My top 10 games of 2014

Now that we’re already halfway through January, I decided it was time to take a look back at all the games I played in 2014 and pick out my favorite ones. Keep in mind, these are simply games that I got a chance to play — if a game you love isn’t on the list it’s probably because I didn’t even get a chance to play it.

Let’s get right to it.

My Top 10 Games of 2014

10. Soul Sacrifice: Delta (Vita)

Soul Sacrifice Delta completely expanded upon everything that made the original title so great. It’s exactly what Soul Sacrifice should have been in the first place. Now only if we could get these “Monster” style games to quit launching with revamped versions. I still own the original Soul Sacrifice on a physical card, and I have Delta stored digitally on my Vita memory card. Talk about hoarding.

9. Grand Theft Auto V (PS4/Next-Gen)

The Grand Theft Auto V on this list is the next-gen version that was available for PS4 and Xbox One. The PC edition isn’t supposed to release until later this year, but I expect it to be of the same caliber. I played the entire game on my Xbox 360 when it first game out. I didn’t believe that it could be improved enough to justify another $60 purchase, but godamn was I wrong.

Luckily, Grand Theft Auto V came in a bundle with my PS4 when I bought it. It’s well worth the cost and there are tons of new updates to the gameplay and visual side of things. That’s not even taking into account the online world.

8. Toukiden (Vita)

What can I say? I love monster-hunting games. They scratch an itch like no other. I’m still playing Toukiden to this day, trying to level up my Mitama and upgrading all the weapons and armor I’ve invested so much time gathering the materials for and crafting.

7. Dark Souls II (PC)

Some Souls fans didn’t enjoy the second iteration in the series. I was not one of them. I think Dark Souls II was a move forward, and includes so many improvements that I find it hard to step backwards and play the original title now.

I’m still fighting my way through Dark Souls II. It’s definitely an acquired taste, and I like to take frequent breaks so as not to become frustrated and burnt out. I haven’t played any of the DLC yet. I recently claimed victory over the Old Iron King.

6. Shadow of Mordor (PC)

Shadow of Mordor was my sleeper hit. Okay, so that’s an outright lie. I did spend a lot of time watching gameplay videos and exploring various demo sessions of the game before it launched. I had a hunch it was going to be a good one, and I turned out to be right.

I loved Shadow of Mordor and I think it took the LOTR series in a completely new direction, something that has needed done for quite some time now. The entire game is delightfully dark, and yet tons of fun.

Unfortunately, the developers chose to give out the game for free to many reviewers and Let’s Players provided they offered a good mention of the game. When I posted my review — of the copy I paid for out of pocket — I had no idea this was going on. Oh well, it doesn’t change the fact that I immensely enjoyed the game.

5. Freedom Wars (Vita)

Ever since Freedom Wars was first announced I had been extremely excited to get my hands on it. I wasn’t disappointed either. There are some quirky mechanics and flaws, but what game doesn’t have them? I actually don’t mind waiting real-world time for weapons and items to craft, it gives me a chance to take quick breaks from playing.

That said, it was one of my favorite games of the year. I absolutely adore that it’s exclusive to Vita, because I carry it with me everywhere.

4. Minecraft (PS4/Vita)

There’s not much to say about Minecraft that you probably already know. I was waiting for the Vita version to launch since I bought the device, and I wasn’t disappointed once I got my hands on the game. It doesn’t hurt that I was able to purchase the PS4 version as an upgrade for just $5. Now I own the game on PS Vita, PS4, PC, Xbox 360 and Android. Holy shit I have an obsession.

3. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (PS4)

I never really played Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag when it launched on last gen consoles. It was available on sale over the holiday break so I finally picked up the improved version for my PS4. Holy shit is this game absolutely gorgeous. I fucking love the tropical and island locales. Oh, and the gameplay is pretty spot on too.

2. The Last of Us: Remastered (PS4)

I never played The Last of Us for the PS3, as I never owned the console – so I was always a bit worried that I’d miss out. Luckily, The Last of Us: Remastered came bundled with my PS4. Everything about this game oozes polish. Sure, there are a few problems here and there, but again what game is perfect?

The story in The Last of Us is why you come to play, and the mechanics are why you stay. It doesn’t hurt that the multiplayer is tons of fun either.

1. Dragon Age: Inquisition (PS4)

Dragon Age: Inquisition is fucking massive. That word alone, is a serious understatement. Just your first playthrough will take you like 80-100 hours to complete, and that’s all while missing a lot of content. Thanks to the Dragon Age Keep, you can upload various game changes from the previous titles and change the world in DAI. Then, you can go back and replay as a completely different character in an entirely different world. Okay, so most of the playable areas remain the same, but some of the interactions and events in the world change. Isn’t that what an RPG is all about anyway?

Dragon Age: Inquisition is my favorite game from last year, and I have a feeling it will still be one of my favorites long into the next.

My Top 10 Games of 2014 Honorable Mentions

Of course, this is not a complete list of everything I played in 2014. Hell, if I listed every single game I played in a year we’d be here for the next three years.

All that aside, I can’t let you go without listing a few honorable mentions. Keep in mind, the games in this list are not in any particular order. They were contenders for the list above, but were knocked out by another title. That doesn’t mean they are any less deserving. It just means they didn’t make it on my personal top 10 list. If you have the chance to play any of the games listed below, you should take the opportunity.

Without further ado, here are some honorable mentions that almost made my list of favorites.

• Rogue Legacy (PS4/Vita)
• Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (PC)
• Far Cry 4 (PC)
• Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment (Vita)
• The Wolf Among Us (PC)
• Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited (Vita)

If you’d like to chime in with your favorites, feel free to join the discussion by leaving a comment. I’d love to hear which games were your top picks for last year.