The year 2014 was a remarkable year for PC gaming, with a plethora of titles across various genres making their mark in the hearts of gamers around the world. From breathtaking RPGs to intense action games, the year was filled with entertainment that kept the gaming community engaged for hours on end. In this list, we’re going to delve into the top 10 PC games of 2014, starting from the still greatly praised and influential #10 to the cream of the crop at #1.
#10. The Wolf Among Us
Kicking off our list is Telltale Games’ “The Wolf Among Us,” an episodic graphic adventure game that wove interactive storytelling with the dark and gritty world of Bill Willingham’s Fables comic book series. Players took on the role of Bigby Wolf, the big bad wolf turned sheriff, unraveling mysteries in a community of fairytale characters hidden in plain sight in New York City. Its captivating narrative, moral decision-making, and stylish neo-noir aesthetic made it one of the most unique experiences of the year.
#9. Divinity: Original Sin
Offering a throwback to classic RPGs, “Divinity: Original Sin” by Larian Studios delivered a compelling story, deep turn-based combat, and a world rich with possibilities. This game brought back the essence of old-school role-playing with its cooperative gameplay, allowing two players to argue and agree (or disagree) on the outcomes of pivotal story decisions. Its freedom of choice and strategic battles earned it a spot in the hearts of enthusiasts craving detailed, classic RPG mechanics on a modern platform.
#8. Far Cry 4
Ubisoft’s “Far Cry 4” took players to the fictional Himalayan country of Kyrat, an open-world filled with danger and adventure. The game built upon its predecessors by offering an expansive sandbox for players to explore, alongside a rebellion against a despotic ruler. With its beautiful landscapes, wildlife interactions, and freedom of approach in missions, “Far Cry 4” continued the series’ tradition of offering an engaging first-person experience peppered with memorable moments.
#7. Dragon Age: Inquisition
BioWare reclaimed the fantasy RPG throne with “Dragon Age: Inquisition.” As the Inquisitor, players had to save the world of Thedas from cataclysmic events. This game was lauded for its massive world, deep lore, and intricate character development. The title introduced a larger scale in terms of environments, choices that affected the game’s world, and tactical combat that required players to think strategically as they battled formidable foes.
#6. Wolfenstein: The New Order
MachineGames reimagined the classic shooter franchise with “Wolfenstein: The New Order,” offering a fresh and entertaining narrative twist where the Nazis won World War II. Players stepped into the shoes of B.J. Blazkowicz as he embarked on a guerrilla warfare campaign to take down a technologically advanced Third Reich. It combined a compelling story, dark humor, and exciting gunplay, and gave new life to the Wolfenstein series with its release.
#5. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Blizzard Entertainment’s “Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft” stormed onto the scene as a deceptively simple yet profoundly deep collectible card game. Influenced by the lore of the Warcraft series, Hearthstone was free-to-play, easily accessible, and quickly became a staple in the world of competitive digital card games. Its approachability for newcomers and strategic depth for veterans made it a standout title in 2014, as well as a popular game in the growing e-sports scene.
#4. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
“Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor” by Monolith Productions was an unexpected hit that blended elements from various popular action games with a new system that set it apart: the Nemesis System. This feature had enemies remember their encounters with the player, reshaping their interactions and the game’s world. Alongside an engaging storyline set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, and robust combat mechanics, “Shadow of Mordor” offered an innovative and immersive experience that had fans and newcomers alike hooked.
#3. Dark Souls II
FromSoftware’s “Dark Souls II” continued the tradition of action RPGs with punishing difficulty and a focus on methodical combat and exploration. This entry in the series provided players with an expansive world filled with formidable enemies and intricate lore. While some fans debated its standing in the Souls lineage, “Dark Souls II” offered a distinct challenge and sense of achievement that had become the hallmark of the series and stood as a high point in 2014’s PC gaming lineup.
#2. Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth
“Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth” took the celebrated turn-based strategy formula of the Civilization series to new frontiers as players colonized alien planets and shaped the future of humanity off Earth. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, like the tech web and affinities, allowing players to forge a unique path for their civilization. Although it was set among the stars, it retained the depth and complexity that fans of the series had come to expect, making it another standout title of the year.
#1. South Park: The Stick of Truth
At the pinnacle of our list is “South Park: The Stick of Truth.” This game transcended expectations for what a licensed game could be, delivering an authentic South Park experience. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the game offered a hilarious, uncensored, and often shocking RPG experience that perfectly captured the show’s spirit. Its success was not just in the comedy but also in the surprisingly deep gameplay that resulted from the collaboration between South Park Studios and Obsidian Entertainment. “The Stick of Truth” wasn’t just a great South Park game—it was a great game, period, and 2014’s most memorable venture into the world of PC gaming.
There you have it, the top 10 PC games that defined 2014. These titles showcased the creativity and the innovative designs that developers brought to the table to ensure that gamers had exceptional experiences across genres. From laughing at the crude humor of “South Park: The Stick of Truth” to racking your brain in the tactical depths of “Civilization: Beyond Earth,” the year offered something for everyone. It is safe to say that these titles will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.