Top Video Games of 2014

 

Top Video Games of 2014
 
When it comes to introducing new IP's and bringing in a new generation of Video Game consoles this year has seen a bit happen. We got the “Xbox One” and “Playstation 4” with several new titles on each. Nothing was epically ground breaking but the new titles and launch titles have begun to show just what the systems are really capable of. This is all old news though. Time to get onto the top 3 games for the systems. Time to look into the exclusives and the Multiplatform titles that made gaming great this year. They are listed in no particular order.
Multiplatform
It's hard to do a list without a lot of crossover titles. These games are not exclusives to a system but are too good to pass up.
 
Dark Souls II
 
This series is brutal but very well done. You have a great game that changes difficulty very well all dependent on your style of play. You know what you are getting into as you begin it. The world is rich in lore and great place to look around in, just keep on guard. It's always good to find a game that will challenge skilled players or offer a world you can enjoy at your own pace.
 
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
 
Going with the new game over the re-release of GTA V (we've all heard enough about GTA V). The Nemesis system offers a new take onto the Stealth Assassination style game play that is rising out of the Assassin's Creed series. The mix of action and the need of caution go very well together. The dynamic rival/antagonist system just makes it even more enjoyable to replay and see where it will lead you.
 
South Park: Stick of Truth
 
A South Park RPG. It's hard to really say much about it that would make a lot of sense without the context of the game. It's an active turn-based fighting system. It's fun seeing the whole of the city of South Park from the show. Some leveling and just some unique and South Park twists onto the whole video game genre.
 
Xbox One
Titanfall
 
Running, gunning and huge mech suits. The Card system used for boost is a lot of fun to play with for sure. It's got a lot to offer on the Multiplayer front. You can change loadouts and give boost to your favored weapons. It's a fun game.
 
Halo: Master Chief Collection
 
The first of the compilation titles to make it onto this list. It is easily the most games under one new title. HD remakes of the original 3 Halo games, Halo 4 and the new series “Halo: Nightfall”. The addition of the Beta to the new Halo 5 Multiplayer is a great little touch. You get a lot in a smaller package for sure.
 
Sunset Overdrive
 
Over the top action, crazy weapons and zombies. It had to be in here somewhere. A contaminated energy drink has changed a city into a crazed zombie horde. You are in for a crazy ride. It can take a bit to get into and enjoy but it is fun to go through. Just good dumb fun in this title, if nothing overall too new.
 
Playstation 4
The Last of Us Remastered
 
The Remastering of “The Last of Us” deserves mention for a number of reasons. It includes the DLC from the PS3 era in one package. It brought everything the first iteration had and cleaned it up. The new content adds to what was already a very compeling game. If you didn't get a chance to play this game on the PS3, now is a great time to pick up the Remastered to get the most moving game of the era.
 
Infamous Second Son
 
Getting back into infamous is like a home coming on the PS4. Delsin is a very likable guy and you can steer him down one of two roads. With a new variety of powers and the stand alone DLC “First Light”, you get a lot of good stuff in a small package. It still has a number of challenges if somewhat lackluster story in “First Light”. Second Son offers something more substantial for its story.
 
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee – New N' Tasty
 
It's good to put a remake a great classic game. Especially one from the Playstation era. This helps show just what a remake can actually do in terms of getting a game back onto its feet. There might not be a lot to say that's new to the game but it is good to give an example from a classical era of gaming. At least as we know it.
 
PC
 
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls
 
Finally the expansion we've been waiting for to Diablo 3. A great solo game or one to play with friends. Adding in the Crusader class and a few chapter have been wonderful. It does a good job of grabbing your interest and getting you into the thick of the action fast. The quests sometimes feel a bit short but the fights inside them are nothing but satisfying. Mix in the supported changes on the Server side of things and D3 is hardly the same game it was at launch or even a year ago!
 
Five Nights at Freddy's (1& 2)
 
It's easier putting them together. It's strange to see 2 games in a series be released so close together. It is somewhat funny in that the creator wanted to release a demo of FFAF2 and it would have taken more time than getting the game itself up to get the demo approved. A jump scare fest start to finish, you are faced with roaming animatronics that are after you. Resource management is your best friend here. You'll be struggling to complete so much in these games. Mix in the deep, if hidden story, and you have a very amazing game.
 
Shovel Knight
 
Yes, it's available on other platforms, but its best known here. It is awesome 16-bit graphics, amazing sound track and a very pleasant challenge. Collection challenges and a good story offer some great times in this title. It's hard to go wrong with this game. You will be playing it endlessly to improve your skills and get better at the various levels.
 
WiiU
Super Smash Bros WiiU
 
Super Smash Bros is a series that cleans the house and very good reason. It is simply enough to easily pick up but has a lot of depth as well for more advanced players. You have a great party game which supports up to 8 players on one screen. The new features to the game just make it even better than what you had seen previously in the series. Add in Amiibos that can be trained, customizable characters, even more gear and a new set of challenges.
 
Bayonetta 2
 
This is probably the surprise entry on the list. Graphics, sexy lady, a J-pop soundtrack and an utterly awesome combat system. It helps a bit that this was an exclusive for the WiiU. If you hadn't played the first one, the second comes bundled with it. Some puzzles will be challenging and take numerous tries (as will bosses). Just the weapons and attitude will carry a lot of this game beyond what you might otherwise think. Mix in the unique outfits from the various characters and you have even more you have at your disposal. Prepare for a lot of button mashing as you dive into the game for those finishers. The rest, you will be going for style and making it look way better than Dante from DmC ever could.
 
Mario Kart 8
 
It was between this and Hyrule Warriors. Mario Kart 8 is another great party game. Mix in the DLC and it gets even better overall. Fast paced, easy to learn and a real treat to play. It's another feature in the cap of the series.
 
Playstation Vita
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
 
Like murder mysteries? Like horror games? Both of those things in one package. You are the luckiest guy in an Elite Academy. With Mono Bear out to keep watch on the students, this is a crazed and surprisingly fast paced game at times. You will be paying attention and clearing it. You are the lucky one. Solve the murders and be the one who survives and graduates from this crazed school. Heavy text but overall very engaging. The trials are where the action is and how!
 
Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited
 
A remake of an older PS3 title. A great series with the most obsessive grinding game inside it. You have a massive time sink and a good game to enjoy.
 
Velocity 2X
 
Puzzle, platforming and a shoot 'em up. This is a crazy and fast paced and builds wonderfully. You have 2 different styles of play mixed into one game. It is a crazy intense game and very good for burst play.
 
3DS
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby
 
It's another remake, but a good remake. A lot of new features are added into the game. The streetpass offers something to help out overall (if only because at level and a constant supply of trainers). Asmall horde of legendaries that can be found through.
 
Super Smash Bros 3DS
 
This game stands on its own very well. You have the unique Smash Run mode which is a very different sort of challenge for any Smash Bros player. You have a great game with a very lively multiplayer. Easily the most played title for the system. It got there very quickly. That is no small feat with a portable system with 2 Pokemon generation on it.
 
Bravely Default
 
It's been a long time we've seen an RPG that really played with the turn-based system. This game has done just that. You can gamble and hold off a turn for more actions in the next one.
 
Xbox 360 & Playstation 3
The older generation titles are getting lumped together. It's hard to find enough unique titles for them to stand on their own.
 
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
 
It's a strange thing to recommend a Persona Fighting game but that's what we have here. The characters from Persona 3 and 4 need to settle some matters to save the world. It's the only kind of plot that a Persona game would have. Fast paced and some interesting twists overall.
 
Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX (PS3)
 
There were a few of compilations this year. The thing that makes this one stand out is the combination and new releases inside. Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix are both included in here. Even more features were added in on top of the formerly Japan Exclusive titles offered. These are great titles to add to your collection. For those who wanted 2 amazing games for a good price, this game gets highly recommended. The Cinematic of Re:Coded is cool. Just grateful to avoid replaying KH1 for a third or fourth time.
 
The Last of Us: Left Behind (PS3)
 
The DLC that gives us the story of Ellie and her friend. Just what happened that lead to them being infected. This is a crazy place and we get to see just what is going on here. Grabbing you right off the bat and then diving in deep to what had come before. You wind up with a good mix of the missing time and what lead Ellie to the place she was in at the start of “The Last of Us.”
 
Assassin's Creed: Rogue
 
The obligatory Assassin's Creed game. You know it was going to show up somewhere. The only unique title in the series this year to just be on one console. It offers a chance to see things from the Templar perspective. The changes from Black Flag are smaller, but they exist and offer some stuff you would have thought should have been in the last game.

Top Video Games of 2014

 

When it comes to introducing new IP's and bringing in a new generation of Video Game consoles this year has seen a bit happen. We got the “Xbox One” and “Playstation 4” with several new titles on each. Nothing was epically ground breaking but the new titles and launch titles have begun to show just what the systems are really capable of. This is all old news though. Time to get onto the top 3 games for the systems. Time to look into the exclusives and the Multiplatform titles that made gaming great this year. They are listed in no particular order.


Multiplatform

It's hard to do a list without a lot of crossover titles. These games are not exclusives to a system but are too good to pass up.

 

Dark Souls II - This series is brutal but very well done. You have a great game that changes difficulty very well all dependent on your style of play. You know what you are getting into as you begin it. The world is rich in lore and great place to look around in, just keep on guard. It's always good to find a game that will challenge skilled players or offer a world you can enjoy at your own pace.

 

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor - Going with the new game over the re-release of GTA V (we've all heard enough about GTA V). The Nemesis system offers a new take onto the Stealth Assassination style game play that is rising out of the Assassin's Creed series. The mix of action and the need of caution go very well together. The dynamic rival/antagonist system just makes it even more enjoyable to replay and see where it will lead you.

 

South Park: Stick of Truth - A South Park RPG. It's hard to really say much about it that would make a lot of sense without the context of the game. It's an active turn-based fighting system. It's fun seeing the whole of the city of South Park from the show. Some leveling and just some unique and South Park twists onto the whole video game genre. 

Xbox One

Titanfall - Running, gunning and huge mech suits. The Card system used for boost is a lot of fun to play with for sure. It's got a lot to offer on the Multiplayer front. You can change loadouts and give boost to your favored weapons. It's a fun game.

 

Halo: Master Chief Collection - The first of the compilation titles to make it onto this list. It is easily the most games under one new title. HD remakes of the original 3 Halo games, Halo 4 and the new series “Halo: Nightfall”. The addition of the Beta to the new Halo 5 Multiplayer is a great little touch. You get a lot in a smaller package for sure. 


Sunset Overdrive - Over the top action, crazy weapons and zombies. It had to be in here somewhere. A contaminated energy drink has changed a city into a crazed zombie horde. You are in for a crazy ride. It can take a bit to get into and enjoy but it is fun to go through. Just good dumb fun in this title, if nothing overall too new.

 

Playstation 4

The Last of Us Remastered - The Remastering of “The Last of Us” deserves mention for a number of reasons. It includes the DLC from the PS3 era in one package. It brought everything the first iteration had and cleaned it up. The new content adds to what was already a very compeling game. If you didn't get a chance to play this game on the PS3, now is a great time to pick up the Remastered to get the most moving game of the era.

 

Infamous Second Son - Getting back into infamous is like a home coming on the PS4. Delsin is a very likable guy and you can steer him down one of two roads. With a new variety of powers and the stand alone DLC “First Light”, you get a lot of good stuff in a small package. It still has a number of challenges if somewhat lackluster story in “First Light”. Second Son offers something more substantial for its story.

 

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee – New N' Tasty - It's good to put a remake a great classic game. Especially one from the Playstation era. This helps show just what a remake can actually do in terms of getting a game back onto its feet. There might not be a lot to say that's new to the game but it is good to give an example from a classical era of gaming. At least as we know it. 

 

PC

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls - Finally the expansion we've been waiting for to Diablo 3. A great solo game or one to play with friends. Adding in the Crusader class and a few chapter have been wonderful. It does a good job of grabbing your interest and getting you into the thick of the action fast. The quests sometimes feel a bit short but the fights inside them are nothing but satisfying. Mix in the supported changes on the Server side of things and D3 is hardly the same game it was at launch or even a year ago!

 

Five Nights at Freddy's (1& 2) - It's easier putting them together. It's strange to see 2 games in a series be released so close together. It is somewhat funny in that the creator wanted to release a demo of FFAF2 and it would have taken more time than getting the game itself up to get the demo approved. A jump scare fest start to finish, you are faced with roaming animatronics that are after you. Resource management is your best friend here. You'll be struggling to complete so much in these games. Mix in the deep, if hidden story, and you have a very amazing game.

 

Shovel Knight - Yes, it's available on other platforms, but its best known here. It is awesome 16-bit graphics, amazing sound track and a very pleasant challenge. Collection challenges and a good story offer some great times in this title. It's hard to go wrong with this game. You will be playing it endlessly to improve your skills and get better at the various levels.

 

WiiU

Super Smash Bros WiiU - Super Smash Bros is a series that cleans the house and very good reason. It is simply enough to easily pick up but has a lot of depth as well for more advanced players. You have a great party game which supports up to 8 players on one screen. The new features to the game just make it even better than what you had seen previously in the series. Add in Amiibos that can be trained, customizable characters, even more gear and a new set of challenges.

 

Bayonetta 2 - This is probably the surprise entry on the list. Graphics, sexy lady, a J-pop soundtrack and an utterly awesome combat system. It helps a bit that this was an exclusive for the WiiU. If you hadn't played the first one, the second comes bundled with it. Some puzzles will be challenging and take numerous tries (as will bosses). Just the weapons and attitude will carry a lot of this game beyond what you might otherwise think. Mix in the unique outfits from the various characters and you have even more you have at your disposal. Prepare for a lot of button mashing as you dive into the game for those finishers. The rest, you will be going for style and making it look way better than Dante from DmC ever could. 

 

Mario Kart 8 - It was between this and Hyrule Warriors. Mario Kart 8 is another great party game. Mix in the DLC and it gets even better overall. Fast paced, easy to learn and a real treat to play. It's another feature in the cap of the series. 

 

Playstation Vita

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc - Like murder mysteries? Like horror games? Both of those things in one package. You are the luckiest guy in an Elite Academy. With Mono Bear out to keep watch on the students, this is a crazed and surprisingly fast paced game at times. You will be paying attention and clearing it. You are the lucky one. Solve the murders and be the one who survives and graduates from this crazed school. Heavy text but overall very engaging. The trials are where the action is and how!

 

Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited - A remake of an older PS3 title. A great series with the most obsessive grinding game inside it. You have a massive time sink and a good game to enjoy. Very silly and over the top humor at times.

 

Velocity 2X - Puzzle, platforming and a shoot 'em up. This is a crazy and fast paced and builds wonderfully. You have 2 different styles of play mixed into one game. It is a crazy intense game and very good for burst play. A nice take on some older game play.

 

3DS

Pokemon Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby - It's another remake, but a good remake. A lot of new features are added into the game. The streetpass offers something to help out overall (if only because at level and a constant supply of trainers). A small horde of legendaries that can be found through.

 

Super Smash Bros 3DS - This game stands on its own very well. You have the unique Smash Run mode which is a very different sort of challenge for any Smash Bros player. You have a great game with a very lively multiplayer. Easily the most played title for the system. It got there very quickly. That is no small feat with a portable system with 2 Pokemon generation on it.

 

Bravely Default - It's been a long time we've seen an RPG that really played with the turn-based system. This game has done just that. You can gamble and hold off a turn for more actions in the next one.

Xbox 360 & Playstation 3

The older generation titles are getting lumped together. It's hard to find enough unique titles for them to stand on their own.

 

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax - It's a strange thing to recommend a Persona Fighting game but that's what we have here. The characters from Persona 3 and 4 need to settle some matters to save the world. It's the only kind of plot that a Persona game would have. Fast paced and some interesting twists overall.

 

Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX (PS3) - There were a few of compilations this year. The thing that makes this one stand out is the combination and new releases inside. Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix are both included in here. Even more features were added in on top of the formerly Japan Exclusive titles offered. These are great titles to add to your collection. For those who wanted 2 amazing games for a good price, this game gets highly recommended. The Cinematic of Re:Coded is cool. Just grateful to avoid replaying KH1 for a third or fourth time.

 

The Last of Us: Left Behind (PS3) - The DLC that gives us the story of Ellie and her friend. Just what happened that lead to them being infected. This is a crazy place and we get to see just what is going on here. Grabbing you right off the bat and then diving in deep to what had come before. You wind up with a good mix of the missing time and what lead Ellie to the place she was in at the start of “The Last of Us.”

 

Assassin's Creed: Rogue - The obligatory Assassin's Creed game. You know it was going to show up somewhere. The only unique title in the series this year to just be on one console. It offers a chance to see things from the Templar perspective. The changes from Black Flag are smaller, but they exist and offer some stuff you would have thought should have been in the last game.


Comments (0)

New comments are currently disabled.


Subscribe to me on YouTubeFollow us on Twitter!
Join our Steam group!