Ricardo’s 2016 Game of the Year Awards, Day 2

We continue today with another three nominees in my 2016 GOTY award. The next two days will also feature three nominees each, and then on Friday I’ll make the big reveal.

And today’s nominees are…

Destiny

Having left Halo behind, the creative minds at Bungie gave us Destiny, an online FPS MMO (ok, Destiny might not actually be a MMO, but that’s how I think of it). You play as a Guardian—a resurrected person who is tasked with protecting the last remnants of humanity against the alien forces that have taken over our solar system. Bungie’s hallmarks of fun, solid gameplay are on full display in Destiny, and the ability to play with friends only sweetens the deal.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Nathan Drake’s final outing brings together everything that is great about the Uncharted games and delivers a satisfying conclusion to his storyline. This final globetrotting adventure demonstrates yet again why developer Naughty Dog is one of the best in the business, with a masterclass performance at nearly every level. A small but excellent multiplayer suite rounds out the package of Uncharted 4, and even if you’ve never played an Uncharted game before it’s an easy recommendation.

Infamous: Second Son

After years of dodging spoilers, I finally played Infamous: Second Son and experienced the next game in the series which allows you to be either a superhero or a superjerk. Set in Seattle, Second Son tells the story of Delsin Rowe, a troubled young man who can absorb the abilities of other superpowered individuals and it’s up to you to decide whether to be selfish or selfless with them. Good or evil, Second Son is fun game to play, and the new powers, as well as the expertly crafted setting, give Second Son a distinct feel from the first two games in the series.