It was a good year for games, though I found myself not playing too many new ones. It was a year of surprises.
1. Stardew Valley
I adore Harvest Moon. I must have 100 hours each on the SNES, N64 and GBA versions.
Stardew Valley was a game that somehow slipped my radar until it was released. I was a bit hesitant at first, but once I jumped in... Well 300 hours later I'm still playing.
Stardew Valley takes the Harvest Moon formula and does EVERYTHING better. The town is more interesting, the farming feels better, they have even added combat that works surprisingly well.
When I play Stardew, I feel at home. I loved learning about every little aspect of the game, and 300 hours later, I still have many more things I need to do.
Also the first game that my girlfriend really loved. In fact I think she has more hours in it then I do. Playing Stardew Valley alongside my partner, glass of wine and none of the stress of life. That is a distinction no other game will have. Stardew Valley is special.
2. Doom
Did anyone expect this game to be any good? Absolutely stunning Single Player that evokes the feeling of the original that seemed so impossible to replicate. Everything (bar multiplayer) is on point here and I suspect this is a game I will be returning to yearly, much like the original.
3. The Witness
I find my attention span for games has lessened over the years. Often I would rather play a Rocket League over a Skyrim. That said, the world of The Witness captivated my attention unlike anything else in a long time. A puzzle game at surface level, there is so much to talk about here that I wouldn't dare spoil.
4. Sid Meiers Civilization VI
I love Civ. I need to play this one more. I love Civ.
5. EA UFC 2
I have over 200 matches online. I don't know why, people are assholes online and this game turns me into an asshole. I have taken great pleasure in winning with dirty tactics and at the same time have never really had a game make me so angry.
I guess it has to go onto the list because I keep coming back to it. I feel like a Dota player.
6. Overcooked
Absolutely amazing game to play with family and friends who don't necessarily play games. Having a kitchen plan, only to have it collapse in anarchy within 30 seconds is hilarious. A great party game, and we need more great party games.
7. Devil Daggers
For the weekend it took over my computer, unable to play anything else. Determined to get over 120 seconds, failing again and again, always restarting.
8. Hitman
The best Hitman of all time, to the surprise of everyone. It captures the feeling of the best Hitman levels and steps up on it. Creating an often hilarious assassination gone wrong. I can't say how many times I went in with the intention to play a perfect game, only to end up throwing a fire extinguisher at someones head, or blow up a stage, just to see what happens.
So many games I need to play, I've barely touched Overwatch and haven't even looked at Titanfall 2 yet.
