So many video games have come out this year, it’s hard to choose the best ones to throw on a recommendation list. But, I’m going to try. Here, you’ll find recs for games we’ve covered over the past year – some are for adults only, while others are suitable for kids and families.
Resident Evil: Biohazard – Whether you’re playing this in VR or just straight up via your joystick, this is hands down the scariest game that I have ever experienced, and I’ve played a lot of horror games. Check out our review here, and trust me, if you’ve got a horror gamer in your life that hasn’t touched this one yet, put Resident Evil: Biohazard under the tree.
Outlast 2 – Cults and gore might make for strange bedfellows at the holiday season, but horror gamers will be nicely served with Outlast 2, a first person game where you’re sans weapons and more about trying to keep yourself alive. Our review for the Trinity edition of Outlast gives you all the details. DEFINITELY NOT FOR THE KIDDIES!
Middle-Earth: Shadow of War – Tolkien lovers were well-served this year with the release of Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, the gorgeous sequel to Shadows of Mordor. The game continues the story of Talion, the thoughtful ranger who has merged with the wraith of Elf Lord Celebrimbor, and takes place between the events of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Our full review is here.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – While not the massive groundbreaker that Uncharted 4 was, The Lost Legacy is still a visually impressive return to the world that Naughty Dog created. The star this time out is Chloe Frazer, who is working with Nadine Ross to find the Tusk of Ganesha before a crime warlord named Asav gets to it. Read our review here.
Horizon: Zero Dawn – Previews for this game a few years back were what made me want to go out and get a PlayStation 4 in the first place. Happily, when Horizon: Zero Dawn was released, it absolutely lived up to all expectations. Check out our review for the game, along with a look at the recently release DLC Horizon: Frozen Winds.
Thimbleweed Park – For fans of old school games like Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island, Thimbleweed Park will be very familiar. This detective story also combines a distinct X-Files/Twin Peaks vibe with its combination of both spookiness and humour. It’s a point and click game, which is certainly significantly different from the other choices on our list. For fans of the 8-bit gaming and some of the pop culture’s most venerable iconography, Thimbleweed Park is a heck of a lot of fun. Find it as a download for PlayStation 4, Xbox Live, iOS and other platforms.
LEGO Dimensions – While the future of the toy to life LEGO Dimension franchise is rumoured to be up in the air, that hasn’t stopped the company from releasing some stellar characters and add-ons this year. The LEGO Batman Movie pack let you play through the film, and included Batgirl and Robin figures. Stand-alone characters ranging from Beetlejuice and E.T. to Gizmo and Stripe from Gremlins were also released over the past year, along with a Goonies Level Pack. Essentially, if you’re end ’80s kid, LEGO Dimensions served you extremely well. This past fall also saw a Teen Titans GO! team pack with Raven and Beast Boy, and a Powerpuff Girls team pack, both of which are on the Princess’ Christmas list this year.
More LEGO games – LEGO Dimensions isn’t the only LEGO gaming options out there this year. There were some solid standalone games as well that both the Princess and I thoroughly enjoyed.
LEGO Undercover and LEGO Worlds were released within weeks of each other, with the former a Grand Theft Auto-style adventure but for kids, while LEGO Worlds is something akin to a No Man’s Sky, with multiple worlds to explore.
There was also the tie-in to The LEGO Ninjago Movie, which is probably the most visually stunning LEGO game I’ve seen so far.
Finally, just a few weeks ago LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 hit store shelves, offering a brand new adventure with the Marvel Universe facing off against Kang the Conquerer. Even if they’re a little too familiar at times with regard to gameplay, all of these games are supremely fun.
