City Live Editors' Game of the Year!

By Liam Murphy and Spencer Smythe

With 2021 being the first full year of next-generation consoles, the quality of video games continues to rise for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Liam Murphy and Spencer Smythe have given their picks for game of the year between them and explained as to why this would be their choice.

Spencer - Halo: Infinite

This installation in the series retains the fundamental Halo experience while also adding a modern twist.

Taking up the role of Master Chief once again for the sixth installment of the main series, the story mode for Halo: Infinite is currently locked at full price (£54.99).

While the announcement of an open world setting for the story was rather questionable and doubted at first, 343 Industries managed to create an expansive sci-fi world to explore. Although this was an interesting concept, it does not feel fully necessary to include it in an FPS game as it lacked what makes most open worlds good such as NPCs and versatile dungeons.

Being released a month prior to the full release of the main game, multiplayer seems to be where the game shines and is also the core focus of Halo: Infinite.  

Free online multiplayer means servers are always flowing, taking inspiration from Fortnite’s use of a purely cosmetic progression system means there is a level playing field for new/casual players while still having challenges to complete for regular/veteran players.

Many weapons such as the iconic assault rifle and the gravity hammer will be returning as well as the addition of a grappling hook. The grappling hook adds an extra level of depth to be added into the game and allows for bigger maps as part of the increased mobility. This makes for more tactical gameplay as its limited amount of uses means it can’t be abused and causes players to think more strategically.

Overall, Halo: Infinite maintains the series’ place as the gold standard of FPS gaming and a mainstay in all Xbox and PC gamers libraries. Its classic charm and rustic robust gameplay make it an enjoyable casual experience while being a good stepping stone into the Halo series for new players.

Liam - Guardians of the Galaxy

The next installment in the Marvel gaming universe, Guardians of the Galaxy is a new single-player story mode game that sees the user go through the misadventures of Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord and his team.

The game offers a fast-paced third-person shooter experience but also extreme moments of platforms, offering exciting moments of action sequences.

Although the player may only play as Star-Lord, it offers people to use the other Guardians to help Peter out in combat, with each one offering different abilities.

Rocket the Raccoon offers the chance for carnage and helps the player out of sticky situations in big groups of foes, Gamora and Drax are somewhat similar, as they help the user wipe out large enemies, but Gamora being more agile and more straight to the point. Groot, who may not offer too much in an attacking sense, helps the player out by stopping enemies in their track and allowing one to take them out.

The game offers many chances to customize the team, by changing each of their perks and outfits, offering replayability in what is a well-structured game.

The graphics offer a cartoonish feel but also manages to blend in the human aspect of the game well, much like the film, the aesthetic of the whole game feels like an MCU film, a goofy, action-packed adventure that knows when to get serious.

As this game is strictly a single-player experience, it must offer an experience that can last the user a long time, but also a reason to go back to it, and Guardians of the Galaxy offers this in abundance.

It takes the user through a variety of important decisions that they can make for Peter Quill which can have an effect on how the game pans out, giving everyone the chance to play again and see what happens if they chose a different choice.

Guardians of the Galaxy is certainly a game that all story mode fanatics will love, and one that will certainly have fans of Marvel in awe as they continue to provide high-quality Superhero games.