2016 was a rough year in gaming for me. Nintendo had shot themselves in the leg too many times to count, and sice Microsoft hasnt been much for creativity lately, I was forced to migrate to PC for a while to fill the void. Luckily I was able to find a few gems to get me through the year. So, here are my personal top 5 games of the year.

5. Pocket Mortys - Yes, I am putting a mobile game on this list, and for good reason. Its probably the best mobile game ever made. Its a parody of pokemon with Rick and Morty characters. The gameplay is solid, it recieves constant new content updates, and it never feels boring or outdated. Its just a great game that you can play on a mobile device. There also are no ads, all microtransactions are purely optional, and its free. There is no downside at all to this game. Its an anomaly this game even exists but I hope more mobile developers take notes from them.

4. Starbound - I really loved playing Terraria a few years ago, but I feel like the game has just lost its touch. The devs said they wanted to discontinue updates so they wouldnt be stuck working on it forever and eventually ruin it. Well... guess what happened. I just cant keep up with it anymore. But then there is Starbound. Its based off of Terraria, has some of the same devs as Terraria, but includes multiple planets, has a storyline. It has rightfully earned the title of "No Mans Sky but good" becuase thats basically what it is. It you disliked No Mans Sky, go play this instead. Every planet of the near infinite galaxy feels alive and unique. Even after the story ends it has endless replay value. 

3. Stardew Valley - I have been a Harvest Moon fan for so long, so I was mad/sad when the series basically commited suicide with the whole Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons thing. But then out of the blue an indie comany takes the stage and did there job better than they ever did. The gameplay is great, the characters are all unique and diverse, and it never feels too limiting like some HM games have. The only downside is that the postagme can feel a bit empty, and the endgame casino is terrible. But they are easily overlooked.

2. Final Fantasy XV - I got this game yesterday for Christmas and have loved it so far. The gameplay is amazing and I can only imagine what the rest of the game will be like. It kind of feels like Xenoblade Chronicles with a real time battle system. I have heard the story kind of falls apart, but Im willing to forgive it if the gameplay is this great. but goddamn who the f*** came up with this driving system? they deserve to be fired.

1. Pokemon Sun & Moon - Pokemon has done it again. This entry was refreshing, perfect for old and new players, and has delivered the best anniversary celebration ever. Everything wrong with the past games is gone, and the new features and mechanics are all solid. I would say that out of the main series titles its my second favorite after Black and White. The best part is that the end of the game sets up for an even bigger story. But just going off what the game has already, its perfectly balanced, and feels fluid up until the very end. Easily the best game of the year.

Honorable Mentions:

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE - i just got into it, and its not a bad game at all. i actually really enjoy it, especially the music, but its not GOTY to me.

Overwatch - I havent played it, but everyone I know tells me how much fun it is.