The next generation of consoles might have hit the shelves, but for some people the PC will always be the king of gaming. From adventure games to point and clicks, to shoot em-ups and full on action, the PC brings a variety of games that simply don’t fit in anywhere else. The year 2014 has been a big one for noteworthy PC releases, so to pick a list is difficult. Meta-critic ratings have provided some measures of top games to hit the shelf, and a sprinkle of personal preference to add the spice.
1. Divinity: Original Sin
The Divinity series has brought more than a decade worth of titles to the PC, and the latest addition has not disappointed fans, but rather brings a fresh new game to a series that has gone from strength to strength. It is a huge RPG game which combines excellent character dynamics, an immersing story, and some top-notch tactical battle options. All in all an extremely well rounded game, and one which keeps the flame alive for the RPGs, a genre that belongs on the PC.
2. Titanfall
One of the major first person shoot-em ups of the year has found its way onto the PC, and it plays like a treat. Set in a futuristic world of jet packs and huge combative robots, Titanfall is not simply just another COD, and has enough unique elements to keep hungry gamers satisfied.
3. Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria has been a console release since 2008, but has this year found its way onto the screens of PC gamers, who can enjoy this anime style adaptation of the second world war. The game features an extensively battle system, with tons of unique characters each bearing their own abilities, and each able to merge with other characters to make a frankly ridiculous amount of tactical combinations. What really makes Valkyria a unique experience is that each character, personal and lovable, only lives once; when they die they die, and that is that.
4. South Park: Stick Of Truth
Another RPG, and perhaps not one that people would expect to genuinely be categorized as one of the best PC games of the year. One might expect a slightly gimmicky feel from a South Park game, but this is not the case. Sure it is full of lewd humor and immature fart jokes; but it is also a cracking RPG, with adventures, battles, and a really funny narrative.
5. Middle Earth: Shadows Of Mordor
The latest LOTR action adventure game brings more of the same to the series really. It is a bit like Assassin’s Creed but the orc is the designated target. For from a second hand video game, already found on Gumtree and Amazon, Middle Earth is visually stunning, and very addictive and entertaining to play.
6. Hearthstone
WOW gets a card game here, and it isn’t just a pointless spin-off. On the contrary it is gameplay heaven for those who like to use their brain to outwit their opponent, and it guarantees to encourage some serious tactical play.
7. Dark Souls II
Annoying, punishing, and unforgiving. These are not usually the traits of a top PC game, but in the case of Dark Souls II that is really the whole point. Player’s limits will be tested to the max, and the challenges that the game provides can at times seem unsolvable. Surviving dark souls is as difficult as it is rewarding.
