Whether race cars and sports or first person shooter; strategy or massively multiplayer and 3D, 2015 has something to offer every gamer. If you’re intent upon immersing yourself in life simulation role-playing or obliterating the universe, 2015 has games suited to every level of play, from casual dabbler to hard-core addict.
No matter if your console or platform of choice is Play Station, Xbox, Android or iOS device, the sophistication and artistry of these game designs and storylines is breathtaking.
Take a look at 10 of the best games of the year—which, laments Forbes magazine’s “Top Video Games of 2015” writer Erik Kain—constituted making some very tough decisions in a year full of extraordinary candidates. You’ll find the gaming panorama includes everything from some old favorites and sequels with new environments and challenges to conquer, to brand new entries.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Why it’s on the list: How can you not include the final chapter of the Arkham trilogy? This third episode focuses on Batman’s archenemy Scarecrow, who has launched an attack on Gotham City and forced its evacuation. When Scarecrow unites with Arkham Knight and Batman’s endless legion of deadly foes, it’s do or die time for the Caped Crusader.
Bloodborne
Why it’s on the list: Because visually, it’s awesome. Hidetaka Miyazaki’s intriguing role-playing game puts you inside the form of “The Hunter,” as you overcome obstacles and terrors, and solve mysteries while locating and isolating the source of a deadly blood-borne plague that has your realm in its clutches. Dark, brooding and grim, Bloodborne straddles the line between visual realism and fine art.
Game of Thrones
Why it’s on the list: Because winter just keeps on coming in the RPG version of the successful HBO series. 2015 promises the remaining episodes of the story game and gamers can look forward to members of the show popping up here and there throughout the action as they battle for the throne in the fictional world of Westeros.
Halo 5: Guardians
Why it’s on the list: It’s arriving with bells and whistles and a ton of options and gear for the hardcore fan base, but the premise is essentially the same: an unstoppable force threatens the galaxy and main protagonist Master Chief is missing. Could this be a chance for an underdog to shine?
King’s Quest
Why it’s on the list: It’s the most provincial entry here, but why not celebrate a new take on a classic franchise that, even though it hasn’t been around for years, is at least attempting to upgrade from the old point-and-click to the more modern adventurer platform?
No Man’s Sky
Why it’s on the list: This incredible-to-look-at, in-the-moment skill and survival sci-fi game is the brainchild of Sean Murray. More exploratory than goal-driven, you’ll face dangers and dogfights, whether in future space, deep subterranean caverns, or prehistoric worlds populated by dinosaurs. You’ll need to be on your toes every second to not lose everything you labored to achieve in this massive multiplayer adventure.
Persona 5
Why it’s on the list: With its anime art design, this PlayStation role-playing game looks great and allows players to live as the game’s high school protagonist who has the ability to call up different facets of his psyche. This installment of the franchise promises mysterious phenomena-based obstacles and really, who can resist a sidekick in the form of a talking cat?
Project CARS
Why it’s on the list: IGN calls it “tough but satisfying, cruel but fair,” and Project CARS strives to simulate the real race track experience without frills but with the grit and grind of actually being behind the wheel. This includes a ton of options and difficulty-levels destined to unleash pure adrenaline and you’ll find yourself facing your competitors on many of the world’s most famous circuits. Project CARS is a true example of why less is more.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Why it’s on the list: It contains many of the same elements as Tomb Raider, so why make the cut? Because anything with ground-breaking protagonist Lara Croft has chops and this sequel is no different. She’s still fighting enemies, animals and the environment in her quest for graft—this time around an ancient city—but the payoff is a chance at immortality.
Star Wars Battlefront
Why it’s on the list: With the anticipated release of “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” what better time than now to also release a video game that’s not being referred to as a sequel to the previous Battlefront games, but as a “reboot.” Nevertheless, it feels like a great opportunity to give fans a sort of retrospective of the best of Star Wars’ universe and characters (including Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker).
Think you could challenge the titles above with some of your ideas? Why not stretch your imaginative side and research game design schools and degree programs? Think of the impact you could make as you move away from the console to an active role in the gaming industry as a game writer, game developer, QA tester or artist and animator. If game design and development is your passion and calling, there’s no better time to get started than today.
Source: http://www2.forbes.com/tech/the-top-video-games-of-2015
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