As we approach the new year, I thought we’d all share our favorites and not-as-favorites of 2014. It doesn’t have to be limited to your favorite and least-favorite games! Share anything from your favorite soundtrack, to your favorite character(s), to your favorite [spiritual successor to Noah’s Ark][1]
I’ll start w/ my favorite title of 2014. drumroll
Shovel Knight - PC, Wii U, 3DS
Shovel Knight is absolutely brimming with spirit. Shovel Knight is a fine example of how “derivative” doesn’t always merit a negative connotation. Still, calling Shovel Knight “derivative” does it an injustice. Shovel Knight does not simply emulate classic platformers; rather, Shovel Knight masterfully rings each note of nostalgia we carry from classic titles like Mega Man 2, DuckTales, and Castlevania. Shovel Knight is the champion for an entire generation–a shining example of why we hold the 8 and 16-bit generations in such high esteem. Shovel Knight is many things: a masterclass in level design, control, and pacing, replete with gorgeously detailed sprite art and an unforgettable soundtrack, but what I most value about it is how it values my time. From “Push Start” to the credits roll, Shovel Knight is pure, distilled fun. In the 20 hours I played it, there was always a huge ear-to-ear smile adorning my face. I cannot say that about any other game I played in 2014.
[1]: http://www.zoorace.com/
I just looked back, and I think the only game that I finished that came out in 2014 was Dark Souls 2.
I actually played through it twice, and I do think it would probably be right at the top of my list had I finished many other games. I’m a huge fan of the combat in these games, and I love the worlds they create.
I also didn’t play a lot of games that came out in 2014 as I tend to hold of buying games until they are a bit cheaper, given my limited game time and huge backlog
I have to admit that I hate Lord of the Rings with a passion. I just can’t stand it.
However I’ve heard so many great things about this game that I had to give it a go and boy, it didn’t let me down!
It is a very cool action rpg which can be described as a mix between Assassin’s creed and Batman. It is very satisfying to be able to approach missions in different ways. You can either sneak your way to your targets and take them out like a ninja, but if you prefer to jump inside a horde of orcs and start hacking and slashing than this game has got you covered as well.
The part where the game shines the most is the nemesis system, which literally blew my mind. You probably know what it is, so I won’t try to explain it here, but to give an example:
Once was trying to fight a warlord who turned out way to strong for me, instead of dying I ran away. I accidentally ran into the same warlord later in the game and he was taunting me for being a coward and running away in an earlier fight. I was like WTF!
Instead of canceling the game sequence by running away it actually had some ripple effect in the game.
The fact that he managed to scare me away caused him to gain respect from his following and he ordered his following to kill me as I was a coward. Luckily I was stronger than before and killed this warlord which in turn made his lower lever captains afraid instead. Who are the cowards now, huh?
I just started this game and I understand that you get a bunch more options down the road which I’m looking forward to. Super cool!
