Continuing our “Best Of” game awards for the year, we”ve compiled the best PSN games that gamers can buy in 2016, and of course, awarded a winner.
It’s been a very good year for digital download-only games on the PlayStation 4, which gamers everywhere should give a go — regardless if they like indie games or not. Without further ado, check out the gallery below for the best PSN game of 2016 according to PlayStation LifeStyle!
Just a disclaimer: the nominees and winners are based on scores and are picked by the staff (not just the highest review score).
Don’t forget to check back all throughout the month for our other “Best Of” picks of the year! Be sure to follow PlayStation LifeStyle on Twitter , Facebook , Google+ , Instagram and YouTube for the latest in PlayStation coverage.
You can check out the other Best of 2016 winners here!
Essential Reading:
Best of 2016 Game Awards - PSN
Best of 2016 Game Awards - PSN
Inside
How can Playdead follow up its critically acclaimed game, Limbo ? Well, it seems, rather spectacularly! Inside is not only a puzzle/horror game, it's one that will leave you asking questions long after it's done.
(Read our review )
Firewatch
Through the combination of a simplistic but phenomenally effective art style and some incredibly fluid dialogue sequences, Firewatch proves itself time and time again as one of the most memorable games we are likely to play in a long while. It’s poignant and very special, albeit disappointingly choppy at times. It may feel a touch short, but its story will feel firmly finished upon reflection, remaining naturally entombed in the Wyoming woods. This is a rare game that tackles strong morals and emotions under the guise of a beautiful walk through the wilderness that always manages to keep you on your toes, a walk you’ll be hard pressed to ever forget.
(Read our review )
The Witness
"An adventure on the island also becomes an adventure of self discovery. The Witness uses an asset long available but largely forgotten to most developers: the player’s mind. It requires discovery, perception, and real power of the mind, something decidedly missing from modern gaming as we gain more and more technological capability. This primordial approach is The Witness‘ biggest asset.
(Read our review )
Valley
Valley exhibits the finest balance of gameplay and story I have ever experienced in this genre. It’s not a walking simulator, it’s not a platformer, and it definitely doesn’t have a story that is thrown together. Valley won’t speak to just one type of gamer; it will strike a chord with all walks, especially since gamers can make it as challenging as they wish. It's this amazing balance, as well as gorgeous environment and deep story, that warrants Valley a nod in the game of the year discussions.
(Read our review )
Alienation
Alienation is another extremely polished game from Housemarque that takes well known game mechanics and combines them in unconventional ways for an experience that is not only satisfying to play on the surface, but has a layer of depth that most other twin-stick shooters cannot claim.
(Read our review )
And the winner is...
Winner - Inside
What else needs to be said about Inside? It's not only one of this year's best PSN games, it's one of the best games on any platform. Seriously, go give this a go -- you won't regret it.
(Read our review )