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[Hostile_18]

What is your game of the year for every year, as far as you care to list.

The Rules;

1: No remasters/collections, original release year only. Full remakes can be classed as their own game.
2: Strictly ONE game per year, it's meant to be tough.
3: Highlight in bold the game you want to pick as your favorite game of all time!

For guidance;

Category:Video games by year - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Heres mine. Some years were super tough, others got a fairly easy win. (Still open to slight edits in case I've forgotten a gem or two).

2020: The Last of Us: Part 2
2019: Days Gone
2018: God of War
2017: The Evil Within 2
2016: Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
2014: The Evil Within
2013: The Last of Us
2012: Resident Evil 6
2011: Mortal Kombat 9
2010: Deadly Premonition
2009: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
2008: Fallout 3
2007: Bioshock
2006: Marvel Ultimate Alliance
2005: Civilization IV
2004: Farcry
2003: Rainbow 6: Raven Shield
2002: Mafia
2001: Star Wars: Galatic Battlegrounds
2000: Deus Ex
1999: Sid Meiers Alpha Centauri
1998: Zelda: Ocarina of Time
1997: Goldeneye
1996: Mario 64
1995: Micro Machines '96
1994: Sonic 3 / Sonic & Knuckles
1993: Doom
1992: Sonic 2
1991: The Simpsons Arcade
1990: Tetris
1989: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

 

[bobone]

Some of these are super close. Especially when you get into the 90s. Modern era has very clear cut winners.

2019 - Resident Evil 2
2018 - Ni No Kuni 2
2017 - Ass Creed Origins
2016 - Dark Souls 3
2015 - Bloodborne
2014 - Dark Souls 2
2013 - Ni No Kuni
2012 - Mass Effect 3
2011 - Dark Souls
2010 - Starcraft 2
2009 - Dragon Age Origins
2008 - Burnout Paradise
2007 - Mass Effect
2006 - Oblivion
2005 - Resident Evil 4
2004 - Half Life 2
2003 - Command and Conquer Generals
2002 - Resident Evil GC
2001 - Smash Bros Melee
2000 - Majoras Mask
1999 - Super Smash Bros
1998 - Ocarina of Time
1997 - Goldeneye
1996 - Super Mario 64
1995 - Warcraft 2
1994 - Super Metroid
1993 - Links Awakening

Thanks to Google for telling me which games came out each year.

 

[Hostile_18]

I really struggled with 2006, that was a dire year

1998 and 2010 were my hardest years. I broke into a sweat choosing between my babies.

 

[MiyazakiHatesKojima]

This is a good thread idea. I'll write down my list in an hour or so, have to do something now.

 

[KàIRóS]

2019: Devil May Cry 5
2018: Dragon Quest XI
2017: TLoZ: Breath of the Wild
2016: Dark Souls III
2015: The Witcher 3
2014: Bravely Default
2013: The Last of Us
2012: Xenoblade Chronicles
2011: Dark Souls
2010: Fallout New Vegas
2009: Dragon Age Origins
2008: Lost Odyssey
2007: Persona 3
2006: Final Fantasy XII
2005: Shadow of the Colossus
2004: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
2003: Tales of Symphonia
2002: Kingdom Hearts
2001: Final Fantasy X
2000: Skies of Arcadia
1999: Planescape Torment
1998: Xenogears
1997: Final Fantasy Tactics
1996: Super Mario RPG
1995: Chrono Trigger
1994: Final Fantasy VI
1993: Mega Man X

 

[Fbh]

I can't really remember that far back, and I didn't really begin thinking about my "favorite game of the year" until like late Ps2 era.
So I won't go all the way back to 1993 but so to break from the boring list formula I'll give a small reason for why each game is on my list.

2019 - Sekiro (so far... probably won't change though): Because it's everything I like from the Souls games with a cool new combat system and an awesome setting/world
2018 - God of War: Because I think it was a great evolution for the franchise, bringing together gameplay, level design and story in a great way.
2017 - Breath of the Wild: Because I don't like Open world games and this was one of the first games that made me appreciate them
2016 - Dark Souls 3: Because even when it's not THAT good I still prefer a souls game over most things. Also it has some of my favorite bosses from the franchise.
2015 - Bloodborne: Because Game of the gen
2014 - Bayonetta 2 : Because it took everything I liked from Bayo 1 and IMO improved the pacing and visuals.
2013 - The Wonderful 101: Because I felt like a kid watching his favorite cartoon the whole way through
2012 - Journey: Because it was one of the nicest gaming related experiences I've had with my close family. My mom who generally dislikes games didn't just play this but actually finished it and loved it.
2011 - Dark Souls: Because Dark Souls
2010 - Mass Effect 2: Loved the cast and story and the gameplay was fun. I still think the world Mass Effect presented was awesome and sadly there's nothing quite comparable in gaming right now.
2009 - Demon Souls: Because not only was it an awesome game but it marked the beginning of the souls franchise
2008 - Gears 2: Just solid game all around, awesome coop story mode and great multiplayer.
2007 - Lost Odyssey: Because it felt more like a Final Fantasy XIII than Final Fantasy XIII
2006 - Gears of War: I guess it was cool. I don't know, this year kinda sucked.
2005 - Shadow of the Colossus: The concept. world, sense of scale and soundtrack are amazing, I still think it does large scale enemies better than any other game both before and after it came out and there still isn't anything quite like it out there.

 

[Hostile_18]

This is a good thread idea. I'll write down my list in an hour or so, have to do something now.

It took me about 2 hours but I wanted it done for my own (fun) records as well.

In recent years I take my game of the year award very (too) seriously lol.

 

[synchronicity]

Not trying to derail the thread, but I'm all over the place chronologically in my play style. Game of the (release) calendar year doesn't mean anything to me really.

But I do like reading everyone's opinions.

 

[Hostile_18]

Not trying to derail the thread, but I'm all over the place chronologically in my play style. Game of the (release) calendar year doesn't mean anything to me really.

But I do like reading everyone's opinions.

I'm not sure how everyone else does it but if I play a game of a past year then its eligible for that years award rather than the current years one. Obviously if its many years removed that game can be at a disadvantage but that is life.

 

[synchronicity]

I'm not sure how everyone else does it but if I play a game of a past year then its eligible for that years award rather than the current years one. Obviously if its many years removed that game can be at a disadvantage but that is life.

Yeah, I understand. I guess a lot of people feel that way. I only care about my own gaming year. Whenever I play a game, that's when it came out as far as I'm concerned.

 

[SlicedBread3]

Going by European release dates:

1991: Sonic the Hedgehog
1992: TMNT Turtles in Time
1993: Super Mario Kart
1994: Donkey Kong Country
1995: Yoshi's Island
1996: Crash Bandicoot
1997: Super Mario 64
1998: Spyro the Dragon
1999: Pokémon Red
2000: The Sims
2001: Jak and Daxter
2002: Kingdom Hearts
2003: Ratchet and Clank 2
2004: Burnout 3
2005: God of War
2006: Shadow of the Colossus
2007: Super Mario Galaxy
2008: LittleBigPlanet
2009: Uncharted 2
2010: God of War 3
2011: LittleBigPlanet 2
2012: LittleBigPlanet Vita
2013: The Last of Us
2014: Destiny
2015: Metal Gear Solid 5
2016: Uncharted 4
2017: Super Mario Odyssey
2018: Astro Bot: Rescue Mission

 

[Jigsaah]

Some of these are super close. Especially when you get into the 90s. Modern era has very clear cut winners.

2019 - Resident Evil 2
2018 - Ni No Kuni 2
2017 - Ass Creed Origins
2016 - Dark Souls 3
2015 - Bloodborne
2014 - Dark Souls 2
2013 - Ni No Kuni
2012 - Mass Effect 3
2011 - Dark Souls
2010 - Starcraft 2
2009 - Dragon Age Origins
2008 - Burnout Paradise
2007 - Mass Effect
2006 - Oblivion
2005 - Resident Evil 4
2004 - Half Life 2
2003 - Command and Conquer Generals
2002 - Resident Evil GC
2001 - Smash Bros Melee
2000 - Majoras Mask
1999 - Super Smash Bros
1998 - Ocarina of Time
1997 - Goldeneye
1996 - Super Mario 64
1995 - Warcraft 2
1994 - Super Metroid
1993 - Links Awakening

Thanks to Google for telling me which games came out each year.

I like this guy...Mass effect, souls, resident evil, zelda...all excellent choices.

 

[Doom85]

2019: Resident Evil 2
2018: God of War
2017: Nier: Automata
2016: Overwatch
2015: Bloodborne
2014: Super Smash Bros. Wii U
2013: The Last of Us
2012: Borderlands 2
2011: Dark Souls
2010: Donkey Kong Country Returns*
2009: Batman: Arkham Asylum
2008: Persona 4
2007: Bioshock
2006: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
2005: Resident Evil 4
2004: Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
2003: Silent Hill 3
2002: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
2001: Silent Hill 2
2000: Final Fantasy IX
1999: Pokemon Gold and Silver
1998: Pokemon Yellow
1997: Final Fantasy VII
1996: Super Mario 64
1995: Chrono Trigger
1994: Earthbound
1993: Mega Man X

Not sure what my favorite of all would be, I particularly love Nier: Automata and Final Fantasy IX.

*2010 seems to easily be the year I've missed out on a lot of games on. Don't get me wrong, DKCR was great (even if TF was much better) but I'm sure once I've played them quite a few 2010 games are better.

 

[bobone]

I really struggled with 2006, that was a dire year

1998 and 2010 were my hardest years. I broke into a sweat choosing between my babies.

1998 will never be topped in my opinion.
Ocarina
Starcraft
Half Life
Baldurs Gate
Metal Gear Solid
Banjoe Kazooie
Resident Evil 2
Spyro
Turok 2
Pokemon (USA)
etc.

I could play only 1998 games for the rest of my life and I'd be perfectly happy.
2010 was great, but it was all sequels. Which to me never have the impact of new experiences.

 

[thanosg]

2019: Mario Maker 2
Before: Forgot already

 

[Yoboman]

1995: Chrono Trigger
1996: Pokémon Red
1997: Final Fantasy VII
1998: Metal Gear Solid
1999: Tony Hawk Pro Skater
2000: Final Fantasy IX
2001: Grand Theft Auto 3
2002: Grand Theft Auto Vice City
2003: Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
2004: Metal Gear Solid 3
2005: Shadow of the Colossus
2006: Bully
2007: God of War 2
2008: Metal Gear Solid 4
2009: Uncharted 2
2010: God of War 3
2011: Arkham City
2012: Journey
2013: The Last of Us
2014: Metal Gear Solid 5 Ground Zeroes
2015: Rocket League
2016: Uncharted 4
2017: Breath of the Wild
2018: God of War

 

[S77]

2019: Sekiro - Shadows Die Twice
2018: God of War
2017: The Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild
2016: Dark Souls III
2015: Bloodborne
2014: Dark Souls II
2013: GTA V
2012: Naruto Shippuden - Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
2011: Dark Souls
2010: Nier
2009: Demon's Souls
2008: Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots
2007: Assassin's Creed
2006: Valkyrie Profile 2 - Silmeria
2005: Devil May Cry 3
2004: Metal Gear Solid 3 - Snake Eater
2003: Warcraft III - The Frozen Throne
2002: Kingdom Hearts
2001: Metal Gear Solid 2 - Sons of Liberty
2000: Sword of the Berserk - Guts' Rage
1999: Silent Hill
1998: Metal Gear Solid
1997: Age of Empires
1996: Tekken 2
1995: Mortal Kombat 3
1994: The Jungle Book
1993: Bubble Bobble 2
1992: Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey Bu
1991: Double Dragon III - The Sacred Stones
1990: Little Nemo - The Dream Master
1989: Ninja Gaiden
1988: Gun Smoke
1987: Musashi no Ken
1986: Life Force
1985: Super Mario Bros.
1984: Duck Hunt
1983: Mappy

Damn this is a nice thread, it made me remember almost all the games I played.

 

[TwiztidElf]

2020 - Likely Ghost of Tsushima at this point.
2019 Wreckfest (multi). Runner up: Days Gone (PS4).
2018 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch)
2017 Zelda Breath of the Wild (Switch). Runner up: Persona 5 (PS4).
2016 Overwatch (multi)
2015 Splatoon (WiiU)
2014 Bayonetta 2 (WiiU)
2013 Grand Theft Auto V (multi). Runners up: The Last of Us (PS3), Starcraft 2 Heart of the Swarm (PC).
2012 XCOM: Enemy Unknown (multi)
2011 Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (multi)
2010 Starcraft 2 (PC), Runner Up: Bayonetta (XB360)
2009 Street Fighter IV (multi)
2008 Ninja Gaiden 2 (XB360)
2007 Project Gotham Racing 4 (XB360). Runners up: Mass Effect (XB360), Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
2006 Dead Rising (XB360). Runners up: Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (multi). Advance Wars Dual Strike (DS)
2005 Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (multi)
2004 World of Warcraft (PC). Runner up: Ninja Gaiden (XB)
2003 Project Gotham Racing 2 (XB). Runner up: Panzer Dragoon Orta (XB)
2002 Project Gotham Racing (XB). Runners up: Eternal Darkness (GC), Halo (XB)
2001 Phantasy Star Online (DC)
2000 Asheron’s Call (PC). Runner up: Jet Set Radio (DC).
Won't bother going back further, but 1985 Space Harrier (Arcade)

Edit: Sorry about breaking the one game per year rule, but I have this list stored, and I've only listed runners up where it was a very close call, and in a weaker year, they would have easily won that years GOTY.

 

[kunonabi]

I rarely play games the year they come out these days so 2016-2017 are fairly tentative selections

2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - purely because of Simon finally getting in.
2017: Fire Pro Wrestling World
2016: Star Fox Zero

2015: Xenoblade X
2014: Tomodachi Life
2013: The Wonderful 101
2012: Nintendo Land
2011: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
2010: Metroid: Other M

2009: Flower, Sun, and Rain
2008: No More Heroes
2007: Super Mario Galaxy
2006: Virtua Fighter 5
2005: Eyeshield 21: Amefuto no Yarouze Ya!Ha!
2004: Resident Evil Outbreak
2003: Silent Hill 3
2002: Metroid Prime
2001: Shenmue II
2000: Shenmue

1999: Castlevania 64
1998: Xenogears
1997: Vampire Savior
1996: Revelations: Persona
1995: Mega Man X2
1994: Elevator Action Returns
1993: Shining Force II
1992: The Legend of Zelda: a Link to the Past
1991: Final Fantasy IV
1990: Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

1989: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
1988: Mega Man 2
1987: Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
1986: Castlevania

I was born in 83 so I don't think it's fair to really go back any further than 86 which is a stretch as it is.

 

[petran79]

1989: Castlevania 3
1990:Monkey Island
1991: Monkey Island 2
1992: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
1993: Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
1994: Ecstatica
1995: Super EF2000
1996: Command and Conquer: Red Alert
1997: Little Big Adventure: Twinsen's Odyssey
1998: Ocean Hunter
1999: Alpha Centauri
2000: Virtual Pool 3 featuring Jeanette Lee
2001: Shogun: Total War
2002: Hitman 2: Silent Assasin
2003: Manhunt
2004: Roller-coaster Tycoon 3
2005: Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
2006: Caesar IV
2007: Battle Fantasia
2008: Valkyria Chronicles
2009: Hearts of Iron 3
2010: Blazblue Continuum Shift
2011: KOFXIII
2012: Katawa Shoujo
2013: Europa Universals IV
2014: Shantae: Risky's Revenge
2015: DOA5LR
2016: VA11-HALL-A
2017: Rain World
2018: Cultist Simulator
2019: Bloodstained

 

[brian0057]

The games on this list are ordered as follows:

• Year XXXX
  • Best game I played during that year.
  • Best game from that year regardless of when I first played it.

The list in question:

• 1993.
  • Disney's Aladdin.
  • Doom.
• 1994.
  • Earthworm Jim.
  • System Shock.
• 1995.
  • Twisted Metal.
  • Megaman X3.
• 1996.
  • Crash Bandicoot.
  • The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall.
• 1997.
  • Independence Day.
  • Quake II.
• 1998.
  • Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit.
  • Half-Life.
• 1999.
  • Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings.
  • System Shock 2.
• 2000.
  • Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
  • Thief II: The Metal Age.
• 2001.
  • Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles.
  • Silent Hill 2.
• 2002.
  • Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
  • Resident Evil.
• 2003.
  • Need for Speed: Underground.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
• 2004.
  • Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
  • Half-Life 2.
• 2005.
  • Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
  • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (MY GOAT).
• 2006.
  • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent (GCN).
  • Hitman: Blood Money.
• 2007.
  • BioShock
  • Assassin's Creed.
• 2008.
  • Fallout 3.
  • Mass Effect.
• 2009.
  • Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.
  • Batman: Arkham Asylum.
• 2010.
  • Assassin's Creed II.
  • Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition.
• 2011.
  • The Legend of Zenda: Skyward Sword.
  • L.A. Noire.
• 2012.
  • Mark of the Ninja.
  • Xenoblade Chronicles.
• 2013.
  • Metro: Last Light.
  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut.
• 2014.
  • Alien: Isolation.
  • Alien: Isolation.
• 2015.
  • Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water.
  • Xenoblade Chronicles X.
• 2016.
  • HITMAN
  • Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.
• 2017.
  • Cuphead.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
• 2018.
  • Underworld: Ascendant.
  • HITMAN 2.
• 2019.
  • Metro: Exodus.
  • Resident Evil 2.

 

[Deleted member 471617]

Didn't really keep track of game of the year, ratings, rankings, etc. until last generation so that's where im starting. Days Gone is my 2019 game of the year and I can easily guarantee that no other game this year is matching it let alone surpassing it.

2019 - Days Gone
2018 - God of War
2017 - Horizon Zero Dawn
2016 - Rise of the Tomb Raider
2015 - The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
2014 - Assassin's Creed Rogue
2013 - The Last of Us
2012 - Far Cry 3
2011 - Batman Arkham City
2010 - Splinter Cell Conviction
2009 - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
2008 - Gears of War 2
2007 - Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
2006 - Gears of War

Game of the Year Award Winners by Publisher -
Sony - 6
Ubisoft - 3
WB Games - 2
Microsoft - 2
Square Enix - 1

 

[GrayChild]

1996 - Resident Evil
1997 - Quake 2
1998 - Half-Life
1999 - Silent Hill
2000 - Parasite Eve II
2001 - Silent Hill 2
2002 - Resident Evil REmake
2003 - Silent Hill 3
2004 - Half-Life 2
2005 - Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
2006 - Forbidden Siren 2
2007 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Shadow of Chernobyl
2008 - Penumbra: Black Plague
2009 - Singularity
2010 - Deadly Premonition
2011 - Portal 2
2012 - Dishonored
2013 - Metro: Last Light
2014 - The Evil Within
2015 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
2016 - Dark Souls III
2017 - Nier: Automata
2018 - Red Dead Redemption 2
2019 - Resident Evil 2

 

[Hostile_18]

1998 will never be topped in my opinion.
Ocarina
Starcraft
Half Life
Baldurs Gate
Metal Gear Solid
Banjoe Kazooie
Resident Evil 2
Spyro
Turok 2
Pokemon (USA)
etc.

I could play only 1998 games for the rest of my life and I'd be perfectly happy.
2010 was great, but it was all sequels. Which to me never have the impact of new experiences.

See for me while 2010 has some great sequels as you say but 3 of my top 10 games of all time are from this year and are original IP; Deadly Premonition, Alpha Protocol and Alan Wake

 

[GreyHorace]

Well I'm basing this on games I've played

1996 -NIGHTS Into Dreams
1997 - Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2
1998 - Metal Gear Solid
1999 - Soul Calibur
2000 - Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn
2001 - Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal
2002 - Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Outcast
2003 - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
2004 - Ninja Gaiden
2005 - Jade Empire
2006 - Tomb Raider Legend
2007 - Mass Effect
2008 - Prince of Persia
2009 - Batman: Arkham Asylum
2010 - Red Dead Redemption
2011 - Batman: Arkham City
2012 - The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings (360 release)
2013 - Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
2014 - None. I refuse to give Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year.
2015 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
2016 - The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
2017 - Persona 5
2018 - Red Dead Redemption 2
2019 - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

 

[Wesleyalucard]

1997- SOTN
2005- God Of war And RE4

 

[Bwesh]

Oh shit, another list. Here we go.

1987: Contra
1988: Super Mario Bros. 3
1989: Wrath of the Black Manta
1990: Megaman 3
1991: Detana!! TwinBee
1992: Final Fantasy V
1993: Megaman X
1994: Final Fantasy VI
1995: Chrono Trigger
1996: Diablo
1997: Final Fantasy VII
1998: Starcraft: BW / FF Tactics
1999: Suikoden 2 / Crazy Taxi
2000: C&C: Red Alert 2
2001: Diablo 2: LoD / Guitaroo Man
2002: Neverwinter Nights
2003: Summon Night: Swordcraft Story
2004: Need for Speed: Underground 2 / MGS 3
2005: Shadow of the Colossus
2006: Bully / Okami / Suikoden 5
2007: God of War 2
2008: Mario Kart Wii
2009: Left 4 Dead 2
2010: Fallout: New Vegas
2011: Skyrim / Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
2012: Torchlight 2 / CS:GO
2013: Dota 2
2014: Banished
2015: Cities: Skylines
2016: Enter the Gungeon / Stardew Valley / Starbound
2017: Cuphead
2018: RimWorld / Koikatsu Party

 

[bumleforce]

I dont remember every year so I'll try my best.
Wow is my fav game of all time but I cant put it every year also included Diablo 3 console release


2019 gears 5
2018 God of war
2017 Horizion zero dawn
2016. Gears 4
2015 witcher 3
2014 Diablo 3
2013 path of exile
2012 Halo 4
2011 gears 3
2010 mass effect 2
2009 uncharted 2
2008 gears 2
2007 Halo 3
2006. Gears
2005 resident evil 4
2004halo 2
2003 kotor
2002 eternal darkness
2001 halo
2000 vragrant story
1999 final fantasy 8
1998 xenogears
1997final fantasy 7
1996 Mario 64
1995 Chrono trigger
1994 doom 2
1993 doom
1992 sonic 2
1991 final fantasy 4
1990 super Mario world

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

No matter what.

2017 was the best year of the story of gaming ever.

 

[Hostile_18]

No matter what.

2017 was the best year of the story of gaming ever.

For me it was 2010. That been said both may be broken by 2020. First half alone has Final Fantasy 7 remake, Last of Us 2 and Cyberpunk.

 

[synchronicity]

The games on this list are ordered as follows:

• Year XXXX
  • Best game I played during that year.
  • Best game from that year regardless of when I first played it.

The list in question:

• 1993.
  • Disney's Aladdin.
  • Doom.
• 1994.
  • Earthworm Jim.
  • System Shock.
• 1995.
  • Twisted Metal.
  • Megaman X3.
• 1996.
  • Crash Bandicoot.
  • The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall.
• 1997.
  • Independence Day.
  • Quake II.
• 1998.
  • Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit.
  • Half-Life.
• 1999.
  • Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings.
  • System Shock 2.
• 2000.
  • Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
  • Thief II: The Metal Age.
• 2001.
  • Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles.
  • Silent Hill 2.
• 2002.
  • Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
  • Resident Evil.
• 2003.
  • Need for Speed: Underground.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
• 2004.
  • Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
  • Half-Life 2.
• 2005.
  • Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
  • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (MY GOAT).
• 2006.
  • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent (GCN).
  • Hitman: Blood Money.
• 2007.
  • BioShock
  • Assassin's Creed.
• 2008.
  • Fallout 3.
  • Mass Effect.
• 2009.
  • Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.
  • Batman: Arkham Asylum.
• 2010.
  • Assassin's Creed II.
  • Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition.
• 2011.
  • The Legend of Zenda: Skyward Sword.
  • L.A. Noire.
• 2012.
  • Mark of the Ninja.
  • Xenoblade Chronicles.
• 2013.
  • Metro: Last Light.
  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut.
• 2014.
  • Alien: Isolation.
  • Alien: Isolation.
• 2015.
  • Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water.
  • Xenoblade Chronicles X.
• 2016.
  • HITMAN
  • Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.
• 2017.
  • Cuphead.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
• 2018.
  • Underworld: Ascendant.
  • HITMAN 2.
• 2019.
  • Metro: Exodus.
  • Resident Evil 2.

So you're saying I should play Alien Isolation? I really do need to get to that.

 

[brian0057]

So you're saying I should play Alien Isolation? I really do need to get to that.

Yes.
A thousand times yes.

 

[Denton]

What a ride through memory lane.
Sorry OP, cannot pick one favourite of all time when I have three. These three have unseated longtime trio of Fallout/Fallout 2/Deus Ex.


2019: Metro Exodus
2018: Kingdom Come: Deliverance / Red Dead Redemption 2 (impossible to choose, both are in my TOP3 of all time)
2017: Prey
2016: The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
2014: Alien: Isolation
2013: Grand Theft Auto 5
2012: Sleeping Dogs
2011: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
2010: Fallout: New Vegas
2009: STALKER: Call of Pripyat
2008: Fallout 3
2007: The Witcher
2006: Hitman: Blood Money
2005: Gothic 2: Night of the Raven
2004: Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines
2003: Max Payne 2: Fall of Max Payne
2002: Mafia
2001: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
2000: Deus Ex
1999: Planescape: Torment
1998: Fallout 2
1997: Fallout
1996: Diablo

 

[kunonabi]

For me it was 2010. That been said both may be broken by 2020. First half alone has Final Fantasy 7 remake, Last of Us 2 and Cyberpunk.

I think 99 was the biggest year for me.

 

[nocoolnamejim]

Caveat that I'm holding out on the Switch Pro so the best games for that system I have not played yet.

I'm going to bend one of the rules slightly. I'll name a winner by year, but in years where I think there's a close call I'll list any runners up who could very well have won a different year with less stiff competition. The reason I'm doing it this way is that some years - such as console release years - can be very dry whereas others end up packed.

2019: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice so far. Penciling in The Last of Us 2 to beat it out later this year.
2018: God of War 4
2017: Horizon: Zero Dawn
2016: Dark Souls 3
2015: Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Runners up: Yakuza 0, Bloodbourne and Rocket League. Huge year. All of these games are on my top-50
2014: The Talos Principle Runner up: Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor
2013: The Last of Us
2012: Persona 4 Golden - Runner Up: Far Cry 3
2011: Dark Souls - Runner Up: Witcher 2
2010: Mass Effect 2
2009: Demon's Souls - Runner Up: Dragon Age: Origins
2008: Valkyria Chronicles
2007: Mass Effect
2006: Neverwinter Nights 2 - Runner up: Persona 3
2005: Jade Empire - Runners up: God of War and Civilization IV
2004: Dragon Quest VIII - Runners up: Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines and KOTOR2
2003: Max Payne 2 - Runner up: Knights of the Old Republic
2002: The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind - Runners up Warcraft 3 and GTA Vice City
2001: Max Payne
2000: Final Fantasy IX
1999: Planescape: Torment (Runner up for my favorite game of all time after Witcher 3.)
1998: Fallout 2 - Runners up Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time and Starcraft
1997: Fallout 1
1996: Star Control 3 (By default. Kind of a meh year.)
1995: Chrono Trigger
1994: Final Fantasy VI
1993: Day of the Tentacle - Runner up: Secret of Mana
1992: Star Control 2 - Currently FREE to download and play from here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/urquanmastershd/
1991: Final Fantasy IV - Runner up: Legend of Zelda: A Like to the Past
1990: Actraiser
1989: River City Ransom
1988: Super Mario Brothers 3
1987: Mike Tyson's Punch Out
1986: The Legend of Zelda (Original)
1985: Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
1984: Tetris
1983: Spy Hunter

 

[Hostile_18]

I think 99 was the biggest year for me.

It's strange how some years are so tough and others you struggle to award it to anyone.

The guilt over choosing Mario Kart over the first Evil Within is tearing me up inside on a daily basis lol. So hard to judge a single player game over a multiplayer game and vice versa.

 

[DelireMan7]

I proceeded as follow :
I thought about all the games that had an impact on my (gaming) life then I ranked them by years.
So some years are missing

1991 : ToeJam & Earl
1992 : Ecco the Dolphin
1993 : Zelda : Link's awakening
1995 : Chrono Trigger
1998 : Half Life
1997 : Star Wars Jedi Knight : Dark Forces 2
1999 : Garou : Mark of the Wolves
2001 : Guilty Gear X
2002 : Final Fantasy X
2003 : Warcraft 3 : The Frozen Throne
2004 : Half Life 2
2005 : Shadow of Colossus
2009 : Borderlands
2010 : Dead Nation
2011 : Dark Souls
2015 : Bloodborne
2016 : Dark Souls 3
2017 : Horizon Zero Dawn
2018 : Dragon Ball FighterZ

Funnily there is to gap after 2005 (Shadow of Colossus) and 2011 (Dark Souls). I can explain the latter because I played mainly Dark Souls till Bloodborne.
For the first one don't know... Probably nothing good xD

Metal Gear Solid 1, 2 and 3 also had a huge impact on me. But I have to choose only one game per year...
Also Zelda : BOTW but couldn't beat Robot dinosaurs...

To conclude, if I had to choose only one game out of this list. Without any doubt it would be Dark Souls... (EDIT : didn't see the rule of bold game for best ever xD)

 

[kunonabi]

It's strange how some years are so tough and others you struggle to award it to anyone.

The guilt over choosing Mario Kart over the first Evil Within is tearing me up inside on a daily basis lol. So hard to judge a single player game over a multiplayer game and vice versa.

Thankfully 99 had my 3rd favorite game of all time so the decision was already made for me.

 

[TheDuskwalker]

Going by US release dates, also US console releases for fighting games.

1991: Super Mario World
1992: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
1993: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Mega Man X was January 1994 in US wasn't it?)
1994: Super Metroid
1995: Chrono Trigger
1996: Super Mario 64
1997: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
1998: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
1999: SoulCalibur
2000: Spyro: Year of the Dragon
2001: Capcom vs. SNK 2
2002: Metroid Prime
2003: SoulCalibur II
2004: Ninja Gaiden
2005: Resident Evil 4
2006: Okami
2007: Super Mario Galaxy
2008: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
2009: BlazBlue Calamity Trigger
2010: Bayonetta
2011: Dark Souls
2012: Tekken Tag Tournament 2
2013: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
2014: Bayonetta 2
2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (close with Bloodborne)
2016: DOOM
2017: Super Mario Odyssey
2018: Dragon Quest XI (close with Monster Hunter World)
2019: Maybe Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night so far.

Probably would change some things if I thought really hard on it, but that was first that came to my head so I just went with it.

 

[7iberius]

year: GOTY -- GOTY runner-up
1990: Commander Keen -- Microsoft Solitaire
1991: Super Mario World -- Lemmings
1992: Super Mario Kart -- Streets of Rage 2
1993: DOOM -- SimCity 2000
1994: Ancient Domains of Mystery -- Super Bomberman 2
1995: Command & Conquer -- MechWarrior 2
1996: Diablo -- Duke Nukem 3D
1997: Goldeneye 007 -- Final Fantasy VII
1998. Metal Gear Solid -- StarCraft
1999: Counter-Strike -- Planescape Torment
2000: Deus Ex -- Valkyrie Profile
2001: Baldur's Gate II -- Fallout Tactics
2002: No One Lives Forever 2 -- Moonbase Commander
2003: Advance Wars 2 -- Max Payne 2
2004: Burnout 3 -- Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door
2005: Resident Evil 4 -- SWAT 4
2006: Heroes of Might and Magic V -- Hitman: Blood Money
2007: Team Fortress 2 -- Portal
2008: Red Alert 3 -- Persona 4
2009: Left 4 Dead 2 -- Killing Floor
2010: Fallout: New Vegas -- StarCraft II
2011: Dark Souls -- To The Moon
2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown -- The Walking Dead Season 1
2013: DOTA 2 -- Dragon's Crown
2014: Dark Souls 2 -- The Talos Principle
2015: Metal Gear Solid V -- Life is Strange Season 1
2016: DOOM -- Factorio
2017: Splatoon 2 -- Divinity Original Sin II
2018: Artifact -- Monster Hunter World
2019: Days Gone -- Control

 

[IKSTUGA]

Let's try, early years don't have too many contenders, but oh well:

1985: Super Mario Bros (The reason why I'm a gamer)
1986: Metroid (Mother of one of my favorite genres)
1987: Final Fantasy (I love the OST, I can play like half of the soundtrack on the piano)
1988: Super Mario Bros. 3 (Best 8bit game of all time)
1989: Ducktales
1990: Super Mario World
1991: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Just beat it for the first time and my god was it epic for a game that came in the early 90's)
1992: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
1993: Doom
1994: Super Metroid
1995: Donkey Kong Country 2 (The OST, the level design, just perfect)
1996: Pokemon Red and Blue (Best reason to own a game boy)
1997: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
1998: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
1999: Pokemon Gold and Silver
2000: Pokemon Stadium 2 (I was crazy into Pokemon back in the day)
2001: Super Smash Bros. Melee
2002: Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II (My most played game of all time)
2003: Tales of Symphonia
2004: Halo 2
2005: Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
2006: Guitar Hero 2
2007: Super Mario Galaxy
2008: Street Fighter IV
2009: Resident Evil 5
2010: Mass Effect 2
2011: Batman: Arkham City
2012: Diablo III (First version wasn't that good, but I'm still putting it here)
2013: Pokemon X&Y
2014: Hearthstone
2015: Rock Band 4
2016: Shadowverse
2017: Super Mario Odyssey
2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
2019: Devil May Cry V (there's no way any of the late year releases will beat this one)

 

[Hostile_18]

Really enjoyed reading everyone's GotY's, if you haven't already nows the time to add in 2019's entry. I think Days Gone is still a lock in for me, only Shenmue 3 can challenge it.

I'm going to add in a few earlier years games as well (I first started gaming around the release of Sonic 2).

 

[rrice64]

Game(s) of the Year(s)

2019 - Resident Evil 2
2018 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
2017 - NieR: Automata
2016 - Gears of War 4
2015 - Halo 5: Guardians
2014 - Mario Kart 8
2013 - Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
2012 - Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge
2011 - Mortal Kombat
2010 - Halo: Reach
2009 - Halo 3: ODST
2008 - Valkyria Chronicles
2007 - Halo 3
2006 - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
2005 - Kingdom Hearts II
2004 - Dragon Quest VIII
2003 - Mario Kart: Double Dash
2002 - The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
2001 - Halo: Combat Evolved
2000 - Paper Mario
1999 - Final Fantasy VIII
1998 - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
1997 - Final Fantasy VII
1996 - Super Mario 64
1995 - Yoshi's Island
1994 - Donkey Kong Country
1993 - Mortal Kombat II
1992 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
1991 - Final Fantasy IV
1990 - Dr. Mario
1989 - Tetris
1988 - Super Mario Bros. 3

----------------------------------------

I simultaneously love and hate my list, and by extension, you for making me do this lmao. So many killer-ass games left out, but damn if that's not a list of bangers imo. I also only listed as far back as the year I was born.

Final Fantasy XIV probably is my overall favorite game. I've gotten thousands of hours of play time, tons of friends I (try to) keep in touch with, all the expansions are great, the music is some of the best music in any video game ever, etc. Even tho it's not old, NieR: Automata is up there with my favorites of all time as well. Also, this year was tough. Resident Evil 2, Kingdom Hearts 3, The Outer Worlds, Gears 5, Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order, etc. Damn.

It's sort of reaffirming reading my list tho, as it still aligns with my interests. I grew up on Nintendo and will always love them, I developed love for jrpgs during the snes/ps1 transition, and I've been a big Xbox/Halo guy since the two launched in 2001. My interests are a little wide spread, which made this list even tougher.

 

[Hostile_18]

I know what you mean some years you agonize over two games, other years you have to really think what came out you absolutely loved.

This year hasn't been that good for me, especially compared to last year.

Next year though is going to be my hardest year for sure Deadly Premonition 2, Ghost Wire, Last of Us 2, Cyberpunk, Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 remake, Avengers plus PS5 launch games (Horizon 2!?, Bioshock!? Harrry Potter!?) How am I going to choose one game from that list?

 

[Sander Cohen]

I started playing around ‘97 or ‘98 but I can’t go that far. I’ll try my best.

2019 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
2018 Red Dead Redemption 2
2017 Nier: Automata
2016 Overwatch (full game), Witcher 3: Blood and Wine (if DLC can be included)
2015 Witcher 3
2014 Final Fantasy XIV (PS4 version)
2013 GTA V
2012 Mass Effect 3
2011 Batman Arkham City
2010 Red Dead Redemption
2009 Uncharted 2
2008 Fallout 3
2007 Bioshock
2006 TES IV: Oblivion
2005 Gran Turismo 4
2004 GTA: San Andreas

Bold: best game of all time

 

[Nightrunner]

2001: Silent Hill 2
2002: No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.'s Way
2003: Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
2004: Ninja Gaiden
2005: Shadow of the Colossus
2006: Company of Heroes
2007: Super Mario Galaxy
2008: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
2009: Demon's Souls
2010: Vanquish
2011: Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
2012: Xenoblade Chronicles
2013: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
2014: Valiant Hearts: The Great War
2015: Bloodborne
2016: Doom
2017: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
2018: Return of the Obra Dinn
2019: I'll skip this one since I still have lots of games from 2019 in my backlog.

 

[sid2vicious]

1980: Pac-Man
1981: Donkey Kong
1982: Ms. Pac-Man
1983: Dragon's Lair
1984: Pac-Land
1985: Super Mario Bros
1986: Bubble Bobble
1987: Double Dragon
1988: Super Mario Bros. 3
1989: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game
1990: Super Mario World
1991: Battletoads
1992: Super Mario Kart
1993: Mortal Kombat II
1994: Killer Instinct
1995: Chrono Trigger
1996: Super Mario 64
1997: Final Fantasy VII
1998: Xenogears
1999: The Legend of Dragoon
2000: Marvel vs. Capcom 2
2001: Sonic Adventure 2
2002: Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
2003: Tales of Symphonia
2004: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
2005: Resident Evil 4
2006: Ys Origin
2007: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
2008: Dissidia Final Fantasy
2009: Assassin's Creed II
2010: God of War III
2011: Batman: Arkham City
2012: Max Payne 3
2013: Killer Instinct
2014: Guilty Gear Xrd
2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
2016: Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
2017: Nier: Automata
2018: Dragon Ball FighterZ
2019: Resident Evil 2 Remake
2020: Final Fantasy VII Remake

This was a fun flashback of my gaming history... 🕹

 

[ROMhack]

This is the point where I realise I haven't played a single game released this year...

2018: JJ Macfield and the Island of Lost Memories
2017: Hollow Knight
2016: Inside
2015: Soma
2014: The Talos Principle
2013: Kentucky Route Zero
2012: Journey
2011: Deus Ex: Human Revolution
2010: Limbo
2009: Bayonetta

As far as I can be arsed to go.

 

[Butz]

2007: Crysis
2008: Mirrors Edge
2009: Killing Floor
2010: Alan Wake
2011: Bulletstorm
2012: Max Payne 3
2013: TLoU
2014: Forza Horizon 2
2015: Dying Light
2016: DOOM
2017: Cuphead
2018: Forza Horizon 4
2019: Resident Evil 2 Remake

 

[Portugeezer]

Too long to think about, I'll stick to my individual gens instead of years:

SNES: Super Metroid
N64: Super Mario 64
GCN: Zeruda Windu Waika
X360: Mass Effect 2
PS4: Bloodborne

Edit: 2019 is Days Gone so far.