2016 Games Of The Year

Let’s take a chill trip back to 2016, the year that gaming felt less like a hobby and more like a wild, unpredictable party. Remember? It was the year of Pokémon GO literally dragging us off our couches and into the nearest park. You couldn’t walk down the street without seeing someone trying to catch a Pidgey—were we all just glorified bug catchers in sneakers?

The Game That Made the World a Playground

Speaking of which, Pokémon GO wasn’t just a game; it was a global social experiment. Suddenly, strangers were teaming up at local landmarks, bonding over a digital Charizard. Is there anything cooler than a mobile app that made you forget about your sofa for a few hours? It turned walking the dog into an epic quest.

But let’s not forget the quiet masterpiece, Stardew Valley. One guy, Eric Barone, built a whole farming life you could escape into while chugging coffee at 2 AM. It’s like a digital warm hug—a place where your biggest worry is if your virtual chickens are happy. Why did running a pixel farm feel more rewarding than my actual job?

Overwatch: The Colorful Chaos We Needed

Then Blizzard dropped Overwatch, and it was like a candy store for your reflexes. It wasn’t just a shooter; it was a vibrant, inclusive playground where a gorilla scientist could fight a cyborg ninja. Remember the first time you heard “It’s high noon”? That line became a meme, a threat, and a promise, all at once.

It had characters with personalities bigger than their ultimate abilities. You didn’t just pick a hero; you picked a vibe. And the matches? Pure, sweet chaos. It felt like playing with action figures you always wanted as a kid, except now they were shouting at you in German.

Game of the Year 2016 - YouTube

Dark Souls III: The Pain You Actually Enjoyed

Now, for the masochists among us—Dark Souls III arrived to lovingly crush our spirits. It was like a brutal boot camp for gamers, where every death taught you a lesson in patience and timing. Why do we love a game that yells “You Died” at us like a disappointed parent? Because that first victory over a boss felt like winning a heavyweight championship in your pajamas.

It was beautiful, lonely, and deeply satisfying. The world was a crumbling cathedral of secrets and impossible challenges. You didn’t just play it; you survived it.

Doom: The FPS That Forgot Its Manners

On the other end of the difficulty spectrum was Doom. It was a hyperactive, heavy-metal symphony of explosions and demon guts. The game basically said, “Forget hiding behind cover—ripping a demon’s arm off is the only strategy you need.” It was pure, unapologetic adrenaline, like a rock concert where the guitar solo is a shotgun blast.

The Lazygamer Awards 2016 – Game of the Year

And let’s not snub Uncharted 4. It was the summer blockbuster that actually had a heart, wrapping up Nathan Drake’s treasure-hunting saga with style. You didn’t just watch a movie; you swung through explosions and quipped like a pro. It reminded us that story and action can hold hands and skip into the sunset.

Why 2016 Still Matters

Looking back, 2016 was a year of extremes. You had chill farming sims, global zombie-like hunts, and gut-punching difficulty. It was like a buffet where every dish was a different flavor of awesome. Each game asked, “What do you need right now—adventure, comfort, or a good challenge?”

So, grab a controller (or your phone) and give one of these a spin again. You might just find that feeling of pure, simple joy. After all, a good game doesn't have an expiration date, right?