2014--The Year the CRPG Came Back

I don't know if many people would consider this a great year for gaming, but it was a great year for fans of CRPG's.  Two great Kickstarter funded CRPG's in the forms of Divinity:  Original Sin and Wasteland 2 were released this year.  I have thoroughly enjoyed both (I'm still trying to finish up DOS).  On other gaming fronts, I'm not so sure it was a stellar year.  Dragon Age:  Inquisition has proven to be a popular favorite, winning the award for "Game of the Year" at the recent video gaming awards.  Alien:  Isolation was dubbed game of the year by PC Gamer magazine (and has been on sale for 50% off on the Steam sale) but I'm too afraid to play it.  Here are my personal top three picks for my favorites of 2014.

1.) Dragon Age:  Inquisition

I was really looking forward to this addition to BioWare's Dragon Age series.  I have felt really conflicted about this game because initially I wasn't extremely crazy about it.  No one can deny that Inquisition feels much more epic than the previous games.  The scope and scale of it is massive and it definitely made up for the weak second game in the series.  In the end I can't say I didn't enjoy it--I did enjoy it, I just felt like certain aspects of the game were a little off.  Compared to the other games I enjoyed playing this year, it definitely wins out as my favorite for 2014.

2.) Wasteland 2

As a kid, I watched my Dad play the original Wasteland and was thrilled to get the chance to revisit it as an adult.  I was a little hesitant about it being a Kickstarter game, but I was completely wrong about that.  Wasteland 2 takes the flavor of the classic game and spices it up with an awesome system.  The combat is challenging, the story will keep you busy and appeals to your nostalgic side, and there is a certain 80's technology sense of humor sprinkled throughout.  If you like CRPG's this is a must-have for your collection.

3.) Divinity:  Original Sin

Another CRPG and Kickstarter game.  I bought it, played about 60 hours into it, got a little bored and have only recently picked it back up.  Since revisiting it I have rediscovered what an enjoyable game it is.  I'm sure some people will find the combat and crafting systems somewhat difficult, but that is something I am enjoying.  I like that I can inadvertently set my own squad members on fire--just means I should be more careful and aware of my surroundings.  This is definitely not a game made for hand-holding.  Like Wasteland 2, there is much humor added in to keep it light and goofy.  DOS might not be a game for everybody, but I think it's good fun.

I can't wait to see what new games 2015 brings.  I am already excited for The Witcher 3:  Wild Hunt and hope to hear of more great upcoming releases (like maybe GTA V--pretty please?).