Alright, so 2015 was a pretty wild year for video games. It feels like just yesterday we were all diving into these worlds, and honestly, some of them still hold up. Whether you were into deep stories, fast-paced action, or something totally out there, 2015 had a lot to offer. We’re going to look back at some of the standout games released that year, the ones that really made a splash and are still worth checking out if you missed them the first time around. These are the games released in 2015 that you should definitely have on your radar.
Key Takeaways
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Bloodborne were huge RPGs that year, really pushing boundaries.
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Batman: Arkham Knight offered some seriously cool action-adventure experiences.
- New franchises like Rocket League and Splatoon showed up and became instant hits.
- Big series like Fallout and The Legend of Zelda kept their momentum with new entries.
- Games like Life Is Strange and Ori and the Blind Forest provided unique and memorable moments.
Groundbreaking Role-Playing Games Released in 2015
2015 was a standout year for role-playing games, offering players vast worlds to explore and deep narratives to uncover. Several titles released this year didn’t just push the genre forward; they redefined what an RPG could be. These games challenged players with complex systems, compelling characters, and stories that stayed with them long after the credits rolled.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This epic fantasy RPG from CD Projekt Red set a new benchmark for open-world design. Players stepped into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, in a world teeming with political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and unforgettable quests. The sheer scale of the world, combined with its rich lore and mature storytelling, made it a truly immersive experience. The Witcher 3’s commitment to player choice and consequence was particularly impressive, with decisions often having far-reaching and unexpected outcomes.
Bloodborne
FromSoftware delivered a masterclass in gothic horror with Bloodborne. This action RPG traded the slower, more deliberate combat of the Dark Souls series for a faster, more aggressive playstyle. Set in the cursed city of Yharnam, players faced terrifying beasts and cosmic horrors, all while unraveling a deeply unsettling cosmic mystery. The game’s unique
Action-Adventure Titles That Defined 2015
The year 2015 was a big one for games that blend different styles, and action-adventure titles really stood out. These games often mix exploration, combat, and story in ways that pull you in and don’t let go. It felt like developers were really pushing the boundaries of what this genre could be.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
This game was a massive undertaking, letting players loose in large, open environments. You could approach missions in so many different ways, whether you wanted to go in guns blazing or sneak around like a ghost. The stealth mechanics were top-notch, and the sheer freedom to tackle objectives was something special. It really made you feel like a tactical mastermind.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Concluding the Arkham series, this title brought the gritty atmosphere of Gotham City to life like never before. The Batmobile was a huge addition, changing up the gameplay significantly with its combat and traversal capabilities. It offered a dark and intense story that wrapped up Batman’s journey in this particular saga.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories Mobile
While originally a PSP title, its release on mobile platforms in 2015 brought this classic GTA experience to a new audience. It offered a familiar open-world sandbox with a compelling story set in Liberty City, giving players plenty of freedom to cause chaos and explore.
Saints Row: Gat out of Hell
This standalone expansion took the over-the-top, chaotic fun that Saints Row is known for and sent it straight to, well, Hell. It was a wild ride filled with demonic enemies, musical numbers, and the signature humor the series is famous for. It didn’t take itself too seriously, which was part of its charm.
Innovative New Franchises from 2015
2015 wasn’t just about sequels and established series; it was a year where entirely new worlds and gameplay concepts burst onto the scene, creating franchises that would go on to define gaming for years to come. These titles took risks, experimented with mechanics, and offered fresh experiences that captured the imagination of players worldwide.
Ori and the Blind Forest
This visually stunning platformer introduced us to the enchanting world of Nibel, a place filled with breathtaking beauty and deep emotional resonance. Players guide Ori, a guardian spirit, through a perilous journey to save their home. The game is celebrated for its fluid movement, challenging yet rewarding platforming, and a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Its unique art style, combining hand-painted visuals with vibrant colors, made it instantly recognizable and unforgettable.
Rocket League
Who would have thought that combining cars and soccer would be such a massive hit? Rocket League took the world by storm with its simple yet incredibly deep gameplay. Players control rocket-powered vehicles, using them to hit a giant ball into the opponent’s goal. The physics-based gameplay allows for spectacular aerial maneuvers and strategic team play. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but offers a high skill ceiling, making it perfect for both casual fun and competitive esports.
Splatoon
Nintendo decided to shake things up with Splatoon, a colorful and chaotic third-person shooter that put a fresh spin on the genre. Instead of just focusing on splattering opponents, the primary objective in many modes is to cover the arena with your team’s ink. This mechanic changes the pace of play entirely, encouraging strategic movement and area control. The game’s unique aesthetic, catchy music, and quirky characters made it a standout title for the Wii U.
Until Dawn
This interactive drama horror game put players in the shoes of a group of teenagers trapped on a remote mountain, stalked by a mysterious killer. What made Until Dawn stand out was its "butterfly effect" system, where player choices, no matter how small, could have significant and often deadly consequences later in the game. The game masterfully blended jump scares with psychological horror, creating a tense and engaging experience that felt like playing through a slasher film. The focus on character relationships and branching narratives offered a high degree of replayability.
Enduring Series Continue Their Legacy in 2015
Even in a year packed with fresh faces and bold new ideas, some of gaming’s most beloved franchises proved they still had plenty of gas in the tank. These established series didn’t just release new entries; they often redefined what players expected from them, showing that a long history can be a foundation for innovation, not a limitation.
Fallout 4
Bethesda Game Studios took the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout and expanded it in ways players hadn’t seen before with Fallout 4. This entry brought a much greater emphasis on base building and crafting, allowing players to construct and manage their own settlements across the wasteland. The combat felt more fluid, and the introduction of a voiced protagonist added a new layer to character interaction. It was a massive game, offering hundreds of hours of exploration, combat, and story.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
While not a brand-new game, the 3DS remake of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask was a significant release for fans of the series. This reimagining brought the N64 classic to a new generation with updated graphics and some quality-of-life improvements. The game’s unique, time-looping mechanic and its darker, more melancholic tone set it apart from other Zelda titles, and the 3DS version made its complex world more accessible than ever.
Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2
Nintendo continued to support Mario Kart 8 long after its initial release, and the second DLC pack was a fantastic addition. It brought more characters, karts, and most importantly, new tracks that fit right in with the game’s already stellar lineup. This kind of ongoing support kept the game fresh and gave players more reasons to race.
Minecraft
Minecraft continued its reign as a cultural phenomenon in 2015. While the game had been out for a while, its presence in 2015 was undeniable, with ongoing updates and a massive player base. It wasn’t just a game; it was a platform for creativity, exploration, and social interaction. The Wii U version even arrived this year, bringing the blocky sandbox to yet another console.
These releases demonstrated that established franchises could still innovate and surprise players, offering both familiar comforts and exciting new directions. They proved that legacy doesn’t mean stagnation; it can be a springboard for continued excellence.
Here’s a look at what made these entries stand out:
- Fallout 4: Introduced robust settlement building and a more action-oriented combat system.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D: Revitalized a cult classic with modern visuals and gameplay tweaks.
- Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2: Expanded an already beloved racing game with new content.
- Minecraft: Maintained its status as a creative powerhouse with continuous updates and new platform availability.
Unique and Memorable Experiences from 2015
2015 wasn’t just about the big-budget blockbusters or the established franchises. This year also gave us some truly unique games that stuck with us long after the credits rolled. These titles often played with our expectations, offered fresh perspectives, or simply provided experiences you couldn’t find anywhere else.
Life Is Strange
This episodic adventure game really made a splash by focusing on a deeply personal story with a supernatural twist. You play as Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. This mechanic isn’t just a gimmick; it’s central to solving puzzles and making choices that have real consequences.
- Choice and Consequence: Every decision, big or small, can alter the narrative path.
- Time Rewind Mechanic: Offers a unique way to explore different outcomes and correct mistakes.
- Emotional Storytelling: Tackles mature themes like bullying, friendship, and loss with a thoughtful approach.
The game’s strength lies in its relatable characters and the way it uses its core mechanic to explore the butterfly effect of our actions. It’s a game that encourages you to think about the ‘what ifs’ in life.
The Talos Principle
If you’re a fan of first-person puzzle games, The Talos Principle is a must-play. You awaken as a robot in a strange, ancient world filled with intricate puzzles. As you progress, you uncover a philosophical narrative that questions the nature of consciousness, humanity, and artificial intelligence.
- Challenging Puzzles: Features a wide variety of logic puzzles that require careful thought.
- Thought-Provoking Narrative: Explores deep philosophical concepts through in-game texts and audio logs.
- Atmospheric World: Boasts beautiful environments that are a joy to explore.
The Beginner’s Guide
Developed by one of the minds behind The Stanley Parable, The Beginner’s Guide is less of a traditional game and more of an interactive narrative experience. It’s a deeply personal journey through the unfinished game projects of a developer named Davey Wreden. The narrator guides you through these fragmented pieces, offering his interpretation and commentary.
- Meta-Narrative: Explores themes of creativity, interpretation, and the relationship between creator and audience.
- Unique Presentation: Uses a series of disparate game prototypes to tell its story.
- Introspective Tone: Encourages players to reflect on their own creative processes and how they consume art.
80 Days
This game takes Jules Verne’s classic novel and turns it into a grand strategic adventure. You play as Phileas Fogg’s valet, Passepartout, and your goal is to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. The game is a text-heavy adventure where you manage your resources, choose your routes, and interact with a richly imagined world.
- Branching Narrative: Countless paths and encounters await on your journey.
- Resource Management: Balancing time, money, and health is key to success.
- World Exploration: Discover diverse cities and cultures across the globe.
These titles represent the diverse and experimental spirit of gaming in 2015, proving that innovation can come in many forms.
Highly Anticipated Sequels and Expansions in 2015
2015 wasn’t just about brand new worlds and fresh ideas; it was also a year where beloved series continued to grow and evolve. Many fans eagerly awaited new chapters and additions to games they already knew and loved. These sequels and expansions offered more of what players enjoyed, often with refined mechanics and expanded storylines.
The year saw significant downloadable content and standalone expansions that kept players engaged with their favorite titles.
Here are some of the notable continuations and add-ons that made waves:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone: This expansion for the already massive RPG, The Witcher 3, added a substantial new storyline featuring the enigmatic Gaunter O’Dimm. It provided around 10-15 hours of new quests, characters, and challenges, further enriching the already deep world of Geralt of Rivia. The expansion was praised for its writing and its ability to stand on its own as a compelling narrative.
- Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows: This free DLC for the retro-inspired platformer Shovel Knight introduced a new playable character, Plague Knight. It wasn’t just a simple reskin; Plague Knight had entirely new movement, attacks, and a unique questline. This expansion demonstrated a commitment to adding significant, high-quality content to an already beloved game.
- Tales from the Borderlands: Episode 5 – The Vault of the Traveler: Concluding the episodic adventure, this final installment wrapped up the story of Rhys and Fiona. Telltale Games delivered a satisfying conclusion to their unique take on the Borderlands universe, blending humor, action, and player choice in a way that felt earned after the preceding episodes.
- King’s Quest: Chapter 2 — Rubble Without a Cause: Continuing the episodic revival of the classic adventure series, this chapter saw King Graham facing new puzzles and challenges in a different region of his kingdom. It aimed to build upon the foundation of the first chapter, offering more exploration and story for fans of the reboot.
These additions proved that established franchises still held immense appeal, offering players familiar yet fresh experiences that expanded upon the worlds they had come to cherish. It was a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted characters and engaging gameplay loops.
Wrapping Up 2015’s Gaming Landscape
Looking back at 2015, it’s clear that the year offered a huge variety of gaming experiences. From massive open worlds that let you get lost for hours to smaller, focused indie titles that surprised everyone, there was something for nearly every type of player. We saw the continuation of beloved series and the exciting beginnings of new ones. Whether you were drawn to epic adventures, competitive challenges, or thought-provoking stories, 2015 provided plenty of reasons to keep your controller or keyboard close. Hopefully, this list has given you a solid starting point, or perhaps a reminder, of the games from that year that truly stood out and are still worth your time today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were some of the biggest games that came out in 2015?
2015 was a huge year for gaming! Some of the most talked-about games included ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,’ a massive fantasy adventure, and ‘Bloodborne,’ a challenging action game. ‘Undertale’ surprised everyone with its unique story and gameplay, while ‘Fallout 4’ let players explore a post-apocalyptic world. For something different, ‘Rocket League’ combined cars and soccer in a super fun way, and ‘Splatoon’ offered a colorful team-based shooter experience.
Were there any new game series that started in 2015?
Absolutely! 2015 introduced some awesome new worlds and ideas. ‘Ori and the Blind Forest’ wowed players with its beautiful art and emotional story. ‘Rocket League’ was a totally new concept that became incredibly popular. ‘Splatoon’ brought a fresh take to shooter games with its ink-based battles. And ‘Until Dawn’ offered a scary, interactive movie-like horror experience.
Did any popular game series continue in 2015?
Yes, many beloved game series kept going strong in 2015. Fans were excited for ‘Fallout 4,’ which offered a huge open world to explore. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D’ brought a classic adventure to the Nintendo 3DS. Even ‘Minecraft’ got a new version on the Wii U, letting more people build and explore. Plus, ‘Mario Kart 8’ got more fun with new downloadable content.
What kind of games could you play if you wanted something unique in 2015?
If you were looking for something a bit different, 2015 had you covered. ‘Life Is Strange’ told a compelling story with time-travel powers. ‘The Talos Principle’ made you think with its clever puzzles and philosophical questions. ‘The Beginner’s Guide’ offered a unique, artistic look at game creation. And ’80 Days’ was a fantastic text-based adventure where you raced around the world.
Were there any big add-ons or extra stories for games released in 2015?
Definitely! Many games got exciting new content. ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ received its ‘Hearts of Stone’ expansion, adding more to its epic story. ‘Shovel Knight’ got a cool new campaign called ‘Plague of Shadows.’ ‘Tales from the Borderlands’ finished its first season with ‘Episode 5 – The Vault of the Traveler,’ and ‘King’s Quest’ continued its adventure with ‘Chapter 2 — Rubble Without a Cause.’
How much money did video games make in 2015?
The video game industry was booming in 2015! People spent about $61 billion on games worldwide. A big chunk of that came from computer games and subscriptions, which made $32 billion. Mobile games also did really well, bringing in $25.1 billion. So, yeah, 2015 was a very profitable year for gaming!
