We Got This Covered’s 12 Most Surprising Games Of 2014

6) Velocity 2X

Before it was even released, developer Futurlab billed Velocity 2X — the sequel to 2013’s PlayStation Mini — as two games in one. Mixing space-faring arcade gameplay with platforming action, the studio’s follow-up iterated on all of the core ideas of its predecessor with aplomb.

Offering up silky-smooth gameplay within a gorgeous, far-future setting, Velocity 2X tasks players with ploughing through a selection of missions collecting as many of the elusive Rekenium shards as they go. As far as set-ups go, it’s about as by-the-numbers as they come, but levels are so expertly designed — allowing you to flit between your Quarp jet and foot travel intermittently — that it becomes difficult to deny the game’s inherent appeal.

In fact, playing on the Vita takes this to a whole new level, considering how you can blaze through numerous levels in a small period of time (skill dependent), making Futurlab’s sequel the perfect commuting companion. It won’t be remembered for its story nor its world-building, but Velocity 2X offers up a slice of platforming that is near-perfect. Now excuse us while we circle back to try and perfect all of our level scores.