Best of 2014
What is this? Why, of course, it is my sixth annual game of the year list! Exciting, I know. It was last year that I said "hey, 2013 wasn't an amazing year for video games." In retrospect that statement seems a bit suspect. There were some serious heavy-hitters last year. Why am I saying this? Hey, 2014 wasn't an amazing year for video games. This time I'm serious. While there were a plenitude of diverse video games released all year long, there were very few that were top-tier GOTY material. Plenty of solid entries on this here list but bear in mind that my #1 this years ranks lower when compared to GOTYs of yore. I played helluv video games in 2014, across a whole bunch of genres and had a whole lot of fun. 2015 should be a great one with (hopefully) less broken-ass games.
Indies comprise a fair chunk of the list this year, as has been the case for a couple years now. This is indicative of the creative trends in this ever-changing industry. With the rise of re-releases, we are getting less big budget games than ever before. This is not a problem, mind you, due to independent development being home to some of the most unique and creatives minds working in the industry today. Whilst 2014 will not go down as an all-time classic year for video games, there were still myriad great experiences to enjoy. From wolves who solve crimes, knights clad with shovels, talking swords, Troy Bakers, painted elephants, Ratbags, banned abortion mini games, evil Kevin Spaceys to whatever the nonsense that Jazzpunk was... 2014, you and I had some pretty cool times.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
DOTA 2: Congratulations to my 2013 GOTY as well as my 2014 GOTY In My Heart. I played this more than anything else this year, but since it is a 2013 release, it will not be my #1 for the second year running. I mean, it is, but like not really. DOTA, after all, is THE game and we all already know this. Hours Played: 1110 hours.
Kentucky Route Zero: For the second year running, KRZ fails to make the list due to not being done yet. Kentucky Route Zero is an amazing experience that will hopefully be finished at some point before I die. If it qualified to be on this list in would be... first? Second/Third at the very least.
Metal Gear Solid 1,2,3 and 4: Damn you Dan Ryckert. You made me play through a game series I had little interest in. Now I love it. How did that happen? A shout out to Super Metroid and Singularity as well, for being cool games that I played through this year.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch: Octodad is a very charming little game. Its humour warmed me nicely and it is a fine slice of indie gaming. That charm does not get it onto the final 10, however, thanks to those nasty sections the game leans into later.
OTHER COOL VIDEO GAMES: Nidhogg, InFAMOUS: Second Son, Velocity 2X, Broken Age, Crypt of the NecroDancer.
DISHONOURABLE MENTION
I also wish to point a large middle finger in the direction of Watch_Dogs and Destiny for being disappointing. Especially you Watch_Dogs. You are an incredibly mediocre product.