JoyStik Entertainment’s Game of the Year WINNERS!

First of all let’s give a round of applause to the gaming industry in 2016 as there has been multiple innovations to gaming in general. This is the year in which we have seen VR emerge in the industry, 4K picture in gaming on the next part of next gen gaming consoles, and a slew of games capable of topping the all-time greatest chart. But as always when the year comes to an end the ultimate question is what is game of the year? This is a tradition the JoyStik Entertainment will continue to follow as long as there are video games.

JoyStik Entertainment’s GAME OF THE YEAR winner!

• Uncharted 4
• Overwatch

• Final Fantasy XV – WINNER!

• Dishonored 2

This was the toughest decision of all the catergories, as following close behind was Uncharted 4 and Overwatch, which are both in other categories as well. In all honesty, Uncharted 4 holds the number 2 spot on this list, from the rich storytelling and perfect gameplay, but because of that reason, Final Fantasy XV wins. FFXV also has a wonderful touching story and very deep gameplay, but what seperates it from the rest is the depth of gameplay in the RPG leveling, open world map with side quest, and a game AFTER the game! Well done….Final Fantasy XV takes this reward and runs with it.

Exclusive Game of the Year nominees.

• Uncharted 4 (PS4) – WINNER!

• Forza Horizon 3 (Xbox One)
• Pokken Tournament (Wii U)
• The Last Guardian (PS4)

Uncharted 4, like its previous games, captured the audience with beautiful voice actors, thrilling gameplay and story/cutscenes, and a gorgeous atmosphere. But Uncharted 4 went above and beyond the other 3 main games in the series. It used pieces of Naughty Dog’s other blockbuster game “The Last of Us” and integrated it into the world of Uncharted. Uncharted not only told a story that you played in, but also captured the story of the past, of the pirates that owned the treasure that Nathan and Sam Drake are searching for. It was truly a pleasure to play and will go down as one of the best video games ever. 

 

First Person Shooter Game of the Year nominees.

• Titanfall 2
• Overwatch
• Battlefield 1

• Doom – WINNER!

Doom, unlike the others on this list, gave an incredible story and hardcore gameplay that you crave when looking down the barrels of a variety of crazy guns. Doom felt like a brand new game, while also capturing the nostalgia of the past games, which is why I love that they called it “Doom” and not “Doom 4” or something else, because for once, a sequel really did feel like it’s own game! If you haven’t given this game a try, do it…it really is First Person Shooter of the Year.

Multiplayer Game of the Year nominees.

• The Division

• Overwatch – WINNER!

• Dying Light: The Following DLC
• Pokken Tournament

What is there NOT to like about Overwatch? It is a game that was easily nominated for Game of the Year, Shooter of the Year, and obviously the WINNER of Multiplayer of the Year. This game is the definition of multiplayer, where if you don’t play as a team, you lose. It is as simple as that. An objective based multiplayer first person shooter, with a mix of characters adds up to a wonderful game to play for hours and hours with many different people. This will be a great game for years to come.

Best Indie Game of the Year nominees.

Firewatch

• Inside
• We Happy Few
• Darkest Dungeon

• Stardew Valley – WINNER!

The Indie Game of the Year was a toughy, as Indie Devs are providing GREAT games all year long, which is much appreciated! Stardew Valley stuck out from the rest though. After playing hours and hours and hours of this game, I felt like I had hardly put a dent in the game. It is a mix of classic Zelda games with its combat….Animal Crossing with it’s friendship building and income building…Harvest Moon, for the obvious reason, with it’s farming…and a hint of Don’t Starve with it’s survival aspect through the day and night cycle. I can’t wait to continue playing this game for years to come during down time in between game releases.

RPG Game of the Year nominees.

• Dark Souls 3

• Final Fantasy 15 – WINNER!

• Pokemon Sun and Moon
• The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine DLC

Also the Game of the Year WINNER, Final Fantasy XV was without a doubt the RPG of the year as well. The leveling up system in place for this game was simple but complex, and you truly feel STRONGER as the game goes on. An RPG is even better when the story digs it’s hooks into you as well, which FFXV does times 10! Thank you again for a great experience.

 

Mobile Game of the Year nominees.

• Super Mario Run

• Pokemon GO – WINNER!

• Severed
• Hearthstone:  Whispers of the Old Gods DLC

Mobile games continue to compete with console and PC gaming, although most would say it isn’t for the hardcore gamer. That is, until Pokemon GO emerge, and my God did it…with MILLIONS of active daily users, this game brought out gamers who NEVER game, and brought them together in a community. MMO? Hell yeah it was….