2016 was filled with a lot of great games, a lot of terrible ones, and a handful of surprises. Today, I will just be focusing on 5 great games that I have picked for my top five games of 2016. To be fair, these are games that I have played and completed. There are probably a few out there in my backlog that have the potential to join the list, but this is based on what I played. With that, let’s jump right in with my fifth choice for my top five games of 2016.
5. Watch Dogs 2
Having just recently finished Watch Dogs 2, it immediately took the number 5 spot on my list. I had a blast playing through Watch Dogs 2 and it is a true successor to the original. I will admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the original Watch Dogs, but that’s important because what Watch Dogs 2 does as a jump from the first game is massive. This is why it lands on Number 5 for me.
Watch Dogs 2 had an fascinating story and fun side missions with lots of collecting and achievements. There was a lot more humor than I expected and I even laughed out loud a few times. I love the fact that you could take many different approaches to situations and missions. I never stayed consistent. Sometimes I was stealthy and hacking, other times I went in guns blazing through enemies hoping to live when my ammo was gone. The large open world, creative gameplay, and engaging story made Watch Dogs 2 my most surprising pick for my top games of the year.
4. Titanfall 2
As a huge fan of the original Titanfall, I was beyond excited when Titanfall 2 was revealed and it lived up to my expectations. This spot fought with Battlefield 1 because both games released a week apart and consumed so much of my time. Hours and hours were put into both titles but Titanfall 2 remained on top.
The single player is a new addition to the franchise and it was a welcomed one. It was fun, not too short, and I was genuinely interested in it. Sometimes with first person shooter games, I tend to not really care too much about the story. Titanfall 2 was not that way at all. When it comes to the multiplayer though, it becomes a real tough decision. Both Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2 play so different that it came down to my personal preference. I prefer the less-used science fiction theme, the titan gameplay and all future DLC being free. While being a close choice between the two, Titanfall 2 is the overall better game and my fourth choice.
3. Stardew Valley
Ever since Natsume went and changed the Harvest Moon series to Story of Seasons and started to confuse everyone, I did not think I would get a true Harvest Moon fix again. Thankfully, I was wrong. Stardew Valley comes along and not only gives me what I love about the Harvest Moon series, but throws in a plethora of new and exciting features to make one spectacular game.
Stardew Valley is the true Harvest Moon successor fans want. The original pixel graphics, farming simulation gameplay, courting lovers and raising animals was combined with a combat system and story that were just perfect. I will admit, I was a tad late to the Stardew Valley party but when I did buy it, I sunk hours into it immediately. Everyone should play through this game and it most definitely deserves my number 3 spot.
2. Uncharted 4
It’s no surprise that Naughty Dog’s latest Uncharted game made it into my top 5. I love love love the Uncharted series and the experience it gives speaks for itself. I have personally yet to be let down by Naughty Dog and I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Uncharted 4 and my top game fought for the top spot internally.
Everything about Uncharted 4 was perfect. The story, the gameplay, the graphics, the animation and the attention to detail. This game was the reason I bought my Playstation 4 and it was worth every penny. I love all the characters in the series and Uncharted 4 is such a masterpiece of a game that easily deserves spot number 2, if not 1. Did I mention I love the Uncharted series?
1. Pokémon Sun and Moon
So what game could possibly top Uncharted 4? If you would have asked me at the beginning of the year, I for sure would have predicted Uncharted to take that spot. Yet, after picking up and playing through Pokémon Moon, it was clear who my top spot had to be given to.
Pokémon Sun and Moon took everything I loved about the Pokémon series and made it great again. It was a much needed breath of fresh air to the franchise and it was refreshing to play through. I was excited to be playing a new Pokémon game again, something I haven’t felt for years from the series. Pokémon Sun and Moon changed up the formula so much that it was a new game and experience.
At its core, Pokemon Sun and Moon is still a Pokémon game. Yet, with all the new changes and additions, one could argue that it’s brand new. That is what I love most about this game. Away with gyms and badges, in with the islands and trials. Spice it up with new Alola forms for original Pokémon, something new for older fans. I can go on and on about the new additions and changes, but my point is they are very welcomed. Pokémon Sun and Moon recaptures that magic I felt when I played Pokemon Red as a child, and that’s why it is my game of the year.
