Each year, the annual ceremonies celebrating video games ignite lively debates among avid gamers, particularly surrounding the nominees for Game of the Year (GOTY). With diverse and passionate opinions, discussions often highlight the titles that resonate most with audiences.
While some nominations make an immediate impact, others require time to be properly contextualized in the broader history of gaming.Over the years, there have been numerous games whose accolades have proven well-deserved.
In this article, we reflect on ten GOTY nominees that have truly aged like fine wine, showcasing works that have stood the test of time. The list includes nominees from The Game Awards as well as the earlier Spike Video Game Awards.
10 Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
The King of Cards
Initially, I was hesitant about Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, especially since I wasn’t a fan of card games. Its early form seemed unappealing, making its nomination somewhat unexpected. However, as the game expanded through various modes and expansions, its potential became apparent.
Today, Hearthstone reigns supreme in the collectible card game genre, delivering a wealth of content characterized by innovation, creativity, and accessibility. Reflecting on its nomination, it now feels like a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. As one of Blizzard’s standout efforts, its recognition is well justified.
9 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The Series’ Prime
Call of Duty was once among my favorite franchises, especially for its ability to deliver epic campaigns effortlessly.Modern Warfare 2 epitomizes this quality with its breathtaking narrative and thrilling gameplay.
Beyond its exceptional single-player experience, the game features one of the most memorable multiplayer modes of its time, ensuring endless fun. Nostalgia for these gameplay experiences resurfaces as I’ve noticed the series shift from this traditional model, making Modern Warfare 2 a prime example of early 21st-century first-person shooters.
8 Mass Effect 2
The Greatest Sci-Fi RPG
Widely regarded as the best sci-fi RPG franchise, Mass Effect 2 stands out as the series’ crowning achievement. Building upon its predecessor, BioWare’s sequel enhanced every aspect of the player experience.
With its intricate decision-making mechanics, compelling dialogues, and character development, Mass Effect 2 feels as fresh today as when it first launched. Its legacy influences new RPGs that have yet to reach its remarkable height.
7 The Last of Us
PlayStation 3’s Jewel
The Last of Us set the benchmark for narrative-driven gaming and redefined the potential of interactive storytelling. As gaming technology has evolved, Joel and Ellie’s journey remains strikingly relevant.
The game’s early innovations are still visible, making its recent remake feel somewhat unnecessary; the original gameplay experience continues to captivate players.The Last of Us serves as a landmark title that exemplifies the artistic potential of video games, warranting numerous awards over the years.
6 Assassin’s Creed 2
A Flawless Sequel
As the Assassin’s Creed series continues to evolve, it’s easy to reminisce about the brilliance of Assassin’s Creed 2. This nearly flawless sequel dramatically surpassed its predecessor with a captivating narrative and rich characters.
Replaying this title remains a delight, highlighting its engaging gameplay. Although the series has drifted from its origins, Assassin’s Creed 2 retains a cherished spot among fans for its groundbreaking contributions to the franchise.
5 Tomb Raider
The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider marked a successful revival after years of fluctuations, brilliantly reintroducing the iconic Lara Croft. This compelling reboot established a foundation for future entries, emphasizing an enriched formula.
Often overlooked during its release year, particularly with the competition it faced, this action-adventure gem has undeniably aged better than many games in the genre. Its influence and execution still outshine various titles, proving its lasting appeal.
4 Death Stranding
It Was Always A Masterpiece
Not all games receive immediate acclaim, and Death Stranding is one such example. Hideo Kojima’s ambitious project faced skepticism upon release but has gained recognition as a modern cult classic over the years.
The game is a testament to thought-provoking storytelling and world-building, enhanced by its unique gameplay and thought-provoking themes about connectivity. As society continues to navigate challenges related to connection and isolation, its relevance grows stronger with time.
3 God of War III
Hack-And-Slash At Its Best
Whenever the topic of adapting the original God of War trilogy arises, I can’t help but cringe at how we seem to underestimate the hack-and-slash genre. This could not be truer for God of War III, a stellar game outstanding for its combat and design.
As players undertake Kratos’ quest against the gods, the game remains exhilarating with its striking visuals and compelling mechanics. The nostalgia tied to God of War III elevates its status, making it a timeless classic that fans continue to champion.
2 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Art Made Video Game
Although I was too young at launch, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater profoundly impacted me as one of my early gaming experiences. Even two decades later, it remains vital in the discussion of video games as art.
The intricate narrative, character depth, and masterful use of cinematic storytelling establish it as an unparalleled gaming masterpiece.Metal Gear Solid 3 is a timeless classic, demonstrating how art can thrive in video game form.
1 Portal 2
The Perfect Puzzler
Valve has consistently delivered ground-breaking titles, and Portal 2 stands as a pinnacle of achievement within the puzzle genre, proving itself timeless through its innovative mechanics and delightful narrative.
No matter how many times players engage with its challenging puzzles and iconic character dynamics, Portal 2 remains a benchmark for excellence in gaming. While it could have easily secured the 2011 GOTY award, its legacy transcends accolades, solidifying its place among the greatest video games of all time.
Leave a Reply ▼