by Josh Schwartzman
2016 was an interesting year for me. Many of the games I played were either sequels or add-ons to titles from last year. That’s not to say new IP’s were lacking (some made my list too!), it just shows how impressive and stellar the production values for games have gotten. Companies continue to support their games and adhere to fans and it seems like added content is now becoming not only longer in length but more outstanding in overall value.
Naughty Dog once again remains on top on my list and has become the developer to beat every year they release a game. EA continues to release stellar titles while Indie developer Playdead once again delivered another masterpiece. The choices to narrow it down to a Top 10 was a hard feat to master, but that’s more a testament to how many incredible games came out in 2016.
10. Ratchet and Clank (PS4)
Insomniac continues to impress by reinventing one of their classic titles. Ratchet and Clank not only got upgraded with better visuals, the story itself took a unique twist as Captain Qwark hilariously narrated the entire game for you. Plus with new gadgets and weapons, Ratchet and Clank felt less of a remake and more of a new game in the series.
9. Fallout 4: Nuka-World (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Bethesda is no stranger to DLC and Nuka World was their biggest endeavor yet. Nuka-World is a sight to see, an abandoned amusement park filled with plenty of ghouls and raider gangs. Each section of the park had its own style and theme and literally hours were lost trying to navigate the massive world Nuka-World had to offer.
8. Titanfall 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
Titanfall was tons of fun but it lacked single player and felt a little repetitive over time. Respawn managed to fix those problems and so much more. With a stellar single player campaign, more titan layouts and better customization options (the grappling hook rocks!), Titanfall 2 is far and away a much better game than its predecessor.
7. The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Blood and Wine is so massive it could be released as its own stand alone game for full price. CD Projekt RED managed to extend upon The Witcher 3 by increasing the level cap, adding new weapons and extending the overall adventure for another fifteen hours. This is more than just an expansion, it’s one of the more enjoyable adventures of the year.
6. Mirror’s Edge Catalyst (Xbox One, PS4)
An open-world Mirror’s Edge game? Sign me up! With a more balanced control scheme and the ability to parkour roam wherever you please in the massive world of Glass, Catalyst took all the pros from the first game and added a breath of fresh air.
5. Inside (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
LIMBO was one of my favorite games when it released, so it was no surprise Inside was one of my favorites this year as well. Playdead has done a fantastic job at creating another beautiful world filled with darkness, dread and an overall sense of despair. One of the most creative and artistic games of the year.
4. Overwatch (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Blizzard seemed to release this game out of nowhere but still managed to deliver one of the more enjoyable shooters of the year. A shooter with a crazy cast of characters and a cartoonish tint, Overwatch managed to be an incredibly balanced and frantic shooter.
3. Pokémon Sun & Moon (3DS)
The series continues to evolve after nearly 20 years since it was first released. Sun & Moon is no exception as the new Hawaiian-esque location opened up the door for brand new evolutions for older pokémon as well as give life to brand new ones as well. Pokémon is one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises and Sun & Moon is proof to that.
2. Battlefield 1 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
The Battlefield series gets a facelift back in time during World War 1 to deliver the best entry in the series to date. Stunning visuals, fantastic new additions such as bayonets and giant zeppelins, and a brilliant Operations mode make Battlefield 1 not just the best entry into the Battlefield series to date, but the best shooter of 2016.
1. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4)
A fitting end to one of the best series of all time. Naughty Dog continues to be on top of the industry in terms of character development, story and visuals. Uncharted 4 pushed the boundaries of the PS4’s hardware and had without a doubt the best looking game of 2016. Every level was brimming with lifelike scenery and the combat felt and looked just as fluid, too. The definitive game of 2016 for me, and it’s truly a shame the series has come to an end.