I thought it might be a good idea to talk about some of our favorite games we played in 2015.[1]
So I will put my top 5 (in reverse order for drama) and my reason for each one.
Note: I am primarily a PC/Nintendo gamer so if you're looking for Xbox One/PS4 games they won't be here.
Undertale
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOdmC3TZmSmNDqsoaRkdhnLe4raNsO4KnH1YuQY_O7wi0X4Oiosg)
I'm pretty sure everyone on the internet has heard about this game at this point, so I won't go into too much detail. From a game designer's standpoint everything about this game was great: the music, story, and gameplay (and I am fine with the graphics). However, I didn't feel too much enjoyment form playing the game itself (not sure why, it just didn't happen) so I can't really put it up any higher.
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/12197695996_5e49f3630b_b.jpg)
This (as far as I know) is a remaster of a pretty old game. It is an action-rpg and is extremely difficult. The music in the game is high-beat and energetic and the bosses feel like a real challenge. I haven't beaten this game yet, but so far the experience has been nice.
Splatoon
(http://assets1.ignimgs.com/2015/05/27/splatoon0522151280jpg-b0aaa2_1280w.jpg)
This is interesting for me, I would have never though a shooter from Nintendo would ever be decent, but here we are. Splatoon is a nice combination of fluid quick movement and fast-paced shooting gameplay. It almost feels like a better Urban Terror with their being heavy focus on the parkour you have to do (such as painting walls and sliding through grates to get to the enemy base). The single-player was good and the multiplayer is fun (other than my connection issues).
Fire Emblem Awakening
(http://www.technobuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Fire-Emblem-Awakening-1.jpg)
This game is pretty much advance single-player chess with a story. Basically you have units which can move different amounts depending on what class they are, and certain weapons are stronger against certain units. You can also plan ahead by pairing units up to cover for eachothers' weaknesses. Also with a lunatic difficulty that is crazy difficult.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
(http://cdn.idigitaltimes.com/sites/idigitaltimes.com/files/2015/11/30/xenoblade-chronicles-x.jpg)
So much of my time was put to playing this game, I got it in December and I have spent about 90 hours into it. (and I am nowhere near 100%) This game is pretty much a single-player MMO with class systems and a great story. The world is huge and nothing ever beats the surprise of being randomly discovered by a level 70 tyrant. There are five different continents which are pretty distinct from eachother and provide some gorgeous scenery.
Feel free to post your own list (doesn't matter how long it is).