Entertainment
The Minotti brothers have gotten together to share a list of our favorite games from 2024. Now, we tried to pick games that we all played, which can be challenging when only one of us has a job centered around digital entertainments (and when the other two have, you know, young families taking up a good chunk of their time).
Entertainment 10. Marvel Rivals
Mike: It’s a shameless Overwatch clone, but it’s a fun one.
AJ: The game is pure chaos in a good way. Overwatch lost some of that juice when it became more concerned with catering to the eSports scene.
Chris: It’s fun and fills that Overwatch itch for sure. But at a time where Blacks Ops 6 is as good as it is, it’s hard to find time to play this as well. But, if the gang is hopping on, it’s definitely worth it!
Mike: What do you guys think of Squirrel Girl?
AJ: Her ult can be tricky to aim if that’s what you’re asking.
Chris: I’m not answering that question.
Entertainment 9. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection – Arcade Classics
Mike: I played the most of this one out of all of us, but I had a ton of fun when we did play it together.
AJ: I appreciate the collection, but at the end of the day I’m here for MvC2, and it rules.
Chris: I’m with AJ on this. MvC2 has always been a Minotti staple and, even after all these years, it’s still super fun to go back to.
Mike: I still gotta play The Punisher. I love those classic Capcom beat-em-ups.
AJ: I fired it up. It’s a fun addition to the collection. All in all, the whole thing really is a fantastic package.
Entertainment 8. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Mike: I’ve actually managed to open this app at least once a day since its release.
AJ: I think I’m the most mobile game friendly of the three of us, and this fit the bill perfectly after I burnt out on Hearthstone and Marvel Snap. The game is remarkably generous with packs, the collecting is as fun as the battling, and the distilled Pokémon TCG rules let me get my fix of nostalgia from the days of our basement meta back in 1998.
Chris: Other than texts from family and friends, these are the only other notifications I enjoy getting on my phone. Two packs a day is plenty to keep coming back and wanting more. The battle system I’ve grown a bit tired of, but will always enjoy opening packs.
Mike: Now we just need that Disney Lorcana game.
Chris: Hopefully soon, though I don’t think my wallet would be able to handle that one…
Entertainment 7. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Mike: AJ insisted we included this one.
AJ: Every few years a game comes out that I immediately think is a shoe-in for GotY across the board, then I’m stunned to see everyone find it to be just OK (Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy comes to mind). Everything about this game sings, from the combat, incredible visuals, superb voice acting, and fun story. As I play it, I can’t help but imagine what my second or even third playthrough will look like. High praise!
Chris: Oddly I was super excited to play this but never ended up picking it up. Hearing AJ talk about how much he enjoyed I suppose was enough for me.
AJ: I guess my enthusiasm paints a vivid enough picture.
Entertainment 6. Helldivers II
Mike: A game made for brothers!
AJ: Brothers in democracy!
Chris: I’m sure you guys got sick of hearing my guy scream “Incoming friendly fire!” and wiping the squad. But, sometimes sacrifices must be made for democracy.
AJ: Honestly, that’s when the game is the most fun. The emergent, silly moments are what keep me going, and less the grinding and leveling up.
Mike: I heard that the last update is interesting. We should play again.
Entertainment 5. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Mike: It’s more Elden Ring, yeah. But, I think this expansion has some of the best bosses of the whole package.
AJ: Despite putting in nearly a hundred hours, I never beat the base game’s campaign. I’ll… see myself out.
Chris: More of one of my favorite games ever? Sign me up! Also, typical Ajguy not beating the game.
Mike: I can’t believe he didn’t beat it.
Entertainment 4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Mike: I can’t believe how much I actually played Call of Duty this year.
AJ: This is actually my first Black Ops. Maybe it’s burnout from years of battle royales and hero shooters, but I am having fun just playing team deathmatch and clicking on bad guys. The new movement system certainly helps.
Chris: I’ve always been the brother begging my other brothers to play multiplayer games with me as kids and teenagers. I was finally beaten down into submission to stop asking. But, finally, a CoD came out that we all enjoy! Best multiplayer experience we’ve had together in years.
AJ: This feels like revisionist history. What about Titanfall?
Chris: You mean the game that came out a decade ago?
Mike: lol got him
Entertainment 3. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Mike: I love a good Metroidvania, and this is one of the best ever.
AJ: Glad to see that team was rewarded for their efforts.
Chris: I have a tendency to become obsessed with single games as I’m playing them and this was no exception. Never wanted it to end and just kept coming back to find every secret and collectible!
Mike: It’s a shame we’ll probably never get a sequel, but I’m sure that this one will only rise in reverence – especially among Metroidvania fans – as the years go on.
Entertainment 2. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Mike: I sure hope none of those Italians I punched were like a great uncle or something.
AJ: It’s the best role playing game that’s not an RPG if that makes sense. You are Indiana Jones in this game.
Chris: My most anticipated game this year by far. Was worried I was hyping it up too much to myself before release but am so happy that it delivered. Give me more!
Mike: It shows how games are a much better avenue for reviving a lot of old movie franchises than a new film with old actors with weird CG makeup. I mean that Ghostbusters game for the Xbox 360 kind of proved the same thing. Same goes for Telltale’s Back to the Future.
AJ: Now give me my Roger Rabbit game.
Entertainment 1. Astro Bot
Mike: This game is just pure happiness.
AJ: Why did the little robot make me cry?
Mike: I could tell you why, but I got to look good in front of the masses and not mock your easily exploitable emotions.
AJ: Pretty sure you cried too. And that was just when the Ridge Racer bot showed up.
Chris: Another game I didn’t want to end. More Astro Bot please.
Mike: It’s almost hard putting into words how good it is. It’s like trying to explain why the Mona Lisa is a masterpiece. Just look at it! Look at that little guy go! It’s beautiful.
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Elroy Paris