Each year, our staff like to present you with our picks for the greatest games to be released in the past year. 2016 has come and gone, so this year each of our contributors are going to discuss their choices for game of the year. First up are Rory and Frankie, enjoy!
Rory's Second Annual
Way Too Late Game of the Year Awards 2016
2016 was a hell of a year for everyone, and I
was no exception. Between a rapidly changing political landscape, moving across
the country for the second time in two years, and personal relationship
struggles, it was a good year to be able to escape reality by jumping into a
game. And while I haven't got around to playing some of my most anticipated
titles of 2016, Dishonored 2 being the big one, it's time for my second annual
game of the year awards.
Honorable Mention:
Persona 4 Golden
If this was just a list of my
favorite games I played this year regardless of release date, Persona 4 would
take the top spot. The gameplay, while very simple and easy, is fun and
addictive. But, the real star of this
game is the cast of characters and a story that keeps you locked in from
beginning to end.
3. Firewatch
3. Firewatch
While there isn't much in the way of gameplay, Firewatch nails the feeling of just getting lost in nature. Most of the game is you working a summer in the 1980s for a state wilderness park, doing your normal day to day duties. The games tension and mystery ramp up in the later half of the story but it's really the “lost in the woods” feeling that makes this game special.
2. Dark Souls 3
I'm a well known fan of FromSoftware's series of difficult games (Bloodborne having placed #1 on this list last year) and 2016's entry Dark Souls 3 is no different. While it's not quite as original as Bloodborne, or grabs the same special feeling that the original Dark Souls had, Dark Souls 3 is the best in the series when it comes to gameplay and polish. This is clearly a development team who has mastered their combat and difficultly scale over their last four games and this is the payoff. The combat is the smoothest it's ever been, and some of the bosses are insanely difficult (I'm looking at you, Nameless King). If this is truly the last game in the series, Dark Souls 3 is a hell of a send off.
1. Overwatch
I'll be honest, I'm not really a big fan of competitive
multiplayer games. Outside of Gears of War I've never found a series that
pulled me in enough to play the multiplayer for more than a few hours. Then
Overwatch was released, and nothing was ever the same. Since its release in
May, I have poured well over 150 hours into Overwatch and there's no sign of
slowing down. Blizzard is constantly making tweaks to all of the characters to
keep the game fresh and to give all of the characters a chance to shine. Two
new characters, Sombra and Ana, have also been introduced to the already large
cast, along with 3 new maps, and more new additions are already promised to be
in the pipeline. Blizzard has also thrown four holiday events to renew interest
ranging from the Olympics, to Halloween, to Christmas, and now a Chinese New
Year event. Each event brings new skins and other cosmetic items to keep you
playing for just one more game. Overwatch has dominated my last 8 months of
gaming and I think it's going to stay that way for a long time
Frankie
2016 may have been a pretty crappy year overall, but it was
a pretty strong year for gamers everywhere. From titles in development for over
a decade, brand new IPS, and AAA games that shake up the tried and true
formula, I'd say there is a good bit to choose from as far as Game of the Year
goes. Alas, this is yours truly, Franswa's list, so I'll be giving you my top
games of 2016.
3. Pokemon Sun/Moon
Even though I have only played Sun and haven't beaten it
quite yet, I have to give a spot to this long standing RPG series. The first
and last true Pokémon I played before Sun was Emerald. After pouring so many hours into it, I felt I
got the gist of what the series had to offer me. Pokémon X/Y definitely enticed
me with the new 3D graphics, but it still was just a bit short of pulling me
back in. However, Sun and Moon made a very clever move by shaking up the
standard formula, while not changing the core gameplay and objective. The new Hawaiian
styled setting of the Alola region, Alola forms of original Pokémon, new
Pokémon species, and the switch to island champions instead of gym leaders was
the perfect mix of new and old to convince me to step back into their world and
become the very best, like no one ever was. Within the span of a week I already
poured twenty-four hours into this title. That satisfying feeling of building
you're Pokémon up, catching new ones, growing with them, watching them evolve,
and conquering new challenges together, as a team, was extremely gratifying.
For that, I give Pokémon Sun and Moon my number three spot.
2. Dark Souls III
I would have never guessed this would be a series I would
come to love so much. However, Bloodborne
changed that real quick, and Dark Souls III made it 100% official. I called
Dark Souls III the crescendo to a fantastic series, and that is a statement I
standby. Dark Souls III took all the best aspects of the original Souls series,
while incorporating new mechanics and a faster pace from Bloodborne. Blending them together for a perfect
concotion of challenge, exploration, customizability, and a truly special
experience. Dark Souls III has been called by many the hardest Souls game
currently and I can see why. Not only are the bosses (for the most part) truly
a test of skill and wit, but the journey through each area to face them are a
trial in and of themselves. No part of this game is a walk in the park, but you
will constantly find yourself traversing every inch of this dark and daunting
realm, discovering every secret, finding every treasure, and uncovering every
bit of lore you can. This is the magic of the Souls series, and it truly hits
every high point with this incredible title.
Honorable Mention. Pyschonauts
I got this title when it became available to download on
ps4. After all the hype one of our
talented writers Rory Snyder put behind it I felt it was finally time to put it
to the test. Pyschonauts is a brilliant platformer with fantastic levels,
clever mechanics, and despite being a ps2 game, has aged incredibly well.
Playing as the main protagonist Rasputin, you are at a summer camp for mentally
gifted kids with psychic powers. The story not only has way more going for it
than just being a summer camp with wacky psychic shenanigans going on. There is a lot of humor here, mostly of the
adult variety. I'm really glad I experienced it when I did because a far
younger me would have missed 80% of the jokes. Every character is oozing with
personality from your goofy friend Dogen, the paranoid milkman Boyd Cooper, the
strict Coach Oleander, The annoying bully Bobby Zilch (uuuuuugh) and many many
more that make you want to go and fulfill every interaction with them you can.
Each level takes place inside of another characters mind as well, which allows
the developers to really show you the personality and issues of each of the
characters they have created. Leading to
many beautiful and interesting experiences. From a warzone, to a disco dance
party, to a city where you are essentially Godzilla, to a boardgame, every
aspect of Pyschonauts is crafted with extreme creativity and care, and is a
must play for any fan of 3D platformers.
1. Overwatch
Could it be any other? The brand new IP from the ashes of
Project Titan, and heavy hitter Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch is a
masterpiece among multiplayer shooters. The incredible characters, weaponry,
map design, game modes, and cosmetic unlockables will keep you and your friends
playing for hours upon hours. Every game whether it's competitive, quick play,
or one of the many arcade modes, are always different and changing because of
the extensive cast. With a cast of twenty-three characters, each with their own
play styles, weapons, and abilities, will always keep you on your toes, and
constantly trying to adapt to the enemy teams composition and strategy. The
best part of Overwatch is it isn't just limited to players who are good at
shooters, the player with the greatest situational awareness, shot caller, or
playmaker are just as valuable as the player who is the best shot. No matter
what your skill level or play style is, there is a character here for you, and
that is the greatest strength of Overwatch. It is incredibly accessible and new
player friendly, while also having a deep meta game that can be uncovered for
new strategies and higher level play. And it is for that reason I have to give
Overwatch my number one spot, and my personal pick for Game of the Year.
-Franswa
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