Runoff 2016, Game of the Year

[Vinther1991]

Already in 2016 I had a huge problem with Overwatch winning all these Game of the Year awards, because I thought it was bizarre to award that to a game that would eventually disappear. I had not expected how fast it would go away though.

My choice for 2016 is Inside, which also happens to be one of my favorite games of all time. It is the perfect example of using game mechanics to explore political and philosophical topics. The atmosphere and the puzzles are spot on.

DOOM is another great contender, it did a great job modernizing the classics gameplay. I love the combat and the visuals. It is not perfect though, it has an unwelcome weapons and stats upgrade system and too many of its challenges are focussed on clearing arenas. Only one of its level maintains that classic DOOM open-ended, branched level design, with back-tracking. The other stages are totally linear, but at least they are mostly well designed for what they are. It is just a pity that DOOM Eternal completely ruined the gameplay loop with way too many weird mechanics and even more RPG-stuff. Sometimes simplicity is just better.
Also honorable mention to Titanfall 2, which is the other great modern FPS, it really takes the best from Mirror's Edge and COD4 and puts in its own unique mechanics. A really stellar campaign, without any filler.