Best of 2015 - Day Seven: PS Vita, 3DS, Artistic Design, Technical Graphics

Over the next ten days, Hardcore Gamer will be revealing its Best of 2015 Awards leading up to our Game of the Year. Today we present you with the Best PS Vita Game, 3DS Game, Artistic Design and Technical Graphics.

Best PlayStation Vita Game: Persona 4: Dancing All Night

Despite the true Persona sequel coming in 2016, Atlus gives fans something a little different. Much like the Arena series, Dancing All Night allows fans to revisit the beloved friends they made in Persona 4, with a whole new rhythmic format. The music is an addictive mix of every worthwhile genre, while the story is a lengthy, meaningful portion of the experience, introducing new and compelling characters. Dancing All Night managed to take the rhythm genre to lofty new heights, bringing something for everyone. Not only is Persona 4: Dancing All Night the best Vita game of the year, it stands as being one of the best on the platform, period.

Runner-Ups


Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number	Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~	Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls	Lost Dimension

Best Nintendo 3DS Game: Yo-Kai Watch

It was a rather bare year for Nintendo’s 3DS, but Level-5’s Yo-Kai Watch was a bright addition to the handheld’s illustrious library. Its emphasis on childhood and the wonder of daily life instills it with an intoxicating charm that’s ultimately more important than its creature-collecting premise. While its combat isn’t quite as complicated or challenging as one might hope, the lively world and fantastic sense of exploration cement it as one of the most joyous adventures on 3DS. It may appear quite similar to Pokemon, but Yo-Kai Watch’s originality and relatability are what make it worth your time.

Runner-Ups


Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker	Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight	Story of Seasons	Stella;Glow

Best Artistic Design: Ori and the Blind Forest

2015 was a year full of video games that blurred the line between fantasy and reality, but to simply create increasingly realistic graphics is not the end goal. We need more artistic design along the lines of Ori and the Blind Forest as simply calling it gorgeous isn’t enough. With 2D hand-painted artwork that recalls Studio Ghibli at its best, Ori and the Blind Forest immediately draws you into its colorful, enthralling world. While the precise platforming may cause frustration, the visuals help soothe players down again. A world this detailed with fluid animation doesn’t come around very often. There’s little doubt that Ori and the Blind Forest will continue to impress with its artistic design for years down the road.

Runner-Ups


Mushroom 11	Yoshi’s Woolly World	Bloodborne	Life is Strange

Best Technical Graphics: Star Wars Battlefront

Star Wars Battlefront may have skimped on the content, but DICE didn’t skimp on the graphics, immersing the player within the Star Wars universe. Using a technique called photogrammetry, the Swedish developer was able to recreate characters, vehicles and environments from the film. The results are spectacular: trees splinter and collapse as speeder bikes whizz past infantry on Endor. Stormtrooper and Rebel boots gather soot as they race across the ashy fields of Sullust and the light of blasters and lightsabers reflect off snow on Hoth. DICE was able to nail the Star Wars atmosphere, creating one of the best looking games ever created.