It’s hard to find a common link between all of the excellent games released in 2016. This isn’t the year of the bow or Luigi. Instead, it’s a year filled with a lot of quality releases.
The awkward transition to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One era is behind us, and developers are thriving with a mix or original ideas, sequels, and reboots. I played a lot in 2016, almost more than any other year that I can remember. That’s because, along with the excellent single-player experiences, 2016 gave me a couple of addicting multiplayer games that I play almost every day.
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10. Civilization VI
Above: Civilization VI has a “color language” for distinguishing buildings and terrain.
Developer: Firaxis
Publisher: 2K
Platform: PC
Civilization VI is such a relaxing game. I can easily lose hours just staring at the screen, building natural wonders, setting new policies, and starting new trade routes. The improved city-building adds more depth, and the stylized character models and art add more personality. Long live fat Roosevelt!
9. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney — Spirit of Justice
Above: I can smell the Justice.
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: 3DS
I love me some Phoenix Wright, and this is the series’ best entry since the original trilogy debuted in 2001. It brings back fan-favorite characters like Maya while pitting Phoenix against a crooked legal system in a foreign country. Seeing Wright and friends save a nation from the horrors of injustice make me feel all warm inside.
8. Bravely Second
Above: Bad guys always wear angled masks.
Developer: Silicon Studio
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: 3DS
As much as I admire Final Fantasy XV’s changes and innovations, I still love a traditional turn-based RPG. Bravely Second is as good as those get these days, employing a deep Job system that allows you to change classes while maintaining certain abilities. Also, Magnolia and Yew are the cutest video game couple of 2016.
7. Planet Coaster
Above: A merry coaster.
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Frontier Developments
Platform: PC
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I’ve only started playing Planet Coaster about a week ago, but I like this theme park simulator more with every hour I dedicate to it. Planet Coaster is the RollerCoaster Tycoon successor I’ve waited years for, finally allowing me to make my dream park in 3D. And, since it has Steam Workshop support, I have the entire internet backing me up with their own amazing creations.
6. Doom
Above: A fun friend in Doom.
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
This was the big surprise of the year. I thought that gaming had long left Doom behind, but it turns out that its old-school sensibilities are desperately needed in our modern industry. So many shooters are about hiding, taking cover, and waiting for your health to regenerate. Doom instead forces you to run and gun down demons in a fast-paced blitz of mayhem that brings joy back to shooting.
5. World of Warcraft: Legion
Above: Legion is a success for Blizzard.
Developer: Blizzard
Publisher: Activision Blizzard
Platform: PC
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World of Warcraft is the game that just won’t go away. I planned to level my character to 110 and move on, but Legion is just too engaging to leave behind. The new world quests give you something meaningful and fun to do every day. The class halls and artifact weapons give you a stronger tie to your character, and the story doesn’t suck (looking at you, Warlords of Draenor).
4. Titanfall 2
Above: Titanfall 2’s campaign sure looks pretty.
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Titanfall 2‘s multiplayer actually isn’t grabbing me the same was the original’s did (maybe because I’m playing so much Overwatch), but the single-player campaign makes up for this. It’s wonderfully paced, switching from platforming and pilot to action and titan. And right when you think you’re about to get bored, its level design shows why it’s some of the most clever I’ve ever seen in a shooter.
3. Final Fantasy XV
Above: There’s a lot to explore in Final Fantasy XV.
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
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How can a game that’s been in development for so long come out so good? The game formerly known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII is unlike any other in the series, focusing on real-time combat and an open world. But it works because it’s so different, with its large, gorgeous world filled with treasures and magical moments.
2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Above: “Nice report card, kid! You’re going to Chuck E. Cheese’s!”
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony
Platform: PlayStation 4
I love this series, and A Thief’s End is a great way to finish the story. Nate and his friends are just as charming as ever, and the addition of his brother to the cast adds more depth to Drake’s background and gives this game a strong theme: the bond of brothers and what you’re willing to do for them. Just like other Uncharted games, A Thief’s End has memorable set-pieces, beautiful locations, and funny dialogue. It’s pure, blissful entertainment from start to end.
1. Overwatch
Above: Get eliminated by Ana.
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
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Overwatch is my favorite competitive experience in gaming. The team-based shooter has so many heroes, each with distinct abilities and strengths, that I’m never bored. It’s also filled with personality. Overwatch can make me care more about a character with a simple animation or voice line than most other games can with hours of cutscenes. I haven’t stopped playing Overwatch since it came out in May, and I don’t see myself stopping any time soon.