Wow has 2015 been underwhelming so far ! Don’t get me wrong, there have been some really great games. We’ve gotten some remakes, remasters and pretty much re-whatever else developers can think of. I’m going to give 2015 the benefit of the doubt, and not criticize how much of a letdown it could be until the end of the year. Instead, here are the games that haven’t sucked.
Grim Fandango Remastered
Witty, fun, puzzling. Everything an adventure should be.
You play as an undead travel agent looking to atone for his sins by helping others, simple as that. Grim Fandango is a rare case of remasters, it makes sense. The original adventure game was released way back in 1998 to a very limited audience (PC). Since then, it has been heralded as one of the greats in adventure titles. With it’s hilarious dialogue, beautiful designs and creative setting, Grim Fandango Remastered is a must play for adventure game aficionados.
Ori and the Blind Forest
No, that’s not a Picasso.
What a beautiful game. Just take a moment to appreciate the fluidity of the motion and the deep level design. Amidst all the explosions, gunfire and ultra high rendered 3D models we’re so used to, Ori and the Blind Forest is a reminder of how delightful video games can be when creativity is put over technical power. You play as a white fox-like creature who hops around the forest having a grand time. Ever wanted to play a pixar movie without it being one of those horrible licensed games they make before the movie comes out ? Then this is the game for you !
Axiom Verge
Look familiar ?
A metroid-vania, 2D pixel art style platformer, Axiom Verge is a love letter to the NES classics. Navigate through a creature infested labyrinth, fighting bosses and collecting awesome new weapons along the way. What’s more impressive is the game was created entirely by one person, Thomas Happ. I have nothing else to say, it’s just really really really good.
Bloodborne
Uh oh.
The last time I played a game that scared the living hell out of me but couldn’t stop playing was the original Bioshock, so Bloodborne is in good company. This spiritual successor to the Souls series (Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls) has it all, tight gameplay, a creepy gothic world and creatures designed to give you nightmares. Newcomers could very easily feel intimidated, but there’s no reason to be. Bloodborne does a master job of easing players into the action, but don’t expect it to hold your hand.
2015 has the potential (I hate that word) to be just as good as 2013. The best games are yet to come, Batman: Arkham Knight, No Man’s Sky, Halo 5, Metal Gear Solid 5 and The Division to name a few. Let’s be cautious though, this time last year we were saying the same thing and look how that turned out.