I have a permanent “gaming resolution” in place to play through the untouched half of my Steam library. As expected, there was not much progress on that front in 2015 but at the least, I didn’t really add to the pile. We did not game a lot during the first quarter of 2015 because we purchased a house and moved. So overall in 2015, a large part of our gaming time and energy was redirected into house things and playing with the kitten.
I feel that it is worth noting that the sole criteria for “winning” an award is my personal enjoyment. The best game of the year to me would be the one that I enjoyed playing the most regardless of whether or not it was actually a good game.
Keiya’s Game of the Year: The Witcher 3
This choice was weighted very heavily by the fact that I am an outright fangirl of both the Witcher books as well as the games. Furthermore, I absolutely love open world games as gritty fantasy everything. The combination of all three of those things on top of the Witcher 3’s story, which I do feel is actually good independent of my specific needs, makes it the absolute bees knees for me. So in terms of amount of pure enjoyment derived from any game played this year, The Witcher 3 is an easy winner for me.
Dave’s Game of the Year: Overwatch
This morning, I quickly asked my husband what he considered his game of the year to be. His answer, before returning to Diablo 3 grinding was: “Overwatch because it is an extremely polished, fun, and non-bullshitty experience.” I’ll have to agree with that. In fact, Overwatch (spoiler) is one of, if not the game that I am looking forward to the most in 2016.
Mobile Game of the Year: Final Fantasy Record Keeper
Final Fantasy Record Keeper is one of those mobile games but I feel that it is at the very least, the lesser of the evils in regards to F2Pness. It has a surprising amount of strategy and depth mixed in with a decent amount of polish and general Final Fantasy nostalgia. The events are well spaced and of a reasonable quality. Of all games this year, I have probably spent the most time (play + thinking space) on FFRK by virtue of accessibility.
Not F2P Mobile Game of the Year: Pixel Dungeon
I don’t remember if I blogged about this game or not. Pixel Dungeon is a traditional fantasy themed roguelike that I play incessantly during lunch. If I am not playing Final Fantasy Record Keeper, I am using playing Pixel Dungeon. If you enjoy games such as FTL and well…Rogue, you will probably enjoy this game. It is also actively updated and available on virtually any platform.
Best Half-finished Game (as in played but not to completion): Fallout 4
I don’t know. I really enjoy Fallout 4 and intend on finishing it but I just sort of put it down for the holidays.
Best Half-finished Game (as in still in beta/development): Overwatch
I yearn for this game. As mentioned before, of all games slated for a 2016, Overwatch is the title that I am probably looking foward to playing the most.
The 2015 Game That I Own and am Looking Forward to Playing the Most: Undertale
I have word from the entire Internet that Undertale is good and possibly game of the year worthy.
The Consolation Prize: Metal Gear Solid V
MGSV wasn’t my favorite game, but it was one that I really enjoyed playing so I wanted it to be mentioned somewhere. If you are at all familiar with it’s development history, it’s probably a small miracle that we were even able to play it at all.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: None
Same as 2014: I don’t think bought and played anything that was outright terrible. In general, we tend to only buy games that we know we will like. Everything else can be passed or scooped up for $2 on a Steam sale. Having low expectations for certain things helps as well.