ANIMAL WELL 

The golden age of Metroidvanias continues to deliver modern classics, and Animal Well has surely joined that list. With no combat whatsoever and a striking pixel art aesthetic, it allows itself to stand out in a crowded genre, while its finely crafted and dense world, which remains a constant joy to explore from start to finish, is also a highlight. For fans of Metroidvanias, this one is unmissable.

While next year looks even more jam-packed with incredible adventures, what are some of the best role-playing games from 2024 that deserve your attention? Join us as we sift through the dozens of choices and present the 20 best RPGs of the year that must be experienced.

Path of Exile 2

For all the complaints against its rewards, end-game, map layouts, etc., Path of Exile 2 is still an incredible action RPG, even in early access. Each class and their Ascendancies presented multiple new options; the Skills are impressive while combat feels visceral; and the bosses present some of the best encounters in the genre. The fact that such a sizable end-game is available right now, complete with pinnacle bosses, is also incredible. Yes, there are plenty of things to improve, but Path of Exile 2 is proving just as addictive as its predecessor and will receive double the amount of content before early access ends.

Slitterhead

A bizarre mix of action and body horror from Keiichiro Toyama, the creator of Silent Hill, Siren, and Gravity Rush, Slitterhead practically screams, “Not for everyone.” As Hyoki, an amnesiac spirit who must slay the Slitterheads, you can take over the bodies of different NPCs and leverage their powers. Combat can be enjoyable, but technical issues, jank, and repetition blemish the experience. It’s an acquired taste, though, and some may enjoy the body-hopping-focused gameplay while basking in the sheer weirdness of it all.

As Adol and Karja explore, they’ll encounter various ruins, run into a new Mana user, and leverage a new Mana Action. Aland Island offers a “vast” map and exploration areas with new bosses, Mana Ride races, and even arenas where you can battle “deadly enemies.” Further details are still to come, including its platforms and pricing. It’s also unknown if it will simultaneously launch in North America and Europe.

As for Ys 10: Nordics, it’s available for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Alongside new combat mechanics like the Cross Action system, where players can execute simultaneous attacks with both characters, it introduces sailing and Mana Actions like grappling and surfing. Check out our review here, where we gave it a seven out of 10.

After a message from a mysterious girl in a seashell, Adol and Karja are linked via Mana Cuffs and must work together to battle the Griegr. On top of learning new action to traverse locations, including Mana Wire and Mana Surf, the duo can also unleash elemental skills to solve puzzles. Unlike previous entries, combat is more parry-focused with Duo Skills and attacks.

If all of this isn’t enough, you also get a ship to sail around with, engaging in naval battles or tuna fishing while expanding the crew. Check out our review for Ys 10: Nordics here, or play the free demo, which covers the Prologue up to part of Chapter 3.

While it may seem ripe for local two-player co-op, only the PC version will support the same at launch per PH3’s Peter “Durante” Thoman. Described as “an experimental, unofficial feature, developed by me personally with a budget of 0 €, and some pretty wild hacks,” it also hasn’t had the benefit of extensive testing. Check out the footage below to see how it looks.

Throughout the game, the Co-Op State is represented in the top right and ranges from active (with each player controlling a character) to impossible, depending on the situation. There are also Co-op States for fishing and sailing. During combat, blocking is shared, but executing a Perfect Block requires abject timing from both players.

Only one character can use the Gullinboard, and if you get too far from your partner, a darker version of the Mana String will emerge until you’re back together. It’s definitely a novel approach, especially given how the game approaches duo combat. We’ll see how it pans out when the game launches on October 25th. In the meantime, check out our review of the PS5 version or the free demo.

As it turns out, back to the past. Ys 10 is set between Ys 2: Ancient Ys Vanished and Ys 3: Memories of Celceta, with Adol, Dogi, and Dr Flair traveling through the Obelia Gulf on the Adamas. The ship is accosted by a faction of Normans known as the Balta Seaforce, who provide safe passage to all vessels through the Bay and demand a heavy price (which the Adamas’ captain skimped out on). The ship is taken to Carnac where Seaforce has a heavy presence and the trio are stuck until further notice.

"As cliché as some can be, many are well-rounded and developed suitably. Karja is undoubtedly the star, who goes from imposing and callous to developing a sisterly bond with Adol."

Of course, as is often the case in Ys, there are myths of the Sea King’s Throne and mysteries revolving around immortal creatures called Griegr. It’s not long before Carnac is raided by a group of Griegr, who are looking for a suitable “Vessel.” With the townspeople kidnapped, it’s up to Adol and his new ally, Karja Balta of the Seaforce, to save them, fight back against the Griegr and ultimately determine why they’re linked by a strange force called Mana.

And by linked, I mean physically. Due to mysterious circumstances (just a girl’s voice in a seashell asking for Adol’s help – no biggie), the two are bound by Mana cuffs and can’t stray far apart. While this leads to some hilarity, which thankfully isn’t overplayed, it causes Adol’s fate to become intertwined with the Seaforce and Norman culture.

Though it takes longer to get going than Ys 9: Monstrum Nox, Ys 10 opens up into a compelling mystery as you get to know the people of Carnac, the Balta Seaforce, and Trident, the big three generals of the Griegr. The characterization doesn’t stray too far from the norm, whether it’s the Mayor’s son Grenn, who is desperate to prove himself, the sultry yet quick to anger Yolds Dolnsen or Grimson, Karja’s charismatic father who keeps an emotional distance yet relies on her skills.

As cliché as some can be, many are well-rounded and developed suitably. Karja is undoubtedly the star, who goes from imposing and callous to developing a sisterly bond with Adol. I appreciated their chemistry (including fighting back a trio of so-called famous pirates), but dialogue exchanges boiling down to “We should be on our guard” did feel repetitive. At least Karja’s reactions to Adol taking on every side quest and exploring every mystery and adventure are humorous enough. Does the placement of the title in the series’ canon make it odd since it’s never really referenced in future games? Sure, but it’s the least of Ys 10’s problems.

"Yes, Flash Guard is no longer a thing and dodging – outside of holding down the button to avoid blue-tinged attacks from enemies – is less vital than parrying."

While the story-telling and characterization feel familiar, Ys 10: Nordics makes radical changes with its combat system, world design, and exploration. Due to the Mana cuffs, Adol and Karja can utilize the new Cross Action system. Gone are the days of multi-character parties – instead, you have a duo, where Adol is the fast striker and Karja is the heavy hitter. You can switch between them at any time, and not only does this have the benefit of restoring SP to your partner (who will attack enemies on their own), but also regenerates their health.

Though they have unique abilities and elements – Adol employing fire for burning branches, Karja creating ice platforms to reach greater heights – the big new feature is simultaneous attacks with both characters. This drastically increases your attack output and allows for utilizing new duo skills, which can deal massive damage.

Duo Mode is also necessary to shield against and parry unblockable attacks. Time parries correctly, and you not only cause an enemy to stumble, leading to a powerful counterattack but can also trigger a slick double-team move with its own cinematic. You also eventually unlock the Revenge Gauge, which is built up by blocking damage and can significantly increase the damage of your next duo skill.

Yes, Flash Guard is no longer a thing and dodging – outside of holding down the button to avoid blue-tinged attacks from enemies – is less vital than parrying. It’s a pretty huge shift and takes some getting used to. Some skills (especially the rising slashes) feel worthless, and it’s often more practical to attack in Duo Mode than solo, though some situations will see either character going off on their own to explore and fight.

"The other major change is that instead of large seamless zones to explore on foot like Ys 9, players sail the Gulf on a ship, the Sandras, and explore various islands."

It’s not the responsiveness or the feel of the combat that I have a problem with, but some fights, especially bosses, boil down to parrying and building up that Revenge Counter to unleash a powerful duo skill. If a boss has a Break Gauge, you’ll opt to utilize a duo skill more suited to depleting it to render them vulnerable. Rinse and repeat, though there are some exceptions. Lowering the difficulty allows for freer combat tactics, but if you’re not a fan of parrying attacks (even if they’re easy to execute), then Ys 10 may struggle to enthrall you.

At least the customization feels fresh, with a new skill tree incorporating some aspects of Trails’ Orbments with its node linking, which unlocks passive bonuses depending on the Mana Seeds slotted in (and even changes the nature of some attacks). Being able to freely mix and match passives, trading off some benefits for others, felt nice, even if the early benefits didn’t feel all that significant.

The other major change is that instead of large seamless zones to explore on foot like Ys 9, players sail the Gulf on a ship, the Sandras, and explore various islands. The latter can be pretty linear, with a few optional paths to explore, though the new Mana String and Mana Board make for some fun traversal. The dungeon design is also somewhat spruced up thanks to the latter.

However, the sailing can initially feel mundane due to the Sandras’ slow speed and painfully long recharge time on boosts. It also makes ship battles feel excruciating, especially when trying to catch up to opposing vessels to slow them with basic cannon shots before unleashing an EX Armament for the kill.

"Rounding all this off is the presentation. Falcom’s new engine is a marked improvement over previous titles, especially in character models, facial animations and environmental textures."

Things improve significantly as more upgrades – including special ammo like rapid shots and flaming projectiles that build up burn damage – and skills like Mana Sail are unlocked. The air currents on the ocean also afford more opportunities for quick traversal, and various locations, even points of interest, provide multiple fast travel spots.

Combat also gets better, as you ram into other ships and board them to engage in wave battles and looting. Other activities like spotting marine wildlife, locating precious cargo, tuna fishing, and much more are also available alongside side quests to rescue townspeople and liberate areas captured by the Griegr.

The latter is similar to the Beast Hunts from Ys 8, as the player must destroy several Barrier Pillars and defeat enemy ships, ultimately making landfall and capturing the location on foot. Different crew members lend unique bonuses during this, from reducing damage taken to infinite dash charges. It does get monotonous (and brings back memories of the Hostile Takeovers from Skull and Bones), though the actual infiltration and tearing through enemies can be fun with worthwhile rewards.

Rounding all this off is the presentation. Falcom’s new engine is a marked improvement over previous titles, especially in character models, facial animations and environmental textures. However, there are some moments, like a dungeon’s mundane palette or the external look of islands before boarding them, where the visuals can feel a little underwhelming.

"There’s no shaking how much it feels like a step down from its predecessors. However, Ys 10: Nordics enjoyable action RPG experience with likeable characters, an intriguing story, and fun activities."

Though not terrible, the increased scale may have spread the visual fidelity a little thin. On the bright side, I didn’t face any performance issues, and the music is a solid mix, even if it pales next to Ys 8 and 9. As for the voice work, everyone turns in good English performances, though Adol’s voice can grate at times. At least his Japanese voiceover still sounds good.

Ys 10: Nordics is an interesting title for me. Despite thoroughly enjoying Ys 8 and 9, I went in enthused about the new battle system, sailing, and exploration aspects and came out enjoying but still feeling slightly unsure about each. There’s no shaking how much it feels like a step down from its predecessors. However, it’s an enjoyable action RPG experience with likeable characters, an intriguing story, and fun activities.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

Check out the announcement trailer highlighting the sequel’s new gameplay mechanics. The free demo consists of the Prologue up to a portion of Chapter 3. Players can transfer save data from the demo to the game and continue progressing. Achievements and DLC from the title are not supported in the demo.

Ys 10: Nordics is out on October 25th in the West. Occurring between Ys 2: Ancient Ys Vanished and Ys 3: Memories of Celceta, it sees a younger Adol ending up in Obelia Bay, controlled by the Balta Seaforce.

After some mysterious circumstances, he ends up chained to Karja Balta and fighting against immortal beings known as Griegrs. Due to their predicament, Adol and Karja can attack together while utilizing Mana for fire and ice attacks.

Available in September 2023 for Japan, the story takes place between Ys 2 and Ys: Memories of Celceta to focus on a younger Adol Christin. He and his best friend Dogi arrive at a new location, Obelia Gulf, and encounter seafaring warriors known as Normans. Karja Balta is one such individual and finds herself bound to Adol as the story progresses.

This leads to the Cross Action System, where players can switch between Adol and Karja for different attacks. They can also utilize Mana to explore the world, whether surfing on air currents, destroying obstacles or grappling. Ys 10: Nordics is also the first title to offer naval combat and traversal, with Adol utilizing the Sandras to explore the Gulf. Head here for more gameplay and details.

Ys 10: Nordics isn’t a direct sequel, like previous entries. Instead, it takes place after the events of Ys 2 and sees a younger Adol Christin visiting Obelia Bay. He eventually becomes linked to pirate Karja Balta, and they seek ways to disentangle their engagement. Of course, other conflicts break out, and it’s up to the duo to stop them.

The action RPG utilizes Falcom’s new engine for improved visuals and the Cross Action System, where Adol and Karja are playable together or separately, each unleashing devastating attacks. It also features new traversal mechanics with Mana and a ship for sailing through the region and engaging in naval battles. Stay tuned for more details on Ys 10: Nordics in the coming months.