Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Windows 10 end of life
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max review
  • Best laptop
  • iPhone 17 review
  • Best VPN
  • ChatGPT
  • Best web hosting
  • NYT Wordle today
Don't miss these
Baldur's Gate 3 keyart with Astarion, Shadowheart, and Lae'zel
PC Gaming The 20 best Mac games to play in 2025
Best PS4 controllers
PS4 The best PS4 controllers in 2025: essential gamepads from Sony, Victrix and more
Best wireless gaming headset buying guide header image
Gaming Accessories The best wireless gaming headsets in 2025
The Last Campfire screenshot showing a merchant eating over a campfire in a wooded grove
Gaming The 17 best cozy Switch games to play in 2025
The Razer Blade 16 photographed for TechRadar on a white surface with plants in the background.
Gaming Laptops The best gaming laptops 2025
Fortnite character, Zelda, and Mario drifting in a kart, side by side separated by red block lines
Nintendo Switch The 20 best Nintendo Switch 2 games to play in 2025
A Razer Blade 14 2025 on a desk playing Helldivers 2
Gaming Laptops The best thin and lightweight gaming laptop in 2025
Mario runs and jumps up with his hand outstretched. Luigi can be seen gliding in from the left, using his hat as a glider
Nintendo Switch The 26 best Nintendo Switch games in 2025
Best Nintendo Switch controllers
Gaming Accessories The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2025
Best PC controllers
Gaming Best PC controllers in 2025: top gamepads from GameSir, Thrustmaster and more
Best gaming monitor
Computer Gaming Accessories The best gaming monitor 2025
The best gaming consoles on a blue background.
Consoles & PC Best gaming console in 2025: every major system tested and ranked
Best Xbox controllers 2025
Gaming Accessories The best Xbox controllers in 2025
Estelle attacking an enemy in Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Gaming My first 10 hours with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter have been enchanting, engaging, and utterly crushing – and I can’t wait to play more
The Super Pocket handheld games console on a pale green background.
Consoles & PC Best handheld games consoles in 2025: the top systems we've tried
  1. Gaming
  2. Consoles & PC

The best games of 2016 (so far)

News
By Nick Pino published 18 August 2016

A month-by-month breakdown of the games you need to play

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Best games of 2016

Best games of 2016

The amount of new games coming out each year is more than any one person can handle. Even if you didn't have pesky "responsibilities" to tie you down, there's just no way you can get through every single game that comes out in 12 months' time.

For the most part, that's a good problem to have. The video game industry is thriving with this much choice. For the first time, well, ever, it truly feels like there's something for everyone.

If you like a third-person shooter with a bit of a sci-fi bend, you've got Quantum Break to satisfy your physics-loving appetite. Want a sports game that feels more like an RPG? Check out MLB 2016: The Show.

While there are other sites that will offer a comprehensive list of games you need to play right before the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2017, we thought we'd update you every month with the games we think you ought to be playing right now.

This way, you can keep the responsibilities (i.e. your job and significant other) and only spend time with the best games each and every month. You can thank us later.

Want the best of all-time lists? We have ones for the best Xbox One games, the best PS4 games, the best Nintendo 3DS games, the best PC games, the best indie games, the best iPhone games and the best Android games.

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
The Witness (January; PS4, PC)

The Witness (January; PS4, PC)

When we talk about fresh twists on gameplay, The Witness is a fine example. It took famed video game designer Jonathan Blow nearly seven long years to finally release it, but The Witness's superbly interesting blend of puzzle solving and emergent narrative is something that's as haunting and beautiful as the game's environments.

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
Far Cry Primal (February; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Far Cry Primal (February; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

It's not anyone's fault, but at this point, there are just way too many games set during the modern era. If you're looking for a change in scenery, check out Far Cry Primal, an open-world, first-person shooter set in the Stone Age. While that first-person shooter part might sound a bit difficult without, you know, guns, the game outfits you with everything you need to fend off threats and love every second of your time spent in a land long before bullets, modern medicine and smartphones.

  • Read our Far Cry Primal review
Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
Firewatch (February; PS4, PC)

Firewatch (February; PS4, PC)

Like games such as Gone Home or Telltale's The Walking Dead, there are some detractors out there who claim that there's almost no gameplay in Firewatch. They call it a "walking simulator" or say that two characters just aren't enough to hold a story together. But, for every one hater out there, there are six gamers (we're guesstimating) who absolutely fell in love with the foreboding atmosphere and surprisingly human story of Firewatch.

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
Pokken Tournament (March; Wii U)

Pokken Tournament (March; Wii U)

Just because it's a fighting game based on the traditionally methodical Pokémon franchise, don't think Pokken Tournament can't hold its own against tried-and-true 3D brawlers, like Tekken, Dead or Alive or SoulCalibur. This is a fantastic fighter with a surprising amount of complexity. Instead of controlling a monster through one-word commands, Pokken Tournament puts you in the arena as your element-wielding companion. It's fast-paced, frenetic combat with a deep metagame that will put the beatdown on you before you train yourself to be the very best (like no one ever was).

  • Read our Pokken Tournament review
Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
MLB 16 The Show (March; PS4)

MLB 16 The Show (March; PS4)

While there are plenty of other annual sports franchises out there, what makes MLB 16: The Show the best game in town is the insanely deep Road to the Show mode that puts you in the cleats of a rising star and guides you on the path to glory. Along the way; you'll bust your hump trying to make the jump from the AA leagues to the AAA teams, all the while investing in an almost RPG-like stats system. Controls are fluid, and the tutorials in 2016 are better and more concise than in years past, meaning you won't be stuck swinging haphazardly while all your veteran friends run circles around you.

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
Dark Souls 3 (April; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Dark Souls 3 (April; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Dark Souls is the kind of game you smash controllers over. I mean that, of course, in the most endearing way possible. FromSoftware's return to its frustrating series is just as hard as you remember it. Save points are few and far between. Enemies can kill you with a single blow. Combat requires your absolute unwavering attention, else you'll end up back at the campfire with nothing to show for it. But, all its hair-pulling moments are sublimated the second you finally beat the boss you've been stuck on for a week – few games can match that feeling.

  • Read our Dark Souls 3 review
Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
Quantum Break (April; Xbox One, PC)

Quantum Break (April; Xbox One, PC)

The biggest surprise of 2016 (so far) has been Quantum Break. Had they rushed it out the door, it could've been one of the biggest disasters in Xbox history. It had been hyped since the Xbox One was first unveiled back in 2013 and had looked, on multiple occassions, like it wasn't going to pan out. When it finally got here, though, it totally delivered. Quantum Break blends Netflix-quality TV drama with Xbox-quality gameplay and does so in an impressive way. It's a neat combination that works in tandem to deliver a better experience than either could on its own.

  • Read our Quantum Break review
Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (May; PS4)

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (May; PS4)

The game hasn't been out for very long, but we can already tell that this is going to be a Game of the Year contender come December. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End brings a satisfying close to Naughty Dog's classic adventure series, one that delivers exceptionally high production values, an engaging story about a wayward brother and an adventure to remember. If you're a PS4 owner, it would be criminal not to take this ride.

  • Read our Uncharted 4: A Thief's End review
Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
Overwatch (May; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Overwatch (May; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Overwatch is a game of balance and imbalance. Though this team combat game draws on the classic tank-healer-DPS triad of MMOGs like World of Warcraft, the characters you actually play are wildly different - so different that every button you press changes function between characters.

Its unique characters have a life of their own and personalities that no generic Battlefield bro can touch. Sure there may not be much of a meta-game at this stage, but give it some time and Overwatch might evolve into the best first-person shooter since Unreal Tournament before your very eyes.

  • Read our Overwatch review
Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
Mirror's Edge Catalyst (June; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Mirror's Edge Catalyst (June; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

The summer months, generally, aren't very good for gaming. You're lucky to get one, maybe two, big releases. And while 2016 followed suit with every other year in terms of less-than-stellar summer blockbusters, there was one game that eked its way above the crowd: Mirror's Edge Catalyst.

A prequel to 2007's near-future, first-person parkour action game, Mirror's Edge Catalyst homed in on what made the series so great: stunning, fun-filled traversal and frenetic combat. While the characters and plot leave a lot to be desired, Catalyst manages to win a spot on the list and remains one of the few bright spots in 2016's less-than-luminous summer release schedule.

Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
LEGO Star Wars: TFA (June; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

LEGO Star Wars: TFA (June; PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Quite possibly the best LEGO game to date, LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a definite breath of fresh Hoth air for the stagnating movie franchise-turned-LEGO game formula. The Force Awakens introduces new features for the series like space battles and first-person shooting sequences, while better paced action and more interesting puzzles make the game more engrossing for both young Padawans and older Jedi Knights.

Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
Pokémon Go (July; Apple iOS and Android devices)

Pokémon Go (July; Apple iOS and Android devices)

In a little over a month, Pokémon Go, a freemium augmented reality app on iOS and Android, raked in a little over $200 million. That's because when the game came out in early July it was practically the only thing people could talk about. The mobile app, made and developed by Niantic – not the regular monster creators Game Freak – isn't necessarily the truest translation of the role-playing, monster-catching series, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the most addicting apps in recent memory.

Read: How to download and play Pokémon Go

Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
Monster Hunter Generations (July; Nintendo 3DS)

Monster Hunter Generations (July; Nintendo 3DS)

If you've never played a Monster Hunter game, don't worry. The premise here is a simple one: find giant monsters, fight them until they're down to their last sliver of life and then capture them or deliver the killing blow. It's not the most thought-provoking series ever made but hey, sometimes you just gotta let loose on some 60-feet tall mythological beasts.

The latest game in the series is more or less a greatest hits of the past decade of games. You'll still embark on quests to take on terrifyingly large monsters either by yourself or with your friends, and end the day managing inventory screens and getting ready for an early hunt the next day. If you've got a Nintendo 3DS and need an ultra-deep RPG to keep you hacking and slashing until Final Fantasy XV hits shelves later this year, Monster Hunter Generations is a good stopgap.

Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
No Man's Sky (August; PS4, PC)

No Man's Sky (August; PS4, PC)

Depending on who you talk to, No Man's Sky is either the most fantastic open universe exploration game ever created or one of the biggest letdowns in recent history. Where you stand on that spectrum largely depends on how creative you are. No Man's Sky has little story and not a whole lot of explanation as to what's going on around you. That said, if you're the kind of person that can find pleasure just cruising around the galaxy exploring new worlds and finding ways to make space travel more efficient, you'll probably be more of the former. If you need a rigid plotline and Call of Duty-like first-person shooter controls, this isn't the space exploration game you've been looking for. Move along.

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
Nick Pino
Nick Pino
Social Links Navigation

Nick Pino is Managing Editor, TV and AV for TechRadar's sister site, Tom's Guide. Previously, he was the Senior Editor of Home Entertainment at TechRadar, covering TVs, headphones, speakers, video games, VR and streaming devices. He's also written for GamesRadar+, Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer and other outlets over the last decade, and he has a degree in computer science he's not using if anyone wants it.

Read more
Hi-Fi Rush main cast pose while fighting in a colourful, bustling futuristic city
The 17 best Steam Deck games 2025
 
 
Promotional art for Marvel Rivals.
The 18 best free games to play in 2025
 
 
A screenshot of the party members from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
I couldn’t wait until the end of the year to talk about my favorite games of 2025, so here are seven I can’t recommend enough
 
 
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
I've played all the biggest games out in September and these are the ones that are actually worth the money
 
 
Kratos stands in gold armor at the entrance to a fire-lit temple
The 24 best single-player games to play in 2025
 
 
Dutch and the rest of the Van Der Linde gang ride out across a snowy field
The 22 best story games in 2025
 
 
Latest in Consoles & PC
A screenshot from Rules of Engagement: The Grey State.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State is a horror extraction shooter that you'll be able to play for free
 
 
A trainer in a green uniform touches a glowing bracelet
Pokémon Legends: Z-A review: near perfection in a Pokémon game
 
 
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deal artwork
Beat the Microsoft Xbox Game Pass price hike with these deals still available at the older, better prices
 
 
prime day xbox deals
Official Xbox Wireless Controller deals are a bit of a letdown this Prime Day, but Razer and GameSir have picked up the slack
 
 
Alan Wake and Saga Anderson wandering through the dark
PlayStation Plus players get a Halloween treat in the form of my favorite horror game of the decade so far
 
 
Xbox Game Pass is a discovery engine
Microsoft defends Xbox Game Pass price hike after backlash, and I'm certain it's just digging a hole for itself at this point
 
 
Latest in News
Android XR operating system logo displayed against the backdrop of Samsung's Project Moohan AR headset
Samsung's new Android XR headset is coming October 21 and you can reserve one now
 
 
Dreamforce 2025
"This is the next revolution” - Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff hails the arrival of the 'agentic enterprise'
 
 
Apple Something Powerful Is Coming Teaser
Apple just teased a new MacBook Pro, and it might offer more than just an M5 chip
 
 
MAI-Image-1
MAI‑Image‑1 puts Microsoft in the AI art game – this time, with its own brush
 
 
NordVPN app icon
NordVPN just made its Linux GUI app open-source, and there's more on the way
 
 
Bloodborne
Bloodborne speculation kicks off once again as a Bluepoint Games job listing confirms the studio is now hiring for a third-person melee action game
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Rules of Engagement: The Grey State is a horror extraction shooter that you'll be able to play for free
  2. 2
    Samsung's new Android XR headset is coming October 21 and you can reserve one now
  3. 3
    MAI‑Image‑1 puts Microsoft in the AI art game – this time, with its own brush
  4. 4
    "This is the next revolution” - Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff hails the arrival of the 'agentic enterprise'
  5. 5
    Cybercriminals used more than 100,000 websites ahead of Amazon's October Prime Day to fleece customers looking for a deal - here's what you should know about staying safe

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...