Mid-Year Review: Video Games of 2015
The dust from E3 has settled, and we've got some time until Gamescom in September. This provides us a wonderful chance to take a look at the fantastic year in gaming so far, and look ahead at what the rest of the year has to offer. With that, let's talk a bit about E3.
Best E3 Showing
Chris: I think Bethesda had the best presentation. Fallout 4 has been long anticipated and the reveal was fantastic. They showed off everything fans expected and then tons more with the customization, base building, dog companion, and pre-war gameplay. Also, Dishonored is my favorite stealth game so Dishonored 2 was an amazing surprise. The gameplay looked solid and the idea of having two different playable campaigns suggests a decent amount of gameplay. Oh, and then Doom. Looks fun.
Matt: Fallout really did impress, especially the fact that it is coming out in just a few months and looks so deep. No one saw settlement building being such a big — albeit optional — part of Fallout 4, either. The game looks just massive, and even though I’ve never been the biggest follower of the franchise, I have to admit I’m getting pretty excited to give it a try. Unfortunately for me, Dishonored is one of those games I just never got around to during the last generation. Maybe they will remaster it at some point.
Best Indie Game
Matt: Firewatch was to me one of the scene stealing moments of Sony’s E3 presser. A wonderful visual style coupled with what seems to be a thriller-like plot. The relationship between the two characters seems gleefully deep, and if it delivers on that promise this could be a sleeper hit.
Chris: Firewatch looked wonderful and I definitely eagerly await more info about it. It’s been awhile since I have played a game that looks as story driven as Firewatch. As a fan of Space Sims and exploration I am still very intrigued by No Man’s Sky. The scope and depth of the game look incredible and I love the graphical style. Now we only need them to show more than 30 seconds of gameplay that we’ve already seen. They’ve already covered warping through space and then landing on a planet. Show me trading, crafting, combat, and everything else you say the game has!
Matt: I think the one big thing that is keeping me from fully investing in No Man’s Sky is what Jeff Cannata of the DLC Podcast pointed out, which is apparent lack of context for everything. I need at least a vague reason or at least some sort of narrative thread to propel me from planet to planet. Aimlessly exploring just for exploration's sake is just not something I’m interested in.
Biggest Surprise
Chris: I was definitely most surprised by the Last Guardian. Sure, it’s not a new announcement or anything, but the fact that it isn’t dead yet is remarkable. The game has been in development since 2007 and most games that have been in development for 8 years never actually get released. Now we just have to hope that is doesn’t pull a Duke Nukem Forever and turn out to be utter garbage.
Matt: I knew of the Last Guardian before heading into E3, but I didn't necessarily care about it. After that presentation, though, I can see why people have not let it go. There were small moments of magic all throughout that trailer, and I'm happy to see its still got some life in it. That said, nothing comes close to Final Fantasy VII Remake finally being announced. That game was so instrumental in my developing love of RPGs, and I truly never thought they would acquiesce and actually deliver this game. So giddy about that.
Nixie: How Batman-esque is Faith’s “no-killing” policy in Mirrors Edge: Catalyst? Nobody could have foreseen that. Even so, what was most surprising for me was the gameplay. It plays like a puzzler on speed, stripping away the HUD and gameplay distractions in exchange for a visceral first-person experience. It’s the rare sequel that seems like it wants to improve on the original's design without irrevocably altering it or churning out a carbon copy. It’s promising to see, especially when the original was such a fundamentally enjoyable game in the first place, and it’s what this emergent series seems to be about: emphasizing fun thrills with no frills.
I can run up a few walls to get on board with that.
Biggest Letdown
Matt: This year I finally waved the white flag on Beyond Good & Evil 2. I knew it wouldn't be there, and sadly I was right. Hmph. Also no Suikoden entry is a bit depressing, but there are more than enough JRPGs this year to fill the void.
Chris: As a huge Souls, Dishonored, and Fallout fan, I count this E3 as one of the best in a long time, but I was disappointed by the new Star Wars: The Old Republic expansion. The reveal trailer was awesome and then people were talking about “The Old Republic” and for a moment I thought they were talking about a new Knights of the Old Republic game and I was ecstatic. Turns out it’s just an expansion for the MMO. Lame.
Nixie: It’s starting to seem like Nintendo is already hedging its bets on the next generation when this one was only just ramping up. At a time when Nintendo needs to come out and preview big pieces of software, their E3 showing was relatively slim. Of the games shown, it was StarFox Zero and the latest iteration of Mario Tennis that got most of the attention, and deservedly so: they’re Nintendo staples that have sat for too long on the benches. Strike out, Nintendo.
Matt: I have a soft spot for Mario Tennis, and to me it is the most fun translation of that sport to a video game. I too, though, was saddened by Nintendo’s offering. If you own a 3DS, then you have nothing to worry about. If you own a Wii U, well, enjoy it while it lasts.
Best Game
Matt: The game that left me with the biggest impression was Horizon: Zero Dawn. I want to play this game now! The world's blend of tech and tribe life is unique, and the combat seems to have a bit of strategy to it. Plus, having another kick-ass female lead is always a win. As for my game of 2015 thus far, it would have to be Dragon Age: Inquisition. All the wonderful dialogue I’ve come to expect from Bioware was represented a thousandfold, and the developers fine-tuned all the little things that weighed down Dragon Age II. Of course, who knows if it will keep the crown by end of the year, but for now that is my pick.
Chris: I'd have to agree that Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of the best games of the year so far. I'm a sucker for Bioware RPGs and DA:I gave me exactly what I wanted. My final decision for best game of 2015 so far has to be Bloodborne. I love the Souls games and playing Bloodborne for the first time is one of the greatest experiences gaming can offer. It doesn't have as much replayability as the other Souls games, but it is still amazing.
Final Thoughts
Matt: I couldn't be happier with how many female-led games we are getting. Rise of the Tomb Raider, Mirrors Edge Catalyst, and Horizon: Zero Dawn are just a few examples, and while this needs to increase even more, we are finally headed in the right direction.
Chris: The rest of the year looks like it will be killer for gaming. Sword Coast Legends, Halo 5, Metal Gear Solid: 5 and more are waiting to take the gaming world by storm, and I can't wait.