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.