1-3. Gears Trilogy
I have never played the Gears series and figured I'd start off the year by going through the original trilogy with a friend. I typically don't like cover shooters but gave it a chance. It was a blast and much more fun than I expected. Played 1 and 3 on Insane but my friend didn't have it unlocked for 2 so we just beat it on normal. The controls and gameplay continually improved over the course of the series. I also thought the story wasn't too bad. I would say I enjoyed Gears 3 the most.
4-5. halo 4-5
Big Halo fan since the glory days of 2-3, so I won't even start on what I like about this series. I played back through these a couple times over while on an achievement hunt. Beaten them on Solo Legendary before but figured I should still include them since I spent the better part of a day or two on them.
6. Gears Judgment
After a weekend break me and my friend continued our Gears adventure. Unfortunately it was more or less a disaster. I thought it was by far the worst in the series and obviously handed off to a B team of devs. I guess it wasn't one of the worst games I've ever played but it did make me throw up in my mouth a bit.
7. Titanfall 2
Where do I begin? For a franchise that's first installment didn't even have an actual campaign, they totally knocked it out of the park with this one. Amazing level design, beautiful environments, gameplay variety, amazing soundtrack and cast of characters, and the dynamic between pilot and titan is awesome. I actually cared about BT and the dialogue options and responses were a nice touch while not being forced on you. The story and characters like enemy Bosses were very well done. Gave me vibes of Halo 2, Half Life 2, and other great Golden Era FPS campaigns. Love the multiplayer even though it isn't as good as the original.
8. Dark Souls + Artorias of the Abyss
Always heard of the Souls games but never got the chance to try them. I even owned Demon Souls at one point but traded my PS3 in before ever getting around to play it. I finally came around after the big sale on Xbox Live for the holidays where I snagged DS2 SotFS for 16 bucks and DS3 plus the season pass for around 40. I already owned DS1 since it was a free GwG in the past. I looked into the dlc and even though it was still 15$ I went ahead and bought it after hearing how amazing, even though technically unnecessary, it is. All I can say is WOW! Amazing atmosphere and art design. Immediately fell in love with the combat. Spent the first session in the graveyard getting owned by skeletons and honing my swordsmanship. Then, I detoured to New Lando and fought ghosts for another few hours before finally realizing the futility. I even killed the Miracle guy with the bowl cut after he smarted off to me. By the time I found the right path to Undead Berg I was already a man. The enemy and boss design are top notch. The difficulty is not artificial and feels authentic. I love that it doesn't hold your hand and makes you explore and investigate and use trial and error to figure out what to do, how to fight, or where to go next. I only played a melee style and barely used any magic and had very low intellect. I didn't use ANY summons the entire playthrough or ever use a guide or video for help. I beat all dlc bosses including the black dragon. I loved the nods to Berserk like the skeleton wheels and Artorias. I could go on all day. I put this series right up there with Ninja Gaiden, one of my all time favorite series.
9. Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin
I'll keep it short. Love this game but not as much as the first. Bosses were way easier on average. Spent a lot of time lost not knowing where to go. Still awesome world, story, and enemy design. Beat all the dlc and after getting all 3 crowns, relit the bonfire in Drangelic castle and refought both throne room bosses to fight the First Scholar.
10. Sabans MMPR Mega Battle
Fun old school game, reminded me of TMNT Turtles in Time. Beat game and hit MAX level.
Currently playing Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne, and For Honor.
I have never played the Gears series and figured I'd start off the year by going through the original trilogy with a friend. I typically don't like cover shooters but gave it a chance. It was a blast and much more fun than I expected. Played 1 and 3 on Insane but my friend didn't have it unlocked for 2 so we just beat it on normal. The controls and gameplay continually improved over the course of the series. I also thought the story wasn't too bad. I would say I enjoyed Gears 3 the most.
4-5. halo 4-5
Big Halo fan since the glory days of 2-3, so I won't even start on what I like about this series. I played back through these a couple times over while on an achievement hunt. Beaten them on Solo Legendary before but figured I should still include them since I spent the better part of a day or two on them.
6. Gears Judgment
After a weekend break me and my friend continued our Gears adventure. Unfortunately it was more or less a disaster. I thought it was by far the worst in the series and obviously handed off to a B team of devs. I guess it wasn't one of the worst games I've ever played but it did make me throw up in my mouth a bit.
7. Titanfall 2
Where do I begin? For a franchise that's first installment didn't even have an actual campaign, they totally knocked it out of the park with this one. Amazing level design, beautiful environments, gameplay variety, amazing soundtrack and cast of characters, and the dynamic between pilot and titan is awesome. I actually cared about BT and the dialogue options and responses were a nice touch while not being forced on you. The story and characters like enemy Bosses were very well done. Gave me vibes of Halo 2, Half Life 2, and other great Golden Era FPS campaigns. Love the multiplayer even though it isn't as good as the original.
8. Dark Souls + Artorias of the Abyss
Always heard of the Souls games but never got the chance to try them. I even owned Demon Souls at one point but traded my PS3 in before ever getting around to play it. I finally came around after the big sale on Xbox Live for the holidays where I snagged DS2 SotFS for 16 bucks and DS3 plus the season pass for around 40. I already owned DS1 since it was a free GwG in the past. I looked into the dlc and even though it was still 15$ I went ahead and bought it after hearing how amazing, even though technically unnecessary, it is. All I can say is WOW! Amazing atmosphere and art design. Immediately fell in love with the combat. Spent the first session in the graveyard getting owned by skeletons and honing my swordsmanship. Then, I detoured to New Lando and fought ghosts for another few hours before finally realizing the futility. I even killed the Miracle guy with the bowl cut after he smarted off to me. By the time I found the right path to Undead Berg I was already a man. The enemy and boss design are top notch. The difficulty is not artificial and feels authentic. I love that it doesn't hold your hand and makes you explore and investigate and use trial and error to figure out what to do, how to fight, or where to go next. I only played a melee style and barely used any magic and had very low intellect. I didn't use ANY summons the entire playthrough or ever use a guide or video for help. I beat all dlc bosses including the black dragon. I loved the nods to Berserk like the skeleton wheels and Artorias. I could go on all day. I put this series right up there with Ninja Gaiden, one of my all time favorite series.
9. Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin
I'll keep it short. Love this game but not as much as the first. Bosses were way easier on average. Spent a lot of time lost not knowing where to go. Still awesome world, story, and enemy design. Beat all the dlc and after getting all 3 crowns, relit the bonfire in Drangelic castle and refought both throne room bosses to fight the First Scholar.
10. Sabans MMPR Mega Battle
Fun old school game, reminded me of TMNT Turtles in Time. Beat game and hit MAX level.
Currently playing Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne, and For Honor.