TOP 10 GAMES OF 2016
WE COUNT DOWN THE YEAR’S BEST COMPUTER GAMES
10. FORZA HORIZON 3
In recent memory, the Forza games have been the perfect example of the exquisite marriage of aesthetics and functionality. Gleaming cars, slick environments and with some of the most exciting racing mechanics to ever grace a video game, Forza Horizon 3 has firmly staked its claim as the de facto driving simulator.
9. DOOM
Serving up a healthy dose of nostalgia in a wonderfully modern packaging, this years reboot of the much-loved DOOM game captures the original essence of the vintage shooter while raising it up to the realms of a modern classic. Between the ferocious and vast campaign and the frantic multiplayer – with both modes being absolutely loaded with content – 2016’s DOOM is nothing short of a triumph.
8. DARK SOULS III
‘Not for the faint hearted’ is probably an understatement when recommending this game to someone. If you are not a patient person then don’t play this game. For a lot of people, the Dark Souls series represents somewhat of a means of catharsis in a time when video games seem increasingly easier and more ‘handholdy’. Representing the furthes extreme in gaming difficulty in the current market, Dark Souls III is an incredibly rewarding game if you persevere through its long, eery dungeons and magnificently grim set-pieces.
7. DISHONORED 2
For the gamers that always roll with the sneaky, stealthy Wood Elf formula in any of the Bethesda RPG’s, this game is like a cross between that and Hitman with a few steroids thrown into the mix for good measure. With a beautifully written story, flawless gameplay and an incredible art direction, Dishonored 2 was one of the slickest games released this year.
6. FIREWATCH
Although facing criticism from some of the more purist gamers who criticised it for its tendency towards being a ‘walking simulator’, Firewatch is one of the most heartwarming and cognitive gaming experiences you will ever have the fortune of playing. Featuring some of the most believable performances by voice actors I’ve ever experienced aswell as an incredibly engaging story, Firewatch has set the bar for interactive storytelling for years to come.
5. RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER
I think all anyone ever wanted from the vast amount of Tomb Raider reboots throughout the years was to capture intangible cinematic qualities of the earliest (and best) instalments in the series. What Crystal Dynamics have done with 2016’s Rise of the Tomb Raider is to achieve that goal and so much more. It is the finer details which tend to bring a story to life and Rise of the Tomb Raider certainly doesn’t fall short in that department. This is our beloved Lara Croft born again and easily her finest adventure since the 1990s.
4. OVERWATCH
In recent years we have seen a huge shift in the habits of gamers the world over. New players have never experienced the era of grinding, dedication and the fine balance of mind-numbing tedium and sweet reward offered by the MMORPGs of yesterday. If we have to accept that the ‘casual’s’ buying habits now dictate our gaming world, then Overwatch is the quick fix we all deserve. Easily one of the most fun arena shooters you will ever play with an absolutely mind-bending amount of content and a thriving online community.
3. TITANFALL 2
Although receiving criticism for its rather poorly-timed release date (sandwiched a week either side of the release of Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare), there can be no complaints whatsoever about the gameplay in this terrific title. With a charming story and a fresh and engaging multiplayer, Titanfall 2 will ultimately stand the test of time and go down as one of the finest shooters released this decade.
2. SID METER'S CIVILIZATION VI
Firaxis’ development of the last Civilization game left somewhat of a bitter taste in the mouths of the rabid community built up around these top-shelf strategy games. Fans of the series complained that they got a half-baked offering on the day-one release of the game, and it was quite a while before Firaxis went some way towards remedying the situation by releasing two paid expansions. The same accusations were nowhere to be seen upon the release of Civilization VI – and for good reason. Civilization VI is Firaxis’ crowning achievement. Absolutely bursting at the seams with content and with every facet of the game seemingly polished to a blinding shine, Civilization VI is truly an instant classic.
1. BATTLEFIELD 1
While 2016 may have been an extremely ripe year for video gaming, there can be no denying that Battlefield 1 sits head and shoulders above the competition in almost every aspect. Sound, graphics, gameplay - everything in this game seems crafted with a loving hand. Between the extensive and moving campaign mode and the thoroughly original multiplayer Operations modes, I can’t say I have ever played a game quite as exciting and visceral as this one. While other First Person Shooters released this year have their merits, Battlefield 1 is undeniably the champion in every regard.