Best Games of 2015

2015 was a banner year for video games, with some massive franchise titles coming out, as well as some independently developed games that have become incredibly massive and popular. Of course, the list could go on and on, but for the purposes of time, and sanity, we’ve listed the top 10. If you’re aching for some gaming, and are only looking for the best, then look no further!

Top 10 Games of 2015

10. Rise of the Tomb Raider – (Multiple Platforms)

Lara Croft, one of the most known female protagonists in gaming, has always held a soft-spot for most gamers. With the recent rebooting of the franchise, Lara was brought into the future with better graphics, better gameplay, and a more thorough origin story. Unfortunately, there was a lot of criticism was leveled towards the disconnect between Lara’s emotional state and her actions, ultimately making it hard to identify with her.

Thankfully, Rise of the Tomb Raider has fixed that problem, by fleshing out Lara’s character and making her more complete. Along with that comes more combat options and new types of tombs to explore. This game is a great improvement to Tomb Raider, and is a must for any fan of the franchise.

9. Soma – (Multiple Platforms)

Included in our listicle ‘Top 10 Horror Games of 2015’, Soma is a mind-blowing adventure through existentialism. Taking place in an underwater base, you explore a wonderfully rendered world where robots have begun to act like humans, and you need to find out why. As you play, you must consider complex issues relating to what it is being a human being, and what it is to be ‘alive’.

There aren’t many games that tackle serious philosophical questions, so Soma is a must-play game for any gamer who loves gaming and the games industry.

8. Kerbal Space Program – (PC)

Space. . . . The final Frotnt – wait a second, that’s the wrong franchise. Kerbal Space Program (KSP), is a really, really fun simulation game that puts you in charge of running a space program and creating the space-ships that will explore space. The planetary system that you play on is quite similar to our own solar system, and the planet that you start on, Kerbin, is somewhat Earth like, so overall, you get an experience that’s pretty close to real life.

The majority of the game revolves around building the spacecraft, with technologies and parts being unlocked with Science Points as you progress. It’s not as easy as it sounds though, since the game uses real physics, so you have to learn to balance weight with thrust, and learn to control a spacecraft through space. I have to say though, one of the most satisfying feelings in the world is building a spacecraft and having it land on another planet, which is why once I end this article, I’m sending my CV over to NASA.

7. Cities: Skylines – (PC)

Cities: Skylines is the building sim that Simcity should have been. Built on a very similar concept, but without the always-online requirements, Cities: Skylines adds a new face to the old city building formula. With new innovations for placing roads, buildings, and infrastructure, this game will have you playing for hundreds of hours. The only thing missing is disaster modes, like there are in the Simcity franchise, although that’s really minor compared to the overall quality of the game.

With the game’s support of Steam Workshop, as well as two expansions adding a day/night cycle and seasons, this is one of the best city building simulators out there.

6. Fallout 4 – (Multiple Platforms)

When you speak of games that take place in a post-apocalyptic world, the Fallout series is probably the first game you’ll think of. The reason is that Fallout has been a seminal series in the genre, and many games in the franchise are considered classics. Fallout 4 follows the same path, and is a great addition into the franchise.

Taking place 10 years after the events of Fallout 4, you are put in a destroyed yet somehow beautiful world, in the search for your kidnapped son. The combat and gameplay are great, and the RPG elements have been expanded. The only downside is the story is very ‘meh’ and isn’t very compelling.

Regardless, Fallout 4 is a great game, and easily earns a spot in the top 10 games of 2015. If you’re interesting on reading a bit more on the game, check out our Fallout 4 Review.

5. Metal Gear Solid V – (Multiple Platforms)

While the controversy surrounding MGS V soured it’s reception a little bit, the game was still received really well by most. By taking the typical MGS formula and adding to it an open-world mechanic, Kojima has made a great instalment into the series. The graphics are just beautiful, and the choice of approaching things by either sneaking or going fool-force, adds an element to the MGS series that didn’t’ really exist before.

The only thing which I would dock MGS V points for though, is pulling the same trick with the main character as they did with Raiden in MGS 2. The story is also not as amazing as it’s been in the past few games, which is unfortunate. Other than that though, it’s a great game and deserves a spot on this list.

4. Rocket League – (Multiple Platforms)

What do you get when you combine a sport and a hobby? Apparently, the answer to that is Rocket League, a game where you take control of an RC car, and act as a football player in a team. This game is really loads of fun, mostly due to the fact that it doesn’t really target any type of gamer, except those looking to have fun. The controls are easy to pick up, because it’s mostly just accelerating around, but mastering them is quite hard, especially once you get into trick moves and what not.

While this game may seem a bit strange and weird looking in from the outside, once you join in, you’re going to be having the time of your life. So if you’re looking for just some plain fun, then there’s no need to look further (but please do, because the list isn’t finished yet!).

3. Bloodborne – (PlayStation 4)

Having the distinct honor on being on both our ‘Best PS4 Exclusives’ and ‘Best Horror Games of 2015’ articles, Bloodborne is the rouge-like that will keep you up at night. The game is set an incredibly hostile world, where pretty much everything wants to kill, and is more than suited to do so. As the mysterious protagonist, you need to kill your way through to the truth behind the mysterious story surrounding the town/city that you’re in.

The game is incredibly beautiful to boot, and the combat is loads of fun. That being said, you’re going to have a time of mastering the game, but once you do, you’re going to feel really good about yourself.

2. Super Mario Maker – (Wii U)

For a very long time, Nintendo fans (which is pretty much anybody who’s played a Mario game) have been clamoring for Nintendo to open up a bit to indie developers or other platforms. Of course, Nintendo didn’t do either, but they did something just as good, which is release Super Mario Maker. It’s exciting.

What this game/editor does, is allow you to relive the world of Super Mario Bros. Not only that, but you can now even make your own levels to play and share with your friends at your hearts content. Ultimately what Super Mario Maker does, is allows us to visit one of our most favorite franchises whenever we want.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – (Multiple Platforms)

There’s an argument to be made that I don’t really need to type anything here, because The Witcher 3 is so amazing, it speaks for itself. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works, which is fine, because it’s a lot of fun talking about anyway. Plus, it’s in my top favorite gaming franchises, so this should be a cinch!

The Witcher series had a bit of a shaky start, as the first Wither was plague with slow loading times and other bugs and performance issues. Thankfully, the developers CD Project were on the job, and a year or so later, released an enhanced version which made the game infinitely more playable. It’s mostly because of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition that allowed more gamers to tap into this rich world, and create a fan base.

Right on track, and one of the few developers who can claim to have done so, The Witcher 2 came out and was better in almost every way. Richer story, more gameplay, a choice system, and really so much more. Of course, the story doesn’t end there.

In 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt came out, and has followed the great tradition of this studio. The story has increased tenfold compared to The Witcher 2, with more depth and narrative than most games can muster. The gameplay is also excellent, giving you the chance to fight against ghouls and mud lurkers and all manner of fantasy themed monsters. If that wasn’t enough, the graphics are truly stellar, and the performance of the game is almost impeccable.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt truly deserves the top spot on this list.

What do you think of our top 10 list for 2015? Are there any games you’d add or remove? Let us know in the comments.