Best of 2014: Video Games

Another year is in the books, and we here at Hush Comics couldn’t pass at the chance to rank our favorites of this year’s releases in all types of mediums. Some of the winners will surprise you; heck, some of the results surprised  us. The results are completely subjective, and therefore were chosen with infallible logic. We would love to hear your opinions on what we have chosen, or if you thought we missed anything. This should be a fun review before we gear up for 2015.

hush best of 2014
Click on the link to take you to the “Best of 2014” homepage.

This year’s nominations are…

Best Console Game

  • Far Cry 4
  • LEGO Batman 3
  • Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes
  • Shadow of Mordor
  • Watch Dogs

Results here.

Best DLC/Network Game

  • inFamous: First Light
  • PixelJunk Shooters
  • Strider
  • TMNT: Out of the Shadows (PS3)
  • Watch Dogs: Bad Blood

Results here.

Onto: Best of 2014 – Collectibles

Best of 2014: Video Games – Best Network Game/DLC

Another year is in the books, and we here at Hush Comics couldn’t pass at the chance to rank our favorites of this year’s releases in all types of mediums. Some of the winners will surprise you; heck, some of the results surprised  us. The results are completely subjective, and therefore were chosen with infallible logic. We would love to hear your opinions on what we have chosen, or if you thought we missed anything. This should be a fun review before we gear up for 2015.

hush best of 2014
Click on the link to take you to the “Best of 2014” homepage.

Best Network Game/DLC

  • inFamous: First Light
  • PixelJunk Shooters
  • Strider
  • TMNT: Out of the Shadows (PS3)
  • Watch Dogs: Bad Blood

WINNER – inFamous: First Light

The first wave of Playstation 4 games were, by and large, underwhelming. There was a bright spot, though, and that was the PS exclusive inFamous: Second Son. Controlling several different powers was awesome, but my favorite was Neon. I felt like the Flash zooming through the city, beating up bad guys. Imagine my delight when the DLC First Light was made available. This wasn’t just a new level; it was it’s own playable game. First Light explores the origin of Fetch, the fiery young woman that helps Delsin defeat the DUP (bad guys) in Second Son. It won’t drastically change Second Son, but it is definitely worthy of your time, especially if you are looking for a game with badass female character – an option lacking in the gaming world. – Sherif

Second Place – TMNT: Out of the Shadows

TMNT Out of the Shadows Best of 2014 Video Games DLC Runner Up

Some of my fondest memories from the arcade as a kid were playing the stupid (only because I kept losing) TMNT side-scrolling game, so any time that a similar concept comes up, I am right there to throw my money at it like a shuriken. Technically, this game was released in 2013, but the PlayStation version didn’t come out til March of this year. The game definitely contains some technical short-comings, one that can’t be overlooked, but if the Turtle Power within you is strong enough, you can enjoy this game for hours. – Sherif

Third Place – Watch Dogs: Bad Blood

Watchdogs Bad Blood Best of 2014 Video Games DLC Runner Up 2

I put in quite a few hours with Watch Dogs; I loved the way that you could dive into any random stranger’s life and find out their darkest secrets. So when I finally got the platinum trophy, I was a little bothered that there was nothing really left to do. That is, until Bad Blood came out. This doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but instead gives you just enough high to keep you invading lives and blowing stuff up, all from the comfort of your own phone. – Sherif

RUNNER UP – Strider

Strider Best of 2014 Video Games DLC Runner Up 4

If you have played the original on PS1, then you have no excuse not to get this. It is a remake of original with upgraded graphics and enhanced gameplay. Anyone with a PS4 had no excuse not to play this because it was free to PS Plus subscribers. This game is worth it just to check out the redesigned Ouroboros boss fight. If you haven’t played this ever, then I can’t recommend it enough, especially for 15 bucks. – Robert

RUNNER UP – PixelJunk Shooters

PixelJunk Shooter Best of 2014 Video Games DLC Runner Up 3

Creativity like this should be rewarded more often. This is yet another game that was free to Playstation Plus owners, and totally worth your time. This game can even be played with two people and involves saving people on an alien planet and solving puzzles. I highly suggest everyone give this game a shot. – Robert

 

Next Category: Best Collectibles of 2014

Best of 2014: Video Games – Best Console Game

Another year is in the books, and we here at Hush Comics couldn’t pass at the chance to rank our favorites of this year’s releases in all types of mediums. Some of the winners will surprise you; heck, some of the results surprised  us. The results are completely subjective, and therefore were chosen with infallible logic. We would love to hear your opinions on what we have chosen, or if you thought we missed anything. This should be a fun review before we gear up for 2015.

hush best of 2014
Click on the link to take you to the “Best of 2014” homepage.

Best Console Game

  • Far Cry 4
  • LEGO Batman 3
  • Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes
  • Shadow of Mordor
  • Watch Dogs

WINNER – Watch Dogs

There are a few things you need to know about me.  Let’s start with the fact that I rarely play video games (other than Diablo) because I get dizzy from the graphics, I’m no good with the vast amounts of controls, and in general, the content doesn’t interest me. Another fact is my slight obsession with being nosy about other people.  Ok, saying I’m nosy was an understatement; I am an internet stalker.  Chances are, I can stay up until 3 in the morning “researching” someone who has piqued my interest, even if I have never met them.  The types of things that pique my interest can range from sex offenders in my neighborhood to some chick who had a cool hairstyle idea on Pinterest.  Lastly, if it weren’t for the fact that I have never had money, I would be in Gambler’s Anonymous.  I find gambling, and particularly poker, exhilarating.  Plus, I’m good at it.  But, alas, I don’t have money to gamble, so I don’t.  What does any of this have to do with the video game of the year?  Everything.  Watch Dogs gives people like me a certain kind of high.  You get to butt into people’s lives via their phone.  And the added perk?  You can silently judge them.  I love silently judging people.  But the best part of Watchdogs is the side games.  There are different poker games going on around the city of Chicago, ranging from low stakes to super stakes.  And who doesn’t love to gamble fake money for the chance to win big in a super stakes game while you sit in your underwear and have your mom order you a pizza?  Everyone loves that shit.  The games are literally all over the city, so you have to find a way there.  Most gamers drive, I’m sure, but remember how I don’t play games or understand the controls?  Let’s be honest, I run to poker.  It’s laughable sure, but I work hard for my fake money. – Adrian

Second Place – Shadows of Mordor

Shadow of Morder Best of 2014 Video Game Runner Up

Finally, a Lord of the Rings game done right. Mix Assassins Creed with Arkham City and you get Mordor. It is infinitely bloodier than both and if you like the LOTR lore, then this will only expand on that. The great thing about this game is that even though it is firmly rooted in that lore, you don’t need to know any of it to enjoy the game or story. Even a basic knowledge of the ring itself and Smeagol will help to enhance the story. This game also looks great on the newer systems, so you finally have an excuse to break out the PS4 or X-Box One. – Robert

Third Place – LEGO Batman 3

Lego Batman 3 Best of 2014 Video Games Runner Up

I honestly can’t see how you would dislike LEGO Batman 3 as it tries to cater to everyone and most of the time succeeds. It has such a massive cast of characters that is still expanding via DLC. The game has a lot of the same game play as past LEGO games, but adds the aspect of the Lantern Planets where it is one globe you usually fly around and do missions outside of the main plot. This game offers up such gems as Polka Dot Man, Green Loontern (Daffy Duck as Green Lantern) and Conan O’Brien even guides you through the game. As far as replayability, this game has a lot; LEGO games always offer a lot to fans of whatever they are covering as they throw in little jokes only comic fans will get but new fans will enjoy on top of little references like Weeping Angels from Doctor Who. LEGO Batman 3 made me nerd out so much every single time a new level came up or I would unlock a new character. – Jacob

RUNNER UP – Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Metal Gear Solid 5 Best of 2014 Video Games Runner Up

Solid Snake is back with a new numbered sequel, at least the intro to a new numbered. But even if it’s not the true Metal Gear Solid V, which comes out in 2015, it’s still a strong game with the usual unique and creative story and unmatched game play mechanics. MGS5 is surprisingly like another game in the past, like Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. You take over as Big Boss again but in another surprising variation this first part of a numbered sequel is more of a sequel to Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, originally released on the PSP. For the first time in the series, David Hayter isn’t the voice Solid Snake; instead Kojima Productions went after a big name and picked up Keifer Sutherland to voice the iconic character. Sutherland does more than an adequate job brings some different life to Snake. Ground Zeroes isn’t as lengthy as the other games in the series, but it’s used primarily has an introduction to the full fledged MGS5: The Phantom Pain. The stealth gameplay is what we know and love and the graphics are more outstanding than any previous entry. Kojima took an interesting turn by adding in a little more action than previous titles also. Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes is a great mix of stealth and action with fun side missions for a little extra flavor. Maybe shorten the name though. – Scott

RUNNER UP – Far Cry 4

Far Cry 4 Best of 2014 Video Games Runner Up

Think about the best open-world FPS game you’ve ever played. Now, imagine yourself in that game, riding an elephant into battle while shooting enemies in with flaming (or exploding, whatever floats your boat) arrows. Ladies and gentlemen, Far Cry 4. Expanding upon the formula of Far Cry 3, this installment has more dangerous wildlife and more deadly enemies. To boot, the co-op campaign is lots of fun, as are the quick matches and user-created Map Browser ensure hours of fun. Liberate a country? Suuure. Save the people? Whatever. Just give me a freaking flamethrower and point me in the direction of the nearest rhino. – Sherif

 

Next Category: Best Network Game/DLC