Top 10 of 2015: Video games worth a year of play

From the biggest names in gaming to the smallest indie developers, 2015 was an amazing year for gaming. This list counts down the top ten video games of this year.

  1. Until Dawn (PS4) Rated M for Mature
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Developer Supermassive’s survival-horror title tells the story of a group of friends reuniting after the death of two of their friends on the mountaintop the previous year. However, after reuniting, the group discovers that the events of the past have caught up with them, and that the mountaintop holds a much darker secret. Until Dawn specializes in using the theory of the Butterfly effect, in which that one decision can change everything. So gear up, choose wisely, and see if you can survive… Until Dawn.

  1. Bloodborne (PS4) Rated M for MatureBloodborne-box-art-02-ps4-us-11jun14

Sony’s new game from the director of the critically-acclaimed Dark Souls series brings the combat style of Darks Souls to Yharnam, a city infected with a blood borne disease, turning the city’s citizens into bestial and nightmarish monsters. The player plays as The Hunter, who aims to find the source of this plague and destroy it, along with the creatures inhabiting the city. Combat and exploration are the game’s main elements, so be sure to stroll around and take in the sights of the beautifully designed city of Yharnam while you dispatch the creatures inhabiting it along the way.

  1. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (PS4, Xbox One, PC) Rated M for MatureACSyndicate

Ubisoft’s new iteration of its ever popular Assassin’s Creed series, which holds its setting in Victorian London, does more than hold true to the gameplay of previous titles, adding new elements to create the feeling of life in 19th century London. With a new setting, new gear, and their gang, the Rooks, at their disposal, the Assassin twins, Jacob and Evie Frye, work to take down Templar Grand Master Crawford Starrick by taking back control of London, one district at a time.

 

  1. Cities: Skylines (PC) Rated E for EveryoneCities_Skylines_cover_art

Developer Colossal Order’s newest city building game certainly takes the idea of a city building simulator to a whole new level. Laying out the city’s design, controlling population and budget management, and zoning the town are only the basics of what this simulator has to offer. With an active modding community, beautiful graphics and great gameplay to boot, Cities: Skylines grants a perfect way to buy your perfect town.

  1. Not A Hero (PC, Linux, PS4/Vita) Rated M for MatureNot-a-Hero

Looking for a 2D side scrolling shooter that has guns, milkshakes, and an anthropomorphic bunny running for mayor? Look no further, because developer Roll7’s Not A Hero is the game for you. Charged with the role of campaign manager, the assassins turned politicians of this title work to clean up the city of criminals in time for the election. The game also uses ISO-slant technology, allowing for a unique 2¼D cover system. With an array of characters, a rather “direct” campaign, and some rather clever commentary, Not A Hero makes election day a breeze.

  1. Dirty Bomb (PC) Unrated (Recommended T for Teen)
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    Mercs (From left to right: Proxy, Arty, Aura, Fragger, Vassili, Sawbonez, Skyhammer)

    Developer Splash Damage’s online multiplayer shooter puts the player in the shoes of one of many mercenaries fighting for control of London in a post-radiological attack setting. The game was released in a closed beta in 2013 , and was re-released in June of this year in an open beta. Each merc comes with their own special skills and abilities, from airstrikes and grenades to medpacks and flashbangs. In this game, working together as a team is the only way to win. With plenty of characters, a growing community, and plenty of good old dirty humor, Dirty Bomb will keep you coming back for more.

 

  1. Pokemon: Super Mystery Dungeon (3DS) Rated E for EveryonePokemon_Super_Mystery_Dungeon

I’ve always been a fan of Nintendo’s Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, and I was ecstatic when this game was announced. Nintendo’s games may be more centered around a younger demographic, but that has not stopped me from enjoying my favorite game series from when I was younger. Super Mystery Dungeon brings the old elements of the original Gameboy and Nintendo DS games, updates the graphics and brings in a brand new story to let the player explore dungeons to their heart’s desire.

  1. Fallout 4 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) Rated M for MatureFallout_4_box_cover

Developer Bethesda’s continuation of the Fallout series does not disappoint. After Bethesda’s release of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, fans were eager for a new installment to the game, and were not disappointed with the game. With almost limitless customization options, a Commonwealth nearly twice the size of the game’s predecessor, and plenty of friendly (and not so friendly) faces, Fallout 4 is the free-roam gamer’s paradise.

 

  1. Rocket League (PS4, PC) Rated E10+ for Ages 10 and UpRocket_League_coverart

Rocket League can only be described as a game that came “out of left field.” Rocket League is, in a sentence, soccer with RC cars. As a sequel to developer Psyonix’s game from 2008 with a similar game style and a title that is way too long, Rocket League is easy to learn, not so hard to master, but keeps the player engaged in a way that almost no other game can. With customizable cars, plenty of arenas, and free and paid content being released just about every month, Rocket League is a game that has made it’s mark and will hopefully continue to grow.

  1. Undertale (PC) Unrated (Recommended T for Teen)Undertale_cover

Undertale. This game is… something. Independent developer Toby Fox, along with artist Temmie Chang, released Undertale on September 15, and took the entire gaming community by storm. On the surface, Undertale is a simple role-playing game that follows a rather simple storyline. However, the game becomes rather mind boggling as it progresses. As well, it takes more than one playthrough, in multiple playstyles, to gain the full spectrum of the story. Undertale has many amazingly created characters, a battle system reminiscent of old school RPGs, plenty of humor to contrast the rather dark story, and a rather astounding soundtrack accompanies the game, created entirely by Fox.