The 2024 RPG Realms Awards

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RPG Odyssey

Welcome to The RPG Realms Awards, where I celebrate the games I played throughout the 2024 calendar year. These awards are based on my personal experiences with each title, regardless of their original release date. Please note that this may include spoilers for the following games: Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Did Not Finish), Final Fantasy XI, Tales of Arise, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, One Piece Odyssey, and Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (Still Playing). Read on at your own discretion!

Categories (You can search each one by using Ctrl+F)

Awards

A) Best Cast of Characters, B) Best Use of Humor, C) Most Beautiful Environment, D) Best Plot Twist, E) Best Boss Fight, F) Best Supporting Character (Male), G) Best Supporting Character (Female), H) Best Villain, I) Best Lead Character (Male), J) Best Lead Character (Female), K) Most Frustrating Challenge, L) Most Emotional Moment, M) Best Voice Acting, N) Best Music/Soundtrack, O) Best Art Direction, P) Best Gameplay Experience, Q) Best Narrative

A) Best Cast of Characters 

3rd Place: Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
The cast of Dragon Quest XI is fantastic, with memorable personalities and strong dynamics. However, the silent protagonist felt out of place compared to games like The Legend of Zelda or Pokemon, where this trope works more seamlessly. Despite this, the supporting cast shines brightly.

2nd Place: Tales of Arise
This game boasts an incredible lineup of characters, with Rinwell standing out as a personal favorite. The cast’s interactions and individual arcs are engaging, but the group as a whole could have benefited from a bit more moral complexity to elevate the narrative further.

1st Place: Zenless Zone Zero
Taking the top spot, Zenless Zone Zero delivers a cast that is equal parts hilarious and endearing. Every character is bursting with charm, making them impossible not to love. Their dynamic chemistry and humor make them the most unforgettable cast of the year!

B) Best Use of Humor

3rd Place: One Piece Odyssey
The Straw Hat crew brings their signature humor from the anime to the game, making every interaction a delight. Their comedic timing and antics are as entertaining as ever, securing this game a spot in the top three.

2nd Place: Zenless Zone Zero
Few games can rival the sheer number of funny characters in Zenless Zone Zero. Every interaction is brimming with wit and charm, keeping the laughs coming nonstop. However, one character in another game managed to outshine even this stellar lineup.

1st Place: Genshin Impact
While Genshin Impact may not have as many funny characters, one stands out above the rest—Paimon. Her quips, reactions, and overall personality elevate the game’s humor to unmatched levels, earning it the top spot in this category.

C) Most Beautiful Environment

3rd Place: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The world of Hyrule is breathtaking, especially when viewed from a mountain, with its sweeping horizons and stunning vistas. However, as the player delves deeper into exploration, the world can begin to feel empty, which places it in third.

2nd Place: Genshin Impact
The world of Teyvat is a vibrant and dynamic feast for the eyes. Everywhere the player ventures, there’s life, intrigue, and beauty, with something new to discover or a side quest to undertake around every corner.

1st Place: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The world of Gaia is everything fans of the original Final Fantasy VII could have dreamed of—and more. This rendition is dripping with nostalgia, bringing a 1997 vision into glorious modern detail. For this alone, it claims the top spot.

D) Best Plot Twist

3rd Place: Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Mordegon’s triumph in stealing the Sword of Light and destroying Yggdrasil flips the story on its head. This twist forces the Hero and their allies to completely change their approach, raising the stakes and altering the journey in a powerful way.

2nd Place: Genshin Impact
The revelation that Irminsul knows everyone from Teyvat but has no knowledge of the Traveler—despite recognizing the Traveler's twin—creates a tantalizing mystery. Coupled with the Doctor's claim that Teyvat’s sky is fake, this twist introduces a mind-bending paradox that deepens the intrigue and leaves players craving answers.

1st Place: Final Fantasy XVI
Clive’s search for the man responsible for his brother’s murder culminates in the shocking realization that the killer is none other than himself. This twist is masterfully executed, delivering an emotional and narrative punch that elevates the story to another level.

E) Best Boss Fight

3rd Place: Titan (Final Fantasy XVI)
The fight against Titan is a monumental clash that captures the raw, earth-shattering power of Eikons. The scale of this battle is unparalleled, with towering rock formations crumbling as you weave through a battlefield that feels alive and destructive. The sequence challenges your reflexes and keeps you on edge with its mix of quick-time events and intense combat, making it one of the most adrenaline-fueled encounters of the year.

2nd Place: Bahamut (Final Fantasy XVI)
Bahamut takes boss fights to the skies in a dazzling display of light and destruction. This aerial battle is a feast for the senses, combining the majestic power of the King of Dragons with some of the most visually stunning attacks in the game. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical danger, with this fight pushing Clive and his allies to their limits while delivering a spectacle worthy of Bahamut’s legendary status.

1st Place: Odin (Final Fantasy XVI)
The fight against Odin is the pinnacle of Final Fantasy XVI's boss battles. This duel is personal, intense, and brimming with tension as you clash with Barnabas, a character as enigmatic as he is formidable. The battle’s choreography is flawless, blending fast-paced swordplay with an atmosphere drenched in darkness and mystery. Odin’s presence is both awe-inspiring and intimidating, and every moment of this encounter feels like a test of both skill and determination. It’s the perfect culmination of FFXVI's epic boss designs, securing its spot as the best boss fight.

F) Best Supporting Character (Male)

3rd Place: Erik (Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age)
Erik is the quintessential loyal companion, bringing wit, charm, and a strong sense of camaraderie to the Hero's journey. His backstory and dedication to his friends make him a standout in the cast.

2nd Place: Barret Wallace (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
Barret’s larger-than-life personality and unwavering determination to protect both his daughter and the planet make him an unforgettable presence. His blend of humor, grit, and heart earns him this well-deserved spot.

1st Place: Cidolfus Telamon (Final Fantasy XVI)
Cid is the epitome of a great supporting character, combining wisdom, charisma, and an unwavering sense of duty. His influence on Clive and the overarching story is profound, making him the clear choice for the top spot.

G) Best Supporting Character (Female)

3rd Place: Veronica (Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age)
Veronica’s fierce determination and sharp tongue make her an unforgettable member of the party. Despite her small stature, her bold personality and unwavering loyalty shine brightly throughout the story.

2nd Place: Rinwell (Tales of Arise)
Rinwell’s emotional depth, growth, and connection to the larger themes of the story elevate her role beyond a typical party member. Her endearing personality and struggles make her a standout in the cast.

1st Place: Furina (Genshin Impact)
Initially, Furina’s over-the-top dramatics made her a frustrating character for me. However, as her reasons for her behavior came to light—along with the incredible sacrifice she made to save her people—my perception of her shifted entirely. The fact that she could change my mind so profoundly is why I love her so much now, and why she deserves the top spot.

H) Best Villain

3rd Place: Cloud of Darkness (Final Fantasy III)
Cloud of Darkness isn’t driven by personal motives but embodies a universal force of destruction. Her sole purpose is to bring balance through obliteration, aiming to erase all existence without emotion or morality. This detached, "force of nature" approach to villainy gives her a uniquely chilling and otherworldly presence.

2nd Place: Barnabas (Final Fantasy XVI)
Barnabas isn’t just a conqueror; he’s a nihilist who believes that life is inherently meaningless. His philosophy of fate and the Void as ultimate truths adds a terrifying depth to his character. Grappling with existential despair, Barnabas becomes more than a tyrant—he’s a haunting reflection of human hopelessness.

1st Place: Anabella Rosfield (Final Fantasy XVI)
Anabella’s betrayal of her own children—her cold manipulation of Joshua and her rejection of Clive—is one of the most emotionally devastating aspects of Final Fantasy XVI. Her calculated cruelty and utter disregard for familial bonds make her a deeply personal and profoundly painful antagonist, securing her place as the most unforgettable villain of the year.

I) Best Lead Character (Male)

3rd Place: Alphen (Tales of Arise)
Alphen’s journey to fight for freedom and overcome oppression is deeply inspiring. However, his lack of a morally gray compass holds him back from ranking higher. Even so, his determination and growth make him a fantastic protagonist.

2nd Place: Cecil Harvey (Final Fantasy IV)
Cecil’s transformation from a conflicted Dark Knight to a righteous Paladin in search of redemption is one of the most compelling character arcs in gaming. His journey is the heart of Final Fantasy IV, and it’s what makes the game unforgettable.

1st Place: Clive Rosfield (Final Fantasy XVI)
Clive’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From his desire to protect his brother to his tragic realization that he killed him, only to later learn his brother is alive—Clive’s journey is one of heartbreak, betrayal, and redemption. Add in his struggles with being betrayed by his own mother, and you have a protagonist whose depth and complexity are unmatched. Clive truly stands out as the most complete character.

J) Best Lead Character (Female)

3rd Place: Jade (Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age)
Jade’s unwavering determination to protect the Hero and see the fight against Mordegon through to the end is truly inspiring. Her strength and loyalty make her a standout character in the game.

2nd Place: The Traveler (Genshin Impact)
Playing as the female Traveler, her relentless drive to find her brother and uncover the truth about Khaenri’ah’s mysterious past keeps her journey compelling. Despite criticisms of her damage output, her narrative importance and emotional depth ensure she remains a central part of my party.

1st Place: Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
Aerith’s gentle yet unyielding personality shines brightly as she effortlessly sees through Cloud’s tough façade. Her caring nature and emotional depth make her an unforgettable character and, in my opinion, the true lead of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth over Tifa. Aerith’s impact on the story and characters around her is unparalleled, securing her the top spot.

K) Most Frustrating Challenge

3rd Place: Harmonious Choir (Honkai Star Rail)
This boss fight took me an entire week to overcome, primarily because I didn’t have a proper break team when I encountered it. While challenging, it ranks third because my lack of preparation was partly to blame.

2nd Place: Odin (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
The fight against Odin was brutal, requiring around five hours of effort to finally emerge victorious. His relentless attacks and high difficulty make him one of the most formidable challenges I faced this year.

1st Place: La Signora (Genshin Impact)
Although I defeated her during the story, La Signora as a weekly boss remains unbeaten for me. This inability to claim victory has prevented me from leveling up Raiden Shogun’s talents, making her not just a challenging opponent but a roadblock in my character progression. For this, she earns the top spot as my most frustrating challenge.

L) Most Emotional Moment (Spoilers Ahead)

3rd Place: Rinwell Confronts Almedria (Tales of Arise)
Rinwell finally confronts Almedria, the Renan lord responsible for the death of her family and countless others. The raw emotion in this scene, as Rinwell wrestles with her anger and pain, creates a powerful and cathartic moment. Her decision not to give in to vengeance highlights her growth and makes this confrontation deeply impactful.

2nd Place: Furina’s Sacrifice (Genshin Impact)
In a shocking turn of events, Furina sacrifices herself to save the people of Fontaine. Initially seen as overly dramatic and self-centered, this moment reveals her true character and the burden she carried to protect her nation. Her selfless act completely changed my perception of her and added a poignant depth to the Fontaine storyline.

1st Place: Veronica’s Death (Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age)
Veronica’s death is nothing short of heartbreaking. After using all her power to save the party from the destruction of Yggdrasil, she gives her life to ensure their survival. Her sacrifice is made even more poignant by her final message, delivered through a vision, urging the Hero and his friends to keep fighting. This moment is devastating and cements her as one of the most memorable characters in the game.

M) Best Voice Acting

3rd Place: Veronica (Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age) – Maaya Uchida
Playing the game in Japanese, Maaya Uchida brings Veronica’s fiery and determined personality to life. Her sharp delivery and emotional depth make Veronica an unforgettable character and a highlight of the cast.

2nd Place: Furina (Genshin Impact) – Amber Lee Connors
Amber Lee Connors masterfully captures Furina’s dramatic and multifaceted personality. From her theatrical antics to her emotional sacrifice, Connors' voice acting brings a richness to Furina that makes her one of the most memorable characters in the Fontaine storyline.

1st Place: Citlali (Genshin Impact) – Skyler Davenport
Skyler Davenport’s performance as Citlali is truly outstanding. Their ability to embody Citlali’s personality with such nuance and charm is impressive, and it speaks volumes about Davenport’s talent that I didn’t even realize they also voiced March 7th in Honkai Star Rail until my brother pointed it out. Davenport’s range and delivery elevate both characters and make this performance deserving of the top spot.

N) Best Music/Soundtrack

3rd Place: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
While the game itself has its share of highs and lows for me, the soundtrack is undeniably a highlight. True to the series’ legacy, Breath of the Wild excels with beautifully composed music that perfectly complements its serene and adventurous world.

2nd Place: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Building upon the already outstanding soundtrack of Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth elevates the experience with the addition of themes like Cosmo Canyon. This iconic piece alone gives Rebirth the edge, making its music a standout feature.

1st Place: Honkai Star Rail
The top spot goes to Honkai Star Rail for its incredible boss fight themes. Tracks like Cocolia’s and Sunday’s battles stand out as some of the most epic and emotionally charged compositions I’ve encountered. The sheer intensity and quality of the music make it a clear winner.

O) Best Art Direction

3rd Place: Zenless Zone Zero

Zenless Zone Zero. Its excellent character designs, especially the noticeable improvement in male character design compared to Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, make it a strong contender. However, the world design couldn’t match the depth and richness of Genshin Impact.

2nd Place: Genshin Impact
The world of Teyvat is breathtaking, full of life and intricate detail that makes exploration a joy. While the character designs for female characters are stunning, the lack of attention to male character design holds it back from the top spot.

1st Place: Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
The iconic and nostalgic art style, brought to life by the late Akira Toriyama, sets this game apart. Its resemblance to Dragon Ball is a testament to Toriyama-sensei’s genius, and the timeless charm of the visuals makes Dragon Quest XI a worthy winner.

Honorable Mention: Honkai Star Rail

barely missed the top 3 despite shining with exceptional character design, particularly for female characters, surpassing Genshin Impact in this regard. However, the world design doesn’t match the richness or vibrancy of Genshin’s Teyvat, and the male characters suffer from similar design weaknesses.

P) Best Gameplay Experience

3rd Place: Tales of Arise
This game offers a compelling story with a cast of characters that feel relatable and worth caring for. The battle system, while labeled by some as repetitive, holds up well compared to most RPGs. While Dragon Quest XI could have claimed this spot, Tales of Arise edges it out for now, as I haven’t completed Dragon Quest XI yet.

2nd Place: Final Fantasy VII Remake
While the story doesn’t quite match the original’s brilliance, Remake shines in its ability to deepen the roles of characters like Wedge, Biggs, and Jessie. The combat system is a standout feature, balancing action and strategy perfectly. Unlike Rebirth, Remake avoids being oversaturated with side quests and mini-games, offering a tighter and more focused experience.

1st Place: Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI delivers a phenomenal gameplay experience that’s hard to put down. The story and battle mechanics are exceptional, with skill customization providing plenty of options to explore. Side quests felt meaningful and served as extensions of the main storyline, making them enjoyable rather than a chore. The Eikon battles were breathtakingly cinematic and iconic, rounding out a game that offers an unparalleled experience.

Q) Best Narrative (Spoilers ahead)

3rd Place: Tales of Arise
The story of Tales of Arise is a gripping tale of rebellion, redemption, and personal growth. Alphen’s journey as a slave who overcomes his physical pain and his lack of memories to fight against oppression is deeply emotional. The dynamic between the oppressed Dahnans and the oppressive Renans provides a layered conflict. Rinwell’s confrontation with Almedria and Law’s grappling with his father’s death add emotional depth, making this narrative a standout. While Dragon Quest XI could have taken this spot, I had to give the edge to Tales of Arise as I have yet to finish Dragon Quest XI.

2nd Place: Genshin Impact
The expansive story of Genshin Impact delves into the mysteries of Teyvat and the Traveler’s quest to reunite with their sibling. The Fontaine arc reveals shocking truths, such as Furina’s sacrifice for her people and the deeper implications of Irminsul’s knowledge—or lack thereof—of the Traveler. Combined with the enigmatic Doctor’s claim that Teyvat’s sky is fake and the lingering mysteries of Khaenri’ah, the narrative raises intriguing questions about fate, identity, and the nature of the world itself. This ongoing tale is filled with twists and emotional depth that keep players invested.

1st Place: Final Fantasy XVI
The narrative of Final Fantasy XVI is an unforgettable epic centered around Clive Rosfield, who undergoes immense personal trials. From losing his brother Joshua to what he believes is murder, only to discover later that he himself was the one responsible, Clive’s journey is one of heartbreak and redemption. His mother’s betrayal and manipulation add a deeply personal layer of pain. The game’s themes of freedom, revenge, and the consequences of wielding immense power are explored through Clive’s role as the Dominant of Ifrit and his clashes with other Eikons. The story culminates in a powerful exploration of sacrifice and legacy, leaving an indelible impression as the best narrative of the year.

Best Game I Played In 2024

The RPG Realms Awards I will be ranking all the games I played throughout 2024 in my next post. Stay tuned to find out how they stack up!

General Feedback:

1. What did you think of the categories in The RPG Realms Awards? Are there any categories you would like to see added next year?
2. Which of the awarded games do you agree or disagree with, and why?
3. Do you think the descriptions for each award captured the essence of the games well?

Reader Preferences:

4. Which game do you think deserved a spot in the awards but didn’t make it?
5. What are your personal picks for Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, or Best Supporting Character?
6. Do you prefer detailed explanations for each award, or would you like to see shorter summaries?

Engagement and Future Content:

7. Do you enjoy posts like this, or would you prefer more rankings, reviews, or other types of content?
8. Should I keep the spoiler warnings for awards posts, or would you prefer a more spoiler-free approach?
9. Would you like to see me revisit these games and their awards in the future with updated opinions?
10. What was your favorite gaming moment of 2024? Let’s compare notes!