Alt Games Of The Year - The Penultimate
The last couple of years have been hard. Harder than they should’ve been. I’m not going to say, “but at least we had great games amirite??” Even if that is the case, that doesn’t excuse the poor behaviour, take away the pain that has been caused, or nullify the horrors we collectively keep experiencing. But there is at least some small comfort in knowing that the world continues on, art continues to be made, people with great passion continue pushing boundaries and giving us just a little ray of hope in an otherwise cloudy world.
Best “Hey, it came to Switch!” Game
It’s been such a common refrain over the last few years, but no re-release on a new platform gets buzz like finally making it to Switch does. And hey, people play games that weren’t strictly released in the current calendar year. Who knew?
Nominees:
Heavens Vault
Anodyne 2: Return to Dust
The Longing
Disco Elysium
Subnautica
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
Umurangi Generation
Winner: The Longing
This one is a tough one. Every single one of these games deserves recognition. They are all fantastic experiences. The Longing is one of those singular ones that breaks out of the mould of what games can do, and happens just as much in your head outside the game as it does while playing it. It’s like an anti-clicker game, a real time adventure game, and a philosophical pondering simulator all wrapped into one. Incredible game.
Most Promising Early Access Game
Early access changed the way games are presented to the public forever. There are an enormous amount of people out there happy to play a broken, unfinished game, watching it evolve over time as it comes into it’s own, shaping a beloved experience together.
Nominees:
Dream Cycle
Book of Travels
Stolen Realm
The Last Spell
Valheim
Baby Goat Billy
Unexplored 2
Winner: Unexplored 2
The first Unexplored is a mechanical work of roguelike wonder, if a little rough at times just through the sheer boundaries it pushed. The sequel has not only moved well beyond that already, but is gorgeous to boot. It’s 1.0 release is going to rival Hades for roguelike stardom when it hits, mark my words.
Best DLC
“What, another single game category? I want my money back!” Well you didn’t pay anything, so sure. But this game is a once in a generation experience, one that could have screwed it all up by adding more to an already perfectly contained experience, yet, it pulled it off. So I’m going to highlight it. You’re welcome.
Nominees:
Winner: Outer Wilds - Echoes of the Eye
I’m not even going to talk about the game. Like, at all. If you haven’t played it, just go check it out. Space explorers and the curious minded, go and have the journey of a lifetime. You only get it every 22 minutes once.
Best AAA Game
Look, it’s important to have that token category for the other side of the industry, you know? Throw ‘em a bone once in a while.
Nominees:
Deathloop
Hitman 3
Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...
Scarlet Nexus
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Forza Horizon 5
Life is Strange - True Colors
Winner: Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...
Yep, that’s right. The best AAA game of the year is a remake of an 11 year old game. Because that original was already excellent, if rough to play. Ver. 1.22474487139… makes some tweaks and additions, all of which only heighten the experience. Game good.
Best Indie Darling
Every year, there are a handful of games that capture the critical consciousness, having the space whirring with excitement, imagining a better (gaming) world.
Nominees:
Sable
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Death’s Door
Eastward
Loop Hero
Unpacking
Winner: Death’s Door
Death’s Door caught the imagination of all with it’s debut day-job-reaper-crows trailer when first announced, and the 1.0 release did not disappoint. With a beautiful art style, satisfying combat, progression system and beloved incidental characters, Death’s Door is a must play.
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