After a two-week delay, we at A Gaming Genesis are proud to present 10 of our favorite games from 2014. This is not a “top 10” and there is no real order or system here, we each chose 5 games we loved, and briefly talk about them. These are our opinions. Feel free to share your thoughts on our choices, as well as your own favorite games of last year in the comments below.

Fantasy Life (Nintendo 3DS)

I was waiting for this Level-5 title since the very start of when I got into video games for this game. Originally announced years ago as a Nintendo DS Title, it was later released on  the 3DS in Japan back in 2012, with a re-release called “Fantasy Life Link!” later released. We finally got it over here last year, including the additional content in the “Link!” expansion. Fantasy Life was quite unique in combining role-playing with the life simulation genre, in an extremely enjoyable blend. With a near ridiculous amount of stuff to do, you’ll still be playing this game long after you buy it. – Thanous

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Wii U)

Released for the Wii U in February 2014, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the 5th installment in the classic Donkey Kong Country series, and the first one in HD. Featuring a ton of levels, collectibles, and playable characters including Cranky Kong- this game just does everything right. It never feels artificially hard, but it is challenging and does reward patience and you must practice to master this game. Though I still haven’t completed it, I find myself coming back to it even now. A definite must own for the Wii U. – Andrew

Octodad: Dadliest Catch (Playstation 4/Playstation Vita/PC)

Octodad: Dadliest Catch is an indie adventure game where you play as an octopus, that’s disguised himself as a suburban father. The most simple tasks are made complicated by the fact that you are an octopus. Barbecuing, grocery shopping, and a family trip to the aquarium are some of the tasks that you will participate in. But you have to be careful to avoid the evil chef that knows your secret! Instead of the traditional way of controlling a character, in this game you control Octodad’s individual limbs which both adds to the fun and the challenge. It’s a very hilarious enjoyable adventure that should be experienced by all gamers. – Thanous

Senran Kagua: Shinovi Versus (Playstation Vita)

I didn’t own a Playstation Vita until 2015, but I took a blind chance on Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus because I knew I had heard the name before. Based on an anime series, the game is a 3D Brawler/Action game, something akin to Dynasty Warriors (though the crowds aren’t nearly as big). This game is definitely full of fan service, you play as scantily clad female ninjas, and you take damage, and dish damage, the clothes of your rivals, and you yourself fall off until you are stripped to just bra and panties. You can dress up your girls in different outfits, lingerie, and accessories to suit your tastes. While it is definitely on the perverted side, the game is still genuinely fun and addicting- I’ve put a ton of hours into it in the few days I’ve owned my Vita, and still have barely broke the ice on the contents of the game. One of the best blind buys I’ve ever had. – Andrew

Luftrausers (Playstation 3/Playstation Vita/PC)

Luftrausers is the most addictive I’ve played on my vita since getting it at launch. The day this game came out consisted of eating, sleeping, and playing this game. It’s a shoot-em-up style game, but instead of a fixed direction you freely fly around the small map in one of the many different customizable planes, beating challenges and unlocking more parts. This is an extremely fun and unique game, that I recommend to all gamers. -Thanous

Mario Kart 8 (Nintendo Wii U)

Bayonetta 2 was the game that I knew would force me to buy the Wii U, however, Mario Kart 8 was the first Wii U game I purchased and I did so before even owning the system. I had been planning my purchase for awhile, and decided to buy Mario Kart 8 because of the free game promotion for registering it on Club Nintendo. I did eventually, buy the Wii U and Mario Kart 8 is a standout entry in a great franchise, the new anti-gravity mechanics are fun and change the game up enough to keep it fresh- underwater driving, and flying return from Mario Kart 7 and new to the series, is downloadable content, with the first set already out, and a second set coming this spring. I don’t think more needs to be said than that- it’s Mario Kart, and they are always well made- and fun experiences. – Andrew

Inazuma Eleven (Nintendo 3DS)

Another Level-5 title, that was originally released during 2008 for the Nintendo DS in Japan, the series has been regularly released in other territories since 2011, but the first time North America got the series was last year with Inazuma Eleven on the 3DS. This game combines soccer and role-playing, and it is brilliant. The gameplay and many aspects of this series cannot be found anywhere else, it’s a lot of fun to play, build up your team, and win! Sports games and role-playing game fans alike need to check this game out. – Thanous

Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo Wii U)

Super Smash Bros for 3DS and Wii U  were both incredibly anticipated titles by gamers everywhere. Some excited by the prospect of a handheld Smash Bros and others ready for the next console adaptation. While I predominately played the 3DS version, I definitely think the Wii U version is superior all around. Featuring tons of great fanfare for Nintendo franchises and other guest characters, all new modes, 8 player Smash on the Wii U version. I still don’t think it’s as good as Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Gamecube, but it’s a huge step up from Brawl and a great return to form for the series, with some new ideas thrown in (some good, and some bad). – Andrew

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (Nintendo 3DS)

Persona on the 3DS? Yes, please. Persona 3 & 4 crossover? Hell yeah! This game is fanservice in it’s greatest form, crossing over the characters from persona 3 & 4 in this first person dungeon crawling RPG. Gameplay is very similar to Etrian Odyssey, the story is fun and always entertaining. If you are a fan of the series, this is a game you will not want to miss! -Thanous

Bayonetta 2 (Nintendo Wii U)

Bayonetta 2 was a game I never thought I would see, so to see it come out on a Nintendo console was a mind blowing experience. Bayonetta 2 greatly surpasses the already incredible first game in every category. It is insanely fun, challenging, and a gorgeous game, worthy of the title, and praise. I will handily declare it was “Game of the Generation (so far)”, a true “must own” for the Wii U. For an in-depth review, check out my review here. – Andrew

FINAL THOUGHTS-

Andrew:

There were a lot of games I missed out on in 2014, and others I just didn’t get the time I wanted with them. I got a few new systems, and branched out of my safe zone a bit. I’m looking forward to entering 2015, and finally picking up a PS4.

Thanous:

2014 was an amazing year for gaming in all genres, with many great releases to keep me occupied all year long, especially for the vita. Let’s hope 2015 keeps it awesome as well.