Bioshock Infinite
The single-player experience of the year. The writing is superb, the characters are deeply written, and the ending is out of this world. Easily the best FPS since Portal 2.
Grand Theft Auto V (Consoles)
Like I’ve said before: I like GTA more than most people and this one did not disappoint.
Rise of the Triad
Duke Nukem Forever, take note: this is what you should have been. Rise of the Triad is a remarkably slick throwback to the heyday of PC shooters.
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
You play a Micheal Beihn character in the future… as imagined with B-movie one-liners and gags. The game becomes a lot more precious when you realize Ubisoft took an uncharacteristic risk with one of their flagship franchises.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)
An absolute delight no matter what age you are.
Diablo III (Console Edition)
The PC version of Diablo III made my list last year, but I had more fun with the console edition as it added the ability to couch-play with friends. Plus, there have been a handful of patches since it launched on PC so the game ranks a little higher this year. (It’s still not as good as Diablo 2.)
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition
No, this version of the D&D classic doesn’t have a lot mods (yet), but it’s a nice throwback to the days PC gaming stood apart from the gaming experiences to be had elsewhere.
Sim City
I know, I know: fuck EA, right? I came late to the party so a lot of the launch bullshit was fixed. Plus, I didn’t have to spend $50 for a broken piece of junk (I picked it up at a discount). I was surprised by how much fun I had, at least until I reached the pathetic city size limit. I probably won’t play it again, as SC4 is still the better game, but I felt zero buyer’s remorse.
XCOM: Enemy Within
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you exactly what Enemy Within adds to Enemy Unknown (my memory is so bad, I keep getting the needlessly similar titles mixed up), but it was fun to play through it again.
Papers, Please
The minimal graphics and droning soundtrack may sound like detriments, but this is one unique indie game. Your morality plays a big part.
Civilization 5: Brave New World
Again, I couldn’t tell you everything this expansion adds to the base game, but hell, I’ve got a chance to put Civilization on my list so I’m going to take it.
Gone Home
When I was a kid, all I wanted was a game that let you do whatever you want in a big mansion with secrets (Maniac Mansion, I’m sure, was the inspiration for this dream). Gone Home does it in a down-to-earth way.
Shadowrun Returns
The linear gameplay and lack of freedom was disappointing, but it’s a great vibe. You will probably only like it if you’re a Shadowrun fan; I barely qualify as I don’t think cyberpunk needs fantasy mixed into it and I’ve never played the tabletop game.
Forza Motorsport 5 (Xbox One)
If you need a reason to get the Xbox One, this is it.
Peggle 2 (Xbox One)
I used to love puzzle games, but ever since the handheld market was flooded by them, I kind of lost interest. Peggle 2 changed that for me. It initially seems to be a game of luck until you start attempting the many challenges. The graphics, sound, and music are charming as hell.
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