Following in the steps of SideQuesting’s 2014 Game of the Year coverage, we’re again not hosting a definitive Game of the Year for the site, instead focusing on the individual writers and their favorites. Hopefully, you’ll be able to connect a little better with the writers that make up this little corner of the web, as many of us will be posting our Top 5 lists throughout the next week. Enjoy, and bring on 2016!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Witchers must prepare for battle meticulously by using oils, potions, and information from their investigation. This practice is reflected by the care and precision that went into The Witcher 3’s production. Its world is built around content (instead of the other way around), meaning that even side-quests feel significant. On top of this, some larger side stories directly affect the game’s ending.
Considering that there are 36 possible endings, this game delivers on its promise of impactful player choice as much as it fells the age-old monotony of side content. All of this is delivered in pristine form, touting beautiful visuals and streamlined gameplay. For years to come, many will point to The Witcher 3 as the representative RPG of this generation.
Fallout 4
As the game’s slogan—“Welcome Home!”—implies, Fallout 4 marks a welcome return to familiar territory. Of course, when said “familiar territory” is a deadly nuclear wasteland, things are bound to get interesting.
Memorable side-characters, a faithful representation of post-apocalyptic Boston, and more quirky glitches than Dogmeat can shake a stick contribute to the second immense time-sink on this list. With few exceptions, Fallout 4 marks a continuation rather than significant renovation of Bethesda’s beloved franchise. One such exception is settlement gameplay, which brings surprisingly Minecraft-esque elements to the table (and also gives a purpose to all the tin cans that players have inexplicably hoarded for so long).
Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate
In one fell swoop, Assassin’s Creed stole my heart once again. Not only is Victorian England a dream setting, but the cast of characters is also a delight for both franchise and history buffs alike. As I said in my review, Evie Frye is especially enchanting, fulfilling my wish of playing as a woman assassin in a main franchise entry. London offers even more pleasant surprises for intrepid explorers; I encourage everyone to pay a visit to the River Thames for Syndicate’s best-kept secret.
Though Syndicate is a dream come true, it also stands as a firm testament that Ubisoft’s flagship franchise is anything but burnt out.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Rise of the Tomb Raider is the unsung hero of 2015. Though sales were hurt by timed Xbox exclusivity and the Fallout 4 launch, Lara Croft’s latest adventure is both harrowing and empowering. As Crystal Dynamics promised, they’ve returned the “tomb” to Tomb Raider, recapturing the feeling of wonderment and discovery that was so prominent in the original games.
Rise of the Tomb Raider also admirably refines much of what was excellent about its predecessor, and so players can expect another streamlined adventure game with sleek mechanics and tense set-pieces. As a result, Rise of the Tomb Raider is campy but sincere, explosive but reverent, and absolutely underrated.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange is best described by one of the disclaimers that rotates, ticker-tape style, along the bottom of its menu screen: if you’ve experienced any situations like those represented in the game, you’re encouraged to refer to some helpful resources on their site. I often found myself tense as a result of the game’s content, and the last episode represented the effects of trauma so articulately that it held up a mirror to my own fears. This game features heavy stuff for an episodic, choice-driven narrative.
Contrasted against this dark backdrop is one of the best relationships that I’ve ever seen in a video game. Chloe and Max’s friendship—or romance, depending on your choices—is the most compelling aspect of Life is Strange, and their connection is the anchor around which all other player choices revolve.
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