Jonathan's Game of the Year

Game of the Year 

(1) Grand Theft Auto V is the sheer definition of taking a risk and having it pay off. I was wary of how the game would turn out when Rockstar announced a story focusing on three separate characters, but they found a way develop interesting storylines for all three characters without leaving any one character behind. The heists and story missions are where the game truly shines, however with just a handful of them it leaves me wanting more. The online mode which was later released also has much to be desired when compared to the robustness of the single player game. The lack of heists, campaign style missions, and custom mission editing at its launch left a poor impression of what the multiplayer side of GTA V has to offer. However, even with these shortcomings, I still come away feeling that this was the most enjoyable gaming experience I’ve had this year by far.

(2) Assassin’s Creed IV is what I have been looking for in an AC release for a long time, and makes me very interested in the direction Ubisoft is taking the franchise. The character writing in Black Flag is fantastic and makes up for the main area where I believe its predecessor AC3 fell short. The concentration on naval combat and island exploration are what really gives this game a unique taste in the series. With all of these much needed changes played out so well in this game I’m really look forward to the next installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

(3) Bioshock Infinite takes the Bioshock series in a completely new direction by bringing the dreary underwater world of rapture to the skies. The character writing in this game is phenomenal and brings a new connection to the main character that I believe the first two games were missing. The way this game ties in with the previous games give long time fans a treat, while also making the game approachable to any newcomers to the series.

(4) Ni no Kuni is a repetitive, childish, and lengthy game that makes it very difficult to play all the way through. Strangely, this game has a charm to it that just wouldn’t let me put it down. The quirky characters and magical world gave me a pleasant break from the more serious games this year and it was a treat to play despite having some of the shortcomings that still plague most JRPGs. Honestly, you know what, this game is Pokemon. You don’t like Pokemon? Doesn’t matter, play it anyways, the charm of the game may just make you enjoy the game more than you thought you would.

(5) Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is not only a good game based on an anime, it’s also an enjoyable fighting game to those that know nothing about the series. The fighting mechanics may be simplistic, and the special moves may be the same for each character, but I haven’t had this much fun with a simple fighting game since Super Smash Brothers Melee. The game features a story mode that has anime level of quality cutscenes, and even those looking to just catch up on the show can take solace in the fact that the developers did a good job in keeping true to the story without spoiling too much at the end for those currently watching the series.  

(6) The Last of Us is a beautiful example of what a post-apocalyptic world should be. It makes the PS3 look like it can hold its own against next gen graphical quality. Hell we may not need next gen after all if we can keep up the level of quality this game has. The writing and story in this game is fantastic. The way Naughty Dog captured the voice actors performances using mocap really brought the emotion they were trying to evoke from the actors into the game. I honestly wish the gameplay was a bit faster paced though. I’m not saying the gameplay isn’t good, it holds up well with the whole survivor game genre, but it always bummed me out that I had to go back to actually playing it once the cutscenes or interaction moments with Ellie were over.

(7) Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen was a fresh try at a new IP that Capcom gambled on and I’m very glad they stuck with it and released this expansion. The main game had some issues like fast travel that was such a pain in the ass it made me want to not venture far from the city to explore, which essentially defeated the purpose of a world that size and traveling so slow. Releasing all these fixes in the form of an expansion though was kind of a letdown considering the main issues the game had could be released as a patch, but the post game content they added justified it enough for me to me to go another round with the game.

(8) Saint’s Row IV might as well just be called “Fuck It: The Game”, but after playing it I’m glad they did because it seems like just the level of stupidity the series needed. The addition of super powers to the game was quite a surprise considering the games roots came from it being a GTA competitor, but God knows I can’t go back to roaming around the city without causing a fucking hurricane of destruction anymore. The game pokes fun at itself pretty often, and still maintains its level of toilet humor. Literally, you’re a toilet sometimes.

(9) Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was pretty odd for a MGS game, following pretty much none of the previous mechanics of the franchise. Well, there’s a box to hide in, so there’s that. It’s a hack’n’slash game where Raiden is the protagonist and the story revolves around Raiden’s mysterious past. The slow-mo cutting mechanic they added for Raiden’s blade is pretty neat for a while but becomes repetitive throughout the first half of the game and then pretty useless the last half except for specific boss battle moments. The ending is also probably one of the craziest endings I’ve ever seen, but I still had a laugh at the way the events unfolded and put the controller down after beating it with no real gripes against it. I probably ended up liking it as much as I did because I wanted to play a Ninja Gaiden type of game but the new one was terrible.

(10) Ah yes, Tomb Raider. This is one of the more approachable games in the entire series, and this reboot is one that I actually like more than the original. I like the new Lara character direction, despite the Nathan Drake level of survivability I keep seeing in games, but oh man the other characters were terrible. They might as well have just not been in the story, just leave Lara alone on the island and let her figure things out by herself. The game looks nice both in character detail and environments and I enjoyed the hunting system they used for crafting. Also, the game has bows. I like bows.

Valeria's Game of the Year

Game of the Year 

From beginning to end, The Last of Us successfully delivers a powerful story filled with many impacting moments that often left me on the edge of my seat. The incredible voice acting, soundtrack, and graphics were key ingredients that helped set the right moods, and I was blown away by the characterization of all the characters. The character development and growing bond of the two protagonists was especially well done. Overall, due to its beautiful and often heartbreaking narrative, impressive graphics, and immersive universe, this game is easily the best one that has come out this year. 

(2) Bioshock Infinite presents a beautifully crafted universe that takes place in a city in the sky. But despite the enchanting, colorful world it presents, there is a darker story beyond the surface that slowly unravels as you continue playing. This game was fun, touching, and enjoyable in every way possible. With characters that you absolutely fall in love with, a plot that leaves you reeling by the end, and a combat system that’s easy to enjoy, this game is unquestionably a unique and fantastic experience that no one should miss out on.  

(3) I could go hours singing praises to this game, but nothing I say will properly describe how beautiful it was. Despite the fact that there was absolutely no dialogue in this game, it still manages to present an amazing, heartbreaking story. The controls of it might be a bit jarring and hard to get used to at first, but it was a great choice as it served to develop and showcase the bond and codependency between the two brothers, which really makes an impact by the end of the game. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that was well worth playing.

(4) Telltale has once again built an enchanting universe full of interesting characters. This time, they put a spin on old fairy tale characters by placing them all in a modern-day city, where Bigby Wolf, previously known as the Big Bad Wolf, takes charge as the local Sheriff. Though short, this game has an immersive storyline full of fast pace action, forcing you to make split-second decisions at critical points, which will not only affect future gameplay but also makes it hard to stop playing midway through. Undoubtedly one of my favorite games this year. I look forward to the upcoming installments, and to uncovering the intriguing mystery surrounding this story.

(5) Namco’s latest installment delivers exactly what any fan of the Tales series can expect—an intriguing plot, a great cast, all of which are voiced by excellent VAs, and its usual exploration of heavy themes like human nature, racism, and morality. This particular installment stands out amongst its predecessors due it its refined battle system and the ability to play as either of the two main characters, allowing another opportunity to replay the game while taking advantage of its New Game+ features. Though at times overly cheesy and predictable, this is a game any JRPG fan should not miss out on. 

(6) This game is easily one of the best experiences an adventure game can provide, but more importantly, it’s a great installment to a series I’d long left behind. The outstanding graphics, fun levels, and perfect balance between exhilarating combat and quiet exploration made for a great experience, but the best part of it all was watching Lara’s character growth as she struggles to survive and escape the island she and her crew are stranded on.

(7) Layton fans might be disappointed for the lack of brainteaser puzzles, but others who are fonder of the Phoenix Wright series will find this game just right. Out of the nine cases available, only the first two are free to play, but I was more than willing to pay full price to solve the mysteries behind this story. Following Professor Layton’s son, Alfendi, and his new assistant, Lucy Baker, this game provides you with the opportunity to investigate several crime scenes and get to know a wide variety of colorful cast members. This is one game I’m definitely crossing my fingers for, hoping that more installments will come out in the future. 

(8) Though I've played Harvest Moon for longer than I can remember, the Animal Crossing series has always had a certain appeal that I've never been able to fully enjoy until now. It truly lives up to its best potential as a handheld game since you can take it anywhere with you, forget about it, and pick it up again to continue to pay your endless debt to Nook without the hassle of being tied down to a console. Though the general concept of the game has not changed, this installment adds several new features that keep it interesting and refreshing, among which is the opportunity to become the village mayor instead of a random citizen, allowing more autonomy for the player. Moreover, Nintendo is steadily promoting free DLC for a limited time only, keeping players alert and always coming back for more. 

(9) Gone Home is a short, quaint game that is unlike any other I've played before. Its premise presents the story of a young woman coming home after traveling abroad, only to find her family gone. This game gives you the opportunity to take your time and let yourself get truly lost in the story as you explore the dark, wide mansion looking for clues regarding your family’s whereabouts. There is a heavy, mysterious atmosphere that clings to you, adding to the ongoing tension of the story, and it all culminates in a powerful ending. This game was a truly enjoyable experience due to its storytelling capabilities as well as the unique themes it explores. 

(10) Anime series rarely get good video game adaptations, and to date, the Naruto series in particular has been lacking—until now. CyberConnect2 has finally managed to deliver a game that is almost up to par with the .hack games, creating a satisfying way to experience the Naruto series all over again. Though we have Kishimoto to thank for the heart-wrenching scenes and engaging plot, there is enough additional content to keep any fans “in the know” entertained through both the ability to build relationships with other characters and through its mission system. Players will be pleased to note that the game offers the option to choose between English or Japanese voices. Additionally, the game provides a clever way to deliver any background history newcomers might not be already privy to. With an engaging battle system and a wide berth of characters to choose from, Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 provides a good experience for both fans and newcomers alike. 

Alberto's Game of the Year

Game of the Year

The fantastic performance work of Troy Baker as Joel and Ashley Johnson as Ellie made this game an incredible experience. The game's mix of superb facial animations, tense atmosphere, and a great ending drew me into it so much that, it’s hard not to consider this the greatest game of the year

(2) From the moment I started this game till the moment I finished it, I was just blown away by the sheer scope of it. The feeling of being in the world Rockstar creates is unparalleled and it really made the game shine. The mediocre online mode did nothing to prevent me from enjoying the game's single player so much.

(3) From the time I joined the beta a couple years back, till now, I have not stopped enjoying Path of Exile. Now that it is released, it can finally go on my game of the year list. The way that the game handles itemization, potions, monsters, skills, and randomization is extremely well done. From what it lacks in a good story, it more than makes up for in great gameplay systems. All of this, coupled with the fact that it is free and premium features are only cosmetic, it most definitely earns its spot.

(4) I never thought I would end up playing an Animal Crossing game so much, but I’m glad I did, because it is just simply nice to do so. I think the fact that I played this game with my girlfriend (me being the mayor, and her being one of my town’s citizens) greatly helped me enjoy the game. Both of us cooperating on completing public works in our town and sharing the experience together was just pure fun. Other than this, the games music is so well done that it just feels cozy playing the game.

(5) The tale that this game plays out is supremely emotional and the way that it does it is expertly done. At first I was a bit skeptical about the dedicated joystick control for the two brothers that you control, but it ended up being a fantastic choice and one that added to the emotional impact it had on me. This, with the support of the fantastic soundtrack (which I still regularly listen to) and the great art, made for a fantastic game.

 

(6) On paper, this game probably sounds far from an enjoyable experience, but the way that this game paints its atmosphere is great. The way that the drab color scheme, with the communist inspired music, and the extremely harsh work/life conditions of the character all mixed is just fantastic. Don’t be dissuaded from the premise of the game, trust me, it’s really good.

(7) This game like several others on this list creates an atmosphere that just instantly draws you in.  Columbia, the game’s setting, is a city in the sky that is so lovingly crafted by Irrational that you wish you learnt more about it. The story was alright throughout but the ending was easily one of the two best ending in games. The only drawback that the game had for me was the combat, but that was not nearly enough for me to not enjoy this incredible game.

(8) After trying to play Assassins Creed III several times and not being able to get into that game, I thought the series had run its course for me. But after playing Assassins Creed IV, I’m glad that this is not the case. I think the game deserves a spot on my list because it manages to bring me back to a series that I thought I would be done with, which is a thing that many games rarely do. There are so many great aspects to Black Flag including the ship sailing, the shanties, the collectibles, and the superb graphics that it’s a must play. 

(9) I'm sure this game is a title that not many people would put on their top 10 but from the 80 or so hours I played of it, I feel it’s safe to say it was a great game. The game's launch was riddled with server problems, then later the game itself was filled with simulation problems, and finally its city sizes were way too small. But even with all of these setbacks, what Maxis tried to do with the game is supremely ambitious. The way that city data is displayed to the user is just incredible and is, safe to say, the most awesome data view of any game. The way that the city looks and sounds is great and easily the best out of any city simulation game. Now that there have been several major patches to the simulation code of the game (in addition to added features), I strongly encourage anyone interested in playing a simulation game to give this a try.

(10) I have never really been into Tomb Raider games so I thought this reboot wouldn't do much for me but I was pleasantly surprised. I felt that the combat in the game felt super fun and really hard hitting. I never got tired of the combat and that is a feat because I usually grow tired of combat in these types of games. Apart from this, the look of the game was really good. Playing this game on the PC really made this game stand out. Overall, I think it was really fin throughout and absolutely recommend anyone looking to play an action-adventure game to give this one a try.

Matthew's Game of the Year

Game of the Year

Bioshock Infinite goes above and beyond what video games regularly attempt and delivers an experience with no equal in the medium. Touching on themes such as identity, nationalism, racism, sexism, faith and belonging. Combat is ludicrously fun combining Vigors and zipping around the sky rails dishing out damage into something that requires skill but always feels empowering. The games city in the sky, Columbia, is painstakingly detailed with every aspect of the environment hinting at deeper facets of the world. Poetically written, perfectly realized, memorable and beyond comparison, Bioshock Infinite single-handedly reinvigorates and redefines everything video games can accomplish.

(2) The Last of Us is Naughty Dog at their absolute best, a graphical and emotional tour de force. A harrowing experience that puts a tangible consequence to the unflinchingly brutal apocalyptic setting. The gameplay hinges on your utter fear of enemies all of whom can easily best you and your adolescent companion, it works surprisingly well mixing tense stealth and sparse gun play never allowing you to feel safe. Stunning performances from the two leads drive home a profoundly unnerving story that unfortunately unfolds predictably yet still manages to seep deep into your subconscious with an unexpected ending that will leave you reeling.

(3) Gone Home is a deceptively simple game that reveals only as much as you want it to. A story expressed entirely through environmental clues and audio logs, and one that despite that limited interaction is still able to convey a heartrendingly poignant and subtle experience. Gone Home is a powerful testament to video games, a medium with no equal that delivers uniquely personal and breath taking experiences.

(4) Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the best handheld game I've ever played, full stop. I have always said that the Zelda formula has the potential to produce one of the greatest games of all time, and it has once before with Ocarina of Time, but the franchise has since chased itself in circles never recapturing that incandescent magic. A Link Between Worlds may very well be the best Zelda game since that historical entry, capturing the same sense of wonderment and discovery but doubling down on accessibility, playability and an enthralling pace. A true open-world Zelda game with gorgeous 3D stereoscopic visuals, phenomenal dungeon design and a pleasurable encouragement to discover the unknown.

(5) Papers Please is an odd game, seemingly mundane and oppressive yet wholly riveting and engaging. Perfectly encapsulating this dreary mindless rule following existence up until you realize you don't have to. For a game so misleadingly rudimentary it garners sympathy for nameless family members and single colored character portraits. It impressively burrows into your sub-consequence and instills moral dilemmas with each new immigrating individual.

(6) Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag takes back the reigns from a flailing franchise and kick starts a rollicking rum soaked open sea adventure, the likes of which has never been seen before in a video game. Kenway is a great endearingly selfish protagonist, the setting is mind mindbogglingly immense and detailed and the story refreshingly concise. Black Flag is filled to the brim with exciting naval combat and an endless variety of side activities that build a world you'll be glad to get lost in.

(7) Saint's Row IV is the pinnacle of freedom through insanity from a franchise that couldn't have strayed further from it's origins. The game at all times feels like hanging out with long-time friends, it's fun, comforting and can sometimes get a bit out of control. The game contains the most empowering and exhilarating character progression I have ever experienced combined with a highly self-aware and absurdest story and characters that show surprising depth establishing it as one of the most unabashedly fun games of the year.

(8) Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons tells a simple yet profound story about life, death and family all without a single spoken word and while that may sound pretentious it's pulled off with such elegance and a sure hand that every interpreted moment comes crashing down in a touching and unforgettable ending. Both the games striking visuals and the wonderfully composed music come together to craft a wholly original and oftentimes bleak fantasy world. The games greatest accomplishment is turning a simple controller input in its final moments into its biggest emotional punch a move so unprecedented it deserves to be counted among the all time greats.

(9) Grand Theft Auto 5 is unquestionably Rockstar's most ambitious, detailed and playable game yet. Filled with their trademark hit or miss humor and movie reference filled epic crime saga. GTA V's most notable moments come from the handful of heists which are the high point of the games main story, centering around elaborate plans of theft of the highest order for increasingly greater stakes. These missions are inventive, exciting and bursting with replay ability due to numerous pre-mission decisions that result in wildly different experiences. But the story gets side-tracked and drags eventually petering out in an unsatisfying conclusion even the gameplay is rote and never exciting unless set around an interesting set piece.

(10) Fire Emblem: Awakening is one of the best strategy game I've ever played. Perfectly tuned, easy to learn and impossible to put down. Awakening cast of characters is one of the best in TBS game history, made up of every character type in anime narratives and that's necessary as building relationships between characters is key. Friendships and even romantic relationships reap tangible benefits in combat as well as fulfilling all your fan-fiction wishes. All these fantastic characters can also permanently die placing even more stress on every battle. Suffice to say Fire Emblem is immensely compelling and satisfyingly difficult, it also manages to not make me hate anime while playing it which may be its most significant accomplishment.