In a year where people needed more honesty and relatable content in media, video games have shown to be some of the best to immerse ourselves into throughout 2016, and that isn’t only because of it being the dawn of an era of Virtual Reality. It’s more because the designers of these games (large and small) have stories to tell and artistic agency to express in these adventures. Here are our favorite games of the year. 
Evan Griffin’s Top 10 Video Games of 2016
- Let It Die
Oh Suda-senpai, you know how to make us smile. I wasn’t sure what I was in for with Let It Die when I found it available to download completely free on my PlayStation 4 months after my demo of it at PAX East this year, but it’s a delightful evolution of the gameplay of No More Heroes with influence of the two hottest crazes currently in the games industry: Dark Souls Difficulty, and Candy Crush! It seems odd that the game features a Pay-To-Win option in something that seems like it should be a sprawling RPG, but the roguelike gameplay makes it seem justified as you attempt to climb the Tower of Barbs in search for fame and glory, and approval of Uncle Death.
- Titanfall 2
I’m not usually one to get enjoyment out of a first person shooter anymore after the exorbitant amount of time I spent playing Halo in high school, but man, the addition to the mechs in the combat of the Titanfall franchise is a good enough hook to get me… hooked. Parkour, zip-line and wall running aside when discussing the innovations throughout Titanfall’s combat, the gameplay is consistent and constantly refreshing, plus it finally incorporates a campaign so we can sink our teeth further into the plot of this man-mech arms race!
- That Dragon, Cancer
If you want to talk about heart and soul and pure emotion poured intensely into a game, then look no further. That Dragon, Cancer comes as close as the gaming industry has gotten to this date to bringing poetry and prose to life in an immersive way. The project, about the childhood and loss of a young boy diagnosed of cancer less than a year into his life, was preciously worked on by his family. There had previously been discussion on its credibility as a part of the industry, but in consideration of the Telltale story based series at our disposal, this kind of artistic expression is long overdue in the medium.
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- Inside
From the creators of Limbo, we get a similar experience: a boy lost in a forest and as you move right the game gives you chilling atmosphere as trees parallax scroll in the background and you maneuver your way through platforming puzzles. However, the game’s style feels unique to itself with an aura filled more with anxiety and tension than the dread found throughout Limbo, but the quality of the puzzle design remains consistently excellent.
- Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End
Nathan Drake’s last stand is the highest bar in Naughty Dog’s pedigree of immersion and design yet. With The Last of Us’ Neil Druckmann in the director’s chair, A Thief’s End brings the world of Uncharted to a new breath of life before its departure, and that’s not just in the rendering of its environments and interactive chase cutscenes, but in getting some truly phenomenal performances out of the game’s cast, making Nathan, Elena, Sullivan and now Sam Drake, emote and express themselves in a way that fans of Uncharted would never have thought could be improved upon in only a few years.
- Superhot
An indie title that puts players in the shoes of a point of view actionnaire, and dials time down to thousandths of seconds, making a Bruce Lee style action sequence into a real time puzzle game. While it’s not very long, it is one of the most innovative titles of 2016, and I’m sure will only be made better with a port to Virtual Reality support on Oculus Rift.
- The Witness
While Jonathan Blow’s latest creative achievement was hit and miss with audiences, I found myself wholly engrossed by the puzzles throughout The Witness and the mysterious ruins and hits that laid throughout, and the obsession lasted for almost a straight week. If I kept going I may have been declared insane. Very few games make you feel dirty for even considering looking up a walkthrough on how to solve a certain puzzle that you’ve hit a snag on, but The Witness made that worse in the natural progression of it’s puzzle building technique. Progression in the game, in both large and small steps feels like something to be earned as it all is seamlessly looped together.
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- DOOM
This game. Is not easy.
Doom is one of the master class examples in game design within the last couple of years. From the intuitive armor and weapons upgrade systems that dynamically changes based on your play style, to the slow evolution of difficulty in the campaigns difficulty, Doom is gleefully frustrating. The game is equally enjoyable when you casually blow through low powered demons as it is when you’re forced to use every bullet you can scrap just to clear through a room, and while the power ups assist, you feel yourself become more skilled at eliminating the demons as the game progresses in a rewarding fashion.
- Furi
The Game Bakers wanted to make a game that was as challenging as traditional arcade brawlers, and they truly outdid themselves in the process. In creating a hellish blend of “boss rush” combat and bullet hell, the short but sweet campaign throughout Furi boasts an electric, anime fantasy aesthetic that players battle through with the most enjoyable, and addictive kind of agony that feels reminiscent of early Ninja Gaiden entries.
- The Last Guardian
Very rarely do you see a form of commercial media that expresses honest emotion as this final partnership between Sony Entertainment and Fumito Ueda. The Last Guardian presents much more than a companion based series of escape room puzzles, but conveys an almost entirely non-verbal bond between the boy and Trico. Its classical form of showing instead of telling (save for narration here and there) and displays an achievement in artistry for video games that I haven’t seen in a very long time. While this decade has games that people enjoyed, they’ll be forgotten in time. The work of Ueda, however, is the kind that has lasting power on it’s audience.
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On The Backlog: Overwatch, Battlefield 1, Deus Ex Mankind Divided, Abzu, Paper Mario Color Splash, Final Fantasy XV
Ryan Gibbs’ Top 5 Video Games of 2016
I don’t own any consoles, I don’t have the world’s best computer for gaming and I’m not huge on “Triple A” titles, so my list is largely going to be indie PC games. Most of these games are titles that I first saw being livestreamed by various Something Awful LPers (Slowbeef, TieTuesday, Chip Cheezum, Voidburger, etc.), who I find to be more chill, way funnier and considerably more entertaining to watch than pretty much all of the big-name LPers (after all, Slowbeef basically invented the things.) “Death Road to Canada” is a particular highlight. I saw TieTuesday stream it a few months ago and loved it so much that I bought it before he even finished playing the thing. If you’re not subscribing to him on Twitch, you totally should.
- Death Road to Canada (PC)
- Parkitect (PC)
- Odallus: The Dark Call (PC)
- Enter the Gungeon (PC)
- Tricky Towers (PC) (PC)
Honorable mentions: As The Young Folks’ resident retro game writer, here’s my five most played older games from the past twelve months: Streets of Rage II (Sega Genesis), Saint Dragon (TurboGrafx-16), Klax (multiple platforms, but I prefer the Lynx version), Pokemon FireRed (Game Boy Advance), DoDonPachi (Arcade)
Justin Carreiro’s Top 10 Video Games of 2016
- Final Fantasy XV
It took years (YEARS!) for this game to be in development before it was finally released. It’s a fun addition to the Final Fantasy series and one that looks visually appealing.
- DOOM
Welcome back, DOOM series. You were sorely missed from the video game world.
- Batman: The Telltale Series
It’s Batman! Beyond the story and the appearance of many memorable characters/settings, this is a good story series for any Batman fan.
- Overwatch
Who doesn’t love a guilty-pleasure FPS? It’s a good mix of Halo but with a unique character selection aspect to it, similar to that of fighting video game series.
- Pokemon Go
For a time, I was obsessed with this app and was capturing Pokémon everywhere. I had a good time. My phone bill, on the other hand, did not look pretty.
- Titanfall 2
The first game of the series is a great multiplayer game, but the second improves upon it with even better graphics and mechanics.
- Gears of War 4
From the first few minutes of playing, you can notice the stark difference from the last entry. Gears of War 4 has been given the much-needed update to feel fresh and new again.
- Layers of Fear
This game messes with your mind and can feel so creepy at times. It’s immersive, detailed and visually appealing – Layers of Fear is more than simply an exploration video game.
- Dead Rising 4
Sometimes you have to head back to the beginning to create something new, and Dead Rising 4 returns to familiar places to offer one of the best games in the series yet.
- Dead By Daylight
This online PC horror game is the biggest surprise for me. It’s easy to play and at first seems like just another 4 vs. 1 video game. But it’s so addictive, the backstory is interesting (I need a book or movie to explain more about the story!), and it’s one that I can’t stop watching on Twitch for hours.
Alexander Suffolk’s Top 10 Video Games of 2016
- Dark Souls 3
- Uncharted 4
- Overwatch
- The Witness
- Battlefield 1
- Pokemon Go
- Dishonored 2
- The Last Guardian
- DOOM
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition
I think at this point, it’s safe to say that Dark Souls is to video games what Star Wars is to movies for me. If a new one comes out, it’s going to be my favorite thing of the year, pretty much without exception. And while i had my problems with the third entry, I think it had enough ingenuity and crushing challenge to properly send off the franchise. After that, Uncharted 4 and Overwatch kep shifting in my head over which was a better experience for me, but ultimately I went with amazing story over amazing multiplayer (though I didn’t even play on PC, so take that with considerable salt). The Witness still stands as a great piece of art in my mind, and I for one still appreciate the state of zen and self-reflection that puts me in. Then there’s Battlefield 1, which I love EA for making, if only to keep the FPS genre a bit more fresh and stray from the constant churning of similar modern shooter affairs. Pokemon Go still has to get some recognition for making the entire world and I reignite a fervor not felt since the 90s, though I have to admit I stopped playing the bloody thing in August. Dishonored 2 was mostly more of the first game, but that’s not a bad thing at all, and I love seeing more of its nightmare steampunk setting. The Last Guardian is a beautiful display, a test of patience and an emotional ride that I’m glad still hits mainstream markets. I haven’t played much of DOOM, but I love that they committed to delivering an old school shooter experience with modern visuals. And finally, it’s technically a game from 2011, but with the special edition, Skyrim yet again managed to hook me in and make me spend an embarrassing amount of time dungeon-delving and dragon-slaying.
Donald Strohman’s Top 10 Games of 2016
- Walking Dead: Michonne
While far from Telltale’s best outing, Walking Dead: Michonne still offers a frightfully fun romp through a world of dangerous zombies and even more dangerous people.
- Battlefield 1
A breath of fresh air in a world dominated by futuristic shooters, Battlefield 1 easily beats out Activision’s Infinite Warfare for must play major FPS.
- Layers of Fear
Like a romp through a nightmare, Layers of Fear is one of the scariest games of 2016, and is further boosted but it’s intriguing mythos and tense atmosphere.
- Until Dawn: Rush of Blood
It’s short and simple, but Until Dawn: Rush of Blood is definitely the best example of what VR games are capable of, and easily the most fun of all the ones out there.
- Pokemon Go
This game may have crawled back under the rock from which it came, but the impact Pokemon Go left on the world is hard to ignore. I spent countless hours looking for Pokemon, if only the developers had found a way to keep so many players invested for the long run.
- Firewatch
The best kind of walk through the woods, Firewatch is one of the biggest out of nowhere surprises that rocked the 2016 world of gaming.
- Doom
Bloody, gory, and completely intense from start to finish, Doom knows exactly what it needs to be in a market dominated by shooters, over the top, dumb fun.
- That Dragon, Cancer
So heartbreaking that it may never leave your memory, That Dragon, Cancer isn’t just a game, it’s an experience.
- Overwatch
This game could have been number one if it weren’t for the lack of a proper narrative inside the game itself. However, even if the game’s story is plastered only over the internet, the assortment of distinct characters and addictive multiplayer easily makes Overwatch the multiplayer game of the year.
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
A masterful farewell for treasure hunting badass Nathan Drake, Naughty Dog once agains proves themselves to be the top dog in gaming, thanks to the excellent production values, fun humor, and memorable cast of characters.
Travis Hymas’ Top 10 Games of 2016
- Overwatch (Blizzard – PS4, Xbox, PC): Full disclosure: I struggled to include this game on my list. Not because it’s bad, of course. Overwatch is the game that finally convinced me that an online multiplayer focused title could be one of the best experiences this year. With a diverse cast, extreme attention to detail, and emphasis on team participation, Overwatch proves Blizzard still has the chops to make the unforgettable. Unfortunately, that just makes the low point lower. The reward system, in the form of Loot Boxes, is still so shady that I can’t take this game higher on the list, no matter how much I love it.
- Dead by Daylight (Behaviour Digital – PC): That’s right, another online multiplayer game! Dead By Daylight manages to properly create an asymmetric experience that doesn’t feel unfair one way or the other. Additionally, it plays an interesting trick with the idea of survival horror by placing the players in control of every aspect of the game. Normally these kinds of games wrestle control away from the player in order to create fear. The stunt pays off, as DBD relies on a strong mechanic to create enough tension through competition. Another extra point for taking the time to create a diverse cast of survivors.
- Pony Island (Daniel Mullins Games – PC): Saying too much about Pony Island will ruin it. What I will say is that Pony Island is the best meta-level game to hit since Undertale blew up last year’s version of these lists. In some ways, Pony Island even takes things further, surrounding itself with a classic arcade aesthetic and even using your Steam profile against you (the trick is in how.) This game is this year’s wild card-completely unassuming but brilliant once you give it a chance.
- Battlefield 1 (DICE – PS4, Xbox, PC): It has been a genuinely great year for the shooter genre. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, various franchises have decided to carve out their own niche instead of chasing trends. In the case of Battlefield 1, DICE decided to fall back on the gritty war experience; and they nailed it. The real revelation was the return to form of the game’s single player, which I had almost complete glowing praise for. Once again, the multiplayer has improved as well, if only because it is no longer imitating, but trying anew.
- Ratchet & Clank (Insomniac – PS4): Boy, did I not expect a mascot game to be one of the prettiest and most refined games this year. Admittedly, Ratchet & Clank is a retread of the original game, but with no easy way to access that classic PS2 title, this is a welcome arrival. Developer Insomniac took the chance to refine their original work for the better. Not only is it gorgeous, but some of the changes are welcome – such as the game being told from the perspective of Captain Qwark. Ratchet & Clank is proof that great games can still be for all ages.
- Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 (Bandai Namco Studios – PS4, Xbox, PC): What’s old is new again as Pac-Man once again shines in a classical arcade-style title. This time around, the rules are tweaked to allow for more bold actions while playing. Between changing mazes and enthralling music, CE2 is a perfect blend of relaxing and taxing. Otherwise, it is more of the same old Pac, but there’s magic in refinement. CE2 may not be breaking convention, but it’s the best possible version a modern Pac-Man was going to be. I think that makes the game pretty special.
- The Westport Independant (Double Zero One Zero – iOS, Android, PC, Mac): Earlier this year, this game would have been way further down the list. Yet as the days in this less than stellar year wind down, I find myself again and again returning to this little newspaper title. I’ve talked about it before, but it bears repeating: this game might be the most important one I’ve played this year. The design might not be for everyone, and the stakes may not be so high on the surface, but the implications are ones we may still see come to pass around us. Best to be on the lookout now.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon (Game Freak – 3DS): Alright, a core Pokémon title was basically a shoo-in for my GOTYs. In spite of that obviousness, Sun and Moon really didn’t need to be as good as they were. Eschewing long-standing designs for new improvements really makes the franchise feel as much alive today as it was 20 years ago. Big shout out to Game Freak for playing way outside convention with some of the new creature designs; mons like Mimikyu, Rowlet, and Cosmog will live on as many fan’s favorites. The world truly does feel organic and alive. Plus, Guzma’s in this game, and he’s my boy.
- Doom (ID Software – PS4, Xbox, PC): Remember how I said it was a great year for shooters? It was, but none of them even compare to the sheer magnitude of the Doom revival. At some point during the game’s development, it was decided to kick most of shooting’s modern advancements to the curb in favor of a back to basics approach. Boy, did that work. Doom is big bombast, balanced with strong pacing, amazing music, an entertaining lead, and enough gore to fill a season and half of Game of Thrones. Doom decided to throw one hell of a party, and I don’t regret the hangover.
- Final Fantasy XV (Square Enix – PS4, Xbox): I love this game. I love that Noctis gets excited when hearing a babbling brook because he wants to fish. I love that Prompto is completely aware of his status in the group but doesn’t care because he’s having fun. I love how committed the story is to itself. I love the frantic combat. I love the stupid car. I even love that a bunch of Ignis’ “new recipes” are just stolen from diners they eat at. FFXV is not most perfect game by a long shot, but it isn’t afraid to have personality; one that I can’t wait to see more of.
Honorable Mentions:
Fire Emblem Fates (Intelligent Systems – 3DS): Fates isn’t as good as Awakening, which is one of my favorite games ever. In spite of that, any lesser studio or publisher wouldn’t have been able to pull the trick that was done for the 3 games that made up Fates. I don’t think it still worked perfectly, but it could have been worse. Fates is still a swell game of tactical combat, leveling, adventuring, and making your soldiers kiss, which is fine by me.
Reigns (Nerial – iOS, Android, PC): Devolver Digital will publish just about anything, but when we get games like this how could one complain? Reigns unique design of ruling via Tinder-style swiping is strange at first, but quickly becomes charming. Things stumble a bit as achievements become vague and difficult to navigate to, but the tough and hilarious moments come quickly enough to justify coming back around. Oh, and the devil is in it. That’s not a spoiler, which highlights just how weird this game is willing to be.
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