2015 has come and gone. What a year is has been for gamers. Many studios delivered on all fronts, from the indies to the AAA titles all gamers were represented. With 2016 now upon us, it is time to reflect upon the gaming experiences I had in 2015. Below is my top 5 games of 2015.

5. Fallout 4

I must admit that I was not really hyped for FO4 at all. My experience with FO3 was incredible, however FO:NV completely killed my enjoyment of the series. Initially I was not even going to preorder the game, but a 25% off deal on greenmangaming changed my mind, so reluctantly I pulled the trigger on it. This was good decision. The game itself is leaps ahead of FO3 and FO:NV. Good graphics, relative stability(for a Bethesda game) and just overall fun game play. While the story itself was not overly exciting, the game delivers on sheer exploration alone. Randomly discovering a downed airplane, or finding the mayoral bunker all provided me with moments of immense enjoyment. If randomly exploring isn’t your thing, the game provides other things to do like creating settlements or collecting power armor.

4. Rocket League

When this game first launched, I was rather opposed to it. I thought the concept was stupid and that the game itself was just riding on a wave of hype. I had no intention of purchasing this game and did my best to avoid it at all costs. Fast forward a few months and I receive this game alongside my steam controller. Low and behold, the game is actually really fun. Arguably the best multiplayer experience I had in 2015. Each game had me laughing. Such a simple concept, yet such an enjoyable experience.

3. The Witcher 3

Witcher 3 is receiving immense praise throughout the videogame industry and rightfully so. The game is a technical marvel. Graphically it blows me away watching Geralt run through such a beautifully rendered world. There is so much to do in this game. Gwent(I personally disliked), armor collection, romance, political intrigue and so much more. If you loved it, why is it not number 1? The story was just too long.While interesting and deep, the story felt like it was 10 hours too long. This made the later half of my experience feel like a grind, which is unfortunate because the beginning started so strong.

2. Tales From the Borderlands

I have a confession to make. I love Borderlands. For some reason the series just grabs me. I like the art, the gameplay and the crack like addiction I experience when farming for those sweet, sweet legendaries. When I first heard about a Telltale created game, I was a bit disappointed. I’m not one for those style of games. However being loyal to the series I put in a preorder. This game delivered for me on all levels. While much of Borderlands emphasizes gameplay over story and character, Tales From the Borderlands was a refreshing take on the series. Funny and smart, the game provided an interesting look at a deeper layer in the Borderlands universe. Characters felt much more alive and interesting. More Handsome Jack is always a good thing.

1. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth

Putting this DLC on the list feels somewhat dirty as it basically is just an add on to the base game. However this is how DLC should be done. While I will openly admit that the whole launch itself was somewhat of a fiasco(109 ARG), the game itself is excellent. Edmund and Co. know how to complement already excellent game play with new bosses, items and a new game mode. This is a game that I have put hours upon hours into and still find myself coming back for more. The game + add already has me waiting for the inevitable After – Afterbirth which is coming our way.