Game of the Year Prediction

Below are what I believe are the top three contenders for game of the year. I'm basing this on buzz that I have seen online from various sources like bgg, podcasts, YouTube etc. Sadly I've not played any of these games yet.

I think the amazing thing is that two of these games are “play once” experiences. Which I believe from bits and pieces online has rubbed some gamers up the wrong way.

The main argument being they have paid forty odd pounds for a game, and expect that they can play it forever (well until it wears out, or they loose some pieces). Not play through the game once and then put it on the shelf never to be opened again.

Naturally the count argument defending these games compares the cost to other forms of entertainment, such as going to a movie or the theatre.

What I find interesting is that both Pandemic Legacy and T.I.M.E. Stories when reviewed or described by people are talking about the experience, comparing them to movies for their storytelling.

I will be getting Pandemic Legacy, and I can see myself getting T.I.M.E. Stories, and the thought of playing them excites me. Pandemic Legacy will be one I play with friends from the Fenland Gamers group (mainly because it is at least twelve games, upto a possible twenty four, depending on how well you do), but T.I.M.E. Stories I think I will be able to play with Nath.

Blood Rage although by one of my favourite designers I don't think I'll be getting. Famous last words I know, and please do remind me of them if I do add it to my collection. But from what I've seen, I would enjoy it, but I don't think there is enough there to justify getting it.

So out of these three games, which do I think will be game of the year? My prediction is Pandemic Legacy. With a dark horse prediction (well not exactly a dark horse or outsider) of Mysterium. Which also got a lot of buzz that seems to have been eclipsed by the other three.

UPDATE 17/11/15: I forgot to add Codenames to list of contenders for Game of the Year. I do have this one, but have not got round to playing it yet. This has been a lot of buzz too, but even though I think it will give my prediction a run for its money, and be very close. I'm still calling Pandemic Legacy to take the crown this year of Game of the Year.

On Twitter my friend Gav asked