stunning graphics already in the original, this felt like that classmate who kept retelling the same story. 😒 I played it and thought, "Seriously, where's Part 3?" It's frustrating, but as a fan, I couldn't help but appreciate the polish. Still, it made me nostalgic for innovation, wondering: When does rehashing old content hold back fresh ideas?

Most Likely To Go Viral On Social Media: Balatro

Balatro was the meme king of 2024—spreading like wildfire with its addictive gameplay and endless shareable moments. Playing it, I was glued to my screen, sharing clips with friends and laughing at the absurdity. It captured that high-school vibe where a random joke becomes a campus sensation. This game's virality got me thinking: What makes content explode online in our digital age?

Most Likely To Save The World: 1000xResist

1000xResist hit me hard, like that activist student who inspires change. As Watcher, you navigate themes of diaspora, trauma, and revolution, with writing so powerful it brought tears to my eyes. 💔 My playthrough was a cathartic journey; it felt personal, as if I was processing my own family history. This game isn't just a story—it's a call to action, leaving me to ponder: Can virtual experiences drive real-world reform?

Class Clown: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Ichiban Kasuga in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth? Absolute class clown material! 😂 Every Yakuza game cracks me up, but this one had me in stitches—tears streaming as I tackled absurd side quests. Ichiban's goofy antics reminded me of high school pranks, where one friend always lightened the mood. Playing it was pure joy, and it makes me wonder: How does humor help us cope with life's chaos?

Most Likely To Become A Victoria Secret Model: Stellar Blade

Eve from Stellar Blade? Yeah, she's got that runway-ready look—sleek, stylish, and impossible to ignore. 🕶️ Playing it, I was mesmerized by her design, even if it felt a bit superficial at times. It sparked memories of high school fashion shows and debates about beauty standards. This category isn't deep, but it leaves me reflecting: What role does aesthetics play in how we perceive characters today?

As we flip the page to 2025, I'm left reminiscing about these virtual "classmates" and how they mirror our own journeys. Gaming in 2024 was a wild ride, full of ambition, laughter, and soul-searching moments. But what about you? Do these superlatives resonate, or would you crown different games? 🤔 Let's chat in the comments—I'm all ears for your high school analogies!