We’re doing things a little differently this year at Pure PlayStation. Before we go throwing our main Game of the Year article out there, we’re doing personal lists. So myself and the rest of the team will be naming our top 10 games of the year. It’s what we did last year, but this year we’re doing it a little differently. We all play games across all kind of devices, not just PlayStation consoles. So it makes sense, then, that some of the best games we’ve played this year may belong to another console. So with that in mind, my list below states which consoles I’ve played them on. Enjoy the read and be sure to share your comments down below.
10. FIFA 19 – EA Vancouver – (Nintendo Switch)
I didn’t bother with the PS4 version this year but I did – and still do – have a blast with the Switch version, mainly because it’s portable. It’s missing the story mode found in the PS4 and Xbox One release, but it’s still a damn good game of footy and it’s kept me entertained on numerous train journeys and slow days at work. Definitely a decent pick up for any football fan wanting to keep their fix on the go. And no, I don’t bother with Ultimate Team. I just bring Accrington Stanley to glory in single player, and I love it.
9. PixelJunk Monsters 2 – Q-Games (PS4/Nintendo Switch)
It took years of waiting but my patience paid off and Q-Games delivered a sequel to PixelJunk Monsters. It took me over 2 years to fully complete the first game, but the sequel was over far too soon. Still, I had a blast and there’s really nothing else like it. If you’re a tower defence fan and you’ve got the patience, I’d highly recommend this and the original which is available on PS Vita.
8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy – Toys for Bob (PS4/Xbox One X)
It’s the generation of remakes and remasters, so it’s only fitting that one of the best PS1-era mascots got a second chance of life. After a few sub-par games since Insomniac gave Spyro up for adoption, what better way to reintroduce the little dragon that could than with a remake of the original trilogy? It’s a great collection of three games, but it is let down a bit by some jittery performance and the fact that all three games aren’t on the disc. It’s still one of the best games of the year in my book, and I’ll be doing my annual play through with this version rather than digging out my Vita to play the PS1 originals.
7. Far Cry 5 – Ubisoft Montreal (PS4/Xbox One X)
More of the same? More of the same. That’s how the conversation must have gone down at Ubisoft’s Montreal studio when they were planning a sequel to Far Cry 4. It’s not a terrible thing, mind you, and I’m down with ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’.
Far Cry 5 took everything to new levels of ridiculous with its story, action, and characters – and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The upcoming semi-sequel, however, doesn’t have me excited…
6. This is the Police 2 – Weappy Studio (PS4)
Not every game needs to have blindingly beautiful visuals and open-world vistas to gawp at, and This Is The Police 2 proved just that. You’re against the odds at all times as you try to survive in a new town with a new bunch of cops under your command. The added X-COM-style battles were a good addition that broke up the gameplay, but it’s the story and voice acting that puts This Is The Police 2 high up on my list.
5. Astro Bot Rescue Mission – (PS4/PSVR)
SIE Japan Studio knocked it out of the park with Astro Bot Rescue Mission. The plucky studio brought Mario-inspired (and Mario-quality) platforming to virtual reality and proved that there’s a place for every genre inside Sony’s headset. It’s simply good, honest platforming fun that deserves all the recognition it gets, even if it’s already being dumped into bargain bins. Still, means you can pick it up for cheap!
4. Marvel’s Spider-Man – Insomniac Games (PS4)
Super hero games are seldom done right but Insomniac proved its worth with its first Spider-Man outing and gives us hope for future licensed super hero games. It follows the open-world formula to a tee, no doubt, but it’s story and gameplay more than make up for its short comings. A well deserved fourth place on my list.
3. Forza Horizon 4 – Playground Games (Xbox One X/PC)
The black sheep of the list, no doubt, but my goodness is it worthy of a place on just about any end of year list. In 4K on the X, Forza Horizon 4 is an absolute blast to play. Whether I’m tearing through the countryside by myself or hitting the streets with mates, I’m always guaranteed a good time in Forza Horizon 4. And that’s what gaming is all about, really. It’s good to know that I can boot the game up and know that I’m going to be satisfied when it comes time to put the controller down.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Rockstar Games (PS4/Xbox One)
As a lover of deep stories and engaging gameplay, Red Dead Redemption 2 hit all the right notes for me. Well, mostly. Rockstar’s lack of respect for my time goes against it – any game that makes you literally shovel shit is taking the piss – but it’s still head and shoulders above every other open-world game right now. Arthur’s story and the demise of Dutch’s gang will stay with me for a long while yet. Just a shame the online is pretty poor, but maybe that’ll mean more single player DLC? Who knows. All I know is that it’s a great game, providing you can wrestle with the typical Rockstar controls.
1. Firewall Zero Hour – First Contact Entertainment (PS4/PSVR)
It was a long time before I actually got into Firewall Zero Hour. Jeremy had played and reviewed the game for the site, yet it took me a couple of months to take the leap of faith. And it was – and still is – a leap of faith. Why? It’s a PlayStation VR game that is built around online play. If the population isn’t there, the game is dead. Thankfully the player base remains strong and I’ve had some of the best gaming moments of my life inside of Firewall Zero Hour. I honestly have never laughed so much whilst playing a game with strangers. That’s the beauty of the game, really. The gameplay is strong and engaging, but playing with real people elevates it to a whole new level. Yes, I know you play with others in Call of Duty and Battlefield, but communication is usually thin on the ground in those games, but it’s a necessity in Firewall Zero Hour. You’ll talk tactics with your team before the game starts and you’ll be screaming hellfire once the action kicks off. It’s good fun and definitely worth the price of admission, even if that price includes a PSVR headset. So for me, Firewall Zero Hour takes the top spot. It’s my Game of the Year and quite possibly my favourite VR game so far.
