Most Honorable Mentions: Crawl and Goat Simulator were both incredible and narrowly missed the cut. Not sure Crawl is actually out yet anyway. Have just started The Fall and Kentucky Route Zero. I expect a lot from both of these. Additionally, a combination of Threes, (a clean) version of 2048 & Fibonacci 2048 as well as a tragically small amount of Crossy Road have filled in the cracks of the year.
No game soundtrack has made more of an impression on me this year. Every single track. I want to stuff them all in my mouth.
Additionally, the game plays phenomenally from 2-4 players. I win as often as I lose and it is always, always, always teeth-gratingly spectacular. Golden Raptor or bust.
Both the super-clean diorama aesthetic and surprising translation of Hitman game mechanics to a touch-based tablet game blew me out of the water. As did the restrained use of 'Ave Maria'. Hitman GO is a study in minimal game design and execution. Need a PC version stat! Would buy multiple times.
I beat this game. This doesn't happen. I thought I was done as soon as I hit the Boss Rush. I don't finish these types of games, but Shovel Knight was just so charming and Right in its execution that I was compelled to give it that one more try that opened up the ending. And I was completely shocked and satisfied to finish this one. Soundtrack here, also pretty killer.
Bonus points for the restrained but compelling narrative and denouement. And the character design. And every damned other thing about this wonderful game.
I have multiple legendaries and am on my second play through. While I preferred the narrative in Borderlands 2 (I think), I wouldn't trade my Nisha's skill trees for anything.
Top of my list for gorgeous and compelling audio/visual design. Just beautiful. The gameplay was innovative and mind-bogglingly deep. The story was hidden and compelling enough. Only a stuttering PC issue holds this back for me. Not sure if that's my problem or the game's, but I pushed through anyway out of a love for Supergiant and their works.
Damn.
I broke a friend playing this game. He couldn't breathe from laughing so hard. This is ridiculous, accessible fun that everyone should experience. Its ability to generate rampant in-jokes among friends is the emergent gameplay of the year.
Also see Samurai Gunn and Starwahl. There is no tension like Nidhogg tension. And Nidhogg tension don't quit.
Screw everyone. MacBrover is secretly the best character on the roster. The coop on this is a constant source of confusion and spectacle. That sounds exactly like it should. Experience it with four players and just give in to the explosions.
Jazzpunk is blazingly ridiculous and does not overstay its welcome. That is the highest praise I can think of for a game based on humor. Now go watch Naked Gun.
