Best Of 2014: ‘Video Games Edition’

Far Cry 4

Ubisoft does not reinvent the wheel with Far Cry 4. What it does do is flawlessly execute its Far Cry formula, building a vast open world called Kryat, giving it a bizarre, story, and overflowing it with things to do.

The antagonist, Pagan Min, isn’t around as often as you’d like and the PlayStation 4-exclusive feature that let you “share” the game with your friends online was an awful letdown. But you come for Kryat, and whether you’re riding giant elephants, setting wild animals loose in small villages, or simply hunting rhinos at a distance, this fictional country is well worth the price of admission.

Despite its imperfections, Far Cry 4 is a game that’s tough to put down.

Grand Theft Auto V

The best fighting game of them all returned with a vengeance. Nintendo did everything right when it brought this fighter to the Wii U, choosing just the right characters (yes, the Wii Fit Trainer has some cool moves), bringing a hearty dose of power-ups, and innovating in new ways in every level.

There’s never been more movement and change and development in these tiny stages, and in every area, you found yourself fighting the average Smash Bros. mess, as well as constantly shifting environments. Battling for power-ups only added to the insanity.

It was as action-packed as any two-minute battle you’ve ever played.