2015 has and will continue to be a huge year for gamers. Along with the usual blockbuster, triple A-releases that know how to make their mark, 2015 has seen a few surprise hits and some old favourites return in full high definition glory. We may have only just past the half way mark, but 2015 has delivered some truly great games not be missed. Here are six of the best:
- Batman: Arkham Knight
As a huge batman fan I may be a tad biased here but Arkham Knight sends off the caped crusader in style. Following on from the success of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Arkham Knight manages to construct a compelling and relatively original narrative arc while somehow adding further polish to an unbelievably satisfying combat system. Add a drive-able Batmobile into the mix and you don’t have to be the world’s greatest detective to know this game is not one to miss.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Another triple A-release, another success. Wild Hunt continues the 2015 trend of final instalments in grand gaming trilogies, and much like the infamous Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher 3 slays its audience with a remarkably measured composure. Almost five years on from the previous entry, the folks at CD Projekt RED have created a beast of a game. With a heart-felt story, intriguing characters, a beautiful open world and intuitive game play mechanics, Wild Hunt was everything fans of the franchise were hoping for and more.
- Bloodborne
Bearing all the shadows of its mysterious world, Bloodborne was a game shrouded in Dark Souls comparisons prior to its release. Bearing some obvious similarities in regards to difficulty and overall game mechanics, Bloodborne quickly forged its own path upon release and struck an ideal middle ground for gamers that sought a challenge but not the crushing despair of a Souls game. Complete with evolving weaponry and a fascinating lore, Bloodborne has well and truly stepped out of the Dark Souls shadows.
- Shovel Knight
Sometimes a step back is exactly what the videogames industry needs as it continues to strive forward at such blistering speeds. Shovel Knight does just that, taking gamers back to the golden generation of platformers and 8-bit graphics. Despite its purposefully old-school aesthetic, there’s nothing out-dated about how this games handles with near perfect controls. Shovel Knight provides a timely nostalgia injection while not forsaking modern day mechanics.
- Resident Evil HD
A masterpiece when it released in 1998, Resident Evil still impresses 17 years later with a shinier exterior and improved gameplay making Resident Evil HD a true remaster. Whether you played the original or not, the updated version will be sure to scare, immerse and captivate you on a level unrivalled by more recent instalments. If you’re going to play one remake this year, make sure it’s this one.
- Splatoon
The idea of a third person shooter with ink sounds like a pretty crazy idea for a game, turns out it’s just crazy enough to work. The first new IP from Nintendo for a number of years, Splatoon was a gamble that truly paid off and sees a solid addition to a slowly emerging Wii U catalogue. As mentioned, this game revolves around ink and is primarily a 4 on 4 multiplayer revolving around spraying surfaces with ink. Although a strikingly simple idea, this game has just enough depth and wild fun to make it an instant classic that will have OCD gamers on the edge of their seats.
It’s been a hectic 2015 thus far for gamers, and there are plenty other games worth checking out before we sink our teeth into a host of incoming games. Honourable mentions go to: Ori and the Blind Forest, Massive Chalice, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D.
List by Joshua Thomas
What have been your favourite games so far this year?
