With both new consoles now available on shelves, 2014 was the year of the new generation. This meant superior gaming experiences, with more expansive, rich worlds and visuals that made us wonder if we really were reaching a plateau. Some games fell off this wagon fairly early on, but there were still more than a few that truly showcased what the new generation of consoles was all about, but there wasn’t another one quite like our winner.
And the winner is… Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor!
Sure, Shadow of Mordor didn’t commit itself to only new consoles, but the real heart of the game did. The Nemesis system, which created an organic Uruk hierarchy, was the game’s undeniable ace up the sleeve. It didn’t matter that you weren’t doing the next important story missions. What mattered was that you now had another Orc general under your command, letting him wait in the wings until the moment to strike was right. It was emergent gameplay at its finest, and something that only the new consoles could muster.
Aside from that, Shadow of Mordor is also extremely beautiful. Mordor in all its ash covered glory is fantastically recreated, and the Uruks themselves have a staggering amount of detail to them. This really was one of the biggest surprises of the year, and still stands as the best game you could hope to own for your brand new hardware.
Honourable mentions:
Sunset Overdrive, Forza Horizon 2, Infamous: Second Son
Last Updated: December 19, 2014
ToshZA
December 19, 2014 at 11:35
#2 on my wishlist at the moment. I’m really keen to get this game.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 11:38
It is definitely a gorgeous game. But not a nr 1 for me. Just missed it with that bland story.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 19, 2014 at 11:41
No one likes stories in games you hippie.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 11:42
Haha.
They also advertised it as an “open world game with a big map”.
Was a bit disappointed when it took me a minute to run from the one side to the other.
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 11:38
No mention of Dragon Eggs In the Kitchen?
RinceThis
December 19, 2014 at 11:42
I wondered that too…
oVg elfroot slayer
December 19, 2014 at 11:46
I already told Geoff 2 months ago that this is the Next Gen game of the year thanks to bringing Innovation back to our consoles.
Mark Treloar
December 19, 2014 at 11:52
What innovation?
RinceThis
December 19, 2014 at 11:54
The Nemesis System? Loads of fun!
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 12:00
Agreed, Especially when you start branding them
oVg elfroot slayer
December 19, 2014 at 12:03
40hours of fun. For the Lord of The Rings fans it was the first time we got remotely close to the Orks perspective. Even if most of them had a FAT BASTARD SWORD shoved into their face.
oVg elfroot slayer
December 19, 2014 at 12:05
The random generator called the Nemesis System made things personal and breath of fresh air.
RinceThis
December 19, 2014 at 11:42
Mmm, OvG is going to be in two minds about this. But then again he is usually in multiple minds so this is a step up…
oVg elfroot slayer
December 19, 2014 at 11:42
Lack of Innovation is what made 2014 a poooooper.
This game deserves it even if the Narrative is weaker than an in-game codex system for Destiny.
You see how positive word of mouth spreads faster than a $150million advertising budget? Dark Souls showed how to make a game a success with no marketing budget considering it was only advertised 1 week before release.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 11:44
I agree with you 100% there.
“Lack of innovation” – Exactly why games like Last of Us had to be remastered.
BUT there were some amazing games, they just weren’t made a big deal about.
RinceThis
December 19, 2014 at 11:44
Yeah! Where the fuck is the Kim Kardashian game in their list?!
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 11:45
That thing probably had a bigger advertising budget than most.
oVg elfroot slayer
December 19, 2014 at 11:46
Balancing on her buttocks.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 11:48
http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=399561&stc=1&d=1296659934
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 19, 2014 at 11:48
That sounds about as difficult as balancing on a bean bag.
oVg elfroot slayer
December 19, 2014 at 11:48
Last of Us had to get remastered for the converts from the 360.
It was the best system seller this year. Thanks to that game I slapped my next gen savings onto SONYs counter.
RinceThis
December 19, 2014 at 11:55
True dat!
MEH
December 19, 2014 at 12:01
needed moar epic battles 🙁