Now I know that 2015 had a lot of big releases, and we wouldn’t blame you for missing out on some of the lesser know, albeit incredibly good good titles. Anyways, worry not, because I’ve got you covered. Here are some amazing games released in 2015, that you should absolutely check out.
Helldivers
Platform: PS4, PS3, Vita
This twin-stick shooter from Arrowhead Studios doubles down on cooperative gameplay to great effect. The Gaming Central office was abuzz with enthusiasm for Helldivers upon its early March release, but it faded into the backdrop over the course of the year.
Even after the unlocks dry up, the challenge and camaraderie that Helldivers offers makes it hard not to attempt “just one more mission” with your friends, a proposition made all the more enticing by the inclusion of four-player couch co-op.
Her Story
Platform: PC, Mac, iOS
Another game developed primarily by one person, Her Story is Silent Hill: Shattered Dreams designer Sam Barlow’s foray into mystery storytelling. The short and engrossing experience trades animations for short video clips and faux database research to crack the case.
The subtlety of Her Story is what I appreciated the most, and drawing your own conclusions gives you plenty to think about at the end. You get some clear answers about what happened and why, but much is open to interpretation, casting doubt in my mind about my own deductions. That’s how a mystery should leave you; even when people are convicted of crimes or proven innocent, we can’t always be sure it’s the right outcome.
The Beginner’s Guide
Platform: PC
Davey Wreden’s follow-up to The Stanley Parable deftly explores some complex emotions, but its stealth release didn’t allow it to garner the hype of its predecessor. Whether you enjoyed his breakout hit or not, The Beginner’s Guide is worth a look.
The Beginner’s Guide addresses a lot of heavy issues in its 90-minute journey: Depression, loneliness, self-doubt, and the need for validation are but a few of the topics touched upon. Despite the inherent veil of fiction, Wreden’s narration is well-written and feels honest. At the end, you’re still left with the initial question: What can you know about a person by looking solely at their work? I’m not sure there is an answer, but trying to find it is a thought-provoking experience.
Invisible, Inc.
Platform: PC
Invisible, Inc. is a turn-based stealth game set in a futuristic world that encourages you to tackle the campaign in any way that you see fit. You’re tasked with getting this coveted vault open, but in order to do so, you need to prep for the mission by completing other missions.
Multiple locations are open at any point to attack, with each one having their own reward for doing so. You might attack a bank in order to purchase new weapons, or you might infiltrate a lab to spruce up your characters. The stealth game play mixes very well with the turn-based system in that it allows you to plan out your attack for each guard-filled room.
Ronin
Platform: PC
This is NOT an interactive version of the 1998 classic movie starring Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno. Alas. What does this RONIN bring to the table? Ninjas – equally good, if not better. Here, our mysterious heroine, thoroughly trained in the deadly arts of you-are-not-walking-out-of-here-alive, navigates through business interiors, pursuing her quest of vengeance.
A single photograph makes up the whole narrative and leads us to the people responsible for killing the heroine’s father, but before we reach them (give them our name and tell them to prepare to die), we have to mow down hordes of armed enemies, and the only significant advantage we have is the ability… to stop time.
The movement elements are that of a typical 2D platformer while the combat is 100% turn-based. This allows our ronin ninja assassin to carefully plan were and whom to strike. Slash this guy, throw a shuriken at that guy, maybe break the glass on which that other guy is standing – bet he can’t fly.
The abundance of available options and the game’s amusing mechanics successfully convey the heroine’s prowess at dispatching living obstacles. The game was designed and developed by Tomasz Waclawek and published by Hotline Miami’s developer – Devolver Digital.
Sunless Sea
Platform: PC
What’s the common point between warring guinea pigs, a red-eyed captain sailing foggy seas on a grim looking ship, and some bluebloods from hell that are very fond of hot coffee? Two words: Sunless Sea.
This somewhat surreal mix of roguelike and a tactical action RPG, brought to you by the indie developer Failbetter Games, managed to ensnare the hearts of gamers with the unique gothic atmosphere of its steampunk Victorian setting and dozens of hair-raising stories that just keep getting better.
The game presents itself in a manner of a very well written text adventure that doesn’t skimp on details and originality – something that is bound to please fans of a good and elaborate read. To reach a new story-arc, first we need to sail to its location with our steamboat whose captain can be tailored to our vision at the beginning of the adventure.
As we explore the endless sea, we need to tend to two things: our crew and salvage, including information, which can be turned into profit in our home port. Not everyone is bound to love this game, but, if given the chance,Sunless Sea may get you hooked for good.
Well, that’s it for this list. Be sure to check out our list of other games you missed and more upcoming games from 2016. And for more news and reviews, keep checking back at Gaming Central.
