From Death Claws to Floating Gold Orbs
Welcome to my list of favorite video games of 2015! You’ll notice I used the PS4 covers for the games (were applicable), that’s because that is the console in which I played the game. 
1. Fallout 4
Honestly, does this game need any explanation? If you love Fallout, then you know why I love it so much. When Fallout 4 was announced at E3 2015, I just knew – I had a feeling – that we’d get it the same year. You’d better believe I was stoked when it was made official! I got my Pip Boy Edition pre-order in the day it went on sale.
I could list many reasons why I love the Fallout series so much, from its rich story history and its wacky characters to the varied missions (have you played U.S.S. Constitution mission? OMG that was hilarious!) and the little details I find in the huge wide open world. But my biggest reason for loving it so much? The total immersion factor. No game, other than one (keep reading), has the power over me to zap me into its world and not let go until many hours later like Fallout does. Seriously, it’s like being in a casino with no windows or clocks – when I’m wandering the Wastelands, nothing else matters. That escape is why Fallout – and specifically, Fallout 3 – is my favorite game series of ALL TIME. (For the record, The Elder Scrolls series is a close second, and it, too, has that same escape magic hold over me. More on Elder scrolls in a minute.)
And I get that many fans feel like Fallout 4 is just more of the same. Duh! I mean, I’m personally very happy they didn’t stray too far from what we love. Were the side missions as cool and lengthy as they were in Fallout 3? No, but I still feel like we got a full experience. Wandering around and discovering this little nods and references were also fun. Personally? I can’t wait for the DLC! Bring. It. On!
Interesting tidbit – I earned the Platinum trophy in 150+ hours *and* by some miracle published my third book during that time.
Some things I hope we get in the DLC:
1. More of the Glowing Sea. Such a fascinating place and very much reminiscent of the look and feel of Fallout 3. There were several little things to find in the Glowing Sea that just begged for more exploration – the half buried Super Duper Mart, the underground bunker – they just called out to me.
2. Underwater. You’ve seen the pipeline, right? Who knows? Maybe there’s a secret cover up story that goes along with it!
3. Salem area. Meeting Barney Rook and helping him out was nice, but while walking around the little town, I couldn’t help but wish there had been more to do there.
On with the rest!
2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D – Absolutely beautiful on the 3DS. I never finished Majora’s Mask on N64 (I know, I am ashamed), but I really dug the heck out of this one.
3. Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture – Not without its issues, but I still really enjoyed wandering around (there’s that phrase again) and learning about these people’s lives.
4. Until Dawn – A surprise that was a blast to play! It felt like I was not just watching a movie, but was right there with the characters. And it was so easy to get immersed in each character and their stories.
5. The Elder Scrolls Online – Oh, Elder Scrolls. I’m torn. I loved being back in Tamriel, with just one caveat. I don’t need other players in my Elder Scrolls game. I am enjoying the familiar world and the missions, but I’m a soloist at heart. Just give me Elder Scrolls 6.
Honorable Mentions (sort of):
You may be wondering why The Witcher III isn’t on my list. And I have an answer. I did play a few hours of it, but it honestly didn’t grab me. I make no apologies for the fact that my love for Fallout, the immersion I feel when playing it and its play mechanics, has me spoiled. Other open-world RPGs just don’t compare. One day I’ll give it another chance. I liked it, I just didn’t love it.
Normally, a Tales game (like Tales of Zestiria) would make my list, but due to it coming out right before Fallout 4, I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t even broken the seal yet. But since I’ve now Platinum’d Fallout 4, I’ll be diving in soon!
Well, I hope you enjoyed my list of favorite games of 2015. I’ll try to report in throughout the new year whenever a new game tickles my fancy. In the meantime, press start…
