Each new year we are treated with an absolute glut of new games to play. Many of us do what we can to keep up with new releases and make note of the ones that look especially interesting to play. Things slip through the cracks though. Even in a relatively light, transitional year like 2014 there are bound to be games we didn’t give the attention they deserve. Here are five such games in no particular order that you may have overlooked for any gaming platform and are definitely worth your time:
The Banner Saga (PC, Mac)
What a great game! Developer Stoic did a fantastic job making a turn-based, grid-style combat game (think X-Com) and layering on an absolutely beautiful visual style. The aesthetic reminds me of an old school Disney movie. A deep story, compelling characters, and the overwhelming weight of this bleak world had me hooked from start to finish. I’d recommend The Banner Saga for the visuals and music alone, but luckily there’s much more going on in this game, all very well done.
Nidhogg (PS4, PC, Mac)
Trying to explain Nidhogg is an exercise in futility. Trying to explain why it’s so fun is even more hopeless. Take my word for it, Nidhogg is hysterical fun! I’d explain Nidhogg as a frantic, competitive fencing battle crossed with a tug-of-war runner. Jump, flip, parry, riposte, sprint, and throw your sword at your friend as you battle to reach their side of the map first. Local co-op games are making a comeback in a big way and none capture the simplicity of why these games are so fun quite like Nidhogg.
Shovel Knight (3DS, Wii U, PC, Mac, Linux)
Many, many games have attempted to replicate the NES feel and aesthetic in recent years, however very few of them have pulled it off as well as Shovel Knight while still providing a fun game with tight controls. In a market over-saturatred with pixel-art side scrolling platformers it’s almost impossible for a game to separate itself from the pack, but Shovel Knight stands above the rest and Yacht Club games is to be commended for their effort.
You can check out our review of Shovel Knight HERE.
The Bravely Default (3DS)
Turn-based combat games are fantastic on the go, and Bravely Default fits that description perfectly. This excellent JRPG wonderfully strikes the balance between classic JRPG mechanics and modern conveniences. The depth and complexity of the combat is there, as is the extreme length and “grindiness” that many JRPG fans enjoy. Some major leaps have been made in Bravely Default to make the grinding seem faster and less laborious without taking away from what makes it rewarding.
You can check out our review of Bravely Default HERE.
Transistor (PC, PS4)
Yes, I know that fellow Executive Editor Trevor Houston put this same game in his article “5 Downloadable Titles that Might Have Slipped Under Your Radar”, but really, how can I NOT include this in my list of games in this article? It is really a great game and here is my take on why.
Following up their massive indie hit Bastion, SuperGiant Games makes a strong showing with Transistor. Somewhat overlooked because of its release timing alongside Wolfenstein and Watch Dogs, Transistor features stunning art and music along with infinitely customizable and complex combat that’s easy to pick up, but difficult to master. While it (deservedly so) hasn’t received as much praise as Bastion, it’s a beautiful, elegant game that fuses real time and turn oriented action. Logan Cunningham, whose prodigal performance as the narrator in Bastion, is back, which in my opinion is reason enough in itself to give Transistor a look.
You can check out our review of Transister HERE.
So there you have it. If you can think of any other game that should be mentioned feel free to add it to the comments below, and don’t forget to give some rationale as to why too. We are always looking for games that we may have missed playing ourselves.