It’s the magical time of the year where we here at Talking Comics get all reflective and googly-eyed at all of the amazing stuff we enjoyed throughout the year. Whether it be incredible comics or mind-altering video games, 2014 sure had a lot to offer. Now, sorting through all of that engaging and often times emotional content can sometimes be a real brain-buster, but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun to try. I’ve already shared with you my Favorite Comics of 2014, and thought it would be rather cool also reveal a list of my favorite games of the year. And because I’m feeling saucy today, we’re going to place them in a numbered order. Things are getting serious all of a sudden. Buckle up. buy the ticket, take the ride.
Steve Seigh’s Favorite Games of 2014
Honorable Mention:
MONUMENT VALLEY
Smart, majestic, and fun; Monument Valley is the most fun I’ve ever had playing a video game on my iPhone. This fantastic title from indie studio Ustwo tells the story of a tiny princess hoping to free her people, all while deciphering labyrinths and traversing environments that will provide you with a easy-to-medium puzzling experience. It’s never frustrating and always fun. What more could you ask for just a few dollars? It’s also to note that the “Forgotten Shores” DLC is a welcomed and wonderful edition to this enjoyable gaming experience.
10.
SHOVEL KNIGHT
UGNFF! This game rocked my socks! In my opinion, this game was the perfect marriage between old school 8-bit platforming and emotionally driven story-telling. Don’t believe me? Play the game, make it all the way to the end, and tell that the actions of Shovel Knight failed to choke you up a bit. Go ahead, play it. I’ll just wait here, grooving on the sweet sounds of your enraged cursing as you plummet to your death … a lot. Mwuahaha!
9.
VALIANT HEARTS: THE GREAT WAR
Ugh … my heart. Seriously, Valiant Hearts: The Great War was a magnificent puzzler. This title’s “find the thing and bring it here” mechanics might not re-invent the puzzler wheel, but hot damn what a compelling narrative and wonderful cast of characters. I had a blast with Valiant Hearts, and I even learned a thing or two about the pains of WWI. Don’t miss your chance to experience this heart-wrenching action-puzzler from Ubisoft Montpellier.
8.
HEARTHSTONE
Damn you, Blizzard! You’ve awakened the card game playing beast in me with this addictive and FREE action-card downloadable title. It’s your fault that I went and bought 90 packs of Marvel Dicemasters, and it’s your fault that I can’t wait until your fantastic game makes its way to my iPhone, so I can play it on the go. For real, I hate you.
7.
THE SWAPPER
I enjoyed the hell out of The Swapper. I enjoyed the hell out of The Swapper. I enjoyed the hell out of The Swapper. I enjoyed the hell out of The Swapper. I enjoyed the hell out of The Swapper.
6.
BAYONETTA 2
Bayonetta 2 is one of those rare gaming experiences that offers you just as much fun in its gameplay as its over-the-top presentation. I love how this game never apologizes for its gratuitousness, and gives gamers the chance to assume the role of an intelligent and titillating main character … who will throw six train cars down your throat if you so much as cat call her.
5.
SUNSET OVERDRIVE
Kinetic, fast-paced, and absolutely batshit crazy, Sunset Overdrive has quenched my thirst for open-world shenanigans and action this year. Like a beautiful blend of both Dead Rising and Jet Set Radio Future, Sunset caters to an audience of gaming maniacs who’ve been waiting for this game for years and didn’t even know it. Book me a ticket to Sunset City, so I can unleash some mayhem!
4.
TOWERFALL: ASCENSION
#^$&% @*&! #&@^%$, @**%#$@! Yup, that’s pretty much how it went down when playing the best multi-player experience I’ve had since Power Stone landed on the Sega Dreamcast. There’s nothing quite like getting your friends together and wishing death upon them at absurd volumes.
3.
FAR CRY 4
This one time, while playing Far Cry 4, I snorted a packet of heroin. After that, these two assholes, Yogi and Reggie, stabbed me in the leg with a syringe full of their own drug-related cocktail. Shortly thereafter, I found myself naked, a hunting knife clenched in my teeth. As I skulked around the island of Kyrat, planting C4 beneath the bellies of elephants, I could feel the hallucinogens working their way into my brain. Finally, in my drug-addled state, I drove a jeep off of a cliff, ejected myself from the driver’s seat, and coasted to the nearest beach on the wings of my squirrel suit. Upon touching down, I drank a shot out of a used condom and called it a day. That’s just one story from my adventures while playing Far Cry 4.
2.
MIDDLE EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR
As much fun as I had roaming the regions of Kyrat, there was no denying this game’s intense and visceral combat. Oh, and that Nemesis System, sheer brilliance! Shadow of Mordor is one of the few titles on this list that I can see myself enjoying well into 2015, as it offers up far more depth and style than I was initially prepared for.
1.
DIABLO 3: REAPER OF SOULS – THE ULTIMATE EVIL EDITION
Oh man, okay, so I love Diablo. It’s quite literally my favorite game franchise of all time. I love the grind, the shiny loot, the customization, and the mess! The bottom line is, that I got to experience this freakishly addictive game with my two favorite people in all the world: my beautiful girlfriend, Bronwyn, and my best friend, Brendan. These two lovable clowns took my enjoyment of this title to new and hilarious heights, making it without a doubt the best gaming experience I’ve had all year. I’ll be playing this game until I’m as old and gray as Deckard Cain himself!
Before I go, be sure to catch the Talking Games Best Of Awards for more game-related winners and shenanigans!
Game on!
Favorite Games of 2014 Soundtrack
It’s official, I’m completely obsessed with the band Bo Ningen. Here’s a track of theirs called “Kaifuku”
Follow my antics on Twitter using the name @dead_anchoress.
