Kinda Funny's Greg Miller Shares His Top 10 Games Of 2015

On the lead up to Game Informer's Game of the Year awards of 2015, we've invited a number of the video game industry's influential figures to share their favorite games of the year.

Most recently known for his passionate acceptance speech for the Game Awards 2015's Trending Gamer, Greg Miller is a founding member of Kinda Funny Games, and has long been a friend to Game Informer. Miller's work consists of a daily talk show that covers video games, movies, comic books, and anything relating to gamer culture. He's also a moderator for game developer talks at trade shows, and is an avid fan of Oreo cookies.

And here is Miller with his Top 10 picks for the Games of 2015:

10. IDARB
I had seen IDARB at events, chalked it up as goofy, and not really thought about it again. When we got it for Let’s Plays, we stopped after the first match and started trying to get more controllers. It’s so frantic, fun, and stupid -- there’s no reason not to love the insanity of this weird sport/hashtag hybrid.

9. State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition
I loved State of Decay on Xbox 360, but some dumb event like E3 got in the way and I never got to truly sink my teeth into it. When State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition arrived, it was on and life was over. I packed rucksacks, cleared houses, and beat the undead for dozens of hours. The zombie apocalypse has never been this much fun!

8. Until Dawn
I remember previewing Until Dawn when it was still a PlayStation Move title, so my expectations for this long-gestating game were never super-high. When I got back from a trip and had my Kinda Funny cofounder Colin Moriarty telling me I *had* to play it, I was intrigued. When my girlfriend beat it and then demanded I play, I knew there was something here. It’s tense, interesting, and innovative. It’s crazy to see a horror game with such broad appeal.

7. Tales from the Borderlands
When Telltale, Gearbox, and 2K announced Tales from the Borderlands, I remember responding with a “What?” It seemed like such an odd pairing that when Episode 1 finally arrived, I downloaded it and forgot about it. Weeks later and in between games, I decided to give it a try. Low and behold, I found my funniest game of the year. Each and every episode brought a smile to my face thanks to clever writing and great performances. NOW SELL A GORTYS PLUSH!

6. Rise of the Tomb Raider
I can pay Rise of the Tomb Raider no greater compliment than telling you I stopped an hour in and considered putting it down until it was on PS4; it’s so good that I want the Platinum Trophy for my collection. Don’t worry, I kept playing, and I’m glad I did. The loop of getting to a new area, finding all the secrets, and having that last secret reveal more secrets is just too good. Aside from being beautiful, aside from being well acted, aside from being chock full of content -- Rise of the Tomb Raider is just a joy to play. (Shoutout to Nicole Tan!)

5. LEGO Dimensions
When WB announced LEGO Dimensions, I rolled my eyes and said I’d only be interested if they put Superman and the Ghostbusters in it. Then, my Twitch chat told me WB was already teasing those guys, and I was in. Thankfully, the game didn’t suck. LEGO Dimensions takes the LEGO gameplay I already love and finally gives me an acceptable reason to build LEGO creations in my tiny SF apartment. (“I have to do it; they’re part of the game!”) When I ordered a LEGO organizer off of Amazon, I knew LEGO Dimensions had me. Then, I got the Platinum trophy. Then, I ordered every Level Pack. I have an addiction.

4. Batman: Arkham Knight
I’m a DC Comics fanboy, so it’s no surprise that Batman: Arkham Knight is on my list. Yes, I hated the tank Batmobile parts, but the core gameplay is still a blast. It’s the first one of the Arkham games that found the right Riddler Trophy/challenge balance where I actually Platinumed it, and -- sit down, this might shock you -- it’s the one I keep coming back to. That’s right; I dig the Season Pass content. Every little character missions brings me back to the game and reminds me that there are new Trophies to get and Batmobiles to try. Bring on the Season of Infamy!  

3. Fallout 4
I loved Fallout 4. You loved Fallout 4. We all loved Fallout 4. It’s probably the least exciting entry on this list because at E3 we all knew it was going to be amazing, it came out, and it was amazing. For me, it was everything I loved about fallout 3 but made better. Plus, I fell in love with Curie and gave her a wedding ring, so you could say we’re pretty serious.

2. Emily Is Away
There isn’t a game on this list that brought out more emotion in me this year than Emily Is Away. From the joy at hearing classic AOL sounds to the excitement over getting the perfect IM response from a girl to the fear screwing up a response, Emily Is Away is a trip. Sure, it’s just 50 minutes long, but I don’t think Tim and I have ever been as into a Let’s Play.

1. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
I’m a Metal Gear Solid loyalist, but Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes didn’t click for me. I felt too boxed in, I didn’t feel like I learned the new mechanics, and I didn’t enjoy myself. So, I didn’t know what to expect from The Phantom Pain. Here I am, more than 120 hours into the game, and I can tell you without a doubt it’s my favorite game of 2015. The gameplay loop is just so good. You go on a mission, get some materials, come back and make equipment to make future missions easier. There are side ops, hidden missions, animals to collect, troops to recruit, and so much more. The story? It’s whatever, but the act of playing Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is so good that it doesn’t matter.