2021 Community Game of the Year

Thank you, as always Eleima!

I love reading everyone's list for a year-end recap and 'further reading' suggestions.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/2UjoAxN.jpg)

1. Dysmantle

https://store.steampowered.com/app/8...

Spoiler:

The best way I could describe Dysmantle is it feels like a Complete Package (tm.). Like the devs have the craft & care to look at every element of design and infuse it with a level of polish & TLC that's incredibly admirable.

It comes across in every element you look at, whether it's the bright, colorful visuals, satisfying UI navigation & design, smart progression loop, "just right" power-curve, the butter-smooth game engine that they built from scratch (lightning-fast startup & load times on my HDD impressed). And much, much more.

One tiny example that explains it all. So one of the accessibility options is a toggle to change the Shift to sprint from hold-down to just tap once to keep running. There's no stamina meter so when you start you can sprint for as long as you want. Cool. But what I noticed was that when you stop by letting your finger off the WASD directional keys you still have a .5 second window to press back down on the directional keys to keep sprinting without having to hit the Shift key again. This is perfect if you get accidentally stopped by a terrain object or you're just picking up a loot item off the ground.

It's such a small thing but the devs were thinking of character momentum & game flow when they coded that in. It's something I've never seen before and it really speaks to the level of fine-detail that they're operating from.

I'm over 130 hours in and have only uncovered about 50% of the map (though complete deforestation is part of my gameplay style, lol). Content updates are on a regular & consistent 2 week cycle, give or take.

It's a lighthearted take on zombie survival games with an inviting tone yet deceptively deep game systems. Balances arcade action & depth pretty darn well so it feels fresh but isn't "lite".

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/2zl8Dp5.jpg)

2. PowerWash Simulator

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

The Zen element of PWS has been covered elsewhere and yes it's the major selling point as you can literally feel the tension in your body melting away every time you boot it up.

But I'd like to highlight the expert learning curve found in the increasingly complex work orders.

You start in a small garage with what will soon be your very own work truck. A easy task with 5 flat surfaces, front, sides, back, roof. Simple enough.

Then things get a little more spicy. Outside jobs featuring common fence posts, rails & pickets that need to be approached from a 360° angle in order to nab all that dirt from every side. Sometime using ladders and scaffolding to treat multilevel targets.

Fast forward to late game and you suddenly find yourself face to face with a rescue helicopter. It's not the size of the job, but rather to unique complexity of all the moving parts. The fine geometric details found within the rotor mast, transmission and hydraulic control unit.

Each new job trains the player to get in there and soak down targets of increasing complexity at a natural pace so it's not just a simple rinse & repeat affair (lol). Terrific pacing on offer here that makes you look forward to what's coming next.

Bright & eye-popping presentation deserve special props too. Along with simply fantastic game-engine performance. The world just feels just fine to inhabit. Super inviting.

PWS is therapy in game form.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/wydFDS2.jpg)

3. Northern Journey

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

I randomly saw one of my favorite Twitch streamers playing this and had to stop the stream like 20 minutes in so I could immediately purchase the game for myself.

This thing has atmosphere locked down. Sports a creepy, surreal vibe. Not like horror, but more like old folklore/fairytale-bizarre characters and story beats. It's unsettling but at the same time curiously engaging where you want to inhabit the world to see where everything goes next. An interesting balance.

Gameplay feels great where it's equal measures walking sim with combat and enemy/boss encounters (kinda like Elder Scrolls I guess?). Movement speed is surprisingly hyper-fast and feels great, kinda like OG Quake locomotion. Also has those Dark Souls path unlocks where areas loop back into themselves creating shortcuts for easy back & forth traversal.

Lots of biome diversity where each new map introduces fresh new themes with a common Nordic wilderness through line. With little handholding, the dev trusts the player to figure things out on their own. You're given a journal with generalized goals, but there's zero quest markers leading you by the nose from Point A to Point B. A refreshing break from the icon-laden maps of modern game design.

The entire production is made by one guy out of Norway. Music, art, coding. Everything. And it's only $12. Feels like an absolute steal at the asking price.

Just keep in mind that as it's a one-man production it's a bit crusty around the edges. Everything fits together and works just fine, only don't go in expecting TLOU2 production values. I personally find this approach to game design endearing as hell. What I love about solo dev projects is that it's the undistilled vision of a single mind without compromise. A window into the creativity of a single person that isn't muddied by dozens of other voices in the room. It feels so pure and refreshing.

I'm just amazed of the sheer scope of this project with all the above taken into consideration.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/5eaUEtX.jpg)

4. Galactic Mining Corp

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

Addictive progression loop with a mind-bending number of upgrades across multiple categories. There's always multiple goals to chase at any given moment, giving progress a strategic & personal feel.

Great risk/reward gameplay that makes drilling tactical in nature. Do you try to get to the core with depleting HP or do you stick to higher levels to scoop up resources & loot?

Absolutely fantastic art direction along with a catchy soundtrack that gives the game a super-fun tone & vibe. Best arcade-like game I've played in years.

Dev is friendly & responsive in the Steam forums.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/jnBYpQI.jpg)

5. Cruelty Squad

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

An absolute fever-dream delivered via Rainbow Six / Hitman trappings. Gloriously subversive. The sensory-overload presentation is certainly gonna be a love-it / hate-it affair as I don't think there's any middle ground to be found within, but I think it's dreamy.

What's funny is the more time I put into it, the more I realized that gonzo presentation aside, it's actually a baller tactical shooter. AI is pretty brain-dead, but the speed at which you can be taken down demands thoughtful movement & positioning. Each engagement can trigger game-over in a matter of seconds, and with no mid-level saves, the further you progress the more tense it becomes. Crazy weapon & body-augment variety make for a legit fun gameplay loop (use your own intestines as grapple-hook? sure, why not).

It's a super-wacky shooter with a daring presentation. Come for the spectacle. Stay for the diverse infiltration options & satisfying gunplay.

Love the zero-f's verve on display.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/HeXLL7Y.jpg)

6. Dyson Sphere Program

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

Factorio is for sure the King of the Castle regarding production-line automation titles. But oddly, I've found Dyson Sphere Program to be the most inviting & user-friendly.

Dyson deftly walks the line between Factorio and Satisfactory that feels Goldilocks "just right" between dry complexity of Factorio and sexy presentation of Statisfactory. DSP is a best of both worlds scenario for me.

I've got mad respect for both Factorio & Satisfactory, but neither managed to hook me as quickly & confidently as Dyson has thus far. You'd be hard pressed to guess Dyson is in Early Access, given how polished and feature-rich it feels straight out of the gate.

Love the idea of planet hopping within a single campaign, ferrying resources between planets to supply other mineral-starved locals. It makes the scope feel grand in nature. Presentation is on point too. Everything looks super-colorful & detailed. The day/night cycle rocks when your spaghetti layouts are all lit up at night. It's refreshing when complex ideas and gameplay systems are coupled with bright, inviting front ends.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/uZ4OjDy.jpg)

7. Shadow Empire

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

Staggering strategic depth from a solo dev. Shadow is an enticing hybrid of 4X, hex wargame, and a dash of rpg personnel/faction management. Pretty unique setting too for the genre as well.

What struck me most was just how interconnected every decision can be. Every move you make has a cascading affect into other game systems and subsystems. Amazing sense of possibilities.

It can certainly be obtuse at times and is astonishingly deep. "Why yes I'd like to adjust the planet's axis tilt, gravity and barometric pressure during game setup. I am going to be designing aircraft after all. And they need to get off the ground." It makes the complexity of Paradox grand-strat titles feel like checkers in comparison. Thankfully it comes with a 350 pg. manual, lol.

So while I spend most of my time feeling like that, dog-scientist "I Have No Idea What I'm Doing" meme, I simply love that these types of games exist. Likely never master it, but boy is it fun trying.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/9OBdQP5.png)

8. City of Gangsters

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

CoG is a fun bootlegging tycoon logistics game set in the US prohibition era.

Slowly expand your territory one street corner at a time by exerting neighborhood influence via fronts, favors & "protection". Develop relationships that are critical for raw ingredients trade and illicit sales. Open speakeasies and gambling dens. Bribe the police to look the other way. Keep an eye out for rival gangs and street hoods. Grow your own gang and pawn off delivery routes to focus on bigger picture demands.

It's a novel take on logistics management and empire growth. With an inviting tilt-shift presentation. UI and navigation is smart & responsive. Data tracking is comprehensive. Nice touch that authentic era-specific maps (Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cincinnati) are in play and they are huge & sprawling. More on the way via DLC (I can't wait for NYC & Boston).

CoG definitely elicits that "one more turn" addiction and has a breezy game loop that feels almost board game-like in nature.

Great 'Sunday morning with a cup of joe' title.

It's been a harrowing year but the gaming landscape has been surprisingly robust for quality releases and a welcome salve to all the drama out there. Hope everyone stays safe & sane!

I've got a couple more slots in play but I'm gonna bank 'em for now in case any December releases blow me away.

Spoiler: List for Eleima

1. Dysmantle
2. PowerWash Simulator
3. Northern Journey
4. Galactic Mining Corp
5. Cruelty Squad
6. Dyson Sphere Program
7. Shadow Empire
8. City of Gangsters

One of the things I like about this thread is reading lists from people with radically different tastes to me.

Imma run a million miles from every game in Aaron D's list above, for instance, but it's super nice to read why he loves the crap out of those games.

Nearly missed this thread :O The #1 TOTY.

I have played way less games this year than usual. Luckily there is still 4 weeks left...

Thank you for your lists, LarryC and Aaron D!!! Votes have been tallied!!

And yes, you're absolutely right, Jonman, I think Aaron D has a most unique list. Every year, Aaron D, you surprise me with these games that are just out of this world, I love to see it! Actually, this year, I thought Dyson Sphere Program was almost too mainstream for you.

Keep 'em coming, folks!!

Yes, I like Aaron D’s lists because I usually have only even heard of 1 or 2 of the games.

1. Yakuza like a Dragon
I like that they made yakuza into an RPG. this was far more fun than it had any right to be.

2. Mass Effect 3 (LE version)
I finally got around to playing the final game. It was fun to go back to the Mass Effect universe and see the ending that everyone made cupcakes about.

3. Persona 5 Royal
Let's be honest, I will never finish this game if it is not on PC. I still managed to do a lot of this game. It earned 3rd place.

4. Red Dead 2
I am still early in the game but it is a nice game that I can just mess around in.

5. Dyson Sphere
This may become my favorite game depending on how much they add in. My intergalactic empire will grow.

6. Tony Hawk 2 (HD remaster)
I missed out on this game when it came out and it was nice to go back to this generation of gaming.

7.Deathloop
Dishonored with guns but replace the rats with rich people. What's not to love?

8. Outriders
Gameplay was great and the story was fun. I hope they can make a second one and focus more on their story and world.

9. Hitman 2
It is hitman but with a 2 next to the name. I mean any game where I can go in for a job interview in an assassination game makes my list.

10. Prey
I mostly played this to look at the game DNA for Arkane studios. I knew I wouldn't have time to finish it, but I got far enough in to see what everyone loved about it. Very cool mechanics and game and I was sold almost immediately.

This is going to be the hardest tally I've ever had to do. I'm realizing that I have games I assumed were must haves for the top ten, only to realize they may not be good enough to fit. This could be the longest runners-up I've had. 2021 was just that good for me in terms of gaming.

And there's still the Halo Infinite campaign and The Gunk hitting Game Pass in the next two weeks.

So, uh, I've got a lot of last-minute gaming to do while preparing my list. There's... a lot to cover.

At least spots one and two are a lock.

ccesarano wrote:

So, uh, I've got a lot of last-minute gaming to do while preparing my list. There's... a lot to cover.

Yeah just like last year, the November PS5 game I got is going to be high on the list. Miles Morales then, GotG now. How high is the question? Going to try to finish it this week then decide.

And another Assassin's Creed game 2 years in a row. But not Valhalla yet haha. Working through the back catalog.

And a strong September Switch title (Hades vs Metroid Dread) again this year too. Pretty fun thinking about things.

Seeing Deathloop on Stealthpizza's list reminded me that Loop Hero was also this year and it's amazing! I really need to go back and loop more.

Aaron D. wrote:

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/wydFDS2.jpg)

3. Northern Journey

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

I randomly saw one of my favorite Twitch streamers playing this and had to stop the stream like 20 minutes in so I could immediately purchase the game for myself.

This thing has atmosphere locked down. Sports a creepy, surreal vibe. Not like horror, but more like old folklore/fairytale-bizarre characters and story beats. It's unsettling but at the same time curiously engaging where you want to inhabit the world to see where everything goes next. An interesting balance.

Gameplay feels great where it's equal measures walking sim with combat and enemy/boss encounters (kinda like Elder Scrolls I guess?). Movement speed is surprisingly hyper-fast and feels great, kinda like OG Quake locomotion. Also has those Dark Souls path unlocks where areas loop back into themselves creating shortcuts for easy back & forth traversal.

Lots of biome diversity where each new map introduces fresh new themes with a common Nordic wilderness through line. With little handholding, the dev trusts the player to figure things out on their own. You're given a journal with generalized goals, but there's zero quest markers leading you by the nose from Point A to Point B. A refreshing break from the icon-laden maps of modern game design.

The entire production is made by one guy out of Norway. Music, art, coding. Everything. And it's only $12. Feels like an absolute steal at the asking price.

Just keep in mind that as it's a one-man production it's a bit crusty around the edges. Everything fits together and works just fine, only don't go in expecting TLOU2 production values. I personally find this approach to game design endearing as hell. What I love about solo dev projects is that it's the undistilled vision of a single mind without compromise. A window into the creativity of a single person that isn't muddied by dozens of other voices in the room. It feels so pure and refreshing.

I'm just amazed of the sheer scope of this project with all the above taken into consideration.

I'm not going to turn my list in until the last minute as usual, but I'll just co-sign everything here. Northern Journey is great, and I'd very surprised if it didn't wind up on my own top ten.

Aaron D. wrote:

Thank you, as always Eleima!

I love reading everyone's list for a year-end recap and 'further reading' suggestions.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/2UjoAxN.jpg)

1. Dysmantle

https://store.steampowered.com/app/8...

Spoiler:

The best way I could describe Dysmantle is it feels like a Complete Package (tm.). Like the devs have the craft & care to look at every element of design and infuse it with a level of polish & TLC that's incredibly admirable.

It comes across in every element you look at, whether it's the bright, colorful visuals, satisfying UI navigation & design, smart progression loop, "just right" power-curve, the butter-smooth game engine that they built from scratch (lightning-fast startup & load times on my HDD impressed). And much, much more.

One tiny example that explains it all. So one of the accessibility options is a toggle to change the Shift to sprint from hold-down to just tap once to keep running. There's no stamina meter so when you start you can sprint for as long as you want. Cool. But what I noticed was that when you stop by letting your finger off the WASD directional keys you still have a .5 second window to press back down on the directional keys to keep sprinting without having to hit the Shift key again. This is perfect if you get accidentally stopped by a terrain object or you're just picking up a loot item off the ground.

It's such a small thing but the devs were thinking of character momentum & game flow when they coded that in. It's something I've never seen before and it really speaks to the level of fine-detail that they're operating from.

I'm over 130 hours in and have only uncovered about 50% of the map (though complete deforestation is part of my gameplay style, lol). Content updates are on a regular & consistent 2 week cycle, give or take.

It's a lighthearted take on zombie survival games with an inviting tone yet deceptively deep game systems. Balances arcade action & depth pretty darn well so it feels fresh but isn't "lite".

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/2zl8Dp5.jpg)

2. PowerWash Simulator

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

The Zen element of PWS has been covered elsewhere and yes it's the major selling point as you can literally feel the tension in your body melting away every time you boot it up.

But I'd like to highlight the expert learning curve found in the increasingly complex work orders.

You start in a small garage with what will soon be your very own work truck. A easy task with 5 flat surfaces, front, sides, back, roof. Simple enough.

Then things get a little more spicy. Outside jobs featuring common fence posts, rails & pickets that need to be approached from a 360° angle in order to nab all that dirt from every side. Sometime using ladders and scaffolding to treat multilevel targets.

Fast forward to late game and you suddenly find yourself face to face with a rescue helicopter. It's not the size of the job, but rather to unique complexity of all the moving parts. The fine geometric details found within the rotor mast, transmission and hydraulic control unit.

Each new job trains the player to get in there and soak down targets of increasing complexity at a natural pace so it's not just a simple rinse & repeat affair (lol). Terrific pacing on offer here that makes you look forward to what's coming next.

Bright & eye-popping presentation deserve special props too. Along with simply fantastic game-engine performance. The world just feels just fine to inhabit. Super inviting.

PWS is therapy in game form.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/wydFDS2.jpg)

3. Northern Journey

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

I randomly saw one of my favorite Twitch streamers playing this and had to stop the stream like 20 minutes in so I could immediately purchase the game for myself.

This thing has atmosphere locked down. Sports a creepy, surreal vibe. Not like horror, but more like old folklore/fairytale-bizarre characters and story beats. It's unsettling but at the same time curiously engaging where you want to inhabit the world to see where everything goes next. An interesting balance.

Gameplay feels great where it's equal measures walking sim with combat and enemy/boss encounters (kinda like Elder Scrolls I guess?). Movement speed is surprisingly hyper-fast and feels great, kinda like OG Quake locomotion. Also has those Dark Souls path unlocks where areas loop back into themselves creating shortcuts for easy back & forth traversal.

Lots of biome diversity where each new map introduces fresh new themes with a common Nordic wilderness through line. With little handholding, the dev trusts the player to figure things out on their own. You're given a journal with generalized goals, but there's zero quest markers leading you by the nose from Point A to Point B. A refreshing break from the icon-laden maps of modern game design.

The entire production is made by one guy out of Norway. Music, art, coding. Everything. And it's only $12. Feels like an absolute steal at the asking price.

Just keep in mind that as it's a one-man production it's a bit crusty around the edges. Everything fits together and works just fine, only don't go in expecting TLOU2 production values. I personally find this approach to game design endearing as hell. What I love about solo dev projects is that it's the undistilled vision of a single mind without compromise. A window into the creativity of a single person that isn't muddied by dozens of other voices in the room. It feels so pure and refreshing.

I'm just amazed of the sheer scope of this project with all the above taken into consideration.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/5eaUEtX.jpg)

4. Galactic Mining Corp

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

Addictive progression loop with a mind-bending number of upgrades across multiple categories. There's always multiple goals to chase at any given moment, giving progress a strategic & personal feel.

Great risk/reward gameplay that makes drilling tactical in nature. Do you try to get to the core with depleting HP or do you stick to higher levels to scoop up resources & loot?

Absolutely fantastic art direction along with a catchy soundtrack that gives the game a super-fun tone & vibe. Best arcade-like game I've played in years.

Dev is friendly & responsive in the Steam forums.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/jnBYpQI.jpg)

5. Cruelty Squad

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

An absolute fever-dream delivered via Rainbow Six / Hitman trappings. Gloriously subversive. The sensory-overload presentation is certainly gonna be a love-it / hate-it affair as I don't think there's any middle ground to be found within, but I think it's dreamy.

What's funny is the more time I put into it, the more I realized that gonzo presentation aside, it's actually a baller tactical shooter. AI is pretty brain-dead, but the speed at which you can be taken down demands thoughtful movement & positioning. Each engagement can trigger game-over in a matter of seconds, and with no mid-level saves, the further you progress the more tense it becomes. Crazy weapon & body-augment variety make for a legit fun gameplay loop (use your own intestines as grapple-hook? sure, why not).

It's a super-wacky shooter with a daring presentation. Come for the spectacle. Stay for the diverse infiltration options & satisfying gunplay.

Love the zero-f's verve on display.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/HeXLL7Y.jpg)

6. Dyson Sphere Program

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

Factorio is for sure the King of the Castle regarding production-line automation titles. But oddly, I've found Dyson Sphere Program to be the most inviting & user-friendly.

Dyson deftly walks the line between Factorio and Satisfactory that feels Goldilocks "just right" between dry complexity of Factorio and sexy presentation of Statisfactory. DSP is a best of both worlds scenario for me.

I've got mad respect for both Factorio & Satisfactory, but neither managed to hook me as quickly & confidently as Dyson has thus far. You'd be hard pressed to guess Dyson is in Early Access, given how polished and feature-rich it feels straight out of the gate.

Love the idea of planet hopping within a single campaign, ferrying resources between planets to supply other mineral-starved locals. It makes the scope feel grand in nature. Presentation is on point too. Everything looks super-colorful & detailed. The day/night cycle rocks when your spaghetti layouts are all lit up at night. It's refreshing when complex ideas and gameplay systems are coupled with bright, inviting front ends.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/uZ4OjDy.jpg)

7. Shadow Empire

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

Staggering strategic depth from a solo dev. Shadow is an enticing hybrid of 4X, hex wargame, and a dash of rpg personnel/faction management. Pretty unique setting too for the genre as well.

What struck me most was just how interconnected every decision can be. Every move you make has a cascading affect into other game systems and subsystems. Amazing sense of possibilities.

It can certainly be obtuse at times and is astonishingly deep. "Why yes I'd like to adjust the planet's axis tilt, gravity and barometric pressure during game setup. I am going to be designing aircraft after all. And they need to get off the ground." It makes the complexity of Paradox grand-strat titles feel like checkers in comparison. Thankfully it comes with a 350 pg. manual, lol.

So while I spend most of my time feeling like that, dog-scientist "I Have No Idea What I'm Doing" meme, I simply love that these types of games exist. Likely never master it, but boy is it fun trying.

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/9OBdQP5.png)

8. City of Gangsters

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1...

Spoiler:

CoG is a fun bootlegging tycoon logistics game set in the US prohibition era.

Slowly expand your territory one street corner at a time by exerting neighborhood influence via fronts, favors & "protection". Develop relationships that are critical for raw ingredients trade and illicit sales. Open speakeasies and gambling dens. Bribe the police to look the other way. Keep an eye out for rival gangs and street hoods. Grow your own gang and pawn off delivery routes to focus on bigger picture demands.

It's a novel take on logistics management and empire growth. With an inviting tilt-shift presentation. UI and navigation is smart & responsive. Data tracking is comprehensive. Nice touch that authentic era-specific maps (Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cincinnati) are in play and they are huge & sprawling. More on the way via DLC (I can't wait for NYC & Boston).

CoG definitely elicits that "one more turn" addiction and has a breezy game loop that feels almost board game-like in nature.

Great 'Sunday morning with a cup of joe' title.

It's been a harrowing year but the gaming landscape has been surprisingly robust for quality releases and a welcome salve to all the drama out there. Hope everyone stays safe & sane!

I've got a couple more slots in play but I'm gonna bank 'em for now in case any December releases blow me away.

Spoiler: List for Eleima

1. Dysmantle
2. PowerWash Simulator
3. Northern Journey
4. Galactic Mining Corp
5. Cruelty Squad
6. Dyson Sphere Program
7. Shadow Empire
8. City of Gangsters

Buying Dysmantle tonight. Reminds me of Fallout 1. Or Crusader No Remorse. Art style and view.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

It complies with the rules since I hadn't played all the DLC. So there.

A couple of standouts this year for me:

1) Inscryption
2) Loop Hero
3) Trials of Fire
4) Forza Horizon 5

Granath wrote:

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

It complies with the rules since I hadn't played all the DLC. So there.

If I can only put Mass Effect 1 on my list, I am calling BS.

UpToIsomorphism wrote:
Granath wrote:

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

It complies with the rules since I hadn't played all the DLC. So there.

If I can only put Mass Effect 1 on my list, I am calling BS.

I really should start ME3 next year.

Granath wrote:

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

It complies with the rules since I hadn't played all the DLC. So there.

IMAGE(https://i.imgflip.com/1sl8vz.gif)

Thank you Stealthpizza and Sonicator for your lists! I was wondering how long I'd have to wait until I saw Forza, Loop Hero, Inscryption, Deathloop and Yakuza show up on lists! I don't play everything, but I DO pay attention.

Additionally, I believe I've already covered questions that were raised earlier this morning:

Eleima wrote:

Let me rephrase then and be perfectly clear: the ME:LE itself will not be admissible under current and past GOTY ruling (as it is a remaster, no more, no less).
I hope that helps.

ccesarano wrote:
Granath wrote:

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

It complies with the rules since I hadn't played all the DLC. So there.

IMAGE(https://i.imgflip.com/1sl8vz.gif)

At least one, usually more.

Always two, there are.

Hmmm. Looks like I need to stop infinitely editing my write ups and starting thinking about posting them… Sometime… soonish.

I should stop trying out new candidates and get back to my write-ups...

Checking in to the thread.

Good to see some lists going up.

I can't really finish my write-up yet as I tend to squeeze in a late burst of gaming in the festive season.

For now the game that has surprised me on tactical depth is Warhammer 40K Battlesector (XB Games Pass). So easy for Warhammer games to get lost in the sea of licensed mediocrity but this one is a gem. I've even lost interest momentarily with Solasta (D&D turn based grid tactics).

Higgledy wrote:

Hmmm. Looks like I need to stop infinitely editing my write ups and starting thinking about posting them… Sometime… soonish.

You’ve got time, it’s only the 7th!! that being said… time does fly…. I should start work on mine.

I usually just do a quick and dirty Top 5 so here it is:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: I usually complain that videogame characters talk too much, but I loved the chatter from this group of misfits. Great VA and writing, great graphics and art, a nice old fashioned linear action adventure.

2. Hades: Finally got to play this on PS5 this year, and once again Supergiant knocks it out of the park. Evocative art, top tier VA and music, and gameplay that made me love a genre I usually avoid, with so many options each run and a sense of both story and gameplay progression that keeps you coming back for more.

3.Tales of Arise: I usually steer clear of JRPGs but took a chance on this one and I'm glad I did. A massive, gorgeous world to explore, with fast fun combat, this game is just hitting a sweet spot for me - still in progress.

4. Kena: Bridge of Spirits: Like my top pick, this is an almost retro experience, an old fashioned action adventure with absolutely gorgeous visuals and deceptively challenging combat that I found very satisfying. In the current age of feature bloat, massive worlds, gear treadmills, live-service games, sometimes less is more and this is a perfect example.

5.Deathloop: A fun, funky mind trip with great VA from the two main characters. The unique gameplay and vibe stood out this year as something different, so it deserves a place on my list, even though it's a flawed experience, a game that spends itself too early, you'll see everything the game has to offer by about the halfway point, then you're just going through the motions to reach a fairly weak conclusion.

AcidCat, Glad to hear positive thoughts on Kena. It looked fun and I'll have to take another look!

Does Guardians of the Galaxy pick up? I've only seen people play the early parts of the game. It's showed up on a good number of lists so far and 3rd person action games are one of my go-tos.

Stealthpizza, I recommend watching / reading a summary of Persona 5 if you don't intend to ever return. The back part of that game I think really does a nice job of pulling things together. If you come back, the characters also like to summarize the plot every so often, so you shouldn't have too difficult a time remembering what's going on.

Oh no, it's too soon. I have so much more to play. G'ah!

Only six this year for me.

1. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous: Number one with a proverbial bullet. Despite the fact that this massive hard-core CRPG has only been out for three months, I've already played through it twice and am working on a third. The last thing that grabbed me this much was XCOM 2.

2. Inscryption: This one is completely thanks to the conference call. What an experience. Pretty solid just as a game, too. Really glad I gave this one a shot.

3. Monster Train: Gave this one a try after a number of trustworthy recommendations and really enjoyed it. If you've squeezed all the enjoyment out of Slay the Spire but would like another deckbuilding roguelike, this is a good one to transition to.

4. Solasta: Crown of the Magister: Its story, graphics, writing, and voice acting are all just adequate, but the tactical level is a stroke of genius, and I ripped through it very quickly. Amazing game.

5. The Last Spell: Recommended to me by my wife after she saw it on a lets play, I really got a lot of enjoyment out of this heavy metal fantasy xcom-plus-city-builder roguelite. Really fun, and I look forward to seeing what gets added as Early Access progresses.

6. Root: I have no idea when this digital version of the board game by the same name even came out, but I played it for the first time this year, and I've had an enormous amount of fun playing it with my online TTRPG group a couple of times. And for giving me that joy in these times, it makes the list.

TFW you write your list out and find out something on your Day 1 buy list is coming out before the 31st.

I was going to read the list, but there is a weeping angel as the hero image, and now I can't blink.

Ok...having a super distracted day and not getting any actual work done, so soon as I get home again it might be list time...