2014 was a landmark year for gaming. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were just launching, bringing cutting-edge graphics and performance to consoles. Mobile gaming was exploding, with games like Candy Crush Saga dominating the charts (and people‘s free time). And new franchises like Destiny were redefining the online multiplayer experience.
Nearly a decade later, we find ourselves continually returning to the games that defined 2014. These titles remain endlessly playable thanks to their gripping stories, addictive gameplay loops, and sheer sense of fun. Let‘s countdown the top 10 games from 2014 that we just can‘t quit!
#10: Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition transported us to the dark fantasy world of Thedas as we led the charge of the Inquisition against evil forces threatening the land. With an open world full of secrets to uncover, monsters to battle using deep strategic combat, and memorable characters like Dorian and Iron Bull to adventure with, Inquisition kept us hooked for 100+ hours back in 2014.
We still fire up Inquisition to roam the Hinterlands and customize Skyhold, our mountain fortress base, because few games deliver such an intoxicating blend of action, magic, and drama. The Game of the Year Edition is a must-own for any RPG fan.
Buy Dragon Age: Inquisition on Amazon
#9: Alien: Isolation
Want to feel true, controller-dropping terror? Then join Amanda Ripley as she investigates the disappearance of her mother aboard a desolate space station in Alien: Isolation. With its nail-biting cat-and-mouse gameplay against an unstoppable Xenomorph stalker, Isolation became survival horror at its best in 2014. We still replay the game to get our adrenaline pumping and test our bravery against one of cinema’s most iconic monsters. Just make sure to pack extra underwear!
Get Alien: Isolation on Amazon
#8: Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor
Lord of the Rings fans rejoiced when Shadow of Mordor let us loose in Tolkien’s iconic fantasy world on a personal quest for vengeance. The combat feels weighty and devastating, while the Nemesis system makes enemy Orcs feel shockingly personal as they taunt and threaten you across Mordor. We keep replaying Shadow of Mordor thanks to how fully it realizes Middle-Earth, from iconic locations like Minas Ithral to facing off against Sauron’s dark forces.
Check out Shadow of Mordor on Amazon
#7: Bayonetta 2
Few protagonists have ever arrived on the gaming scene with as much confidence, charisma, and flair as Bayonetta. As an Umbra Witch armed with quad pistols and killer high heels, we relished unleashing Bayonetta’s array of punishing combos and over-the-top summons. Even today, stringing together an epic clash with angels never fails to satisfy thanks to PlatinumGames’ signature combat. We keep coming back to Bayonetta 2 simply because it offers action gaming at its most unrestrained and cinematic.
Grab Bayonetta 2 on Amazon here
#6: Dark Souls II
The Souls series may be infamously challenging, but we cherish every hard-fought victory against its grueling odds. Dark Souls II demanded every ounce of our reflexes and resilience as we faced down colossal bosses, unrelenting mobs, and environmental labyrinths designed to end our quest at all costs. But the feeling of finally felling that boss after double-digit attempts keeps us coming back for just “one more try.” Half the fun is complaining together about tough enemies on forums too!
Grab Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin here
#5: Goat Simulator
Sometimes you just need to unwind and unleash some chaos, which Goat Simulator let us do better than any other 2014 title. Whether flicking our goat tongue to crash cars, shattering physics to our heart’s content, or discovering all the silly Easter Eggs buried across the map, Goat Simulator made stupidity and fun synonymous. We still happily return to this accidental masterpiece to buck like there’s no tomorrow and spread glorious mayhem as the G.O.A.T.
Unleash chaos with Goat Simulator 3 on Amazon
#4: Five Nights at Freddy‘s
Five Nights at Freddy’s scared the living daylights out of us in 2014 with its terrifying animatronic mascots, masterful use of tension, and just enough left to the imagination to keep us awake at night. We still endure five more nights of jumpscares and flickering cameras because no horror game has matched the palpable atmosphere of dread in Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Surviving until dawn with Freddy and friends after us takes guts… even if we have to sleep with the lights on after!
#3: Destiny
As Guardians tasked with protecting Earth’s last city from alien threats, Destiny assembled shooter fans worldwide around its shared world. Its fantastic mechanics, from satisfying gunplay to cool ability customization, kept us addicted. But it was the memorable Raids and Nightfall Strikes that forged enduring friendships as we conquered adversity together. We still regularly reassemble our fireteams to take on Destiny’s latest challenges and expand our legend as heroes.
#2: Mario Kart 8
It’s impossible to frown when playing Mario Kart 8. Its vibrant courses, ranging from a sunny airport to sweet candy caverns, exemplify Nintendo charm. Mastering courses and unleashing items at just the right moment has kept us perfecting our racing lines for nearly a decade now. We still play Mario Kart 8 simply because no other kart racer combines accessibility, competition, and variety so joyously. Even just listening to its upbeat music boosts our mood. It’s the friendliest reminder that games are about fun above all else.
Pick up Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Wii U on Amazon
#1: Grand Theft Auto V
It’s truly amazing how much life Rockstar breathed into Grand Theft Auto V’s satirical recreation of Los Santos and the surrounding California countryside. As three conflicting criminals trying to score it big through daring heists, GTAV’s campaign consistently excited and surprised us in 2014 with its writing and mission diversity. And once we finished the story, an entire online world of mayhem and fun awaited through GTA Online. We’re still enjoying new updates in 2024 thanks to Rockstar’s continued support and the sheer depth GTAV offers through roleplaying, competitive modes, ridiculous activities, and hidden secrets that continue to be uncovered!
Pick up GTA V for Xbox Series X on Amazon
So those are the top 10 games from 2014 that have achieved enduring replay value nearly a decade later! It was a pivotal moment for gaming that demonstrated single-player stories could still inspire just as online worlds connected friend groups worldwide. And amazingly, these 2014 gems that consumed so much of our free time back then continue to offer rich experiences thanks to developers expanding their scope. Just goes to show a great game transcends its launch window to offer enjoyment for years to come!
What 2014 titles do you still find yourself returning to even now? Share your thoughts in the comments!
