by RJ (@suppadoopa)
2015 is over and that means I get to brew up a videogames list. Everyone loves reading lists right? 2015 despite all its releases was a soft year for me. Nonetheless I played some lovely and disappointing videogames last year.
LOVELY – Life is Strange (DONTNOD/SQUARE ENIX)
I loved Life is Strange. If I were to choose a GOTY 2015, it would probably be this game. I personally bought this game across 4 platforms. I loved it that much. People often cite its “tumblr the videogame” but that is what makes it special. I adored the stupid dialog the game had. I loved every small detail the game presented you. The various familiar objects in the dorms such as the figures, Max’s “Final Fantasy: Spirits Within” comment, and the overall cozy vibe of the Oregon coast.
Read my review on Life is Strange Episode 1 here.
DISAPPOINTING – Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (Kojima Productions/Konami)
It’s probably not fair for me to place a game on this list I haven’t finished. Don’t get me wrong, this game is pretty good, one of the best experiences I’ve had in recent memory. However it’s a terrible Metal Gear game. The story was nonsensical - and not in a good way. It just lacked that zany Metal Gear feel previous titles had. Also, don’t get me started on the repetitive mission structure. I simply got fed up with extracting over and over again. I stopped playing the game around mission 35. It’s a shame that Kojima’s last foray into Metal Gear soured me. I do plan on finishing the game at some point, maybe after when I realize that I am ashamed of my words and deeds.
LOVELY – Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (Konami)
If Konami had anything to be proud of apart from their Pachinko machines it would be this game. This is truly the “Return of the King.” PES 2016 finally found that sweet spot of being in the direct middle of the pitch in between a full blown simulation and feeling like an arcade sports game. Who cares if it doesn’t have all teams licensed. What matters here is that it plays well.
Read my short review on PES2015 here.
MIXED – Persona 4: Dancing All Night (ATLUS)
I’m very torn on this game. It’s a very fun and stylish rhythm game, I’ve sunk over 20 hours into the game, yet I just yearn for a larger music library. The Persona 4 sub-series as a whole has some pretty kicking music, but it gets very tiring to hear the same tunes over and over again. There are already songs from Persona Q and Persona 4 Arena, and I’m pretty sure they can add some Persona 3 songs as well. Oh well, maybe later on as future DLC.
Read Omar’s review on Persona 4: Dancing All Night here.
LOVELY – SUPERBEAT: XONiC (PM Studios/Nurijoy)
It’s a great music game. Nothing more I can say.
DISAPOINTING - Tales of Zestiria (Namco Bandai)
I bought this game twice. The first time for the Japanese release, second time for the western PlayStation 4 release. I probably should of have learned my lesson the first time, but nope. I should be used to Namco’s low budget approach to their Tales of franchise. Tales ran its course for me and Zestiria was that trigger. Zestiria was uninspiring. A majority of the time I felt that I was just playing a prototype to their next game in the series…..which I will probably buy on day one and complain about.
LOVELY – NHL 16 (EA Sports/EA Canada)
Being from Chicago one expects me to probably be a Blackhawks fan, but nope. Wasn’t on the bandwagon when they first started winning, 2 cups later and I’m still not convinced. My roommate however is a huge New York Rangers fan and tried getting me into the sport through this game. You know what? It worked. This game is really fun and easy for anyone to pick up and enjoy. I’m now slowly getting into the sport.
If you’re probably wondering why the majority I chose to talk about were Japanese in origin it’s because those are the type of games that I play. That might invalidate my opinion to a lot but it would be no different than someone who listed out PC only games that they loved or disappointed them. That is what is so great about this medium we share, people like different genres and that brings out diversity and conversation