Staying on top of my game backlog is a strange, thankless hobby I can’t get enough of. I like to play everything big and important, small and noteworthy, and even some of the oddities in between. That task has always been impossible. As someone who doesn’t do *this* for a living, my time to get through games clashes directly with paying bills, maintaining an apartment and two cats, staying in touch with family, and any other hobbies I enjoy. I’m lucky enough to have a girlfriend who is just as committed to the game backlog as I am, otherwise I may have given up a long time ago.
Every year is the same. As the holiday release storm comes to a close, what was once a manageable endeavor becomes a herculean task. Up until now I thought I had a fair handle on this year’s game releases. Sure, I have to come back to a game or two from earlier in the year, but for the most part I played everything I wanted to.
Now that it’s nearly December that’s no long the case. So, in the spirit of hopes, dreams, and intentions, I’ve decided to make a list of everything I should really play before the year is through. What’s your list? Please share in the comments!
Watch_Dogs 2 – Because I’m already playing it, I already love it, but it’s a big game and I need to finish it!
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Because I also already started this one, and it’s a blast so far. I love a good shooter campaign, and this year has offered a ton of them.
Titanfall 2 – Because there’s a moment in it that everyone is talking about in hushed tones. If you follow enough podcasts it can be a death by a thousand tiny spoiler cuts, but I’m still not 100% sure what the big deal is and I’m excited to find out for myself.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Because the Deus Ex series has eternally haunted my backlog, and I’d like to finish at least one of the “good” ones (ironically I managed to finish Invisible War).
Dishonored 2 – Because I finished Dishonored and all the DLC this year. The story is fresh in my mind and I want to see where they take it.
Hitman – Because it sounded like a great game all year long, and I finally got the entire collection for $30.
The Last Guardian – Because I loved Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, and even if I didn’t, I need to know what was worth all those years of work.
Final Fantasy XV – Because it’s a non-MMO Final Fantasy game getting positive reviews in a post Final Fantasy XIII world.
Gears of War 4 – Because I liked this series a lot in the past, and I’ve heard this one is a lot of fun. I just don’t turn on my Xbox much anymore.
Red Ring Circus 