2014 was a great year for gaming. The new console generation finally started to pick up some speed, Destiny flopped, and Bayonetta 2 finally came out. It was Nintendo’s year to shine and they finally dropped all the exclusive games fans have been clamoring for years. These games below are the best of the best for 2014, and I eagerly await the games of 2015.

5. South Park Stick of Truth

There are two things a man can really appreciate in life: copious amounts of Arizona Tea and a 40-hour long marathon of South Park. That’s exactly what Stick of Truth is (minus the tea). It’s a rude, crude, politically incorrect fan service game with hilarious writing and many nods to some of the best episodes from the TV show. Every second of the game was like actually watching the show, and at no point did it ever feel dull.

4. Dark Souls 2

Dark Souls 2 went above and beyond what I expected for the sequel of one of the best games of this past console generation. It brings together an interesting combination of great lore, difficult combat, and beautifully designed landscapes. The rewarding and challenging gameplay is what sets Dark Souls 2 away from the competition. Every death felt justifiable, and the feeling of overcoming many of the bosses in Dark Souls 2 is as satisfying as it is challenging.

3. Mario Kart 8

Well it’s Mario Kart: pure, sweet, friendship-destroying Mario Kart. Although it’s not that great of a game to play alone, with friends Mario Kart 8 turns into Satan’s colorful death race where friendships will be lost, new cusswords will fly from your mouth, and everything and its mother wants to kill you. It’s the perfect party game, and a fine challenge if you play the 150cc races.

2. Super Smash Bros Wii U.0

Super Smash Brothers, Nintendo’s all-star battle royale, has finally hit the Wii U, and by God is it glorious. With 49 different characters all with their own unique fighting styles, 8-Player Smash, and six different controllers (Wii Remote, Wii Nunchuk Controller, Wii Classic Controller, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii U Gamepad, GameCube Controller) supported there is absolutely no reason anybody should miss playing this game. Super Smash Brothers for Wii U has cemented itself as the biggest party/fighting game for years to come, and it’s not going away any time soon.

1. Bayonetta 2

There’s no denying it, Bayonetta 2 has done impossible and outdid Devil May Cry 3 as the best Hack ‘n’ Slash game. The combat is extremely fast-paced and difficult, and the awesomely grotesque boss battles will make so much adrenaline pump through your system your heart will feel like exploding. The game is insanely challenging at times, but like all games made by Platinum Games the first five difficulties are just the tutorial. When climax difficulty is unlocked that’s when the real fun begins. Bayonetta 2 kept me busy for close to 63 hours, and those were 63 hours worth wasting.