This is a tough one, but which games have you spent the most time playing? It’s so tough that instead of a top ten, you’re getting a top 12 – don’t say we’re not good to you. Being ever so indecisive and lacking bravery, I’m going to say that these are in no particular order. And unlike the announcers on Strictly Come Dancing or X-Factor, I do actually mean it.
Bloodborne
Since its release in March this year Bloodborne has been highly acclaimed by the majority of those who come across it. It has variously been described as incredible, dark, engaging and extremely well-designed. Sounds good to me. As a reminder, it’s an action RPG and you’re searching for answers in an ancient city which is cursed with a strange endemic illness.
Journey
Don’t stop believing in this next one; it’s not often, after all, that games are described as truly powerful and emotional. Players travel alone in Journey, yet may come across other players in a unique interactive experience which sets it apart from its rivals. The premise is simple – travelling alone in a vast and unknown world you must discover the history of an ancient civilisation as you go. The execution, however, is immense and this game will stay with you long after its completion.
Rocket League
Ah, Rocket League, one of my favourite ideas of this year. Football? Great. Driving? Great. Put them together – genius! Steering cars around a football pitch is just crazy, but when you add trying to score with an oversized ball and the ability to crash into opponents while you’re at it is stress-busting fun at its best. The game was free to download for a time, but even if you didn’t catch it then it’s still worth forking out for.
Bastion
Bastion – I dare you to say it in as sweet a voice as you can. You can’t, can you? It demands gruffness. Anyway, although it was first released way back in the dark days of 2011, the PS4 release of 2015 saw its resolution upped and its popularity spread ever wider. The colours are vivid, the soundtrack is immense, and the world you play in is fantastically varied.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2016
Look, there’s really not much to say about Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 – is there? The franchise is simply so successful that if you’re a footballing gamer then this will be in your collection. And that’s it, really!
Metal Gear Solid V
The conclusion of the Metal Gear Solid V series, The Phantom Pain, has certainly been a worthy addition to the franchise. If you’re new to the series, it’s probably recommended that you check out at least one or two of its predecessors first, but this open world addition to the series was well-received on its release back in September. The game is powerful, intimidating and potentially overwhelming – bring it on.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is, quite frankly, epic, and the detail contained therein is magnificent. There is so much to this game but it doesn’t initially overwhelm. Indeed, forgive the developers the slightly slow start as they have kindly decided to gently introduce you to their game’s possibilities – fighting, monsters, exploration and quests. Give this game a chance, however, and you won’t be disappointed.
OlliOlli2: Welcome to Olliwood
The original of this next one was a cult skateboarding hit when it was released at the beginning of 2014 and so fans will be pleased that they haven’t had to wait too long for the follow up. So, OlliOlli2: Welcome to Olliwood brings a new look, all new ramps and epic hills, and updated controls which will give you more control than before. What, then is not to love?
Destiny
When Destiny was first released there was general disappointment that the game simply wasn’t living up to its potential – the oft-remembered ‘could do better’ from many a school report card was a fitting description. The expansion pack, The Taken King, however, has rectified much of what was wrong and so everyone and everything about Destiny have been redeemed. It has been fleshed out, better developed, tightened up and the whole gameplay experience can now fittingly be described as bold and brilliant. A truly admirable turnaround.
Project Cars
Such has been the success of Project Cars since its release in May 2015, a follow up was announced within the first two months of it being on sale. Not bad at all! It’s a straight-forward and realistic racing game which seems to have appealed to gamers more than flash, psychotic, hyper-stylised games which may have been considered Project Cars’ rivals. It’s not a scream around the corners and hope for the best kind of game; more of a sensible, practice makes perfect type game. Well, it’s clearly what the buyers wanted and so the next instalment will be keenly anticipated.
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
You thought I’d forgotten, hadn’t you? Where’s Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, you said, didn’t you? Ah well, here it is. You may already have the games for PS3, but the updated versions really do scrub up well on PS4 and if you’re new to the franchise (where have you been?) do consider going for this bundle – the games are, deservedly, critically acclaimed and this collection is likely to prove a fantastic purchase. The achievements and bonuses just keep you wanting more – that’s why it made it on this list.
Tearaway Unfolded
In a list such as this it’s good to include a game which is suitable for all ages – let’s not forget the kids at Christmas time, eh?! So, which one makes the list? Why, the little charmer known as Tearaway Unfolded of course. The colours are vibrant, the gameplay addictive and, in case you’re new to it, it’s worth noting that almost the entire world you’re presented with is made of paper. Tearaway – geddit? Even better, the enemies are known as Scraps. I know, it doesn’t get any better, does it? Confront the Scraps, complete the puzzles and mini-quests and, well, enjoy yourself basically. Sounds good to me.
Of course, you can’t please everyone all the time but, if you know you love the genres of each of the aforementioned games and you haven’t yet forked out for copies, consider these options, because you get the longevity – great value.
