The competition for thebest PlayStation game of 2024sure was fierce. But, at the end of the day, it had to come down to at least one winner. For Destructoid’s choice of the best PS4/PS5 game of the year, we haveAstro Bot,the beloved platformer that’s become a tremendous ode for PlayStation players.

It may come as no surprise to seeAstro Botat the top of the list. I mean, it did take home the winner of the best game of the year at The Game Awards. And, as someone who’s poured a ton of hours into this platformer, I couldn’t ask for a better pick. It’s one of the first times where the game of the year is actually my personal game of the year, and it’s incredibly satisfying.

Astro Bot gameplay

Astro Botbrought back such a simple concept to games: fun. There are so many titles out there that are all about pushing you to the edge in challenges, whether it be through an overwhelming amount of enemy forces or the infamous “sweat lobbies.” Fortunately,Astro Bot’slevels are brimming with entertainment, with unique locations and abilities where every level feels different from the last.

The conclusion to each stage is also exceptionally fulfilling as a PlayStation player. You never know what iconic character you’ll see next, and there’s plenty of them to go around with the platform’s numerous franchises. What’s more, you’ll get to take control of some of the most adored characters as you wield legendary powers and weaponry. Heck, even as someone who hasn’t played too much ofGod of War,Astro Botconvinced me enough to want to play it, just from its short period with Kratos.

OW2 Mercy in her Rose Gold skin

While the nostalgia may be a considerable factor in whyAstro Botis so good, it’s simply a superb game all-around. You don’t have to be a PlayStation fan to play it; anyone can indulge in this title and end up having a grand ole’ time.

The year 2024 isn’t even the end forAstro Bot, as more updates like theWinter Wonderroll out. There are many more cameos to explore (Final FantasyandKingdom Hearts, anyone?), and I can’t wait to see what else PlayStation has in store. 2025 is already shaping up to be another good year for the PS5, with the likes ofDeath Stranding 2,Little Nightmares 3, andGhost of Yotei.It will likely be a tough competition once again, but for now, we can celebrateAstro Bot’smuch-deserved victory.

Weapons kid running in street

Rick and morty falling through colorful space and Belly, Conrad, jere, Taylor, and Steven gathered around a table outside in the summer i turned pretty

Battlefield 6 aiming RPG at a helicopter

Milla Jovovich portraying Alice in Resident Evil 2002, wearing a red dress and holding a gun in her hand.

A man caught in an alien tree in Abiotic Factor.

A three-panel image of Pokémon Masters EX showing Latios on the left, Silver at center, and the keyart with Red, Cynthia, and more trainers on the right

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