I was wrong a lot in Rise of the Golden Idol, 2024’s sequel to the aforementioned Case.
It trusted me to figure things out.
A handful of my favorite games this year similarly refused to provide me with easy and obvious answers.
I’m not entirely sure Animal Well has anything even remotely resembling a proper resolution.
Animal Well is a mystery I suspect I will never get the satisfaction of fully solving.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is perhaps the most enigmatic of the bunch.
Every door’s contents is locked behind another puzzle.
Televisions are hooked up to video game consoles that contain hidden directions and clues within their low-poly video games.
Every line of dialogue is an esoteric headtrip.
Walls are lined with posters that obscure patterns that are keys to boxes.
Written notes contain ciphers, and there are otherworldly portals that take you to elaborately constructed mazes.
I appreciate the room that these titles and others have given me this year because it feels increasingly rare.
I think it could work to brilliant effect, and in truth, it already has.
I always come back to The Legend of Zelda and its famously “hidden” bomb walls.
Each of these games is distinct from the other.
More Best Of 2024:
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly?
