10 Beloved Action Game Creators Reveal Their Favorite Picks of 2024: ‘A Text Book Example of Scenario Writing’

As the year comes to a close, Japanese magazine Famitsu asked 181 developers to name their favorite games. Console hits and surprise standouts like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Astro Bot, and Black Myth: Wukong topped many lists. But other titles like Balatro, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, and a Castlevania compilation pack also earned their praise. We have put a spotlight on 10 prolific action game developers and their surprising 2024 game of the year picks. Let’s see their list below.

1. Hideki Kamiya

Former Capcom and PlatinumGames employee, known for creating Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and other stylish action games. Compared to his peers, his picks are rather… unorthodox, to say the least.

1. Human: Fall Flat (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS).
   • “Just like last year, my niece begged me to play with her… well, I had a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the sequel.”
2. EGGCONSOLE THEXDER PC-8801mkIISR (Nintendo Switch).
   • “The first [game] software I bought for my beloved PC-8801MA during my high school days. I hope the series will continue forever.”
3. Arcade Archives JACKAL (PS4, Nintendo Switch).
   • “It’s a simple game, but to taste the differences between versions, I ended up playing the Famicom Disk System and NES versions.”
4. Tetris 99 (Nintendo Switch).
   • “Every single day I’m lying down on the sofa, I ended up playing it. It seems I’ll keep doing this lifestyle forever.”

2. Katsuhiro Harada

The head of Bandai Namco’s Tekken series who always wears his trademark sunglasses everywhere. Surprisingly, a casual mobile game made it into his list.

1. Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X).
   • “I don’t need to say anything about it! I imagine the development process was difficult.”
2. Tekken 8 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X).
   • “Late-night battles with anonymity…”
3. A Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X).
   • “There’s just so much stuff!”
4. Diablo IV (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X).
   • “Truth be told, I haven’t cleared the base [game]… The time… The time…”
5. The Battle Cats (Android, iOS).
   • “Before I know it, it keeps going on and on…”

3. Kazutoki Kono

Another one from Bandai Namco; he’s the brand director and producer of the dogfighting Ace Combat series.

1. Black Myth: Wukong (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X).
   • “Creative expressions that make moving around the character fun, defeating bosses gives you a sense of accomplishment.”
2. Astro Bot (PS5).
   • “Excellent balance and attention to detail, feels fresh with the game’s tactile sensation.”
3. Tekken 8 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X).
   • “We have company tournaments, we have fun [playing it] within the club, but I secretly keep practicing.”
4. Goddess of Victory: Nikke (PC, Android, iOS).
   • “I’m returning for the Evangelion collaboration.”
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X).
   • “I wanted to try out the Omni-Movement, and I was surprised by the campaign.”

4. Koji Igarashi

The legend behind many of Castlevania‘s entries. Now he’s at ArtPlay, working on the Bloodstained Metroidvania series.

1. Castlevania Dominus Collection (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch).
   • “The three masterpieces directed by Shutaro [Iida], I’m so happy to play them right now.”
2. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch).
   • “There are some things I want to say [about the game] but it’s fun. I need to collect the Elevating Shoes again.”
3. Homescapes (PC, Android, IOS).
   • “Why are you still playing this, is what I want to say to myself. It’s so easy to play, it’s so addictive…”

5. Hyung-Tae Kim

Famitsu’s 2024 feature not only asked Japanese action game developers but also other popular Asian creators as well. One of them is the director of Stellar Blade.

1. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X).
   • “I’ve always been a huge fan of the Like a Dragon series. I think there are many others who really like this series too. The characters, they all have a cute side, and the game is full of love. Who would’ve thought that a game about the underworld would have such a lovely side! The appeal of this game is one of a kind, I think.”
2. Astro Bot (PS5).
   • “It’s been a while since I last played a platformer on a device other than a Nintendo Switch, and I’ve been completely immersed in it. It’s also packed with a loving tribute to PlayStation’s popular titles! What’s really great is, our character is also included in it.”
3. Final Fantasy 16 (PC, PS5).
   • “I was awed by the sense of scale, as if they poured their energy into the production process. I was also impressed by the setpieces that give a sense of challenge. Wonderful special effects in Square Enix’s works always dazzles me!”
4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PC, PS5).
   • “It’s such a memorable work, I had to pick it up. I was fascinated by the dense story and the overworld visuals. It goes without saying that the characters are adorable. I played it on 30 FPS so I’ll play it again on a PS5 Pro.”

6. Yoo Hyung-seok

Speaking of Stellar Blade, a fellow action developer from SHIFT UP also shared his favorite games of 2024. Hyung-seok is the director of the Nikke mobile game.

1. Goddess of Victory: Nikke (PC, Android, iOS).
   • “Because I planned to make it a game I would enjoy playing myself, I felt like there’s no way it wouldn’t be fun. Even though I already know how the story will unfold, it still makes me cry every time.”
2. Balatro (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS).
   • “This game makes you curious about what kind of synergy each card creates, you can’t help but boot up the game and play it over and over again.”
3. Stellar Blade (PS5).
   • “Great battle effects, graphics, as well as the ‘rears.’
4. Astro Bot (PS5).
   • “Its gameplay is optimized for the DualSense controller, many characters’ appearance makes it feel nostalgic. A great platformer action game.“

7. Daisuke Ishiwatari

The legendary illustrator, composer, and director of many Arc System Works’ fighting games including Guilty Gear.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch).
   • “I still can’t finish this game. The level design and how you navigate the game are very artistic.”
2. Ghost Trick (PC, PS4, Xbox One, NDS, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS).
   • “For me, it’s a textbook example of character creation and scenario writing. I’m playing it over and over.”
3. Season: A letter to the future (PC, PS4, PS5).
   • “The art is impactful. The artist’s work is uncompromising. The atmosphere that makes you want to go [inside the game] is fascinating.”
4. FAITH: The Unholy Trinity (PC, Android, iOS).
   • “The second one with impactful art aspect. It makes you think about the relationship between graphics and immersion. The scariest thing I’ve experienced. A historical art piece that uses players’ imagination.”
5. A Space for the Unbound (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch).
   • “The third one with impactful art aspect. A classic pixel art but you can feel the breath of the world and the lives of the people in it. Intoxicating.”

8. Tomohiko Sho

The producer of the upcoming Dynasty Warriors Origins and Fate/Samurai Remnant, among others, from Koei Tecmo.

1. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch).
   • “I actually haven’t been able to play it, but I’m sure to enjoy it in the future!”
2. Rise of the Ronin (PS5).
   • “The romance of the tail end of the Edo period! I recommend this casual and exquisite action game!”
3. Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X).
   • “The relaxing and reassuring game system gives a good deja-vu feeling!”
4. Black Myth: Wukong (PC, PS5).
   • “The unique visuals and action are fantastic!”
5. The Hokkaido Serial Murder Case: The Okhotsk Disappearance ~Memories in Ice, Tearful Figurine~ (PC, Nintendo Switch).
   • “I’ve been saving it for the end of this year, and I’m just about ready to play it…!“

9. Fumihiko Yasuda

Also hails from Koei Tecmo, Yasuda is the producer of Rise of the Ronin, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. For 2024, the action game developer chose only three titles as his favorites.

1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch).
   • “A one-of-a-kind experience that still offers the same volume [of content] and quality.”
2. Black Myth: Wukong (PC, PS5).
   • “With such detailed graphics and battle effects, as a fellow Asian developer I was inspired.”
3. Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X).
   • “I haven’t finished it yet, but it feels like it’s the ultimate JRPG.”

10. Kenichiro Takaki

The creator of popular action anime games such as Senran Kagura and Valkyrie Drive, has chosen his favorite games for 2024.

1. Black Myth: Wukong (PC, PS5).
   • “The world of Journey to the West I didn’t know much about feels incredibly refreshing, and I was constantly overwhelmed by character and background designs.”
2. Zenless Zone Zero (PC, PS5, Android, iOS).
   • “The game is overflowed with the creator’s ‘passion,’ it’s fun [logging in] every day.”
3. Goddess of Victory: Nikke (PC, Android, iOS).
   • “It’s been two years since I started following in your footsteps. Congratulations.”
4. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (PC, PS5).
   • “‘Final Fantasy is the most fun [game]! …is what I really thought.”
5. Indika (PC, Xbox Series X).
   • “It’s not an easy game to play, but the never-before-seen perspective is very appealing.“

These were the standout releases action game developers loved most in 2024. Are you craving for more games to play? Check out our very own top 10 games of the year!