Ok, so maybe these aren’t resolutions — these are the 10 games all of us at LTG are each trying to play on their backlog list and complete before January 1, 2019. And maybe some sort of other resolutions we have for the site.
Terry Randolph
- Xenoblades Chronicles (3DS)
I am notorious for starting games on release day…then putting them aside and forgetting to play them for years. Xenoblades Chronicles for the 3DS is a fine example of this. I got this game on release day, and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I ventured into also starting Bravely Default simultaneously…and then lost interest in playing the 3DS. Tried again in 2016, and quickly moved away. After having started Persona 4 Golden, and realizing I was burnt out on the series for now, I moved back to playing my 3DS and have gotten deep into playing Xenoblades Chronicles. Now, with the sequel having been released for the Switch, I feel compelled to play through this, and then move into Xenoblades Chronicles X for the Wii U.
- Middle Earth: Shadow of War (Xbox One)
The sequel to one of my favorite games of recent memory, I purchased the game on Black Friday after seeing it on sale. I am unsure of when I can pick this up, but I am hoping by putting it on this list I will eventually be compelled to play through it. This game has all the trappings of my type of play; the stealth like concepts of Assassin’s Creed, the combat like system of the Batman Arkham Series, and the intriguing, unique Nemesis system all tied together in the Lord of the Rings universe. I am really excited for this game and cannot wait to start it!
- Xenoblades Chronicles X (Wii U)
This was one of those games I played with the intention to play upon release day; I had vowed to finish Xenoblade Chronicles for my 3DS soon. However, I have yet to actually play the game, and it’s collecting dust. I am putting this on my list in order to remind myself that I need to play this game, and play it before Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch. I am excited to see what is hailed as one of the best looking games on the Wii U. The MMORPG-like JRPG, from what I remember seeing, looks exciting! The planets are open and wide and the combat system looks nearly identical to its predecessor.
- Final Fantasy XV (Playstation 4)
Looking at this list, I’ve set myself up with 3 JRPGs out of 4, and each one is going to require a lot of time. That said, I started this game when it was first released, and got halfway through the game before setting down the controller. The game plays and look gorgeous; the animations are smooth, the combat engaging and exciting, and the world is a sight to behold. If I had finished it, I am almost certain it woudl have come pretty close in being part of my top 5 games of the year. Looks like it’s time to finish it and get the DLC!
- Undertale (PC)
No excuses, no reasoning – I just need to finish this game.
- Xenoblades Chronicles 2 (Nintendo Switch)
My plan is to get a Nintendo Switch sometime this year, and with that in mind, Xenoblades Chronicles 2 is on here. It will be played at sometime in the future, after Xenoblades Chronicles X.
- Mass Effect Andromeda (Xbox One)
I am a huge fan of the Mass Effect series who was supremely let down by the end of the first trilogy (even though I defended the artistic choice as one of the first articles for Last Token Gaming). At the time, I felt like Mass Effect 3 solidified that the series should have been over due to the heavy turn arounds in management and the turbulence surrounding the writing of the story. In my opinion, Drew Karpyshyn should have finished the trilogy he created…especially if the Dark Matter component of the story was supposed to play a prominent role in the series. When Mass Effect Andromeda was announced, I was skeptic. How do you continue a series that felt so..final? After having read reviews, and impressions, I hesitated on getting the game until it was finally on sale. I started it, and since the first jump into the game I haven’t played it since. I want to play this game, give it a fair chance, because ultimately I have a soft spot for the series and any iterations released.
- Prey (Xbox One)
It goes without saying that while I love Arkane based games, they require a lot of patience, strategy and skill. Dishonored is a franchise I admire because of its unique art style, the marriage of gameplay and its effect on the narrative, and the various approaches provided to any single situation in game. Prey is a game that puts a spin on this type of gameplay but with a heavy duty Science Fiction story and space setting. It’s a game that puts me on edge every time I’m playing it; the sound design pairs perfectly with the unsettling environmental design. It’s a game that I got for my birthday, and I know I want to play it. It’s just a matter of being in the mood for a game of this style.
- Rise of Tomb Raider (Xbox One)
The reboot that came out on the Xbox 360 was exceptionally well done, and definitely set a new tone for the franchise series. How, or why I haven’t play this game is beyond me. I want to definitely get into the game.
- Witcher 3: The Complete Edition (Xbox One)
I started this game, like all the others, loved it but forgot it. My friend and fellow writer Isaac basically lavished the game with praise and made me realize that I have missed this game and want to play it. So it’s definitely going to be one of the games to play this year.
Jake Rushing
- Pokemon Crystal (Game Boy Color)
So a little back story. Nearly 2 years ago, I attempted to complete my entire backlog by going through one console at a time. Unfortunately, due to some work related issues, I had to halt my attempt to focus on work. Another factor that caused me to put my attempt on pause was the fact that my Pokemon Trading Card Game wouldn’t save because the save battery died out. Before halting my attempt, I nearly completed my entire Game Boy/Game Boy Color backlog. It’s not until last month I got around to replacing the battery, and I have managed to get a better job where the work wasn’t so hectic. Now I am determined to wrap up my Game Boy Backlog once for all. I will play through Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Trading Card Game, and Game & Watch Gallery 2 and finish all of my game boy games!
- Undertale (PC)
I played this game last year through good playthroughs. I told myself that I was going to play this game again this year and go through the genocide playthrough. I couldn’t get myself to kill all of the creatures that I have grown to enjoy in the game. But I swear, next year, I will finish the game and play the game. Thankfully this will be the shortest game that I will play through since it will take me 4 hours for one playthrough. This will be the roughest 4 hours though, as I am not ready to kill all of the monster residents. No excuses!
- Timesplitters 2 (GC)
This is definitely one of the GameCube games that I grew up with. For as happy as I was when I first picked it up, I can’t believe that I haven’t gotten around to beaten this game just yet. And I am eager to 100% complete the game so we can have a big assortment of characters for players to choose from when I host video game get-togethers. And besides, how could you not want to shoot up people as a Gingerbread man, or an Elvis Impersonator?
- Pokemon Stadium (N64)
Alright, so I finished Pokemon Red and Yellow. I never got around to get my star team for wiping the floor with the people who can’t get on my level. I would want nothing more than to get the best of the best pokemon from my Red team and from my Yellow team, and just own every single person in the game. All and all, it would be fun to unlock some features and play mini games along the way too! Oh and when I’m done with Pokemon Crystal, I will do the same for Pokemon Stadium 2.
- The Last of Us (PS3)
I was fortunate enough to buy a PS3 Slim bundle that included this game and Batman Arkham Origins. For as many recommendations as I got to play this game, I don’t know why I never got around to touch it. Maybe it was because of Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix that I bought with my PS3, or maybe it was Ico/Shadow of the Colossus pack that I picked up on the same day, or maybe I might have gotten distracted with hundreds of games that I’ve picked up since then. I watched my brother play this game a few times, and it looks pretty solid. I want to go through the game, shoot some zombies, and hopefully be able to get excited for The Last of Us Part 2.
- Bayonetta (Wii U)
Oh man, another game on my backlog that I attempted to beat but I ended up putting the game down after a few hours. It’s a fun game to play for sure. For as insane and bonkers as this game is constantly, it’s pretty awesome when you get to kill all of the angels and demons through insane amounts of combos. Also, it would be nice to go through my Wii U backlog as well, as I don’t have as many games there as I have for other consoles.
- Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt (PS4)
At the time of this writing, I just started playing this game earlier today after getting a glowing recommended from Isaac, and other Last Token Gaming members. I have to say, it’s pretty good so far. I have to keep playing to really get hooked in the story, and it is a little hard (just because I had it at a higher difficulty). I loved how that you can mix potions, and build armor, etc. I would like to beat this game this upcoming year.
- Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)
Another Bayonetta game on my list that I wanted to complete next year. I heard it’s even better than the first one. So I would like to beat the Bayonetta series I have so far before Bayonetta 3 comes out. And it looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it out once I beat Bayonetta. Maybe I could beat Bayonetta 2 before Bayonetta 3 gets released? Let’s find out!
- Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest (3DS)
Earlier last year, I started Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, and finished it later in the year. It was one of the more fun titles that I have played recently. I also started Conquest recently, and it turns out to be almost just as fun as Birthright. I intend on finishing this game so I can pick up Relevations, and hopefully I can finish that story line to learn all there is to know about the story of the game.
- Astro Boy Omega Factor (GBA)
Alright, so I need to beat another GBA game on my list. I am eager to play Astro Boy for the longest time since my girlfriend gave me the game after winning the bet. I have played this game before and it is a fun game to play. I can’t wait to play the game over again as a owner of the GBA game. I would want nothing more than to continue the streak of beating games that were gifted to me from my loved ones, and that’s why I got the best gaming desk to be able to play these games comfortably.
Marshall Garvey
- To start the year, I will commence our video review series for our YouTube channel by doing a video about the 2015 survival horror hit Until Dawn. I have some things I need to set in stone in my life first, chiefly moving into a new place, but once those are resolved I will prioritize this review. I’ve been wanting to play the game for awhile, and after getting it as a birthday gift, I finally get to delve into it. I can’t wait.
- With Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of Ready Player One coming out on March 31st, I’ll be reviewing the film for LTG. Jordan Nelson already reviewed the book for us, so it’s only fitting we do a review of the movie as well. Especially after having my passion for movies and being a film critic reignited in 2017, the timing couldn’t be better.
- In the lead-up to the RP1 movie review, March will officially be Spielberg Month for Last Token Gaming. We’ll review games based on Spielberg movies, as well as anything else where my favorite director and video games overlap. After reviewing the new movie, I will also rank all of Spielberg’s films from best to worst. (If you’re Facebook friends with me, you can probably guess what’s clocking in at dead last….)
Isaac Smith
Listen, I’m in grad school, so I’m only going to list 5 games that I want to tackle in 2018. I don’t feel guilty about breaking my diet resolution (a burger is a burger), but if I didn’t keep a resolution that involved gaming, I’d be crushed. Better to plan for success than set myself up for failure!
- A Hat In Time (PC, 2017): This game looks like a spiritual successor to a lot of the 3D platformers that made the N64 and PSX era so fun. It’s obviously made with love, and since I picked it up on a Steam sale a couple days ago, it’ll be the first game I tackle. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it and really complete it like the completionist I am.
- Witcher 3 (PC, 2015): I put this on my top 5 games list, because I know it deserves its spot there, but I have hardly scratched the surface if this incredible game. I’m not going to say that I’ll get 100% on this one, but I’m definitely going to tackle the main campaign and both expansions. I’m not a AAA worshipper, but when a game is this good, it’d be a shame not to give it its due.
- Oxenfree (PC, 2016): This game looks like an indie treasure. I’ve played a bit of it, but haven’t gotten deep at all, and I have a feeling that it will nestle itself neatly into my favorite games of all time, if I give it the attention it deserves! Games with great dialogue really make me tick, and since this game appears to simply use puzzles and plots as an excuse to write a love letter to the art of conversation, I know I’m going to love it.
- Thomas Was Alone (PC, 2012): I know this is an oldie as far as indie games go. I have heard so much good stuff about it and its silly Stanley Parable-esque narration that I really just have to work my way through it. I’ll probably laugh and cry and get emotionally attached to a square.
- Ori and The Blind Forest, or Momodora, or 20XX (All PC): These are three games on my wishlist. I’m a sucker for glorious open-world shenanigans, as much as I am for roguelikes and action-platformers. I know I’ll enjoy the heck out of all of these titles, but I’m not going to promise to play all 3. If I can get one under my belt by 2019, I’ll be a happy camper (and I’ll have two more to look forward to in the years to come!).