Polygon's 2015 Game of the Year #1 - Her Story
video description
To be clear, I can get behind novelty games or cool experiments, and I do very much appreciate Her Story for doing something different--but game of the year for this specific game seems to be a bit much. Even for novelty experiments in 2015, Id pick The Beginners Guide over this--which had an interesting narrative about depression and what art might really represent to the viewer.
I dont want to take away from what these developers did--because its admirable--or what Polygons editors feel--because these are all just opinions--but I can understand some of the [poorly phrased] frustrations that this particular game is placed as a representation of the very best.\r\n
Date: 2023-12-10
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Comments and reviews: 29
-draviskyle3415
So, what you are saying is that.
Between ALL games of 2015, this is the best game that ALL 2015 could offer?
That means, games like Fallout 4, Super Mario Maker, Metal Gear 5 Phantom Pain, Witcher 3, Bloodborne, Batman Arkham Knight, Tomb Raider, heck even COD Black Ops 3.
And between ALL THOSE GIANTS you pick this one?
Polygon, shame to you.
Do you know what REAL video games are?
Yes, we all have different taste in video games, RPG, Action, Shooters, Adventure, etc.
But, this is not a -game- it's a visual novel, a -point and clic- game.
2 hours and that's all folks.
This is the best game that 2015 could offer? For real Polygon?
Sorry, but it seems that you don't know, what a REAL video game is.
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So, what you are saying is that.
Between ALL games of 2015, this is the best game that ALL 2015 could offer?
That means, games like Fallout 4, Super Mario Maker, Metal Gear 5 Phantom Pain, Witcher 3, Bloodborne, Batman Arkham Knight, Tomb Raider, heck even COD Black Ops 3.
And between ALL THOSE GIANTS you pick this one?
Polygon, shame to you.
Do you know what REAL video games are?
Yes, we all have different taste in video games, RPG, Action, Shooters, Adventure, etc.
But, this is not a -game- it's a visual novel, a -point and clic- game.
2 hours and that's all folks.
This is the best game that 2015 could offer? For real Polygon?
Sorry, but it seems that you don't know, what a REAL video game is.
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-omniscientquest
Sad that there is no recognition here for The Witcher 3. To me Small games have few challenges to make daring, focused and intimate experiences and Big games have no trouble delivering blockbuster graphical power houses that are evolutionary and iterative.
But the Witcher 3 delivers an experience Big and small a feat that really should be recognised when I look at the games this year the Big ones; Assassin Creed, Batman, Call of Duty, The Order 1886, Halo, Battlefront, Fallout 4, Hardline, Tomb Raider and the celebrated Small ones; Her Story, Ori of the Blind Forest and Rocket league none compare to the AMBITION of Witcher 3.
What Witcher 3 does isn't new what is, is how well it does it all - AMBITIOUS.
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Sad that there is no recognition here for The Witcher 3. To me Small games have few challenges to make daring, focused and intimate experiences and Big games have no trouble delivering blockbuster graphical power houses that are evolutionary and iterative.
But the Witcher 3 delivers an experience Big and small a feat that really should be recognised when I look at the games this year the Big ones; Assassin Creed, Batman, Call of Duty, The Order 1886, Halo, Battlefront, Fallout 4, Hardline, Tomb Raider and the celebrated Small ones; Her Story, Ori of the Blind Forest and Rocket league none compare to the AMBITION of Witcher 3.
What Witcher 3 does isn't new what is, is how well it does it all - AMBITIOUS.
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-UnusualTastes
Nice pick. This is a very refreshing top ten list. Polygon judges based on a game's innovation, thoughtfulness of execution and intrinsic value instead of sales numbers, hype and production budget. It treats games almost as if they're um. art? What a thought.
Kind of like how big budget blockbusters aimed at 18 year old boys don't win the academy award for best picture. They may be perfectly good films, but they are hardly innovative or pushing the envelope in any real, fundamental way. Amazing games and films can be made when the prime corporate directive isn't lining its creators pockets with cash.
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Nice pick. This is a very refreshing top ten list. Polygon judges based on a game's innovation, thoughtfulness of execution and intrinsic value instead of sales numbers, hype and production budget. It treats games almost as if they're um. art? What a thought.
Kind of like how big budget blockbusters aimed at 18 year old boys don't win the academy award for best picture. They may be perfectly good films, but they are hardly innovative or pushing the envelope in any real, fundamental way. Amazing games and films can be made when the prime corporate directive isn't lining its creators pockets with cash.
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-leonthesleepy
What is even more disturbing is the fact that Witcher 3 is not even in the top 10. Destiny the taken king? Rocket League? Splatoon? Over Witcher 3? Really guys? In regards to Her Story, i didnt think it was that good at all. It was an interesting visual novel, but the it never developed beyond a concept. To call it game of the year. well everyone has opinions i guess.
TBH if they really wanted an indie story heavy game, i much rather see Life is Strange be GOTY rather than this.
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What is even more disturbing is the fact that Witcher 3 is not even in the top 10. Destiny the taken king? Rocket League? Splatoon? Over Witcher 3? Really guys? In regards to Her Story, i didnt think it was that good at all. It was an interesting visual novel, but the it never developed beyond a concept. To call it game of the year. well everyone has opinions i guess.
TBH if they really wanted an indie story heavy game, i much rather see Life is Strange be GOTY rather than this.
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polygon
I didn't even know this game existed until I watched that irrelevancy know as the Video Game Awards. How is this even classified a game? This was a point-and-click simulator with no type of gameplay. How the hell did this game receive two awards when the majority of people haven't heard about it? Instead you got REAL games like Bloodborne who haven't gotten a single award at the VGA's.
It just doesn't make sense, either that or some people just don't see a REAL game when they see one.
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I didn't even know this game existed until I watched that irrelevancy know as the Video Game Awards. How is this even classified a game? This was a point-and-click simulator with no type of gameplay. How the hell did this game receive two awards when the majority of people haven't heard about it? Instead you got REAL games like Bloodborne who haven't gotten a single award at the VGA's.
It just doesn't make sense, either that or some people just don't see a REAL game when they see one.
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-17Haru17
How is Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate not on this list, it's completely ridiculous! MH4U has the best melee combat this year-possibly of all time-on the 3DS, no less! Her Story is suuuuch an indie game. Wah, wah, wah, me, me me! /s
Seriously, Witcher 3 fans, I have my favorite too, but you don't see me ranting about it in earnest. Plus, if we're talking about gameplay, out of the two games, Monster Hunter actually has a combat system; )
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How is Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate not on this list, it's completely ridiculous! MH4U has the best melee combat this year-possibly of all time-on the 3DS, no less! Her Story is suuuuch an indie game. Wah, wah, wah, me, me me! /s
Seriously, Witcher 3 fans, I have my favorite too, but you don't see me ranting about it in earnest. Plus, if we're talking about gameplay, out of the two games, Monster Hunter actually has a combat system; )
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-gosunkugi
Four best games of the year for me were Undertale, Life is Strange, Everyone's Gone to the Rapture, and Her Story. Proving you don't need million dollar graphics when story is the most important hook of all. For those complaining about the choices, it's Polygon's Game of the Year, not yours, don't like it, make your own goddamn list.
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Four best games of the year for me were Undertale, Life is Strange, Everyone's Gone to the Rapture, and Her Story. Proving you don't need million dollar graphics when story is the most important hook of all. For those complaining about the choices, it's Polygon's Game of the Year, not yours, don't like it, make your own goddamn list.
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polygon
I played this in one night awhile back and forgot it in a week just because it's doing something different (spreading its story into video clips in a browser) doesn't mean it's more effective. It's not bad but I feel like polygon is a little too easily impressed by games that have a gameplay mechanic that isn't shooting a gun
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I played this in one night awhile back and forgot it in a week just because it's doing something different (spreading its story into video clips in a browser) doesn't mean it's more effective. It's not bad but I feel like polygon is a little too easily impressed by games that have a gameplay mechanic that isn't shooting a gun
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-jaywest3734
I take comfort in the fact that Polygon and other games journalist sites are giving games that no one is ever going to play, top 25 and GOTY awards. Its hilarious.
I think this game sold 100, 000 copies, and that's still way too many. Still, considering that the game is a supposed GOTY, that number is a joke.
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I take comfort in the fact that Polygon and other games journalist sites are giving games that no one is ever going to play, top 25 and GOTY awards. Its hilarious.
I think this game sold 100, 000 copies, and that's still way too many. Still, considering that the game is a supposed GOTY, that number is a joke.
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-dv8754
This is a very polygon answer. Don't get me wrong, I REALLY enjoyed Her Story as an experience and a game.
But polygons entire list was every bit as predictable as I thought it would be. Which is fine, since it's their list. It just solidifies my thoughts on polygon. They are certainly doing their thing.
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This is a very polygon answer. Don't get me wrong, I REALLY enjoyed Her Story as an experience and a game.
But polygons entire list was every bit as predictable as I thought it would be. Which is fine, since it's their list. It just solidifies my thoughts on polygon. They are certainly doing their thing.
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-harrisonmode8046
Watch out now for the it's just -subjective- justice warriors along with the usual sjw. Polygon you hipster dustbin, this visual novel was okay but piss off with your attempts to be progressive and try and stick to playing GAMES that matter to us. This is OUR story you trolls.
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Watch out now for the it's just -subjective- justice warriors along with the usual sjw. Polygon you hipster dustbin, this visual novel was okay but piss off with your attempts to be progressive and try and stick to playing GAMES that matter to us. This is OUR story you trolls.
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polygon
Just for the record. Polygon game of the year 2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition. Very -original- and -unique- game. Of couse, 2014 was weak. Compare Witcher 3 with Dragon Age. I know that all of this is subjective. But not having Witcher 3 in the top 10 is very unprofessional.
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Just for the record. Polygon game of the year 2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition. Very -original- and -unique- game. Of couse, 2014 was weak. Compare Witcher 3 with Dragon Age. I know that all of this is subjective. But not having Witcher 3 in the top 10 is very unprofessional.
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-SolidusPliskin
These kinds of choices belong more on personal lists than industry lists. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Her Story was a good game, but more of an amazing accomplishment, technical or otherwise, than any of the bigger contenders? Seriously doubt it.
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These kinds of choices belong more on personal lists than industry lists. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Her Story was a good game, but more of an amazing accomplishment, technical or otherwise, than any of the bigger contenders? Seriously doubt it.
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-Icipher353
When I saw that Polygon had announced their GotY I just knew it would be either Her Story or Life is Strange. It was utterly predictable that they would chose a game that suited their political agenda over acknowledging actual quality of game design.
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When I saw that Polygon had announced their GotY I just knew it would be either Her Story or Life is Strange. It was utterly predictable that they would chose a game that suited their political agenda over acknowledging actual quality of game design.
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-mrd5024
What a sad little bunch of guilt ridden 30 something bearded skinny beta white boys with a SJW agenda you are polygon.
Picking this as your game of the year and ignoring the treatment of women in MGS: FP really makes everything you say pointless.
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What a sad little bunch of guilt ridden 30 something bearded skinny beta white boys with a SJW agenda you are polygon.
Picking this as your game of the year and ignoring the treatment of women in MGS: FP really makes everything you say pointless.
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-ssiebent
-A mystery game where you actually investigate-. Holy crap what a concept. If it was named -The Story- no one would have ever heard of this cute little thing. Great. GOTY of course. the video game equivalent of a coffee table book.
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-A mystery game where you actually investigate-. Holy crap what a concept. If it was named -The Story- no one would have ever heard of this cute little thing. Great. GOTY of course. the video game equivalent of a coffee table book.
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-apdragon321
Why is the like/dislike ratio so even? This is probably the worst game for a top ten list. Yeah, it's interesting, but it's just a visual novel with a twist. It's like people have forgotten that games are meant to be fun.
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Why is the like/dislike ratio so even? This is probably the worst game for a top ten list. Yeah, it's interesting, but it's just a visual novel with a twist. It's like people have forgotten that games are meant to be fun.
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-HatmasterM
I'm not going to take umbrage with this being the PC choice, because that's an appeal I can at least begin to understand. I just wouldn't give GOTY to a visual novel, even a well-written one. An honorable mention, maybe.
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I'm not going to take umbrage with this being the PC choice, because that's an appeal I can at least begin to understand. I just wouldn't give GOTY to a visual novel, even a well-written one. An honorable mention, maybe.
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-toytulz
you guys know that these lists are subjetive, right? like the reason someone chose one game over another is because they liked that game better. also being about a woman doesn't really make a game -tumblr the game-
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you guys know that these lists are subjetive, right? like the reason someone chose one game over another is because they liked that game better. also being about a woman doesn't really make a game -tumblr the game-
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-quagthias
2015 GotY is a Netflix series you watch out of order. Seems legit.
Edit: But seriously though, I'll have to give this game a try. I've heard good things. Although the lack of closure makes me hesitant though.
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2015 GotY is a Netflix series you watch out of order. Seems legit.
Edit: But seriously though, I'll have to give this game a try. I've heard good things. Although the lack of closure makes me hesitant though.
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-HermaphroGynandro
Colin Campbell is a hack. And so is the rest of you, Polygon. Feel free to delete my comment if it makes you feel any better so you can continue to force your manifesto upon the innocent.
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Colin Campbell is a hack. And so is the rest of you, Polygon. Feel free to delete my comment if it makes you feel any better so you can continue to force your manifesto upon the innocent.
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-HermaphroGynandro
Colin Campbell is a hack. And so is the rest of you, Polygon. Feel free to delete my comment if it makes you feel any better so you can continue to force your manifesto upon the innocent.
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Colin Campbell is a hack. And so is the rest of you, Polygon. Feel free to delete my comment if it makes you feel any better so you can continue to force your manifesto upon the innocent.
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-veinerschnitzel
-We soooooooooo cannot make some capitalism-fueled, mainstream, violent, cash-cow game of the year. We need something indie and non-conformist for our #1- - Polygon Social Justice Hipsters.
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-We soooooooooo cannot make some capitalism-fueled, mainstream, violent, cash-cow game of the year. We need something indie and non-conformist for our #1- - Polygon Social Justice Hipsters.
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-TheDuckClock
I'm still trying to comprehend the fact that the only game Polygon gave a 10/10 for this year, was Batman: Arkham Knight
Any yet it doesn't even make their own best games of the year list.
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I'm still trying to comprehend the fact that the only game Polygon gave a 10/10 for this year, was Batman: Arkham Knight
Any yet it doesn't even make their own best games of the year list.
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-falconbox
lol, I'm not surprised the feminist agenda at Polygon chose Her Story. Meanwhile The Witcher was criticized because prostitutes dressed like prostitutes and the game lacked black people.
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lol, I'm not surprised the feminist agenda at Polygon chose Her Story. Meanwhile The Witcher was criticized because prostitutes dressed like prostitutes and the game lacked black people.
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-hjkohler2966
Know im late to the party, but this is just their opinion. I would much rather make my own list then to be triggered by most of these people here, its hilarious man.
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Know im late to the party, but this is just their opinion. I would much rather make my own list then to be triggered by most of these people here, its hilarious man.
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-jgrove1246
I'm guessing this is a joke or the writer of this piece wants to make you react in anger or confusion. witcher 3 wasn't there for a reason. I wonder why; 0
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I'm guessing this is a joke or the writer of this piece wants to make you react in anger or confusion. witcher 3 wasn't there for a reason. I wonder why; 0
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-trobot86
Um. what? Someone needs to buy Polygon a calendar, because they must've thought it was the first of April and this was supposed to be an April Fools prank.
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Um. what? Someone needs to buy Polygon a calendar, because they must've thought it was the first of April and this was supposed to be an April Fools prank.
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-SyntaxAero
2015
The year people rated games with no gameplay as good games.
This here is more or less and interactive story, or even just a simulator.
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2015
The year people rated games with no gameplay as good games.
This here is more or less and interactive story, or even just a simulator.
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