As we're now entering the second half of the year and the summer months which traditionally have a drought in games; I thought I'd give my personal favourite games of the year so far. I'm including games that I've only got around to playing this year also and whilst this is my thinking now; this order may ultimately change by the end of year. I figured I should start with my list of honourable mentions as there are some quality games which I would highly recommend. Also, Journey (PS4) was finally re-released on PS4 in the later half of the year. And whilst it deservedly will make a lot of people's top games of the year. Having already played it many times and not really feeling an incredible difference between the PS3 release, I've omitted from my personal list.
In no particular order:
Her Story, I've just finished playing this last week. I was bit late to the party as much of my twitter feed had already come and gone with it's praise and discussion of the game. In some ways I'm glad as I could experience it completely on my own. The non-linear narrative of the game is obviously the appeal for everyone and it has truly perplexed me. I was also incredibly satisfied to find that I had managed to digest the majority of the story without resorting to the internet for the "keywords".
Super Time Force Ultra, probably the most questionable title on the list for this year. I had long been waiting for its release on the Playstation Network as my Xbox is currently gathering dust underneath my desk. But in the end I caved and bought it during the Steam Summer sale. I was surprised to see that none of my friends on Steam own the game, which is why I placing it on here now. Especially considering the game is absolutely epic. I'm always surprised at my ability to finish a level, as their are many factors which I feel I need to consider which make the game quite daunting. When you eventually overcome a level and are able to see the entire playthrough in one sitting; it's always incredibly enjoyable to see every character running and shooting at the same time. The game makes use of some incredibly smart mechanics which really push the boundaries of iteration.
Majora's Mask 3d, this was my first play through of this game. I never owned an N64, so this was a title that had always eluded me. Despite the use of time being the main mechanic, I never found it too much of a hindrance once I discovered the song to slow time. Which I feel may have ruined the game for me. Not only that but I found all the dungeons tedious. Nevertheless, Zelda is Zelda and the Items mixed with the masks always add some exciting gameplay, and its unlike any other game in the series; which does hold some value.
Batman Arkham Knight, if you'd asked me upon completing the game I'd have said that the game was in my top 5. But having had time to dwell on it; the game hasn't really left a lasting impression which I think says it all. I would point out that I enjoyed pretty much the whole of the game (aside from the Riddler trophies which I did not acquire), and including the batmobile which I felt was well worked into the game. But I couldn't really tell you much about the game and what you do in it. Compared to Arkham Asylum which is still my favourite in the series, despite being somewhat limited to the others.
Ori and the Blind Forest. this game does very little wrong. If indeed anything at all. Which makes it difficult to leave it off the list. It has beautiful art, beautiful music, fluid and expressive gameplay and a large open area to explore and play inside. Unfortunately, I encountered a bug, right at the end of the game which meant that I could no longer continue. Thus halting my entire progress and the enjoyment I had playing the game. To be so engrossed and satisfied to then hit a break wall really upset me and that's why I've not placed it higher. Maybe a bit picky. But I intend to play it again shortly before the year is out so it may yet get on to my top Games of the Year.
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