One-Take-Aways: 2015 A Year in Video Games Part II (Second Half)

One-take-aways are my quick takeaways for the year in gaming, hence the “one-take”. 2015 was an insane year and this blog is about rapid fire reflections on certain events, news, and games. Again these reflections are rapid fire quick release; like Steph Curry except less accurate. 

SPOILER WARNING: It gets a bit spoilery with some games on this list. Be warned. 

I also have "Accelerated One-Takes": think of them as the carpool lane in this traffic jam of words, for those that would rather not read three or four sentences of reflection and just get on with the rest of your scattered internet scouring. 

So we're in Part II now, where I get to the second half of the year. If you haven't read Part I, how dare you? You're missing all the plot and character development that make Part II the emotional conclusion. 

Again I didn't get to every game this year. So I'm probably going to miss a game or announcement that was really special to you. This is more of a personal reflection on the things I was able to experience. 

Until Dawn 

Hey, a great horror game. It has QTEs which people immediately scoff at but your success or failure has an impact on the story, plus the "don't move" mechanic which has you holding your controlling as still as possible really gives off that "the psycho's looking for me in this room and I need to keep calm or else he'll find me" tension. It's a game people that aren't really into games huddle around; and start participating in making choices and following the story right along with you. It's also a gorgeous game and with some actors who give some great performances, you'll hate some characters then learn to love them by the end of the game. Can't wait for a sequel!

Accelerated One-Take: There's actually a really cool and intricate horror story here with great characters, it'll surprise you by how good it all really is. 

Sidenote: Anyone else cheat in Until Dawn by putting the controller down when the "don't move" prompt came on? My hands at their resting state were too shaky for me not to cheat... 

Street Fighter V Beta 

Got my ass kicked by pros and went on a 76ers type losing streak; and then some scrubs that were at my low skill level joined the fray and made the game fun for me. As someone who never really took the time to play Street Fighter, I see why it has legions of dedicated fans. Can't wait to have friends over who will embarrass me at this, going to be good times. The art style is the most striking, just beautifully animated.

Accelerated One-Take: Can't wait for this one to come out, gonna take the time to learn this game. I can tell it's going to be surefire greatness.

Uncharted Nathan Drake Collection

Hey it's a damn celebration of Naughty Dog and the Uncharted Franchise. With this we're barreling down the hype type and careening into Uncharted 4, it's almost here! But this is just three beloved games all playing better than ever. Uncharted 1 still looks great in a lot of areas with the updates and is still a blast to play (albeit repetitive); but this collection is really an excuse to get reacquainted with a cast of characters that many have grown to love and are going to say goodbye to once we wrap up Uncharted 4. But these games play damn well too, not enough credit goes to the level design especially in 2 and 3 where you'll weave through cover, jump from platforms, shoot while hanging, with clever use of perspective. I could go on and on about these games but I'll save it for a separate post...

Accelerated One-Take: Highest recommendations if you're even for a second thinking of playing Uncharted 4. Three excellent games in one package; scratch that: even if you're not thinking of playing 4, even if these games aren't your "type" of games, even if you played it before and are somehow lukewarm on them: PLAY THESE GAMES.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

This was my most anticipated game this year and to be honest it did disappoint. My expectations were MGS3 ladder high. From the opening scene where a David Bowie song plays I was so deeply engrossed in this game and I honestly thought this was going to not only be the best MGS but THE BEST GAME ever, but the game just stagnates in its final act unfortunately. Also I think everyone was waiting for one more map than the two huge maps (Africa, Afghanistan) we got. 

However it is the best Stealth game ever made. I mean that the gameplay is brilliant and builds on the gameplay innovations Kojima has been making for years with this series. But MGS3: Snake Eater will always be the best Metal Gear Solid in my eyes, because it told an unforgettable story while MGSV didn't quite make it there.

Accelerated One-Take: The best stealth game ever made but disappoints in its storytelling; which is what truly makes an MGS unforgettable for me. Still love you Kojima.. Konami is what I'm most disappointed in. 

Star Wars Battlefront

Not my favorite game. It's sheen wore off after a few weeks and felt hollow. But I go back and forth on this. Even though it doesn't have quite the depth I look for in a game, it is incredible to feel like you're taking down an AT-ST on Endor; it's casual feel makes it easy to pick up and play and not think too much (which in this case can be a good thing) when you're in the mood with friends.

Accelerated One-Take: Can feel shallow and it's DLC initiative makes me less into the game, but its ability to take YOU into Star Wars might FORCE you to jump back in for a few rounds. 

Uncharted 4 Multiplayer Beta

I've sunk quite some time in the Last of Us multiplayer; its deep and polished but gets overshadowed because the single player is amazing. So I was satisfied with Uncharted 4's multiplayer because it feels like Uncharted but isn't afraid to borrow some mechanics from The Last of Us that make it interesting. You'll find the Last of Us' store for purchases weapons/upgrades and down/revive system transfer well with the chaos of Uncharted. Don't worry you're still gonna be hang shooting, punching, running and gunning through the jungle and over crevices.

Accelerated One-Take: I can see myself sinking a lot of time into this after playing Uncharted 4 single player over and over! Give it to me now please!

PSX

These are two selections from PSX that I want to touch on. I was lucky enough to be there!

Ni No Kuni II Announcement 

I don't think we've come closer to playing a classic Ghibli film than with Ni No Kuni. Unfortunately I haven't played the first game; it's an unrequited game for me. I bought it for my brother since he has a ps3 (he hasn't played it). The art style, the return of master composer Joe Hisashi, and Level-5 all indicate that this is going to be good. The title reveal in the trailer had everyone cheering, probably the best announcement at PSX. 

Accelerated One-Take: I might be more excited for this than Final Fantasy XV... still excited for that too though!

PSVR

PSX was the latest push for Playstation's exciting step into virtual reality. They announced a lot of games at the keynote and a perplexing live demo for a Tron disc throwing game that didn't help PSVR's case. Despite that hiccup I'm still excited. Ace Combat being announced for PSVR is just the kind of support its going to need to be successful. I even dug that trailer for Eagle Flight; which looks like  "Assassin's Creed reused assets: the VR game" but I dig the sensation of flight that game promises. Highlight game was Rez which people are pretty jazzed about. Imagine flying around in a Windows Media Player Visualization with trance beats, doesn't that sound great. It sounds amazing! PSVR seller right there. 

I even tried Eve Valkyrie on the show floor and got a little motion sickness. Good I didn't throw up in the booth! Still excited. 

Accelerated One-Take: Lots of support for PSVR is a great sign; now to look ahead to PSVR pricing and other surprises. In short: they have my attention. Just announce No Man's Sky for VR and I'll wire you my monies.

Kojima Starts His Own Studio!

After heartbreaking article after article that revealed the strained relationship between Konami and Kojima we finally get some good news. Great news! Kojima gets to finally leave the Metal Gear franchise and be free to do whatever. Don't get me wrong I've love all his Metal Gear work but it's time he's free to spread his wings. If P.T. was any indication we're in for a real treat. It's also nice to know that Kojima will be getting a nice budget to work with thanks to Sony. I don't want any limitations on this man's creations!

Accelerated One-Take: A match made in heaven, Sony should just keep feeding him the money in wheelbarrows and let the man get to work! Hit up Guillermo while you're at it Kojima.

One-Take-Aways: 2015 a Year in Video Games (First Half)

One-take-aways are my quick takeaways for the year in gaming, hence the “one-take”. 2015 was an insane year and this blog is about rapid fire reflections on certain events, news, and games. We could and should go in depth because it’s the right thing to do, but if that were to happen we would be here forever and you're already feeling trapped and claustrophobic in this blog right? I know I am. 

I also got "Accelerated One-Takes": think of them as the carpool lane in this traffic jam of words, for those that would rather not read three or four sentences of reflection and just get on with the rest of your scattered internet scouring. 

Be warned I’m going to forget to honor your favorite game since I can’t be everywhere and be everything, more than anything this a personal list of personal highlights and things I was personally able to experience! So…

Resident Evil Remaster

I like remasters because oftentimes they are of games I haven’t had the chance to play. Hence RESIDENT EVIL (how the guy from the title screen creepily says it*). This is technically a remaster of a remake I failed to finish the first go round on Gamecube. But it’s even prettier and even more atmospheric than I remember it and the puzzles are hard and those red zombies are awfully fast. Promise to finish this one soon! Sorry!

Accelerated One Take: Itchy Tasty!

The Order 1886

The internet seems to hate this one but there’s actually a lot to like. An interesting world, insane graphics, Nikola Tesla. I also didn’t finish this but I got pretty close and I plan to go back. There are an overabundance of QTEs sure; but the action is there and at a brisk pace, and the game’s visuals are just not fair. I await Ready At Dawn’s sequel, this was a good start to a franchise that’s sure to get better. 

Accelerated One Take: Enjoy for what it is! 

Suikoden I & II gets rereleased on PS3, PSVita… which I don’t have

How I love Suikoden II and wish to play it. Suikoden II is one of those games that grabbed me as a kid and completely took me away on an epic journey: you’re amassing an army, characters that feel like close friends, in the backdrop of intense political conflict with memorable villains. I almost bought a PSTV to play this thing again…. One day. 

Accelerated One-Take: A personal favorite of mine, damn to think at one point Konami was sooooo good.

Bloodborne

Masterpiece. Most likely my game of the year! You go from Bram Stoker to Lovecraft in this incredible decent into madness, with a haunting and heart pumping score out of the darkest corners of my fever dream nightmares. The monster design, the creepy NPCs, the getting wrekt in pvp! Unforgettable! From Software: my boys. 

Accelerated One Take: RRRREEEEEHHHHHH (monster scream*)… This is a damn curse!

Mortal Kombat X

Pretty and pretty fun. I’m not the best when it comes to fighting games but I like the idea of friends coming over and talking that trash. Game kinda came and went, though there’s still lots of kyrpt stuff for me to explore, urging me to go back. Campaign was silly but fun; scared to go back online cause everyone is probably at that 75% juggle combo level. 

Accelerated One Take: Kould use more soulnados!

Ratchet and Clank Movie and Game

YES ZOMG my favorite duo is about to grace the ps4 and the movie.. hey the movie might be good too! It has Stallone! Cool!

Seriously this is one of my favorite franchises. I get warm Saturday morning vibes whenever I think of it. 

Accelerated One-Take: More Ratchet and Clank is clutch, it’s what we need and I’m watching the movie no matter what the tomato-meter says. 

Konami Cancels Silent Hills 

Kojima and Del Toro teaming up to do anything would excite me: a game, a movie, a two disc rap album! Whatever you guys want to do I’m IN. Konami wasn’t IN however and canceled what could have been a resurgence of Silent Hill and video game horror done right. AND probably would have raked in the cash and accolades. Konami.. what the hell dude(s).

Accelerated One-Take: Mad Max moment where she kneels in the sand dramatically*

Konami!!!!

Journey PS4

Another game that I missed out on; I always wanted to play and it didn’t disappoint. The music by Austin Wintory and striking vistas are something to behold. When you cross paths with another robed figure on your journey you feel companionship and endearment as you dance in the sands and share in the arduous moments ahead; you never want to leave their side. Imagine an episode of Maury where they brought out the people you’ve met and shared your journey with: it would be EMOTIONAL.. and yeah a bit bizarre but I’m goin’ in for the immediate hug.

Accelerated One-Take: It’s powerful, video game magic. 

E3 TIME (E3 impressions below)

Dark Souls III Announcement Trailer

What a glorious trailer, the world has definitely gotten darker than before! The music is on point and the direction of Miyazaki is felt. I’m ready to don the knight armor and shield again, I've missed you.

Accelerated One-Take: Praise the sun!

Last Guardian Showing

Omg it’s real and it’s beautiful and I’m attached to this bird cat thing… it warms my heart like microwave. I know it’s a game they kinda dug back up again, but still it has so much promise as a beautiful journey shared between a boy and his cat bird friend. 

Accelerated One-Take: They’re capturing wonder with this game.. wish my dog could play games: I think he’d dig this one.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Announcement 

Honestly I want a IX remake, it’s a better game you rabid VII fanboys! But I do appreciate the visual style and impact this game has on our medium: I mean Midgar running on a PS4; thats going to be nuts. And what a great trailer, they preyed on our every expectation knowing that we try to resist the foolish act of believing. But maybe its time to start believing again. Queue “Believe” by Cher*

Accelerated One-Take: YEEEEAH YEEEEAH (beginning part of HBO’s Entourage intro)

Shenmue III Kickstarter

Never played Shenmue in my life. For months leading up to this I saw twitter post after twitter post from Shenmue supporters, drumming up hope which I felt would ultimately be in vain. A single petal gets dropped and Michael P Huber shreds some hype tears; I only wish every Shenmue fan had a camera on them: the tears of joy and elation for their dream to come true is special. I was right there with you: though I wasn't crying I swear it's just my contacts that were bothering me. Mmk!

My Shenmue moment would be a new console Tenchu game. I would weep, I want to be like that guy who stood up during the Shenmue announcement: hands over his head in beautiful mind shattering disbelief.

Accelerated One-Take: You did it fam!

These reactions are precious! 

Uncharted 4 demo at E3

The first snippet was incredible: the opening close up on Nate and Sully showing off the amazing graphics and character detail, in case we forgot. Then it opens up with a vehicle chase across the city winding down multiple paths with remarkable detail: watermelons roll around, crates are smashed, someone’s hang drying laundry latches on to the getaway car, pedestrians get out of your way just in the nick of time. Then we get the extended demo: WOW. Incredible action, chaos, thrilling momentum and action spectacle: we are used to moments like this in Uncharted but the team at Naughty Dog seem to not want to leave us any breathing room in the finale. If that was only a 15 minute vertical slice, I can’t begin to imagine the things we will see in the full 8-10 hour game.

Accelerated One-Take: 2016 is stacked, but this is a safe bet for 2016’s game of the year. Calling it!

Rocket League

Behind that fun colorful Hot Wheels aesthetic is a serious game; a game as fun as it is competitive. You really get the feeling that you are a player on the team, contributing or holding back your team’s success. You whiff a save and everyone sarcastically spams the “What a Save!” preset message, then you thankfully score a goal or execute a clutch assist showing the team you aren’t complete garbage. Like any great competitive game it’s full of moments of awe and moments of heartbreak. But above all, it’s just pure fun. 

Accelerated One Take: Don’t let the fact of cars flying hitting a soccer ball around scare you (in fact, it shouldn’t cause that sounds awesome); it rivals any sports game. 

SO that's it for the first half of the year... more coming up!