I didn't play that many new games this year, so I'm only doing a top 5, otherwise stuff like No Man's Sky gets on here by default. I only really play games on PS4 these days, except Threes and Desert Golf on the tube.
1. The Witness
This game was fully engaging right the way through to completing the final challenge. I always looked forward to sitting down for an hour or two after work to knock out some puzzles. I had never enjoyed being truly frustrated and angry until I went through my numerous attempts at the final challenge. The most memorable being the blind panic that hit during the finale of 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' as I attempted to get through the pop up maze. I've never had such intense responses to playing a game and the feelings of epiphany, satisfaction and relief are remarkable. Seeing the platinum popping up was a joyous moment.
2. Trackmania Turbo
I know this is quite a clinical instalment of Trackmania, and the online can't hit the heights of the old PC releases, but this game was pretty much just meditative for me. I learnt with DriveClub last year that I really like shaving seconds off my times in racing games, so this really hit that spot in trying to get the gold and elusive green medals. I like all four styles of driving, and the presentation throughout the game has a great styyyyyyyyyle. Shades of Black by Breakbot is still stuck in my head, and is usually the song playing when I get my best times. Still haven't unlocked the last row of tracks in single player but I'll get there one day.
3. Hitman
I never intended to play this game. I think I had watched all of the GB videos before picking it up for half price last month. It's a shame I had essentially 'spoiled' the maps for myself, but I'm still having a blast. There are so many opportunities and feats on each level that my first playthroughs were entirely different to Brad's. Each level is so well put together and the drip feed of toys through mission mastery is a great mechanic to keep you coming back to explore.
4. Titanfall 2
Picked up Titanfall 2 recently on sale too, and this game just feels incredible to play. Even when losing on multiplayer I'm having a good time. Getting the hang of all the maps except Crash Site, but that's the only bad one for me. Whilst I'd heard the praise about the singleplayer, I was still surprised about just how great the campaign was. Effect and Cause was the highlight, and the factory just before was a real stand out too.
5. Dark Souls III
The Souls games are all great games, even though DS III would hit the bottom of that list too. I like this game a lot, but it's the only one which I never touched again after finishing it, and I don't plan on going back to it. It just felt a bit too much like fan service, and I'm probably just burnt out on them at this point. Bloodborne is still my favourite, closely followed by DS II (yup). Nameless King is one of the best bosses overall, and the whole Gundyr thing is possibly the best moment in the series, so DS III still has that going for it.
Honourable Mentions
Rocket League is still the best thing I've played this year (as well last year).
Overwatch seemed neat, but I only played during the free weekends. It was pretty addictive, but it rarely was fun when losing- something Titanfall 2 stood out for.
I know that I'll enjoy DOOM and Uncharted 4, but won't be picking those up til next year.
I tried PSVR at an event, just waiting for that to be revised/affordable. Farpoint, Battlezone, and London Heist were all incredible.
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