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Game of the Year 2016: Stevivor staff picks

Pokémon Sun and Moon

This year Pokémon celebrated its 20th anniversary, working up the pokéballs to change the formula.

The gamble payed off, making Pokémon Sun and Moon the best entries in the franchise in a very long time. They features the best narrative by far and, after the tremendous success of Pokémon Go, manages to capitalise on the record number of new fans by offering an incredible experience.

– Shane Wall

Quantum Break

There’s only one choice when it comes to my personal Game of the Year: Quantum Break. There was a substantial amount of hype surrounding the game prior to its launch, but all that was irrelevant. The fact it was being made by Remedy wasn’t of particular importance if I’m honest, and none of the stars that featured in the game were favourite actors of mine either. Instead the thing that made Quantum Break so great for me was that I expected so little, but it delivered so much.

The way its story pulled you in straight from the start, the simplicity yet satisfaction behind the combat and gameplay and just the setting of the game really got me. Not since Wolfenstein: The New Order have I (willingly) played through a game twice, and not since The New Order have I completed a game 100%. Yes, I could have loved a longer storyline, but I’d rather be left wanting more than wishing it would end. Without a doubt, Quantum Break was my favourite pick of 2016.

– Nicholas Simonovski

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

It’s been tough to pick a Game of the Year in 2016. Not because there’s been a dearth of titles, far from it. But rather we’ve been fed an abundance of very good games spread throughout the year, but no univocal standout masterpiece – until I cast my mind back to May. In a year where I’ve relished too many games to name, there isn’t one that immediately stands leaps and bounds above the rest. But the more I reflect Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is that game. As strange as it sounds to say for Sony’s flagship franchise, the fact it hasn’t been mentioned more during awards season leaves it a touch underrated, by critics, at least.

It’s the pinnacle of an action-adventure game. The charming characters we know and love all returned, and Naughty Dog did the unthinkable by injecting a fresh face that became just as loveable, just as integral. The assuring tones of Troy Baker helped assimilate Sam Drake alongside Nathan, Elena and Sully, but the writing to explain his lack of even a passing mention over the last decade, without getting too hung up on it, was masterful.

We knew the story would be spectacular; after all, it’s Naughty Dog’s forte. What we didn’t know is if the gameplay would be of an equal standing, and gel appropriately with the narrative, after Uncharted 3 dropped the ball. Fears were quickly alleviated, as Uncharted 4 blends action, stealth, childhood and the present, with a dash of Crash Bandicoot, to return to the glory of Uncharted 2 – and definitively surpass it. Uncharted 4 is an absolutely stunner, made even prettier with HDR since the launch of the PS4 Pro, and that certainly helps its reputation. But it’s the mix of characters, story and, above all else, the perfect pacing of gameplay that makes A Thief’s End not only the best Uncharted game, but the peak of the action-adventure genre.

– Ben Salter

XCOM 2

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is one of my favourite games ever, and XCOM 2 made it look second rate.

A focus on time limits and forcing you to fight under-prepared was offset by new tactical options, extensive customisation and somehow being tougher yet more forgiving at the same time. Less frustration and repetition meant the few elements of Enemy Unknown that saw me pack it in for the night were no longer present, the result was my putting over one hundred hours into XCOM 2 in about two weeks (and somehow still maintaining a job and marriage!) and declaring it my game of the year.

– Stuart Gollan

Overwatch

Highly commended by other outlets, we really didn’t show much love to Blizzard’s online shooter — until now.

It’s hard to fault such an immersive, easy to learn but hard to master title — and then Blizzard goes ahead and makes the lead character a lesbian. What’s not to love? Good on ya, Overwatch.

– Steve Wright

STEVIVOR’S GOTY 2016

The above titles join our proper category winners:

So those are our picks — how do you think we did? You’re welcome to comment below on your thoughts, but you’ll REALLY get your chance to speak soon — it’s Reader’s Choice time!


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