Here are the games that provided my favorite experiences last year:
#1 — Nidhogg
Stripped down, high-energy fencing. 2014 was a really good year for local multiplayer, and Nidhogg was the standout for me. Sweaty, heart-pounding duels, like rock-paper-scissors at infinite speed. Provided some all-time favorite gaming memories. PS4, Mac, PC
#2 — 80 Days
A triumph of interactive storytelling. Manages to provide a rich, crafted narrative while also creating a real sense of unbounded possibility and player agency. I’ve played it eight, nine times and there’s still a lot I haven’t experienced. iOS, Android
#3 – Desert Golfing
Somehow both an obtuse, artsy experiment and a very straightforward, rewarding casual game. It’s best not to explain too much. I wrote more about Desert Golfing on my blog. iOS, Android
#4 — Sportsfriends
My other favorite title in the local multiplayer boom, which is actually a collection of four different games. Super Pole Riders (pictured above) is goofy fun, designed by one of my favorites, Bennett Foddy of QWOP fame. BariBariBall is a great blend of Super Smash Bros and basketball. Hokra plays like tight 2-on-2 soccer, requiring solid teamwork. PS3, PS4, Mac, PC, Linux
#5 — Wolfenstein: The New Order
I’m really not someone who plays first person shooters anymore, especially when they’re an extremely linear, single-player narrative. But Wolfenstein came highly recommended from many indie game designers that I trust, so I gave it a shot and I’m really glad I did. Incredibly taut combat, smart weapon design, really excellent cover system (that all games should copy IMO). Just the best darn shootin’ I’ve experienced in years, with awesome levels and a weirdly fun story. PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Source
#1 — Nidhogg
Stripped down, high-energy fencing. 2014 was a really good year for local multiplayer, and Nidhogg was the standout for me. Sweaty, heart-pounding duels, like rock-paper-scissors at infinite speed. Provided some all-time favorite gaming memories. PS4, Mac, PC
#2 — 80 Days
A triumph of interactive storytelling. Manages to provide a rich, crafted narrative while also creating a real sense of unbounded possibility and player agency. I’ve played it eight, nine times and there’s still a lot I haven’t experienced. iOS, Android
#3 – Desert Golfing
Somehow both an obtuse, artsy experiment and a very straightforward, rewarding casual game. It’s best not to explain too much. I wrote more about Desert Golfing on my blog. iOS, Android
#4 — Sportsfriends
My other favorite title in the local multiplayer boom, which is actually a collection of four different games. Super Pole Riders (pictured above) is goofy fun, designed by one of my favorites, Bennett Foddy of QWOP fame. BariBariBall is a great blend of Super Smash Bros and basketball. Hokra plays like tight 2-on-2 soccer, requiring solid teamwork. PS3, PS4, Mac, PC, Linux
#5 — Wolfenstein: The New Order
I’m really not someone who plays first person shooters anymore, especially when they’re an extremely linear, single-player narrative. But Wolfenstein came highly recommended from many indie game designers that I trust, so I gave it a shot and I’m really glad I did. Incredibly taut combat, smart weapon design, really excellent cover system (that all games should copy IMO). Just the best darn shootin’ I’ve experienced in years, with awesome levels and a weirdly fun story. PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Source
