To some a sport, to some a way of life, to others a terrible abomination, but is it ever really a game?

They should really break these things down into seasons or something. My game of the year is always something that came out like two months back tops simply because I can't remember anything further back even if it was excellent.

Of the top of my head I'm going to say Pokemon OR/AS. If nothing else it took my least favourite generation and actually made something pretty fun out of it - enough so that I took a day to just watch netflix and play Pokemon. Fun times.

This.
I'm sure I've played great games this year, but this year just kind of blends into last year.

It actually doesn't exist.

Transistor is probably the best game I played this year in terms of the quality of the content. The gameplay was simple and intuitive yet incredibly varied. The soundtrack and art were gorgeous. The story was touching. Seriously, the only complaint I have is why was it over so soon.

In terms of hours and replayability though, Isaac Rebirth and Crusader Kings 2, which I acknowledge as a contender based on new dlc expansions, are definitely both top contenders.

Edit: Also, Wasteland 2 is a lot of fun, if you like hardcore rpgs with a post-apoc theme.

I agree Transistor was a lot of fun, but the story was the absolute worst part for me. It was just way too convoluted in the way they told it, even if they had a great idea. The game was still amazing, but the story was just the lowest point for me.

~SE++

I found certain elements of the world unexplored through the narrative, but it felt like a simple story in a not so simple setting. I feel that they intentionally avoided delving into technobabble and painted a dreamlike world focused on the main characters. Now, perhaps they could have touched a little bit more on their relationship, but again, it felt very simple and natural the way the story was told to us. We were just listening in on a private conversation, more than anything else, and I was moved by it.

Bravely Default was technically 2013 for me (came december 2013 in Europe), but I only started playing in january, so I'm still counting it for this year. Awesome first 4 chapters, ok next four chapters and good ending.

Dragon Age: Inquisition, when it works fine, is pretty good too when you realize it is a Bioware game and you shouldn't get too hung up on your choices (not) mattering.

NetHack

Just wait until you discover dwarf fortress.

that is a bad game

I live in mortal fear that one day I'll accidentally download that game and my friends and family will never see me again.

It was bad enough when Steam put Crusader Kings 2 on sale....

Once you put in those first few hundred hours, it loosens its grasp a little. You'll have time to exchange greetings and pleasantries in-between plots and crusades.

Marvel Heroes 2015. It's Diablo 2 with superheroes and is a lot of fun.

I'm always weary of Free to Play.... but I might just have to check it out.

~SE++