The writer is sharing their top gaming picks of the year. Their list includes:
1. Super Mario Maker (for its creative level-making and gameplay)
2. XCOM 2 (for its engaging narrative, likable characters, and addictive gameplay)
3. Hearthstone (for its strategy and replayability)
4. Donkey Kong Country Returns (for its challenging platforming and fair difficulty)
5. Super Smash Bros. Melee (for its fast-paced fighting and nostalgic value)
6. Counter-Strike (for its intense multiplayer experience)
7. Rocket League (for its chaotic and entertaining gameplay)
8. Undertale (for its unique storytelling, likable characters, and humor)
9. Metal Gear Solid 5 (for its open-world gameplay, freedom of choice, and immersive experience)
The writer praises each game for its unique qualities and contributions to the gaming world.
Here are the extracted facts in short sentences:
1. The speaker played a lot of games this year.
2. They did not include games they already reviewed.
3. They gave bonus points to games released this year.
4. They excluded Super Mario Brothers 2 from the list.
5. Super Mario Maker allows players to create their own levels using the Wii U gamepad.
6. The speaker thinks making levels with the gamepad is easy.
7. The game has a strong narrative and likable characters.
8. The speaker enjoys playing Hearthstone on their phone or iPad.
9. Hearthstone has a pay-to-win model, but some classes can build competitive decks with free cards.
10. The game has a balance of strategy and luck.
11. The speaker beat a game on an airplane and hates airplanes.
12. Donkey Kong Returns has a legitimate difficulty level.
13. The game does not have random difficulty.
14. The speaker thinks Dark Souls blurs the line between actual difficulty and random difficulty.
15. Super Smash Brothers Melee can be played online on computers.
16. The game has advanced techniques and a large roster of characters.
17. Counter-Strike is a respected shooter with a huge potential for individual skill.
18. The game has a large community and a voice chat feature.
19. Rocket League is a game where players control cars and try to score goals.
20. The game is too advanced for some players' skills.
21. Undertale is a simple RPG with no repetitive grinding or melodramatic dialogue.
22. The game has a 100-song soundtrack and is an emotional roller coaster.
23. Metal Gear Solid 5 offers an enormous sandbox with many options for gameplay.
24. The game allows players to impersonate a woman, shoot their hand off, or plant C4 on enemies.
25. The speaker has put 150 hours into Metal Gear Solid 5.