2014 has been a particularly impressive year for games. Now that the year is drawing to a close, it’s a good time to shortlist the games that we thought were the best of the last 12 months. We will, of course, whittle down the list to one GOTY and we’d also like you to tell us your GOTY in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Here’s our GOTY 2014 list in order of release date:
Threes! (iOS, Android)
At a time when games are universally huge and packed with graphics, one of the best games of the year happens to be a simple, charming and small mobile game. Threes! is a very addictive puzzle game that requires basic math to play, but smarts to win.
Dark Souls II (PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360)
Just when you thought modern games were getting too easy, along came Dark Souls with tremendously challenging gameplay complemented by an immersive atmosphere and story. The sequel released this year only made things better with certain elements made slightly more ‘accessible’ without compromising on the difficulty.
Titanfall (PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360)
Titanfall’s developers sold gamers the idea of fighting against each other in massive mechs and ultimately, the game lived up to all expectations. Titanfall was the most fun you could have at the beginning of 2014 with evenly matched multiplayer matches, surprisingly balanced gameplay and a smooth launch.
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft (Windows, OS X, iPad)
One of the best games of the year is a free card game from Blizzard, starring the various heroes, villains, troops and minions from the World of Warcraft MMORPG. A supremely addictive game, Hearthstone features hundreds of cards that you can use to build the perfect deck to fight against the hundreds of thousands of online opponents.
Divinity: Original Sin (Windows, OS X)
Original Sin is a modern day RPG that harkens back to classic CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape Torment. The game has a huge world, tons of dialogues, extensive character customization and one of the most rewarding tactical combat you will find in a game this year. Plus, it looks quite amazing.
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor (PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3)
Shadow of Mordor launched after a particularly long period in the middle of the year that saw no big game launches, and surprised the hell out of everybody. By mixing elements from the Batman: Arkham and Assassin’s Creed games, along with a brilliant ‘nemesis’ system, Shadow of Mordor has emerged as one of the best combat oriented games to be launched in a while.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3)
Yes, it’s another Call of Duty game but this time around, the developers seem to have actually put some thought into innovation and visuals. Taking the series into the future means that you can now employ some cool weapons and tactics like jetpacks and exoskeletons. Plus, you get Kevin Spacey and really fun multiplayer gameplay.
Dragon Age: Inquisition (PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3)
After a couple of years of brickbats from the fans, it would have been real easy for Bioware to screw this one up. Instead, the Montreal devs delivered what will be counted as one of their finest games and one of the best modern RPGs. Inquisition fixes all of the perceived faults of its predecessor and overcompensates with a huge open world, a large cast and beautiful visuals. Yes, EA thoroughly botched the India launch, but if you happen to get the game through VPN or other sources, you’re due for a great time.
Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox One, PS4)
We’re telling you right now, GTA V is going to be the first game to be nominated for GOTY for three consecutive years. The game was launched last year for last-gen consoles, was launched this month for current gen consoles and will be launched next year in January for the PC. The way the game plays makes us think that it probably deserves to be GOTY for three years and for sure, it will be remembered fondly for many more years to come.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (Wii U)
Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U is quite simply, one of the most fun games released all year. It boasts a huge cast of playable characters including all-time favourites like Mario, Bowser and Pac-Man. If you’re a fan of fighting games but are also tired of the grim-dark aesthetic that’s permeated into modern games, Super Smash Bros. is for you.