Our highest review scores of 2014

Review scores are the source of much internet rabblerousery, but they do serve a purpose beyond firestarting. They are, to us, an abstraction of a reviewer's feelings about a game—not a scientific measurement of success, but a convenient utility.

They're especially useful for cataloging, as we have here with our top rated games of 2014, a collection of all the games we scored 85% and up (with one 84% on account of its Editor's Choice distinction). No subjective numerating from multiple people will produce a flawlessly consistent scale, but what we chose to celebrate the most this year still represents our values and the games we most heartily recommend. Consider all of these excellent ways to spend your time.

84% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review

An adept and satisfying puzzle game with a narrative that requires a bit of player investment to yield its biggest rewards.

85% | Read the review | Andy's 2014 Personal Pick

The tech specs are demanding, but this is the Middle-Earth game to rule them all.

85% | Read the review

A beautiful, fascinating exploration of a world that may soon be nothing more than fantasy.

85% | Read the review

A whole new challenge for diehards, and a lot of content for your money.

85% | Read the review | Phil's 2014 Personal Pick

With deep strategic systems, omnipresent dread, and clean turn-based combat, Xenonauts is a triumph of rebooted game design.

85% | Read the review | Chris T's 2014 Personal Pick

Blade Symphony's duels are electrifying and intimate, more than making up for a lack of content.

85% | Read the review

Smite makes the MOBA more approachable with smart tweaks to the formula and action RPG-inspired combat.

85% | Read the review | Shaun's 2014 Personal Pick

The most exciting multiplayer shooter in recent years, held back from greatness by its questionable staying power.

85% | Read the review

Fusion's thrill isn't in leaping a yawning chasm as a jet screams below, but in simply clearing an overhanging ledge.

85% | Read the review

A merciless and thoughtfully-designed online strategy game whose clever systems enable a unique and troubling experience.

85% | Read the review

Resident Evil 4 is still a masterful shooter nine years later. Occasional slowdown caused by the locked 60 fps framerate hampers an otherwise great port.

85% | Read the review | Tyler's 2014 Personal Pick

A sublime blend of fighting, puzzling and exploration, but the unforgiving difficulty may be too much for some.

86% | Read the review

Difficulty spikes aside, this is a great PC edition of a fantastic arcade shooter.

86% | Read the review

No flashy new features or buzzwords, just magnificent racing stemming from a refinement of Grid 1’s greatness.

86% | Read the review

A great start for an adventure proud to have graduated from one of gaming's finest old schools.

86% | Read the review

The definitive version of Street Fighter IV, but not the best until its technical problems are solved.

86% | Read the review

Charming, clever and funny, this is one of the best new platformers on the PC at the moment. Recommended.

86% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review

A great game and, with time, potentially a classic. Much rests on Frontier's ability to build on these broad but somewhat shallow foundations.

87% | Read the review

Although its foundation in Civ 5 makes it familiar, Beyond Earth is full of interesting surprises that are pleasantly difficult to master.

87% | Read the review

A deep, entertaining stealth sandbox with endless scope for mastery. You kept us waiting, Kojima, but it was worth it.

87% | Read the review | Tom Senior's 2014 Personal Pick

The story is lacking, but great environments, a new class, and more freedom—partially from the free patch—make for a better Diablo III.

87% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review | 2014 GOTY Awards: Best Singleplayer

A fantastic campaign and massive open environments, soured only slightly by minor, persistent flaws.

87% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review | 2014 GOTY Awards: Spirit of the PC

A little obtuse in places, but otherwise this is the best new RPG in years. Demands your time and your brain, but it's worth it.

88% | Read the review

A stunning and packed basketball sim, with a PC version finally on a par with consoles.

89% | Read the review

An absurdly entertaining open world playground that’s at its best when it breaks away from script. Shame about those tailing missions.

89% | Read the review | 2014 GOTY Awards: Commendation for Design

An endless gasp of fresh air for a staid genre.

89% | Read the review

Clever questing and a stand-out combat system make for an entertaining MMO that's as large as it is full of character.

90% | Read the review

A valuable remake that makes the original Metro feel complete on PC.

90% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review

A powerful reminder of why nobody has ever truly taken Warcraft’s rusty crown.

90% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review | 2014 GOTY Awards: Best Multiplayer

A single-screen platform brawler that’s about as good as the genre has ever been—in versus or wave-survival mode.

90% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review | Tim's 2014 Personal Pick

A fun, polished, handcrafted RPG attached to a genuinely funny 15-hour-long South Park episode.

92% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review

Infuriatingly difficult, but perfectly constructed. Ikaruga is the PC's best bullet-hell shooter.

92% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review | 2014 GOTY Awards: Most Original Game

Stylish, inventive and easily one of the funniest games in years. Jazzpunk just wants to make you laugh. Don't worry, it will.

93% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review

A brilliant marriage of mechanics, level design and music that will be played and talked about for years to come.

93% (Editor's Choice) | Read the review | Our 2014 Game of the Year

The game the Alien series has always deserved. A deep, fun stealth game set in an evocatively realised sci-fi world.