The 5 Best Games of 2015 (So Far)
The first half of the year is safely in the rearview mirror, and so are plenty of awesome games. As we head into the slow summer months and brace for the overloaded fall season, we thought it was a good time to take stock. What are the best games we’ve played thus far in 2015? In no particular order, here are our five favorites.
(Image: Microsoft)
‘Ori & the Blind Forest’ (Xbox One, PC)
Don’t let its adorable looks fool you — Ori’s awesome platforming is tense and tricky. But the style is part of what makes this Metroid-style adventure so riveting: Meshing Pixar-esque graphics with tough but rewarding gameplay, it’s both a gripping action game and a gorgeous, playable painting. And at only $20, it’s a steal, too.
Review: Beauty Meets the Beasts in Mesmerizing ‘Ori and the Blind Forest’
(Image: Warner Bros. Interactive)
‘Mortal Kombat X’ (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
Mortal Kombat has evolved from a game all about Fatalities to a game all about killer graphics, slick controls, and, yeah, Fatalities. This one’s jam-packed with clever modes and crazy characters — the sort of fighter that’s easy to learn, tough to master, and pretty much impossible to put down. Just make sure to bring a barf bag.
Review: Brutal ‘Mortal Kombat X’ Dials Up the Gore — and the Grins
(Image: Sony)
‘Bloodborne’ (PS4)
It’s not for everyone. Hidetaka Miyazaki, designer of the brutal Dark Souls games, brought his sadistic tendencies to bear in this spectacular PS4 exclusive, which drops you into a nightmare filled with unimaginable horrors expertly equipped to turn you into mush. And they’ll do that repeatedly. But even though you’ll die a million times trying to survive Bloodborne’s bleak world, you’ll love every minute of it.
Review: Diabolically Difficult ‘Bloodborne’ Is Among the PS4’s Best
‘The Witcher 3′ (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
The best role-playing game so far in 2015 manages to tell an intimate, intriguing story within a massive, open-world adventure. Swing swords, fling spells, haggle with shop owners, explore ruins, play cards — you can even shave your beard and watch it grow back. Awesome.
Review: ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ Casts a Mean Spell
(Image: Warner Bros. Interactive)
‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ (PS4, Xbox One)
The final game in the amazing Arkham trilogy is the biggest, baddest Batman yet. Despite questionable (and excessive) use of the Batmobile, Arkham Knight’s intense story, incredible world, and unparalleled combat make it the perfect sendoff for the Dark Knight. We’re talking about the console version, by the way: The PC version is a hot mess.
Review: Explosive ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ Is the Hero Gamers Need Right Now
