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GOTY 2016

by beachthunder

For me, this was a bit of a lackluster year. A lot of great games, but nothing monumental - I don't think I'd count anything from this year among my all-time favourites.

Runners Up:

Showing 1-10 of 10 items

The Witness

1. The Witness

Despite being at the top of my list, I still have a bunch of issues with this game. Particularly some puzzles being frustrating rather than fun. Also, I thought the 'story'/logs/dialogue/etc... didn't add much to the experience. Having said that, some puzzles were fantastic, and I really enjoyed the environments. The game's definitely worth checking out if you love puzzle games.

Doom

2. Doom

A fun and well-made FPS - for the most part (there's one really horrible level that involves an excessive amount of platforming). The game also has some great extras - a whole bunch of puzzle levels within the SnapMap mode, photo mode, Arcade Mode, and earning the achievement for beating the first level on Ultra-Nightmare.

Zero Time Dilemma

3. Zero Time Dilemma

A good end to the series, despite one part of the story just not making sense.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

4. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

It's what you'd expect from a follow-up to Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I very much appreciated the way it made you feel like a maligned part of society - especially the disdain you received when boarding a train carriage reserved for 'naturals'.

XCOM 2

5. XCOM 2

It got its hooks in me again. I couldn't help but get attached to several of my soldiers. I had a bunch of issues with the ending, from glitches to the story to just how long-winded the last mission is.

Firewatch

6. Firewatch

Voice acting that really sells the main characters. Also, lovely visual design. Turt Reynolds for character of the year.

Inside

7. Inside

I thought Limbo was ehhh. But this improves of that game many-fold. I'm glad I decided to give Inside a shot.

Dishonored 2

8. Dishonored 2

One really phenomenal level was balanced out by one really aggravating glitch that can make a pacifist playthrough impossible. Overall, a good follow-up to the original Dishonored.

Owlboy

9. Owlboy

First off, the pixel art in this game is absolutely peerless. The game has some really lovely things in it, but also some very unfun gameplay moments.

The Banner Saga 2

10. The Banner Saga 2

A nice continuation of the first game. Some good changes, some not-so-much. I look forward to playing the next installment.