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5 Games That Could’ve Won Game of the Year (But Didn’t)

5 Games That Could’ve Won Game of the Year (But Didn’t)

The annual Game Awards extravaganza always seems to cause a bit of controversy both with its selection process and the panelists delegated to cast their votes. The ceremony itself is a bit silly and essentially one giant pat on the back for developers and publisher alike. Nevertheless, the list of annual nominations provides an excellent platform for gamers to discuss their favorite past time. The short list of GOTY potentials had us thinking about the remaining five titles that could have appeared alongside Fallout 4 , The Witcher 3 , Metal Gear Solid 5 , Mario Maker , and Bloodborne . Let’s toss out the rulebook for this one and take a look at the 5 games that could have won game of the year if nominated.

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

The latest Assassin’s Creed title got mixed reviews from both gamers and critics alike, but the game does offer a wealth of new gameplay options and accurately narrows down the Industrial Revolution era of 1860’s London. I think the varying perspectives comes from the fact that gamers have already seen the core mechanics of what the title has to offer from previous versions. However, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate gets to the heart of what great games are all about. It seems to fall short simply because it doesn’t outdo itself. However, widen the list to include a few more nominations and Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate is rightfully among the top list of games from 2015.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

The lastest addition to the Call of Duty family isn’t just another rehashed version of the previous installment. Rather, developer Treyarch blends the strengths of its flagship multiplayer offering directly into the heart of its campaign mode. The game as a whole is leaps and bounds better than its predecessors, not to mention it’s an easy pick to represent the first-person shooter genre in 2015, and should among the top nominations for Game of the Year award.

Halo 5: Guardians

Halo 5: Guardians

Halo 5: Guardians certainly belongs on the list of potentials that could have nabbed up the award. The visuals were stunning, the core gameplay was much more intuitive, and the decision to pin Master Chief as an initial antagonist was a risky move that I feel paid off for 343 Industries. The game felt like the Halo of yesteryear and contained all the makings of a top game in 2015. Yes, The Witcher 3 was totally boss and deserved the award in every regard, but Master Chief could have certainly been a suitable candidate for GOTY once again as well.

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Nintendo and it’s Wii U console seem to be spiraling down further into obscurity with a lack of coherent decision-making skills. However, Xenoblade Chronicles X is the one true exception and shatters every preconceived notion about Nintendo any gamer has ever had. The game looks fantastic and boasts an equally entertaining storyline to complement its stellar gameplay. Xenoblade Chronicles X could have easily nabbed up Game of the Year honors if it were featured across all platforms and not strapped to the sinking ship of the R.M.S Nintendo.

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest

If we’re throwing out the rulebook, then Ori and the Blind Forest is rightful among the top best games of 2015. Yes, the title was nominated for the Independent category, but I think it deserves a little more praise than that, which is why I have it locked into my number one spot. The emotionally charged platformer puts players in control of Ori with a wealth of puzzles and unique upgrades to obtain along the way. The game smashes every concept of an indie platformer and is equally as polished and well designed as any other AAA game produced in 2015.

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