2014 was an… interesting year for gaming. Many large titles were released that failed to live up to expectations and ultimately fell flat with many gamers. There were many bright spots throughout the year though. Sony and Microsoft had exclusives that delivered, EA and Bioware teamed up to create the greatest role-playing game in gaming history and Nintendo gave their fans some great Wii U and 3DS games to play.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
(PS4, XB One, PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
This game is far and away 2014’s game of the year. No game came close to the quality of its gameplay, graphics and storyline. It has one of the most compelling storylines of any game over the past few years and within a few short minutes of hitting the start button and creating your character, the player is quickly immersed in the lands of Ferelden and Orlais and the power struggle of demon armies, templars, mages and all the creatures and humans in between. In the game, you play as a character known as the “Inquisitor” who must rally an army in order to stop demons from invading Ferelden and Orlais. This game literally has it all. From character depth, to the fighting mechanics, to the massive open world areas, amazing soundtrack and enough quests that at times it will seem mindboggling. If you enjoy video games, buy this game. You will not regret it.
Sunset Overdrive (Xbox One)
When I popped this game into my Xbox One I honestly had no idea what I was in store for. Insomniac games have been known to create great games, so I knew the quality would be great but I wasn’t expecting it to give me some of the best enjoyment I’ve ever had when playing a video game. The game’s setting is a bright, deadly and colorful city known as Sunset City. Due to a mutated energy drink, the population of Sunset City gets turned into mutants, known as “OD.” It’s your job to help the survivors of Sunset City, take down the energy drink company Fizzco and try to find a way to escape. From exotic guns, colorful locals, unique locations and overall hilarity, Sunset Overdrive delivers. It was the best Xbox One exclusive to be released in 2014 and I look forward to a sequel, if and when it is announced.
inFamous: Second Son (PS4)
This was the PS4’s best exclusive of the year. inFamous: Second Son builds upon the first two games of the inFamous series and delivers a very satisfying adventure. The game takes place in Seattle, Washington and you play as a “conduit” (human with special powers) named Delsin Rowe. As Rowe, you explore the city and attempt to defeat the forces of the D.U.P. (Department of Unified Protection) with the help of some of conduits you meet along the way. The story is very compelling, the characters are all interesting in their own ways and the gameplay is very smooth. Second Son also has some of the greatest visuals I’ve ever seen in a video game. This game was highly hyped and was one of the few games to come out this year that lived up to its lofty expectations. If you own a PS4, make sure you play inFamous: Second Son.
Super Smash Bros. Wii U (Wii U)
Nintendo released some great games in 2014 but this game was easily their best. Super Smash Bros. Wii U is one of best fighting games I’ve ever played and it is some of the most fun you can have sitting around a TV with your friends on any given night. The controls are easy to pick up, yet hard to master which makes the game that much more challenging. There are characters for every play style; if you want a big, heavy hitter try out Bowser or Ike. If you want a speedy character who is fast paced and strikes quick try someone like Sonic or Sheik. The game is completely accessible to newcomers to the series and veterans will feel right at home. This game is honestly just plain fun. If you or a friend own a Wii U, go play some Smash Bros. You won’t regret it.
Pokémon Omega Ruby/Pokemon Alpha Sapphire (3DS)
One of the best Pokémon games ever released. It follows the basic Pokémon formula that the games in the series follow but it also adds interesting new features and a post game storyline know as the Delta episode. In addition to adding more mega evolutions to the Pokémon, the game features almost every legendary pokemon to ever exist. Last semester we had a full on review for this game in the Oracle so if you want a more in depth review, check it out. This was easily the best game released on Nintendo’s 3DS in 2014.