Oh, I didn't know the release yet, I looked up the release lists for each year!
14/? 2018: Celeste followed closely by Return of the Obra Dinn. Gris was ALSO released this year, damn. 2019: Control for sure. Fire Emblem Three Houses, too many story issues. Resident Evil 2 Remake also was released this year and single handedly restored my faith in Capcom.
13/? 2016: FFXV with HM Inside. I didn't play much this year 2017: BOTW but that hurts so much in a year that also produced SM Odyssey, Resident Evil 7, Horizon Zero Dawn, and sleeper free hit (and first play I filmed myself doing), Doki Doki Literature Club
12/? 2014: I have to give it to Shovel Knight but Thomas Was Alone and Child of Light are indescribably beautiful in a way you have to experience for yourself. 2015: A surprising year. I give it to Undertale but this year also produced Metal Gear Solid V and Axiom Verge.
11/? 2013: THE LAST OF US. It's a shame that Bioshock Infinite came out this same year, because it is my favorite Bioshock and very high on my list. The same for indie puzzlers The Swapper and Antichamber. Strong year but you can't beat TLOU.
10/? 2010: VVVVVV - the indie wins. Limbo was also quite good. Control. Alan Wake came out this year but when I made the list I hadn't played it yet. 2011: H E C K. Skyward Sword take this, but HM to Portal 2 and Skyrim. 2012: Journey by a mile, followed by Fire Emblem Awakening
9/? 2008: This is the first year an indie ALMOST wins. There is a lot I don't like about MGS4 but it wins. Braid runnerup (SSBB close behind) 2009: It turns out the only games I played and remember fondly that came out this year were Flower and FFXIII. They really can't be compared
8/? 2006: Twilight Princess gets it. Maybe if Mother 3 had an English release it could have competed... 2007: This one feels more like 1997 / 1998. Very tough...I have to give it personally to Portal but dang. Super Mario Galaxy, Bioshock, Half-Life 2: Episode 2, Halo 3....there was no lack
7/? 2003: I have to give this to Warcraft III by default because I think that was all I was playing. Far honorable to Jedi Academy 2004: Easily Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Halo 2 and Half-Life 2 are distant seconds for me 2005: Kingdom Hearts 2. Ace Attorney came out this year as well.
6/? 2000: Another real toughie. I think Final Fantasy IX has to take it here for me. HM to MM, Deus Ex, Diablo II, and Pokemon G/S. 2001: Final Fantasy X. HM Metal Gear Solid 2, GTA 3, and Halo. 2002: Kingdom Hearts (I'm sorry!). Wind Waker, REmake, and Metroid Prime all contenders