Note: This list was based solely off of my own personal opinion of what I thought were the best games released in 2015. It's important to note that I did not play every game released this past year, so any game I didn't play could not be included.
"Rocket League" is a game that came out of nowhere, and then took the industry by storm. It is essentially a soccer game, but the players control cars instead of people. It's basically that simple; the goal is to score more than the opponents, with each team consisting of up to four players. To be honest, "Rocket League" is one of the best soccer games I've ever played; even outshining traditional soccer games like Fifa. The fast paced and frantic gameplay allow for some insane and memorable moments. And there is a level of satisfaction with scoring that makes the game more fun than you'd imagine. So as simple as this game is, it has become a sensation. Assisted by the fact that it was free on release day on PlayStation network, it was an overnight hit; featured on countless popular YouTube channels, and even featured on the competitive stage. "Rocket League" is one of the best multiplayer games of the year, and some of the most fun you'll ever have with a controller in your hands.
One of the more unique indie games to come out in the past few years would have to be 2012's "Hotline Miami." It was a top down shooter featuring elements of stealth, strategy, and an instant death mechanic, all while taking place in a dreamlike and drug fueled world. In my opinion it was honestly one of the best indie games ever made, so the sequel, "Wrong Number," had a whole lot to live up to. The plot of the game takes place both before and after the game, and involves a large cast of characters. The combat has been given new elements, like characters that could dual wield weapons or even control two characters at once. As well as more challenge types of combat like a character who has trouble taking out enemies. "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number" takes what was so great about the first game, and just added to it. While it might not be a huge leap forward, it does enough to make this feel like a whole new game. But just like its predecessor, this game is maddeningly difficult and unrelenting from start to finish. So even though I died time and time again I kept finding myself coming back, and that's often a sign of an great game.
This is undoubtedly the least known game on this list; I would actually be impressed if anyone had heard of it. "Westerado: Double Barreled" is an RPG style western where you play as a nameless character. One day while away from your family farm, you return to find your mother and brother dead. You travel to your uncle's ranch for advice, and decide to scour the countryside to find the man who murdered your family. "Westerado" is a fairly simple game that you can beat in a few hours and includes very minimalist combat; but the game has heart. It manages to put so much into this game with interesting mechanics, unique characters and dialog, a well designed and varied map, and a story that you actually become invested in. So while many might right it off being simplistic, that but that doesn't make it bad; it embraces its simple elements in order to improve on what it does right. And that makes it one of the year's most enjoyable indie games.
The "Batman: Arkham" series has become one of the most celebrated franchises in years, with both "Arkham Asylum" and "Arkham City" garnering universal praise and countless awards. Now after six years the series is coming to a close with the biggest installment yet. "Arkham Knight" takes place shortly after the events of "Arkham City," with the Joker now dead there is a power grab between Gotham's criminals; but the one that seems to be stepping up to the plate would be Scarecrow. He reveals to the city that he has developed an incredibly dangerous fear toxin that he will use on anyone who does not evacuate the Gotham immediately. Batman quickly swoops in attempting to stop the maniac but is met by Scarecrow's right hand man, a mercenary known only as the Arkham Knight. Given only one night, Batman seeks to stop the Scarecrow to save his city. In all honesty, "Arkham Knight" is not as good as its predecessors (excluding "Origins"). The over use of the batmobile often takes the fun out of the missions due to its clunky move set, and overall difficulty to drive. The game also suffers from a lack of closure and a bad DLC model that includes some subpar content. So while it’s not perfect, it does a lot of things right. It has perfected the combat seen through the series, the city is beautiful and full of detail, the graphics and animations are top notch, the characters are iconic as ever, and the game really does make you feel like the Batman. So while it might not be quite as good as "Asylum" or "City," it's still worth the time of any comic book fan.
7. Until Dawn
"Until Dawn" is one of those games that almost everybody thought was going to be a bad game. The story revolves around friends who go on a yearly trip to a secluded cabin in the mountains that belong to some of the friend’s parents. One night most of the group plays a cruel prank on one of the girls (whose family owns the cabin), she gets embarrassed and runs out into the winter night. Her sister runs after her worrying for her safety, but after she finds her they are chased by a mysterious man and fall off a cliff. One year later the brother of the sisters invites everyone back to the cabin in remembrance. But once their things are not as they seem, and an unwanted guest might on the mountain as well. "Until Dawn" is essentially if someone took an 80s horror movie, and then turned it into a game. Early gameplay for it was unimpressive, featuring corny dialog and quick time events; most wrote the game off entirely. But when it was released players were met with a love letter to the horror genre filled with homage’s, mystery, scares, and memorable characters. Not only was it praised by many critics and fans, the game did much better than the developers thought it would and are seriously considering a sequel. "Until Dawn" is one of 2015's biggest surprises, and a must play for any fan of the horror genre.
6. Tales From the Borderlands
In 2012 video game developers Telltale Games burst onto the scene with a game adaptation of "The Walking Dead." Telltale's "The Walking Dead: Season One" was met with overwhelming acclaim from critics and garnered several "game of the year" awards. Since then Telltale has established themselves as one of the industry’s best developers when it comes stories, and their 2015 game "Tales From the Borderlands" might actually be their best. Taking place in the "Borderlands" universe the game follows a Hyperion employee named Rhys, and a Pandora con artist named Fiona. They meet each other when Fiona attempts to sell him a fake vault key (vaults are ancient storage units for treasure and weapons, and are highly coveted by everyone). The two ultimately discover a way to find a real vault, and set out to ensure their futures. Telltale has been known for how dark and serious their stories can be, but what works so well for this game is that it doesn't take itself so seriously. It manages to match the tone of its source material so perfectly with the overall goofiness and humor the "Borderlands" series is known for. A fun story, great dialog, beautiful art style, and more action than Telltale's previous games make this one of their best. No word on whether or not we will see a season two for "Tales From the Borderlands," but if there is I'm positive no one will be upset by it.
5. Fallout 4
In 2012 video game developers Telltale Games burst onto the scene with a game adaptation of "The Walking Dead." Telltale's "The Walking Dead: Season One" was met with overwhelming acclaim from critics and garnered several "game of the year" awards. Since then Telltale has established themselves as one of the industry’s best developers when it comes stories, and their 2015 game "Tales From the Borderlands" might actually be their best. Taking place in the "Borderlands" universe the game follows a Hyperion employee named Rhys, and a Pandora con artist named Fiona. They meet each other when Fiona attempts to sell him a fake vault key (vaults are ancient storage units for treasure and weapons, and are highly coveted by everyone). The two ultimately discover a way to find a real vault, and set out to ensure their futures. Telltale has been known for how dark and serious their stories can be, but what works so well for this game is that it doesn't take itself so seriously. It manages to match the tone of its source material so perfectly with the overall goofiness and humor the "Borderlands" series is known for. A fun story, great dialog, beautiful art style, and more action than Telltale's previous games make this one of their best. No word on whether or not we will see a season two for "Tales From the Borderlands," but if there is I'm positive no one will be upset by it.
There were a lot of big, and long awaited games that came out in 2015; and none were nearly as anticipated as this one. "Fallout 4" is the latest in the "Fallout" series, which dates back to 1997; the game takes place in a post apocalyptic wasteland after a nuclear holocaust wiped out all of civilization. You play a vault dweller that awakes from cryogenic sleep 200 years after the bombs dropped; only to discover that your infant son has been kidnapped by unknown assailants. So you set out upon the Boston Commonwealth to find him, and God have mercy on anyone that stands in your way. In all honesty "Fallout 4" is far from a perfect game, and in some ways is a downgrade from the previous installments. That being said, it is still one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences of the year. The greatly improved combat, engaging story, big/beautiful world, and ungodly amount of stuff to do gives any gamer reason to pick it up. So did "Fallout 4" meet the expectations of those who waited for it? it depends who you ask. All I know is that I loved it, and am already waiting for the next installment in the franchise.
4. Undertale
Each year there seems to be one game that nobody knew about beforehand that burst onto the scene and shocks everyone, this year it was "Undertale." For those who don't know "Undertale" is an indie game released early this year, and acts as a love letter to old school JRPGs. You play a young child in a world with both humans and monsters, one day you become trapped in a mysterious place surrounded by creatures where nothing is as it seems. "Undertale" is maybe the most unique game I've ever played, and features several interesting mechanics. The combat system is traditional turn base, but requires you to solve puzzles as well as pay attention and act while the enemy is attacking you. The game's writing and sense of humor is also top notch, and is laugh out loud hilarious at times. But the most memorable aspect of the game is that it remembers. The game actually reads files of previous saves on your hard drive, and will change according to them. For example, I was in a fight with a character that I accidentally killed. So I exited out of that game and loaded up my previous save, when I fought that character I again I didn't kill her. I then proceeded, but was confronted by an NPC who said it knew what I did and how I tried to change it. It added unique dialog because I tried to go back and change the results of the battle. It's ingenuity like that which makes games unique, no other story telling medium has that capability. "Undertale" is a breath of fresh air, and truly one of the best of the year.
3. Bloodborne
Each year there seems to be one game that nobody knew about beforehand that burst onto the scene and shocks everyone, this year it was "Undertale." For those who don't know "Undertale" is an indie game released early this year, and acts as a love letter to old school JRPGs. You play a young child in a world with both humans and monsters, one day you become trapped in a mysterious place surrounded by creatures where nothing is as it seems. "Undertale" is maybe the most unique game I've ever played, and features several interesting mechanics. The combat system is traditional turn base, but requires you to solve puzzles as well as pay attention and act while the enemy is attacking you. The game's writing and sense of humor is also top notch, and is laugh out loud hilarious at times. But the most memorable aspect of the game is that it remembers. The game actually reads files of previous saves on your hard drive, and will change according to them. For example, I was in a fight with a character that I accidentally killed. So I exited out of that game and loaded up my previous save, when I fought that character I again I didn't kill her. I then proceeded, but was confronted by an NPC who said it knew what I did and how I tried to change it. It added unique dialog because I tried to go back and change the results of the battle. It's ingenuity like that which makes games unique, no other story telling medium has that capability. "Undertale" is a breath of fresh air, and truly one of the best of the year.
In 2009, From Software released "Demon's Souls," a medieval style action RPG noted for its incredibly difficult gameplay and outstanding "sword and shield" combat. The game became a success among critics and audiences and spawned a spiritual successor, "Dark Souls." "Dark Souls" and its sequel were met with wide acclaim and strong sales, but they left many fans wondering what would be next. From Software decided to work on another spiritual success, "Bloodborne." A PS4 exclusive, the game's style is very similar to its predecessors, but its changes to the gameplay and new setting make it distinctive. Like the games that came before it, "Bloodborne" is astonishingly difficult; it also features much faster combat and new weapons like guns that make the gameplay distinctive compared to the rest of the series. "Bloodborne" is an absolutely outstanding game, but it’s not meant for everyone. It is the type of game that will beat you down and try and break you. You almost requires you to explore every inch of its beautiful world, and if you aren't willing to grind to level up when necessary it is going to kick your *ss. And if you decide to pick up the excellent expansion, you'll be met with a few bosses that are even more difficult than those in the base game. I spent 33 hours on my first playthrough (and I missed a lot of stuff along the way), but even after 33 hours I immediately restarted the story in "new game plus" (which ups the difficulty). And since I first picked up the game, I have put over 150 hours into several playthroughs. I might just be gluten for punishment, but all I know is that "Bloodborne" was one of the most challenging and fulfilling game I played in 2015.
2. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Ever since footage of this game was first shown a few years back, "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain" was been surrounded by controversy. The depiction of the character Quite, the inclusion of microtransactions, a minor character who appeared to be designed off a real life person without his consent, and the fact that shortly before the games release the director of "The Phantom Pain" Hideo Kojima had serious problems the developers parent company Konami and would later leave the company entirely. But despite all these problems, "The Phantom Pain" manages to be one of the best games of the year. The game boasts an interesting plot, impressive graphics, phenomenal combat, a variety of unique gameplay mechanics, a great sense of humor, an awesome soundtrack, and several memorable characters. This game's predecessor, "Guns of the Patriots," is a game that I consider to be very close to perfect. And to be honest, MGS5 is not as good. It suffers from a lack of focus, messy storytelling, unimpressive boss fights, and lack of closure; on top of those annoying microtransactions. But this game by no means was disappointing. It was some of the most fun I had playing a game all year, and featured several truly memorable moments that will stick with me for years to come. With Kojima parting ways with Konami it is unlikely that we will see another major installment in this stoic franchise; but if "The Phantom Pain" is the last game in the series, it is certainly an epic finale.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
In 2007 the Polish video game developer CD Project Red released a game called "The Witcher," based off the fantasy novel of the same name. The game was met with critical acclaim, and was named one of the best games of the year by many publications. Three years later the developers released the sequel "Assassins of Kings," which improved upon its predecessor in almost every way and was met with similar reviews. Now in 2015 we are met with "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," which has been called by many as one of the best RPGs ever made. Noted for complex story, interesting characters, impressive visuals, detailed and varied world, deep lore, improved combat, and a system where your choices actually matter and impact the story. From the tutorial to the final cut scene, I was enthralled in this game like I have been with few others. To be honest I haven't had the opportunity to play the first two games in the series, despite that the game does its best to accommodate new players by allowing you to choose which major choices would have been made in the previous games. It also features tons of books and papers that you can read that will tell the entire history of this world. "The Witcher 3" is an end of an era, with the developers confirming that this will likely be the final game. While there is still a second major expansion pack on its way, it makes me sad this will be the last game in the franchise. But even so, this was a great game for the series to go out on. And it cemented itself as one of the best trilogies in all of gaming.
Ever since footage of this game was first shown a few years back, "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain" was been surrounded by controversy. The depiction of the character Quite, the inclusion of microtransactions, a minor character who appeared to be designed off a real life person without his consent, and the fact that shortly before the games release the director of "The Phantom Pain" Hideo Kojima had serious problems the developers parent company Konami and would later leave the company entirely. But despite all these problems, "The Phantom Pain" manages to be one of the best games of the year. The game boasts an interesting plot, impressive graphics, phenomenal combat, a variety of unique gameplay mechanics, a great sense of humor, an awesome soundtrack, and several memorable characters. This game's predecessor, "Guns of the Patriots," is a game that I consider to be very close to perfect. And to be honest, MGS5 is not as good. It suffers from a lack of focus, messy storytelling, unimpressive boss fights, and lack of closure; on top of those annoying microtransactions. But this game by no means was disappointing. It was some of the most fun I had playing a game all year, and featured several truly memorable moments that will stick with me for years to come. With Kojima parting ways with Konami it is unlikely that we will see another major installment in this stoic franchise; but if "The Phantom Pain" is the last game in the series, it is certainly an epic finale.
In 2007 the Polish video game developer CD Project Red released a game called "The Witcher," based off the fantasy novel of the same name. The game was met with critical acclaim, and was named one of the best games of the year by many publications. Three years later the developers released the sequel "Assassins of Kings," which improved upon its predecessor in almost every way and was met with similar reviews. Now in 2015 we are met with "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," which has been called by many as one of the best RPGs ever made. Noted for complex story, interesting characters, impressive visuals, detailed and varied world, deep lore, improved combat, and a system where your choices actually matter and impact the story. From the tutorial to the final cut scene, I was enthralled in this game like I have been with few others. To be honest I haven't had the opportunity to play the first two games in the series, despite that the game does its best to accommodate new players by allowing you to choose which major choices would have been made in the previous games. It also features tons of books and papers that you can read that will tell the entire history of this world. "The Witcher 3" is an end of an era, with the developers confirming that this will likely be the final game. While there is still a second major expansion pack on its way, it makes me sad this will be the last game in the franchise. But even so, this was a great game for the series to go out on. And it cemented itself as one of the best trilogies in all of gaming.
No comments:
Post a Comment