WCNC Staff 2016 Game of the Year Awards Part 2

Game of the Year Reviews - Chris

            2016 was certainly an interesting year in gaming. We had many titles come out that were highly anticipated and almost as many that were disappointing. Thankfully, we are not focusing much on the later. However, we are focusing on some of the top games of the 2016 year. But, we are going to keep it simple with Top Exclusive, 2016 Game of the Year, and Top Game regardless of year.

Top Exclusive

            Unfortunately, this one was a tie for me. Both of these were games that I have been able to play at any time and able to enjoy at any time. Forza Horizon 3 was another fantastic edition for the Forza franchise by Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games. Forza Horizon 3 was by far the best of the Horizon series. Known for being an open world racing game, Turn 10 and Playground really turned Horizon 3 into a truly open world game where you can go virtually anywhere. Whether you want to be able to cruise inside the cities, slide around in the desert, speed through the countryside, or weave through the forest, you now have the ability to. The mechanics and physics of the game were fantastic and really set the new standard for open world racing games. While still an "arcade" style racing game, it has a nice blend of both worlds for the racers that prefer simulators. Each car handles and feels different from the next whether driving your car right off the lot or have it upgraded. Racing around Australia along the coastline, around the airstrip, or even searching for that barn find, you can do it in the largest selection of cars in the Forza Horizon lineup. Whether you are a diehard racer, or just picking it up for the first time, you can race in one of your dream cars and have an absolute blast.

            Uncharted 4 was a fantastic end to a truly great series from Naughty Dog. While the final chapter to the saga of Nathan Drake unfolds, we get to meet Nathan's older brother, Samuel Drake. Sam is in a bit of trouble and needs the help of his younger brother in order to pay off some serious debts. Nathan reluctantly jumps on board, of course with his old friend Sully and Nathan Drake's wife. He leaves his "boring" life behind and sets back off to do what he does best, be a thief. As they set off on an all new adventure with all new twists, challenges, and puzzles. Nathan's wit and sarcasm carries you through each moment. The voice acting does not disappoint and the story sets the tone of the game. The combat is just as chaotic as ever with more intense moments. Each new puzzle offers a new challenge, with some being agonizingly difficult. The story in Uncharted 4 was another great one and continues to prove how great Naughty Dog is when it comes to storylines. While the game had been pushed back into 2016 from 2015, it was because Naughty Dog wanted to make sure this game was done correctly. While taking time to rewrite the ending four times to ensure it was what they wanted, it was the absolute correct decision. Uncharted 4 is a must play from 2016 and should be on everyone’s list to play.

           

Top Game of the Year

 

            While Fallout 4 came out in 2015, it was a game that I always came back to in 2016, and even currently in 2017. Fallout 4 offered so much from the previous games and added in some great new features that helped added to a more immersive feel. Fallout 4 continues with the post apocalyptic nuclear warfare style and is still the open world sandbox we know in love, but now you can also build your own settlements with all of the junk that is left around. That’s right, you can pick up almost anything and turn it into something. You can upgrade weapons, armor, even power armor. You can also dismantle these same things to use to upgrade your items, repair your power armor, and build your settlements. You can spend hours into building a settlement if you wanted, gaining experience for each piece you build and dismantle, all the while turning that settlement into whatever you can imagine. Or you can simply play the story, which was also interesting, giving interesting twists along the way and forcing you to make choices along the way. Some choices are easy, some a little more difficult. Bethesda once again gives us the chance to do whatever we want. Boston, also known as the Commonwealth, adds new enemies, along with the familiar ones in the largest map to date. The game also adds all new companions and the return of few from Fallout 3 including a fan favorite, Dogmeat. A familiar level up system with a combination of new perks and old perks being added, makes you decide how you want to level your character. The additions of Far Harbor and Nuka World add more hours of game play to a game that has plenty of play time as it is. While there were 6 add ons to the game, three added to story and three added to the settlement building. Fallout 4 is the most immersive game to have released in the Fallout franchise and possibly one of the best.

Game of the Year 2016

            Anyone who has known me for longer than fifteen minutes knows that I am not a fan of Final Fantasy. Which is why, even for me, this is a very surprising pick for my Game of the Year. While I have not yet finished it due to my work schedules, I have enjoyed every moment of this game. The scenery is absolutely stunning from the desert to the forest to the volcano and everything in between. From the banter between the team, the car rides and the combat, it really does feel like a group of friends just going on an adventure. The game is set before Prince Noctis gets married, and that's when everything seems to hit the fan. The kingdom falls just after Nocits and his friends leave, and it is up to them to attempt to regain control, all while being on the run. The story has been great and easy to follow even if you have never played the franchise before. The combat system is now a real time combat instead of a turn based which brought some new life to an old series, while keeping a certain nostalgia that long time fans will love. The teamwork between everyone works well while having a very smooth flow to it.  It also brings a few other things that you can do in the game. Example, you can go fishing, which I probably spent more time doing that I would like to admit to. You can even race chocobos! That’s right, everyone’s favorite giant chicken is back! That being said, if you have not played Final Fantasy XV yet, it is a MUST! If you enjoyed Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantsy XV is by the same group of people, and guaranteed to give you even more action, adventure and intrigue. Final Fantasy XV is a game that is great for everyone, whether you are coming in as a fan of the series or maybe as a new comer like me. Regardless of which side you stand on, it is a must play.

Big O’s 2016 Game of the Year

3.  Final Fantasy XV

 Final Fantasy XV was cursed with a long development cycle.  Starting life in 2006 as Final Fantasy Versus XIII (originally meant to be a companion game to XIII), the game saw many changes and a complete overhaul in 2013 where it was announced as Final Fantasy XV.  Normally when a game sits in development for this long and sees so many drastic changes, the final product is pretty disappointing (see, Duke Nukem Forever).  Thankfully, Final Fantasy XV is the exception to the rule.  Square-Enix has taken great care to listen to fans and fix mistakes from previous installments of the series.  Final Fantasy XV is a beautiful, open world experience that the player can explore at their own pace.  I constantly found myself getting lost in the world and exploring incidents at nearby towns all while neglecting the main story.  I got so lost, I poured about 80 hours into it in the first few weeks of owning the game.  I realize that this game isn’t for everyone.  I found the story and characters incredibly charming but they could come off as annoying to others.  That being said, I loved my time in Final Fantasy XV and would gladly give it my third best game of 2016. 

2.  Overwatch

 If you read Rory and Frankie’s lists from last week, it should be no surprise that this game is one of my choices.  What can I say that they haven’t already?  The characters are fun and imaginative, the mechanics of the game are much deeper than you would think at first glance, and it’s just fun.  Personally, this game has been the main way I’ve kept in touch with my friends on the opposite side of the country for the past year and that makes it special in my book.  Not to mention the work that Blizzard has put into crafting the wold with the use of online comics and videos.  While there is no story in the game itself, the world of Overwatch contains a rich lore.  I was a little hesitant to put this game on my list because it is a multiplayer only experience, but it does that one aspect so well it is hard to deny that Overwatch is one of the best games of 2016. 

Honorable Mention.  Pokémon Go

While Pokémon Go did come out in 2016, I’m giving it my honorable mention for a different reason.  I’m not putting this game on my list for the traditional reasons you would select a game of the year nominee, like gameplay, story, or graphics.  I’m putting Pokémon Go on my list because of experience.  The experiences I had playing this game with my friends and by myself trump that of any other game to come out in 2016.  I’ll always remember chasing a Charmeleon through a trailer park during an Arizona Summer while my phone got so hot it turned itself off to keep from melting or simply sitting at a park bench with some of my closest friends while we lured the local Pokéstops and talked for hours on end.  While I understand that the play base for this game is dwindling and the gameplay is not fun in the traditional sense, I will continue to cherish many of the memories that this game gave me. 

1.  Uncharted 4

 Could there be any other?  Many of our long time readers/listeners will know that Uncharted is one of my favorite game series of all time.  I still hold Uncharted 2 Among Thieves to be one of the greatest games I’ve ever played.  Needless to say, this was my most anticipated title of the year.  Luckily, it did not disappoint.  The game is fast paced, while never feeling overwhelming.  In the slower moments, the game’s phenomenal writing has a chance to shine.   I might be getting a bit ahead of myself, Uncharted 4 is a special experience.  You follow Nathan Drake (expertly voiced by Nolan North) as he goes on a journey of love, betrayal, mystery, and most importantly adventure.  Many of the classic characters return Sully and Elena.  The newest edition to the cast of loveable rogues is Sam Drake, Nathan’s brother (Also expertly voiced by Troy Baker).  The journey will take the crew along a set of increasingly breathtaking set pieces around some of the most beautiful locals in the world.  Uncharted 4 was the perfect ending to the Nathan Drake story, a character I have seen grow and develop over five games.  I couldn’t think of a better game for us to part on, and that is why it gets my number one spot. 

A Delicious Nolan North and Troy Baker sandwich

Thank you everyone who has continued to support since we started.  2016 was an amazing year for video games and 2017 is looking like it might be even better.  Seriously, we’re not even done with February and we already have some strong game of the year contenders.  We have a lot of fun projects coming up on the blog, as well as a few surprises.  So, stick with us and we hope to entertain you for years to come. 

-Big O

WCNC Staff 2016 Game of the Year Awards Part 1

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

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