2016 may have been a terrible year in terms of celebrity deaths, Oompah-Loompahs being elected into the highest office of the land and war never changing, but at least there was some escape there. Video games were a step above this year, with every month seeing multiple releases that elevated the medium to new heights. 2016 might just be the greatest year ever for the best form of interactive entertainment this year, with our efforts to find one single game that stood head and shoulders above the rest to be the equivalent of choosing our favourite nipple.
But if you had to have one game, just one exemplary title that could prove to the world just how far the industry has come, the choice would be obvious:
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Is there anything that Uncharted 4 didn’t do right? It had a gripping story, characters who felt more realistic than your parents and a sense of action that was polished to a fine sheen in this final outing with Nathan Drake from Naughty Dog. But more than that, Uncharted 4 was simply a magnificent example of all these various facets combining to create something special.
An experience that had to be played to be believed, a game that was more than the sum of its parts. Or as Geoff still called it when he reviewed Uncharted 4:
There’s no cheap set-up for a sneaky sequel, no cliffhanger ending. Just the door fittingly closing on a series of great – if unfortunate – adventures. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call Uncharted 4 the greatest game that’s ever been made, it is indeed a remarkable one, and undoubtedly the best the Uncharted series has to offer.
You don’t often get to play a game that defines a genre for years to come. But a game that goes on to redefine the idea of what the industry is capable of as well? Now that’s an even rarer treat, making Uncharted 4 our undisputed best game of 2016.
Runner-up: Overwatch
When you think about it, Overwatch is actually a barebones game. You’ve got a selection of characters, a handful of modes and a scant few stages to play around online in. That’s it really. And yet, Blizzard’s multiplayer shooter almost took the top honour this year. Overwatch may be simple in its setup, but it’s anything but that in its execution.
There’s a world of strategy hidden beneath those Saturday morning cartoon aesthetics, a gripping lore that players can’t get enough of and a sense of fun whether you’re having a 10 minute break or an all-nighter marathon session of escorting the payload. More than that, Overwatch is a reminder of how video games can bring fans together, to be positive and to help foster relationships.
On a social level, Overwatch is simply amazing. But on a technical level? It’s some of the best damn fun you can have right now, hooking you in like a Road-Hogg counter.
Honourable mentions
Dishonored 2
The return of the Corvo family may not have been perfect, but the strengths of this intricate sequel more than made up for the flaws. Tense, amazing to explore and weaving a complex web of intrigue and daggers, Dishonored 2 is the knife before Christmas that you’ve been waiting for.
Titanfall 2
Possibly one of the best shooters not just of 2016, but ever. And quite possibly the one game that nobody is playing right now. Respawn Entertainment took the best parts of their debut title, tweaked it further and added an amazing single-player campaign that blended giant robots with guns and parkour. And that’s an achievement that deserves to be recognised.
Hitman
Not only is Hitman a great game, it’s also an example of how episodic gaming should be done. By giving its fans all new levels of freedom and time to breathe between releases, IO Interactive knocked the latest chapter in the life of Agent 47 out of the park.
INSIDE
Alessandro won’t shut up about this game, and I can’t say that I blame him., Haunting, beautiful and capable of stirring all manner of emotions within you, INSIDE is the kind of game that is going to have an impact that will be felt for years to come.
DOOM
It’s the game that your mother warned you about. But bigger, better and gorier than ever. Somehow taking the mechanics of the past and making them relevant again, DOOM is pitch-perfect in its genre and ready to stomp a mudhole in your perceived ideas of what a first-person shooter should be. You hear that rattle of the chainsaw? That’s the sound of near-perfection as DOOM gets closer and closer to you.
Last Updated: December 15, 2016
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 15, 2016 at 12:31
Game of the year should have been accessible by all gamers, irrespective of the platform.
Just my 2C…
Magoo
December 15, 2016 at 12:33
Absolutely. The restriction should be a deciding factor.
Geoffrey Tim
December 15, 2016 at 12:34
That’s daft. It’s a game. It came out this year.
Glenn Kisela
December 15, 2016 at 12:39
I STILL haven’t played that game yet.
Geoffrey Tim
December 15, 2016 at 12:39
Pokemon Go or Uncharted 4? 🙂
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 12:42
Pokemon Go.
Easy question
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:45
Go away!
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
no
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
no no. no no no no, no no no no, no no there’s no Pokemon Go!
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 12:58
Stop living in denial !
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:58
But it’s fucking hot in Egypt! How else am I to cool down!?
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 12:59
Don’t make me do the crazy eyes…
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:02
http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv6mw1Erq51qixleeo1_400.gif
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
*Go
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
You shut up & leave him alone, you bully!
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
Never!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:03
It’s a losing battle Trevor. We should just leave them be, our backlogs are calling. 😛
Glenn Kisela
December 15, 2016 at 18:43
Would you hate me if I said both? :S
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 15, 2016 at 12:59
Your face is daft man, and it is daft…ALL YEAR EVERY YEAR
[Goes to sulk for not being able to play TLOU and UC]
[Stops sulking becoz PC gamer and Steam]
MonsterCheddar
December 15, 2016 at 13:00
XD
Matthew Holliday
December 15, 2016 at 15:27
Thats only if you consider mobile gaming actual gaming.
Filthy casuals.
Accessibility should be a factor though.
Being exclusively PS4 should atleast be a demerit.
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 12:44
Don’t worry we all know it was actually Overwatch that was bestest this year 🙂
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
Indeed
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:02
For the narrative and character development, am right!?
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 13:04
Mei is Bae
That is all
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 15, 2016 at 13:16
Mei is cancer
That is all
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 13:06
So you also read the wiki?
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 13:09
What was that about stories on wikis?
http://darksouls.wiki.fextralife.com/file/Dark-Souls/ItWillFade.jpg
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 13:11
Shhh… next they’ll try to tell you it’s an RPG and not a glorified fighting game.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:11
Ohh, man. About to cross the fucking line…
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:13
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/30e6abff77f6ab2a5fdc96e57dd3126a983c9792a74f48523e766109a3798f46.jpg
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 13:14
Oh, well I suppose playing as a sword fighting corpse could *technically* be considered role playing. *technically*.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:18
I have never played any of the souls games as a sword fighting corpse! How dare you say such a thing!
I. Was. A. Magic wielding corpse!
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 13:23
Of course you’d choose easy mode… Heretic.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:26
ooooooo, them’s fighting words!
But the spellcasting thing is just me in RPG’s. I always go mage.
Dresden
December 15, 2016 at 13:30
Same here! Even if the mage/ spell caster is a weak class in a certain game, I’ll always pick it even if it means I will struggle.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:45
They usually start off weak, but near the end they’re nigh unstoppable.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:11
BWAHAHA! UMAR!
Dresden
December 15, 2016 at 12:47
I think it’s a smart move from Sony.
All these exclusives are pushing me towards buying myself a PS4.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 12:48
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dfd9c78e092e06645ab5ce7e2cdf757b8db58a5f9191c20623a7910cb9f59762.jpg
Dresden
December 15, 2016 at 12:51
XD
I’m actually on the look out for a good special. If any of you know of any, please let me know!
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:52
Makro, CNA and BTgames are selling a 500GB PS4 slim for R3999.
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 12:59
Pretty good value for money if you don’t own a Xbone/PS4 yet 🙂
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 13:00
I have to agree – but also add ‘if it fits your budget’. If it fit into mine, I’d be buying one without hesitation. 🙂
Magoo
December 15, 2016 at 12:53
It’s R3899 on a TakeAlot daily deal today!
Dresden
December 15, 2016 at 13:22
I saw thanks! The problem is I can’t afford buying it now straight up today 🙁
Nikola
December 15, 2016 at 14:04
Check ToysRUS they having an one day sale tommorow PS4 Slim with 4 games I thing R4500.
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:17
No thanks. The dark side always loses.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:19
Only in the movies. I real life, evil is much more inclined to take victory. They’ll do the things the good guys are too afraid to do.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 15, 2016 at 13:22
…until caught/dead/moertoe
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:24
If I go down, it’ll be in a blaze of glory!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:22
Like buy a Playstation? trolololooo!
But you’re right though 🙂
Nikola
December 15, 2016 at 14:05
It’s not bad having a console as well as a PC you missing out on some really awesome exclusives well Sony ones Xbox is just crap!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 14:09
Hehe. Yea. It’s just bad that you have to buy two different platforms to enjoy all the games. Which I won’t do. Financially doesn’t make sense to me, also, not possible 😀
Matthew Holliday
December 15, 2016 at 15:28
Same could be said for the Xbone, atleast they have the “play anywhere” thing going on though.
Magoo
December 15, 2016 at 12:48
MFW I have to pay R4k+ to play the GOTY.
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:49
You don’t have to play Lazygamer’s GOTY though. You can, like anybody else, have your very own GOTY. And decide for yourself.
I know, it’s tough, but you get used to it after a while. And hey, you might end up having fun. No promises, but it COULD happen.
Magoo
December 15, 2016 at 12:52
Point received. But still, if I were deciding which game was the best, the fact that it’s only available on one platform is a negative strike. It’s not only about story, there is functionality too. Like with the bad reviews on surgeon simulator VR.
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:53
To me, it’s not about PC game of the year, or XBOX game of the year – it’s about game of the year. There are no restrictions on platform, game of the year should be the best one across all platforms. That’s exactly how it should work.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 12:58
^^this^^ A great game is a great game.
Spathi
December 15, 2016 at 12:54
Then they will have to take a PC game’s minimum requirements into account as well? Look I game on PC as well (exclusively), but I don’t think they made the wrong choice to give GOTY to an exclusive.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 12:50
Every system has their exclusives. You’re always going to miss out on something if you only choose to game on only one of them.
There are XB1 and PC titles I’d love to play, but hey, I’m a PS4 guy.
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:52
100%. I’m a PC guy. And there are plenty games I would love to play on console, but I can’t justify the price. So I accept my choice and work with it and play the games I enjoy playing on the platform I chose to play on.
It’s really so easy.
Lu
December 15, 2016 at 12:53
Agreed. Consoles are great but the sheer amount of games I can buy instead of a console +5 exclusive games is mind boggling.
Nikola
December 15, 2016 at 14:06
and you sir have made the right choice;)
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 14:11
Just because I game on a PS doesn’t mean I’m prejudiced against other consoles.
I love my PS4, but if I had a XB1 or a PC to game on, I’d love them just as much.
Spathi
December 15, 2016 at 12:51
Well, you either have to purchase a PC, Xbox or PS4 to play a GOTY, so that argument doesn’t really hold any water.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:55
https://media.giphy.com/media/xYHscQ1Np55i8/giphy.gif
Nikola
December 15, 2016 at 14:03
You missing out…
40 Insane Frogs
December 15, 2016 at 16:32
lol, no! That’s madness! “Game of the Year” is the best game – regardless of platform.
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 12:33
Played TF2 last night, wow what a blast!!!!
MonsterCheddar
December 15, 2016 at 12:50
It is rather quite awesome.
Sageville
December 15, 2016 at 12:52
Campaign?
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 12:55
Jumped into campaign for about 20mins and played a random MP map to gauge the latency etc, it really does look good xD
MonsterCheddar
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
I have the campaign about 90% finished, but when I put it in it’s MP all the way.
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
I realised that I need to play the campaign to better understand the MP mechanics, or so I think?
MonsterCheddar
December 15, 2016 at 12:59
The campaign is a shitload of wallruns in all forms. I think that’s about all that can help in MP, although there are not much walls in MP.
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 13:00
Okay, so a few hours in MP will be sufficient then xD
Guild
December 15, 2016 at 12:54
Nice. Really is a great game. EA seriously screwed up with the release date. So many ppl missed out on it because of CoD and BF1
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
Yep, I actually hope Respawn will get another publisher in the future. Anything but EA & UBI…
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:12
All I saw was Team Fortress 2.
Viper_ZA
December 15, 2016 at 13:15
Good thing I didn’t play TF2 then 😛
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:19
Well, it’s free and not on Origin. I don’t see how Titanfall could be better 😛
Matthew Holliday
December 15, 2016 at 15:29
Also had to think about it for a bit.
VampyreSquirrel
December 15, 2016 at 12:41
Stardew is my game of the year.
Ottokie
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
Have a golden watercan upvote
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 12:58
Is that for golden showers?
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:59
GO PLAY STARDEW VALLEY YOU HEATHEN.
And then spend 2 years befriending everyone in the town for a stupid achievement, and then just start a new game and farm and marry that one person and have exactly 2 babies who will never, ever, ever grow up.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 13:00
But I play games for escapism.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:03
pity you wouldn’t just stay escaped…
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 13:04
https://m.popkey.co/54e5d6/ZmL17.gif
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 13:04
http://i.imgur.com/YIQzNpM.gif
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:12
lol
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:01
I’m not a heathen, I’m a heretic. There are fundamental differences. Or I’m just mental. Meh.
And besides, soon I’ll be too busy with Uncharted 4. Muhahahaha!
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 13:02
GAH!!!! How DARE you show me up with your logical arguments and obvious name reference that I totally didn’t miss but shouldn’t have.. HOW DARE YOU?!
Also. Enjoy. 😀
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:06
I thank you! Logic is my strongest attribute. Along with the ability to ascertain weaknesses….
Logic and ascertaining weaknesses in my opponents are my two strongest attributes.
Still working my way through the whole Uncharted series before I get to 4. Gonna be a long, but epic, road.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:12
Nah most of the games are like 15-20 hours.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:15
Well Uncharted 1 (almost done), it about 10 hours or so. So I reckon each one is about there.
I’ll treat them all as one game, so I’m looking at about a 40 hour journey.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:19
I did the trilogy a few months back, damn that second game is so frigging good.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:21
I’m about 75% into 1, so I’ll be with 2 real soon.
Viking Of Science
December 15, 2016 at 12:42
DOOM = GOTY. period
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:45
Damn straight!
Sageville
December 15, 2016 at 12:45
The ending of Uncharted 4 was sublime, a perfect conclusion to Nathan’s adventures..
Can’t argue too hard about it being GOTY
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 12:47
Now I’me even more excited to play U4!
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
What’s uncharted? As a pc gamer I have no idea.
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
Go backlog yourself *runs
Pariah ???
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
Isn’t that what you do? I’ve heard it gets messy.
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:00
😀
It looks really interesting, for sure. Just no idea what it is or what it’s about.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 12:56
It’s a game where they don’t give you map. Big challenge, much wow.
Spathi
December 15, 2016 at 13:01
You could say that for you the game remains…
( •_•)>??-?
(??_?)
uncharted.
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:03
dyumn!
Spathi
December 15, 2016 at 13:04
Unfortunately I won’t be here all week as I’m almost going on leave, but drop my agent a mail and he’ll get right back to you!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:06
I’ll be here, looking at old articles 🙁
Spathi
December 15, 2016 at 13:07
Please note that I said “leave” and not “holiday”. So I’ll be around as well looking at that same old articles. Maybe if we ask nicely, Geoff can force Darryn to post new stuff over the Christmas period!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:13
We all know what Darryn will post:
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/869dc713f5b37d4f3290b032220ebe4a6b6e5fb4a6e3e283f6f487cb5431540f.gif
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:08
Perhaps they’ll do what they did last year and throw an article or two in specifically for us to have comments days.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 15, 2016 at 13:15
That was my doing, I plan to do it again this year
Nikola
December 15, 2016 at 14:08
Hahahahahaahhahaha BEEEST comment!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 12:57
I haven’t played any of these and I regret buying Deus Ex MD when I had a few of these as other options.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 12:58
Witcher 3 Blood & Wine. It made me laugh and get allergic.
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 12:59
Allergic to what? Crappier games? 😛
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 13:00
Onions.
Original Heretic
December 15, 2016 at 13:04
Does that mean you’re also allergic to ogres?
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:04
Wow. With onions making your eyes water as it is that must be pure torture.
I didn’t get allergic at all with Witcher though. I just cried like a baby 😛
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2016 at 13:16
Pansy. I have allergies. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:20
XD
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:20
Also, when is the braaii?!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:23
When do you have time?
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:25
Email us and suggest!
Captain JJ
December 15, 2016 at 13:45
Okay. Will do. Maybe only next year, since I’m working all the way through. 🙁
RinceThis
December 15, 2016 at 13:09
Yeah, damn that was good.
Gustav Minnie
December 15, 2016 at 13:03
Mine is Doom but TF2 was fun. Got TF2 just for the SP and it’s worth it.
I wish people will wipe the COD shit out their eyes and give TF2 multiplayer more love.
Dishonored 2 is in the pipeline because I love what is coming out from Bethesda Softworks these days.
Bruce Bielie
December 15, 2016 at 13:50
Uncharted is waiting at home for me like a patient puppy. But from what I have played this year, my GOTY is Skyrim Special Ed and well… That is about the only game I have bought that was released this year.
Sad state of financial affairs this year was…
Nikola
December 15, 2016 at 14:03
Could not agree more with the choice, one of the beest complete games I’ve played in a while well beside Witcher that shit is amazing!! But Yeah This last entry is absolutely phenomenal and if you have not played it, DO IT!!! Lend a PS4 from a mate if u have to!
Daniel Hallinan
December 15, 2016 at 15:05
So, I actually have an Opinion™ regarding Uncharted 4.
You have been warned.
Quick preamble: Thereafter will be some criticisms directed towards Uncharted 4, but I do NOT believe it’s undeserving. GotY is basically a bunch of people going “yeah I really liked that game!”, and that’s 100% okay. What follows a purely indulgent disliked of what I liked and disliked about Uncharted 4, and why I personally didn’t think it was a good game.
I recently played and finished Uncharted 4, two days ago (so it’s purely good timing). And honestly, it feels like Naughty Dog has been desperately trying to expand their skills, but are still *entirely* stuck under rocks that have been there since Uncharted 1 (and this also applies to Last of Us).
Primarily, they’re completely unable to shift away from the exact same core narrative and gameplay skeleton. EVERY SINGLE Uncharted game sees Drake go from place to palce hoping to find treasure, only to be lead to another place, and then to another, through puzzles that are far too needlessly complex to be narratively coherent, grapples with perceived betrayal, and eventually to an inevitable lost city that crumbles and explodes in a climax completely tempered by a game over indulging in climaxes and thus completely negating any sense of amazement.
The uncharted games have always had shallow and predictable stories. This doesn’t mean the stories are bad, but Naughty Dog are honest with what they are – simple glue to connect action scenes and cool explosions together.
The combat is near identical, and it’s frustrating to see that. While it’s refreshing to see them slowly and completely abandon waves, there’s little to no evolution beyond that. Worse, the combat is blatantly inserted for no reason other than to bar progess, to the point of ridicule.
What Uncharted 4 does well, what it does BEST…. is characters. It is the goddamned pioneer in character writing, acting, and animating. Many, many times I had to remind myself I was in a game, it’s all so natural. It’s ASTOUNDING. It’s good enough to make me feel I’m in a deep and personal epic, until the gameplay and predictable narrative breaks through the 4th wall and goes “NAH BRU I KNOW YOU LIKE GUNS SO HERE’S EXPLOSIONS”.
My favorite parts of Uncharted 4 were the beginning, up until the combat wasn’t narratively cohesive (when the guns came out at the acution), and EVERYTHING after the final shoot out. Because those are the only times the good parts of Uncharted are really allowed to shine.
It’s weird to look at – parts of Uncharted are boring, plain, and predictable, but it’s contrasted with parts of it that are astounding, yet the game feels utterly ashamed of it – it hides it under what it feels the majority of it’s audience wants.
Last of Us suffers from this as well. The core narrative is great, albeit predictable (you don’t make characters get that personal without intending to have loss in the narrative), the characters are amazing, and yet again the game is completely sidelined by samey combat that breaks the narrative and immersion. 80% of humanity was wiped out? Odd that I’m killing hundreds that just so happen to be in this spot right here in the middle of nowhere. Clickers require food to live and aren’t undead? Odd that there are thousands of them all over despite all the narrative that people are struggling to find food to eat after several years and that the human population is a fraction of what it once was. collapse.
In general, it seems (to me at least) that Naughty Dog has great difficulty trying to align gameplay mechanics to become cohesive with their plots or character writing. The private armies of Uncharted and the Clickers and military enforces of Last of Us are there in the game as an obstacle – I understand that, but they are dropped in without much thought to world building coherence, and that in turn damages the overall world building coherence.
If Naughty Dog can manage to tear themselves away from their now generic combat, their not-so-impressive-anymore environmental exploration, and invest in those to walk hand in hand with the out-fucking-standing character writing / acting / animating they do? That would be neat.
Admiral Chief
January 23, 2017 at 11:38
*GASP*
No comments…….