As mentioned in yesterday’s Editor’s Letter, PlayStation LifeStyle’s annual “Best of Game Awards” awards are starting today! We’ll award a game every day for a respective category until we reach the last one, which will be for our Game of the Year 2015!
For today, we’re awarding the best casual game of 2015. Like it or not, casual gaming is a big deal nowadays, and it’s not surprising that more and more publishers and developers are targeting their games for that exact demographic.
Check out the gallery below for our nominees for the best casual game of 2015, and of course, the winner, too. In case you’re wondering, the winner is decided by the staff (staff votes) and not just based on the game with the highest review score.
Do you agree with our pick? Which game is your best casual title for 2015? Stay tuned tomorrow for another category award!
Best Casual Game 2015 (PSLS Awards)
-
Best Casual Game of 2015
-
Lego Dimensions
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Traveller's Tales
"As LEGO’s first foray into toys-to-life games, they’ve done an impressive job utilizing the full power of their roster to create a great game that respects the properties it features, from Doctor Who to GLaDOS to Simpsons. It’s lamentable then that a great LEGO adventure is fragmented by the staccato nature of reminding you what you don’t have. There could be a little improvement on honing the marketing of additional toy-packs to not feel so in your face at every turn and not limiting the main game to contrived puzzles based on the same few abilities, but overall, LEGO Dimensions is definitely a contender in the toys-to-life market."
(Read full review here)
-
Just Dance 2016
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
"They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and Just Dance is a series that remains the same at its very core simply because it works. It’s a fun party game. It’s simple and gets you right into the music and playing the game without a complicated mess of menus. It lets you just dance without any other worry. In some respects, that simplicity is a great thing. In others, it almost feels like a blind eye is being turned on some additional features and aspects that could really help to elevate the series. Even simple things like difficulty ratings are left out. Despite these misgivings, Just Dance 2015 does what it aims to do with a flourish in its step, and if the dancing is good, do we really need much else?"
(Read full review here)
-
Disney Infinity 3.0
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios & LucasArts
Developer: Avalanche Software
"Disney Infinity 3.0 is a marked step up from its predecessor in that it cuts a lot of the technical issues and bugs that reared their head in 2.0. A barnstorming story mode in Twilight of the Old Republic coupled with refined and crisp gameplay ensures that the latest installment in Disney's toys-to-life juggernaut is genuinely fun to play, whether you're a seasoned Star Wars fan or just someone out in search of a fun adventure. It comes down to accessibility, too. Every time I see my younger nephew's eyes light up when his favorite Star Wars character springs into life I get a little jealous, but I also see the potential in the company's platform that is sure to remain a hub of creativity for the House of Mouse as Star Wars mania sweeps the nation in little over a week's time."
(Read more here)
-
Skylanders SuperChargers
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Traveller's Tales
"With the upgrades, collectibles, characters, vehicles, races, shiny loot, “card” game, power-ups, co-op, and new things to do in each level, this game is sophisticated enough to be fun for any player, young or old. I am happy to spend some money on a few extra characters because this is such a well-made game that promises a blast every time you start it up. Really the only things that frustrated me were the lack of any checkpoint system in story levels, as leaving the game starts you at the beginning, and one specific point after an optional vehicle area that always caused the game to crash the three times I slogged through the level to try it again. However, the checkpoint system becomes a non-issue if I simply plan on sitting down long enough to complete an entire story mission in one go. Try to get over the kids-only stigma Skylanders games might have, and let yourself enjoy playing in this world. Skylanders: Superchargers offers more than meets the eye, and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. "
(Read full review here)
-
And the winner is...
-
Winner - Disney Infinity 3.0
