June just ended, meaning we are half-way through the year.

 

We have seen a slew of good games come out in 2015 already.

 

But which games stand out? Which games should you not miss out on? These are the top five games so far this year.

 

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”

 

 

Developed by the Poland based CD Projekt Red, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is the sequel to “The Witcher 2: Assasin of Kings,” a game presented to President Barack Obama in 2011 as an example of Poland’s talent and work ethic contributions to the global economy. With that in mind, you can expect a great deal in the game’s sequel.

 

And “Witcher 3” does not disappoint. A vast improvement to its sequel and the best game to come out this year so far, it is an experience not to be missed.

 

“The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt” has you take control of a mutated professional monster slayer, Witcher Geralt of Rivia, in a quest to hunt down his lost and magically gifted child, Ciri.

 

I describe this game as “Skyrim with a good narrative,” considering it is an open-world game and it lets you explore a vast environment. You can help any of the multiple villages throughout, defeat powerful monsters, explore the forests and swamps of the landscape or focus on the main storyline. Ultimately, there is a ton to do here and it will take you hundreds of hours to see and do everything.

 

The game plays like a slower paced but no less intense action game that focuses on dodging, parrying and counterattacking. Magic or craft bombs and potions can be used to give you an edge in combat as well.

 

The Witcher series is known to be more hardcore than most games on the market. While a bit of a learning curve is needed to get a feel for the game, this is the most approachable entry in the series and it does not take long to understand how the game works.

 

Overall, “The Witcher 3” is a great game appealing strongly to people who like exploring, open-world games, action, strong storytelling or role-playing games.

 

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

 

“Heroes of the Storm”

 

 

“Heroes of the Storm” is a new multiplayer online battle arena, or MOBA, from Blizzard Entertainment.

 

This is a great game.

 

 

Comprised of characters from all Blizzard Entertainment games, it is a mash-up of series like “Warcraft,””Starcraft” and “Diablo.”

 

It has the standard five versus five format as each team battles to destroy the opposing team’s core, a structure deep in each team’s territory.

 

What makes “Heroes of the Storm” stand out among other games is its accessibility and simplicity while still managing to have great depth in its gameplay. “Heroes of the Storm” mixed up the normally strict formula of MOBAs by removing genre tropes such as buying items in a match, leveling up individually and playing on a single map.

 

This game is for people who want something fresh or different in MOBAs or are new to the genre but want to get into it.

 

Overall, “Heroes of the Storm” is a unique game worth checking out.

 

Platforms: PC, Mac

 

“Bloodborne”

 

 

This is a new game from developer FromSoftware, famous for the extremely difficult “Dark Souls” series.

 

Set in the monster infested gothic city of Yharem, “Bloodborne” has the player take the role of the Hunter as he tracks down the “Paleblood” for reasons not known to the player. 

 

Favoring a more offensive approach to combat than its predecessors, this game is similar to other games of FromSoftware because it is punishingly difficult but does not make you feel like you have been cheated in defeat. You learn from your mistakes. Repeated trial in combat against enemies teaches you the best way to go about moving through this challenging game.

 

This game is for fans of FromSoftware, very difficult games or heavy action-focused games.

 

Platforms: PlayStation 4

 

“The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D”

 

 

The 2000 Nintendo classic “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” is considered to be one of the best games of all time. “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D” is a remaster, or upgrade to the sound and look of a game to modern standards.

 

With some minor quirks aside, this remaster shows the original game can still hold up after 15 years.

 

Taking the role of one of the video games most iconic heroes, Link, you are transported to an alternate world, doomed to be crushed by its moon after three day’s time. You are tasked with stopping this doomsday.

 

This action-adventure video game allows you to explore this new land, defeat a large variety of enemies and solve a mixture of different themed dungeons or puzzles using the vast assortment of items you acquire on your journey.

 

I would recommend this game to fans of the “Zelda” series, action-adventure, exploration and puzzle solving.

 

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

 

“Batman: Arkham Knight”

 

 

This is the third and assumed final addition in the popular “Arkham” Batman game series developed by Rocksteady Studios.

 

For the first time in the series, the game earned a mature rating, recommended for players 17 years and older, as you take on the role of Batman in one of the darkest stories in his history. You face off against the villain Scarecrow and a new enemy called the Arkham Knight, who seems to have a history with Batman. They plan to detonate a gas cloud throughout Gotham City causing people to attack each other relentlessly. Your job is to stop them.

 

All the usual aspects of this series are present in this game, including its highly praised combat and stealth game play.

 

The newest aspect is the addition of controlling the Batmobile. Some fans would argue driving the tank-like vehicle clashes too much with the tone and style of the series. Ultimately, the developers are able to create a fun experience using the Batmobile and the overall game is still one of the best in the industry.

 

Anyone who is a big fan of Batman, great combat, strong storytelling and vehicular combat should check this game out.

 

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One