There are numerous games released this 2016. Naturally, a number of the games are not up to snuff but there are clear standouts and we are enumerating the 15 that have impressed us so far. This list is sorted in ascending order.

XCOM 2

Firaxis is known for its turn-based titles and XCOM 2 happens to have captured the studio's expertise in this genre. The narrative is compelling while the gameplay is riddled with challenges, which could prove frustrating in some instances. But saving mankind from aliens, which is essentially what this game is all about, becomes more addictive and rewarding within this context.

Platform: PC

Superhot

What is particularly appealing about this game is its unique take on the first-person shooter genre. That gameplay has been tweaked so that the player does not need to constantly react to external threats. Here, time only moves when you move so you have the opportunity to assess situations before you act. It is a plain shooter game, meaning your objective is just to take down enemies but it gets tougher as you advance.

Platform: Mac, PC, Xbox One

Anatomy

So this game could be lumped with those titles in the "indie" category in the sense that it is simple, unique, cheap, small and developed by largely unknown studio called Kitty Horrorshow. It is a horror game but you initially have to be very patient because you have to hunt for audio tapes inside a dark house. The early part is largely uneventful but things subtly pick up after the narrative sort of comes together as audio fragments are discovered.

Platforms: PC, Mac

The Witness

The Witness follows a really simple logic: explore the island, solve some puzzles and upgrade your own brain in the process. Every time you unlock a secret, it is as if you are also learning some form of skill. The visuals are also astounding.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC

Inside

This title has a quiet quality to it so that players are treated to a tasteful game of puzzle-solving. It does not resort to cheap scare tactics or overplayed sequences so you don't get tired of it. Players might not notice it but once they play the campaign as the boy trying to find his way around a militaristic complex, the sense of place is really effective. You will encounter dead animals and gruesome life-forms while you get to witness grim and frightening scenes such as the boy dying a violent death if you make a mistake.

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Ratchet & Clank

Playing Ratchet & Clank seems to be what gaming is all about: fun and childlike. This is not to say that this is exclusively for children because many adult gamers have already played this title before. Players follow the adventures of the titular characters as they dash about the universe. It is also very well-made and there are tons to do, so you will not be bored at all.

Platform: PlayStation 4

Firewatch

Now, this mystery game is not for everyone especially those in the market for action and gameplay fireworks. You will appreciate this first-person adventure for its visual beauty and the really well-thought-out character development. You will be playing Henry who starts a family of his own. The gameplay unravels based on your decisions, which affect the direction of the narrative and the growth of the characters.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4

Unravel

This physics-based platformer game will get you spellbound. You can't help but notice how the graphics seem to breathe with life and magic as you explore the world through Yarny, which is made of a bundle of yarn. You will make use of this material to solve puzzles, discover new places and deal with obstacles.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Far Cry Primal

It is easy to get lost in this game as you play Takkar, who must battle all difficulties thrown at him by the world during the Stone Age. The objective is to find safe haven for his tribe and you won't be bored adopting this goal for your own as you are given a beast companion and awesome melee moves.

Platform: PC

Virginia

This game is similar to Firewatch as an excellent mystery title. This involves two FBI agents investigating disappearances. You will have to watch out for its superb cinematic techniques. It is also very effective in narrating its tale, proving that a good game is not necessarily all about impressive visual presentation or action-packed sequences.

Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

No Man's Sky

Despite the controversy that No Man's Sky has been involved in this year, the game remains one of the most interesting and technically well-executed titles. You will be playing the Traveller who must journey throughout the galaxy gathering resources and investigating some anomalies along the way.

This plot has a twist to it, which adds dimension to the gameplay. The game is also very ambitious, so you sort of get drawn to it as a result. However, it suffers from its tendency to get repetitive. There are also bugs and stability issues.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC

DOOM

The latest iteration of this first-person shooter lived up to its reputation. The refreshed game features new ways in satisfying your thirst for action and speed as you play a marine obliterating hordes of demons. Despite the long load times and the fact that one gets overwhelmed by long gameplay, Doom remains one of the most compelling and entertaining in the FPS genre.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Overwatch

Yes, there is no storyline here and the maps are really limited. The main draw of Overwatch, however, is its multiplayer battle. It is pure competitive sport with all the excitement that teamwork brings into the table.

This year, the game also becomes more addicting as its developer has been able to fine-tune and refine gameplay with minimal bugs and hero imbalances.

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Titanfall 2

What catapulted this title so high in this list, edging out DOOM in the process, is its incredible story-driven campaign absent in its predecessor. Its multiplayer is also equally awesome and they collectively make the game a truly improved version of the original, while retaining all the good parts such as the fluidity in the way several actions can be executed in succession.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

This game is on top of the heap this year largely because it has nudged the quality of interactive games a notch higher. It has impressive graphics, characterization and an unbeatable narrative. You get to control Nathan Drake as he hunts for Captain Avery's lost treasure. Everything about this game is superb and one can hardly find fault regardless of your game genre preference. You can check out the game on Amazon.

Platform: PlayStation 4