Hello and welcome back to my blog!
This year's Game Awards is shaping up to be one of the most interesting clashes we have seen in a long time. Not just because of how many good quality games were released this year, but because of how many of them are from indie studios. Those big-budget AAA titles were far less discussed this year, as most of the conversations were focused on indie titles, which is quite evident from this year's nominations.
The GOTY Nominees
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Donkey Kong Bonanza
Why Silksong and Expedition 33 Are the Front-Runners
Every one of them is capable of winning this title, but there are two contenders on which people are betting the most. My bets on them as well. They are Silksong and Expedition 33.
While Hollow Knight: Silksong was one of the most wishlisted games on Steam, it had huge expectations to meet, and it has met all of them. On the other hand, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shocked everyone with its seemingly experimental style of turn-based RPG with real-time inputs combined with beautiful aesthetics and music. I have personally not played this game yet. But it looks and sounds really good.
I saw how all of the popular streamers were streaming this game when it dropped and called it a Game of the Year contender. This being the development team's debut game, it is even more impressive. If Hollow Knight: Silksong wasn't in this list, this might be my choice for GOTY. But Silksong exists, and it exceeds the first game, which was a masterpiece in itself, in every aspect.
Silksong has some of the most epic boss battles in the gaming industry. Playing as Hornet feels amazing, and that fluidity really shines in the combat. The world design and level design are impressive. Oh, and the soundtrack. Christopher Larkin did something amazing! (If he doesn't win the award for the best score and music, then I don't know who will.)
My Personal Pick for Game of the Year
Out of all the games, one stands out to me the most personally. I might be a little biased, but I think Silksong deserves every right to be the Game of the Year. Even if it doesn't win, it will be my game of the Year.
I am excited about this year's awards because there is no clear winner here. There is no Elden Ring-like game that everybody knew was going to win the award. Every title feels like it has a lot of potential.
Now that I have told you my prediction and what I think deserves to win. What do you guys think? Have you played some or all of these titles? Let me know in the comments below.
Other Categories Worth Mentioning
But before I go, I want to talk about some of the other titles that deserve a mention here.
- Split Fiction will be my winner for the best Family game this year. It is in many ways an improvement of It Takes Two. But the story and narration were the only weak parts about it. Gameplay-wise, it is the best co-op game out there.
No Man's Sky is going to be my best ongoing game. They keep adding new content to the game, improving it each year for no extra cost. They deserve to win this, in my opinion.
Also, I believe among the two big contenders for the GOTY, whoever doesn't win has to at least get the Best Independent Game award. It is only fair, right?
And can we all agree that GTA VI is the Most Anticipated Game award winner? (Will be for the next couple of years, if they keep delaying it lol).
P.S. - I am sick of seeing just ports of famous games for mobiles. How come there are no good mobile games made for mobile phones? Where is the next Angry Birds?
No matter who takes the trophy, in the end, we all won this year.
- All the content is mine unless otherwise stated.
- Screenshots are from the games HK: Silksong and Split Fiction.
