As the year wraps up, the gaming magazines and websites will be listing 2014’s best video games. Here are ten personal favorites from this year (in no particular order.)

Pokémon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby – A+

The remake of the 2002 hit pays direct homage to its predecessor. The level of nostalgia is great and the level of fun is even greater. A must buy for any Pokémon fan.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS – A-

The Super Smash Bros. games are close to being considered classics in the Nintendo world. This installment is no different, and should be a bestseller for years to come. It isn’t good enough to buy a new console for, but it is a must pick up for any Wii U and 3DS owner.

Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor – A+

The best Lord of The Rings video game in recent years, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is a surprising hit. Following the exploits of Tailon, an ex-Ranger getting revenge for the death of his family, Shadow of Mordor is a fast paced hack and slash that leaves players desperately wanting a sequel.

Dark Souls 2 – A+

Dark Souls 2 is painfully difficult, but it’s a great game. Dying constantly makes every boss rage inducing, but is a great reward when finally completed. It is a must own for any RPG fan.

Far Cry 4– A+

After the glitches of Assassins Creed: Unity, every gamer was worried for the state of Ubisoft’s next game, Far Cry 4. Fortunately for us, Far Cry 4 made it out of development alive. Packed full with great story, side missions, a nicely paced campaign, and loads of areas to explore, Far Cry 4 is everything a open world FPS should be.

Wolfenstein: The New Order– A+

Great story? Check. Explosions and awesome weapons? Check. Robotic Nazis? Check and check.  Wolfenstein: The New Order is history as it could have been: Nazi Germany has taken over the entire world with superior and futuristic technology. Players take the role of Captain William Blazkowicz, an ex-Army Ranger who has spent the last fourteen years in a mental asylum in occupied Poland. The game is a reboot of the long dead series, and it succeeds in bringing it back to life again.

The Wolf Among Us – B-

Telltale games really knows how to write a story. The Wolf Among Us came out in four episodes over the course of this year, spanning the investigation of suspicious murders by detective Bigby Wolf.  There were some technical problems on PC, but it seems it run flawlessly on other consoles. There will be a next-gen (PS4 and Xbox One) release next year.

Company of Heroes 2- A-

Company of Heroes 2 was everything the first game wasn’t. Instead if taking place in the last year of the war in the eyes of American soldiers, Company of Heroes 2 takes place on the bloodiest battlefields of World War II: the Eastern Front.  Players take control of a Soviet commander and lead troops into battle. The campaign has a decent story and great gameplay. Add-ons can be bought to play as the Americans during the later war years as well.

Murdered: Soul Suspect- B+

Murdered: Soul Suspect  is a great game with a great plot. Graphics are good but could be better for this year. Players take control of Detective Ronan O’Connor, a detective working to catch a killer in Salem, Massachusetts. While on the case, Ronan is shot by the murder suspect, killing him and suspending him in this “ghost world” until he catches his killer.

Sniper Elite 3-  B+

Sniper Elite 3 is by far the best in the series.  Original plot, great graphics and optimization for PC made it a great third installment. The only downfalls it had were a short campaign and not many guns unless players invested into add-ons. Still worth it on any console.