2014 was a strange year for gaming, one that included a bit of everything. Great, genuinely fun titles were released, big-budget launches stumbled disappointingly out of the gate, and exciting indie and mobile titles continued to gain our attention. A drawn out controversy within the industry at times distracted us from the games themselves, but in the end, it's always about what we're all playing.
It's the best of those titles that are worth discussing and highlighting now, at the end of the year. I personally spent a lot of time playing games, but I wasn't able to get to everything. In fact, the need to write about and cover certain titles kept me from playing a handful of common game of the year nominees, some of which are my usual bread and butter (still looking at you, Dragon Age: Inquisition). Of the games I did spend time with in 2014, I believe the following were the best of the bunch--but only one can be my Game of the Year:
10. FIFA 15 (Xbox/PlayStation/PC) - EA's newest football simulation is similar to the previous iteration in many ways, which partially explains its position on this list. The menus and game modes are mostly the same, with small tweaks here and there to improve the UI or add functionality. Those modes will hopefully be revolutionized soon, but the on-field product this year took a huge step forward. FIFA 14 wasn't particularly pleasant to play, but this version is vastly enhanced--it's the best the series has played in years. With more realistic ball control, better player physics, more accurate finishing, and other visual flourishes, the beautiful game has been noticeably improved in a big way.
9. Metro Redux (PS4/Xbox One/PC)
Like the next game on the list, I'm aware that this is a remastering and collection of titles that have been released in the past. Also like the next game, I know that these remastered titles have genuinely benefitted and improved from the upgrades--Metro Redux was one of my favorite experiences of the year (review here). It took some inherently good games that struggled on console (the PC version looked and ran better) and made them great, adding features from Last Light to 2033 and providing HD visuals. Say what you will about re-released games, but the Metro titles are enjoyable as great, immersive console shooters for the first time because of Redux.
8. Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Xbox One)
One of multiple big titles this year that launched with a host of issues, The Master Chief Collection is saved by the fact that it's a very good game beneath the problems. Online and matchmaking struggles have plagued the game and disrupted the experience, perhaps permanently marring it and 343's reputation despite several updates since that have almost fixed the issues. All of that said, the feat of including all main Halo titles--complete with campaigns, matchmaking, and achievements--on one disc is worthy of praise. With the beautifully remastered Halo 2 Anniversary (a new multiplayer game in its own right) 343 has created an engrossing and comprehensive title, when it works. The Master Chief Collection has also almost single-handedly revived the competitive Halo scene with H2A, launching alongside the 343-supported eSports league HCS. For a longtime fan like myself that impact can't be understated, and I look forward to watching more Halo in the future.
7. SolForge (PC/Mobile)
Blizzard's Hearthstone most likely took the collectible card game crown for many gamers this year, but I spent a lot of time with SolForge. The GameNGuide office was addicted for a long period, and the ability to cross-play from computers to smartphones makes a huge impact on the game's appeal. SolForge is easy to understand but difficult to master, and a wide variety of deck-building options leaves you with plenty to consider. Spending money for (or slowly earning) in-game currency can admittedly lead to more powerful decks that can overpower opponents, but a good build and strategy can win almost any match.
6. The Forest (Steam Early Access, PC)
It's debatable whether or not The Forest should count as it's still in development--and that's up to personal opinion--but what I know for sure is that I spent a lot of time playing and enjoying it this year. The survival-horror title is being updated in impressively consistent fashion by developers Endnight Games, and its current state is much different from the one that launched. It runs smoother, looks better, and does a lot more than it used to, offering a pretty dynamic and (very) challenging survival experience. You can make your own base, harvest materials, and fight off genuinely frightening enemies. It still needs fixes, balancing, and more features, but there's already a very good game here. If there's one Early Access title to put your faith in, it should be The Forest.
5. Transistor (PC/PS4)
Bastion developer Supergiant Games succeeded again with its stylish second title, which inevitably draws comparisons to the studio's first game. Transistor has a different tone and setting, but uses the same narration tool and perspective to provide a similar experience. The battles are more tactical--the ability to freeze combat and issue commands provides a different kind of depth to the game, and I enjoyed this distinction from Bastion. Adding powers is a bit more complex than it needs to be, but their general use and progression is satisfying. The atmosphere and style stay with you, and the fairly unique gameplay and compelling world make Transistor memorable.
4. Super Smash Bros for 3DS
One of two entries in the series released this year, this game was the first handheld addition to the franchise. Nobody was certain how it would translate to a radically different and smaller platform, but the developers unsurprisingly managed to figure it out: Super Smash Bros for 3DS is extremely playable and a lot of fun. Even though the core gameplay is probably good enough to support the whole game on its own, the developers went ahead and included a large serving of content. Though the circle pad is inarguably more difficult to use than a full control stick and the smaller screen is not ideal, the game is still very much worthwhile. Whether I pick it up at home for some online matches or play through singleplayer modes on the go, Super Smash Bros for 3DS is always a good time.
3. Divinity: Original Sin (PC)
A great modern take on the now relatively quiet CRPG genre, Divinity is simply a very good, challenging game. While it admittedly may not be for everybody (slower style, often frustrating battles), it's a masterfully crafted and rewarding tactical role playing game. Character development and party composition play a big part, and Divinity requires a lot of strategy (along with some inevitable trial and error). The quests and dialogue are better than you might expect and the experience is quite long and visually appealing. And that soundtrack! For more about what I liked, check out my review.
2. Destiny (PS4/PS3/Xbox One/Xbox 360)
Where to begin? One of the most divisive titles of the year, Bungie's online shooter is both fantastic and disappointing all at once. It looks great and plays even better--Destiny boasts some of the tightest and most enjoyable shooter mechanics in a long time. Marty O'Donnell's award-winning score speaks for itself, and the landscapes really do look like concept art come to life. Unfortunately, it's all marred by half-baked MMO elements, a truly limp and shallow narrative, and confusing (and in some ways anti-player) character progression. At least it worked at launch (unlike other online-only titles this year) and wasn't filled with game-breaking glitches, right?
You can easily spend dozens of hours playing Destiny (I have), but there's somehow also not enough to do or see: planets and areas repeat way too frequently. The Raids may very well be its saving grace, offering much different versions of the normal gameplay that really excel and challenge. Destiny falls well short of the grandeur it sets the player up for, and yet it remains addicting and appealing for many. It's easily the title I've spent the most time with this year and, for better or worse, was one of my top three games of 2014.
1. Super Smash Bros for Wii U
Hands down the most purely fun game of the year, Super Smash Bros just knocks it out of the park on Wii U. It simply works as it should, looks excellent, and plays like a near-perfect mix of Melee and Brawl's combat styles (read more about that and other aspects of what makes the game so good in my review). The new eight-player battles are unexpectedly great--I didn't find it difficult to keep track of my character, and the battles can get joyfully frantic. The selection of fighters and balance of gameplay makes Super Smash Bros for Wii U somehow fitting for both casual and competitive play with just a few settings changes, and there are plenty of extra singleplayer scenarios and challenges to sink your teeth into.
Through my time with the game I played against others and honed my skills with my favorite fighters, aimed for higher scores in the game's many modes, and experimented with everything in between. The most complete and downright fun title of 2014 (its only real problem being that it released on a system not many people own), Super Smash Bros for Wii U is my Game of the Year.
